One of the great things about moving to a new area is I have new territory to explore for my drive bys! I love spotting a charming place, I get so excited! But, since I no longer live in familiar territory, it is a bit harder for me to find these special houses — usually I have no idea where I am going and frequently get lost.
This drive by took place in Gig Harbor, Washington. It was a really cold and cloudy day so I stayed in the car to take the photos, which means my photos are crooked and worst of all, means I could not get back far enough to show you the whole house. And, doing my drive by from inside the car meant some close calls. Driving around in these harbor towns means you are sometimes just a few feet from plunging off a road into Puget Sound. Especially when your head is hanging out the window trying to take a photo from a moving vehicle.
Drive bys are risky, you never know what dangers you might face.
Here is a quick glimpse of the harbor area, on a sunny day you can see Mt. Ranier — it is stunning above the water. I’ll have to go back when the sun is out to show you how truly beautiful it is.
Ok, now on to the houses. My kids laugh at me because I can spot a charming house a mile away and around a corner. In fact, I should have one of those bumper stickers that says “I break for quaint houses” or something corny like that. Anyway, my girls were in the car with me for this drive by — putting up with my sudden breaking and hanging out the window to get these photos. Fun times!
I only have two drive by houses for you today, but they are good ones!
Can anyone tell me what those chains are coming down from the roof?
I saw several houses with those in the area and I had never seen them before.
{Ok, my mom just told me they are there instead of downspouts!! The water runs down the chain!}
Love the garage doors and stone work.
Now onto house two…a charming farmhouse.
Oops, taking photos while rounding corners can be a bit scary for all involved. Sorry for the crooked view!
Oooo, what is that little sweet thing peeking up from the roof?
Ok, there is a close up … how cool is that glass roof?
I bet it looks really pretty from the inside too and lets in lots of light.
My girls and I enjoyed our little drive by adventure,
which ended by sitting in a cafe drinking the most tasty vanilla latte
I have had in a long time!
I love spending time with my girls and I love a good latte.
And I love doing drive bys.
BLISS!
How was your weekend? Did you step away from the computer?
(Don’t forget about Kimba’s unplugged from the computer day…
check it out here!)
The Inspired Room: More Drive Bys
6 Tips to Create the Life You’ve Always Dreamed Of
Photos: Melissa Michaels
This was sheer delight for me! The first house is beyond wonderful but the second one brought a tear to my eyes…seriously!
okay a question…do you ask for permission to take pics? I have a few housed that I’m dying to get pics of but I’m afraid someone will call the police thinking I’m casing the “joint” !!!!! (I have a worse case scenario mentality can ya tell???)
Robin Rane’
All Things Heart and Home
Robin Rane’ ~ All Things Heart & Homes inspiring blog post..Living My Legacy 4~Making My House a Home
I am the same way about charming houses! Gig harbor reminds me of White Bear Lake, Minnesota. We lived in Minnesota for five years, and I never got tired of the boats on the lake. That marina looks similar to the one on Bald Eagle Lake that I remember. So beautiful! I still miss it.
I’ll get myself lost to look for beautiful houses, too. We have some neat old ones on the main street of the next town. Most of them are shops now, but I like to imagine the families who lived in them back in the day before commerce took over.
I love your blog! Blessings to you!
Lisas inspiring blog post..Let’s Have the "Too Much of a Good Thing" Talk
How seriously fun to have new places to explore! I will drive way out of my way to see something new.
I’ve seen those chains around here too. They are for rain, I believe. I’ve also seen something that looks like the chains but they are little bells hanging…also for the rain. I’ve seen that on some of the french country style homes we have here.
Keep showing us! It’s so much fun.
Staceys inspiring blog post..I Took It Back!
Beautiful homes, Melissa! I am a house spotter too. There is a home, on our route home from the lake, that sits a couple of streets over from the highway. I just catch glimpses through the trees. It’s a Craftsman style bungalow, painted pale yellow. One of these days, I’ll take a little detour and get a quick photo.
Pats inspiring blog post..~Early Spring in the Ozarks~
I seriously need to do a trip to Washington this summer. (not just to look at pretty houses…to visit family too!).
Hmmm…I’m thinking those chains are a good idea. Wonder how difficult it would be to install them. My gutters always overflow.
Astrids inspiring blog post..How about some puffy white clouds?
You surely do know how to spot them! That sounds like a totally great day! Out with your girls, spotting houses and coffee to top it off!
It can be fun to learn a new area.
Thanks for risking your life and limb to bring us these great photos. I did not know about the chains instead of downspouts…And that glass roof…at first I thought that they had a greenhouse on a flat roof.
Blessings!
Becky K.s inspiring blog post..Atention Bloggers in Pa, MD, NY or NJ
Oh what fun! I love both houses but the brown one was my favorite – I LOVE the deep red of those doors! Fabulous!
thanks for sharing the fun!
my hubby and I are thinking of moving to southern WA – and I have been wondering if I would like the architecture and things around there – that area is beautiful!
Mois inspiring blog post..Fishing again…
I want to move NOW!
Hi Melissa! I just wanted to stop by and tell you how much I have enjoyed your blog over the past few months. I came here from another blog several months ago, and I am completely hooked on you, girl! I love your sense of style and your passion for living.
I was recently diagnosed with cancer, and have gone through my first chemo treatment. My birthday is today (happy 29th to me!) and I have been loving you telling people to get off of the computer and LIVE, because that is so important!
Since I was diagnosed, I have wanted to live every moment to the fullest, and it is hard for me to understand it when people just want to hole up and not live their lives!! I jump out of bed every morning now as soon as I am awake, rather than laying in, because I want to soak up as much LIFE as possible! Living is really a beautiful thing, so to anyone reading this, get out there and do it!!
Thanks for the awesome blog, Melissa, and the inspiring thoughts.
Carody
Carodys inspiring blog post..Retired Stamp Sets Picture List
I really like the use of the pavers at the first house. I think if you have have a hardscape, might as well make it as attractive as you can. It appears to be a courtyard rather than a basic driveway. How nice!
I’ve been doing some “drive-bys” too. I’m looking for front door inspiration. There are so many beautiful houses to see if we just opened up our eyes to all of the details.
-GSG
http://GrannySmithGreen.blogspot.com
Granny Smith Greens inspiring blog post..You Never Get a Second Chance
nice drive by
enjoyed my visit
Sarah
ABeachCottage
Water AND grey cedar shingles? I. AM. IN. LOVE. Totally.
Genas inspiring blog post..Taking A Break
I just love all of your “drive – bys”!! However, I need to ask, “have you ever been caught”? I have been know to take pics of homes before.
Kims inspiring blog post..Being Thankful
What fun! Love the pix of your drivebys. I really liked getting another glimpse of the pacific NW–my daughter lives in Seattle. Your post give me another idea of what it is like where she lives!
Thanks for sharing!
Debbykay at Rose Cottage Gardens and Farm
Debbykays inspiring blog post..Gathering Roses
Great houses and great pictures – what a cool area of the country!! Hugs from a fellow “drive-by photographer” Sharon
Sharon@ComeForTeas inspiring blog post..April Food Day…
Wow, what a breath of fresh air to look at those photos! The sailboats and the hillsides filled with homes…I can almost smell the air! I’m coveting your new surroundings!
Lindsay Erhardts inspiring blog post..How do you SURVIVE the Valley??
I love the houses they remind of the houses in North Shore Knoxville TN. Great work!
Mulhollands inspiring blog post..Remaking a Room with Mirrors
Melissa,
The rain chains are very popular here, as we see lots of rain. The concept comes from Japan, there is much asian influance in Northwest architecture . You will have many great drive bys in this area. Seattle holds many hidden gardens for you to explore as does the Olympic Penninsula . Welcome to the Area.
What a great drive-by! I would love to see that greenhouse thing up there on the roof.
Kimba
Kimba @ A Soft Place to Lands inspiring blog post..Whitney Caroline Designs: A Giveaway!
I love driving through Gig Harbor.
I totally need that bumper sticker too
Monicas inspiring blog post..Cream Scones
My little brother and his family live in Gig Harbor. It is such a gorgeous little town. What a great place to work and raise your family!
laurie millers inspiring blog post..Catch of the Day!
love this drive by…it made me want to put on a striped shirt and boat shoes and go sailing.
my favorite homes are white but then my second favorite are the dark dark gray ones! kind of like kitchens…my favorite is white and my second favorite is black.
vanilla latte would be so good right now……
meg duerksens inspiring blog post..random.
Wow- such a charming place! I once worked with another designer on a movie theatre that was in Gig Harbor- however, never visited. Thanks for sharing your photos!
Emilys inspiring blog post..Room Love
Oh my goodness … I can’t believe that I knew anything about houses that you didn’t know. I knew what the chains were for! Of course, it’s probably because it is a “practical” thing instead of a decorating thing.
Great drive-by and so pretty there! My aunt & uncle live there – that first house reminds me of pics I’ve seen. You didn’t happen to be on 67th St., did you?!
Lisa @ Stop and Smell the Chocolatess inspiring blog post..Guest Post: Three Blind Mice
Welcome to Washington! There are lots of great houses, enough drive by material to last you a lifetime.
tamis inspiring blog post..Untitled
I grew up near Gig Harbor (on the Peninsula!). That white house has always been one of my faves, especially at Christmas. I believe that a few years ago they were on the garden tour as well?
Now I can really appreciate the harbor for it’s beauty, but as a teen, when you’re not allowed to drive across the Narrows by yourself, it was awful! Nothing stays open past 9!
Tacoma isn’t the best for late nights either, but I love Seattle. However, I enjoy the view of Mt Rainier much more from the South!
Maggie
.-= Magchunk´s last blog ..Bridal Shower =-.
Oh Gig harbor! We lived here for a few years & it was heaven. I miss it so much…..thanks for sharing your pic’s. The white house was always one of my fave’s. They always decorate. It looks wonderful on 4th of July, Christmas & when the garden is blooming. Please do more drive by pic’s of this gorgeous town. We have wonderful memories of our time there.