This will be the last official “Cove House” post. On Wednesday evening we listed this house officially for sale. Thursday morning we had two showings booked for Thursday afternoon. During the second showing, the first appointment submitted an offer. This morning we accepted it. So it’s official. We are on contract for the new house. We have an inspection here on Sunday because our buyers do not want to lose this house. I expect the Cove House will be in contract early this week. Talk about “one and done”!!!
So now it’s time to rename this blog. I am still thinking “Bella Blu by the Bay” in order to honor my farm. Of course, there isn’t any blue in the new house. Yet.
But I’m feeling I can begin to share photos of the new house. And share design thoughts. Not sure if I can share many photos during the interim as I only have a limited number. But I will see what I can do.
It’s hardly a surprise to type this but on Friday we went on contract for what I’m privately calling Bella Blu by the Bay. We’ve met with our brokers to list the Cove House and have spent a whirlwind week doing the new house inspection, getting in touch with our attorney, staging this house for photos and chivvying the landscaper to get the curb appeal improved. We even painted the garage.
The Cove House living room staged. We edited drastically.
I’m feeling comfortable about beginning to share pictures of the new house. I’m rethinking the name for the blog as I have posted in an earlier post. Right now “We are having an adventure “ seems a likely title.
But I will treat you to another peak.
A view from behind the garageA peak at the kitchen and the breakfast room beyond.
I went down to Florida last week to oversee the closing of a permit and the startup of our new generator. I was also checking on the progress of our pool restoration. While I was away, my husband was perusing Zillow. This is ALWAYS dangerous. Can’t leave that man alone with waterfront listings.
We have wanted to be on the water our entire married life. We had a few lucky years on Fire Island with a difficult to get to cottage. As we age, difficult to get to cottages don’t cut it anymore. And truthfully, we want that lifestyle regularly, not just odd weekends. When we chose Cove House, it was the closest we could find near the water that would work for the plan of my daughter and son in law sharing our home during the pandemic.
That plan shifted as our daughter made a great career move! But it meant she would stay put in their home in Westchester County. So we decided to stay in the Cove House despite its very large size. And we have been loving it. But the call of waterfront living has often raised its seductive siren call over the last two years. We have gone to look at properties a few times since moving here. Each time, the property in question either didn’t quite meet our criteria or the sale just didn’t happen.
So here I am, home from Florida, actually indulging my husband’s latest foray into the real estate listings. And I’m not so surprised or stressed about yet another move. Even as I am doing work inside and outside our home! And we have literally checked out a house on the Great South Bay of Long Island. Twice. I have to say, we are seriously considering the move.
Aside from the waterfront opportunity, this house is quite our type as it’s a shingle style house. ( I’m a real sucker for a cedar shake house). This a real coastal house, somewhat smaller that the Cove House with less yard to care for. But with great amenities including a bulkhead for a boat. That’s a real bonus. We’ve often fantasized about getting a small one. And the kayaking and paddle board opportunities abound as well.
The layout of the house flows well for entertaining and the kitchen is rather super. There are fireplaces. One is wood burning! Yay! The gardens are beautiful. And of a size that I can manage. there’s a potting shed and a raised vegetable and herb garden. The fencing is in place for the dogs. The existing landscaping has been well tended. Add an easier commute for my husband, who has never truly retired, close proximity to friends and family, and access to Robert Moses, Jones Beach, and Fire Island and suddenly, I am strongly tempted.
There are many pros and cons to be weighed before this could happen. But we are talking. Which means I’m going to be reassessing the title and intent of this blog. I guess the quest for the forever home isn’t quite over yet.
Bella Blu by the Bay 