It's not that bad! I think it looks like the previous owners ran out of money &/or energy and called it done. At least you don't have to do any demolition!

It needs some colour, a more generous entry and either the foundation faced with a stone veneer or hidden with plantings.

I would start with the front door (nice bright colour, new porch light), widen the porch and extend the roof or add and awning over the door. Change the steps to wider and more gradual rise and add some big ceramic planters on either side so that you can change up the plantings seasonally.

Consider some generous window boxes and/or more interesting plantings in a more generous planting beds around the house and you have made a good start to making this look more like a home than a house.

Sweet looking little home and location. I agree with Rapp. Consider matching the rails from one side to the other. And remember all houses look kind of crappy in the winter. They have put in skylights too which is nice. Have you seen the inside yet? I would look at landscaping the zone off to the side where the stairs are or do some sort of paver zone for entertaining - it would amp up the exterior done right.

Yes, I agree with the window . It seemed off balanced.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, each of you . I will try to post some interior photos when I get some . Again, thank you for your help !
Lise

Are these the style windows that you were suggesting ?

My first thought, Oh it is so big and in the country, how nice. Second, "Where's the front door?" Then, "What is that pipe on the outside, running all the way up like a chimney? Is that a sewer vent?" If it is, then that can't be the front of the house, can it? It must be the back door. Does that mean the front is where the enclosed porch is? But I am not sure, because that's where the powerlines are.

You might think of getting an architect to look at it. They do more than just structural work for houses; the ring right one will know how to change the facade and give you a plan you will feel comfortable with. You could do that now before you close and move forward with confidence that you have a plan in place to fix the exterior.

Re the windows, yes the bottom photo of double hung windows would look good (not sure about the flower box). Please confirm that this is the back of the house, and if so, it would be helpful to see a photo of the front as well.

I am looking at it today, and will let you know about where the entrance is.
Gosh, is it only some old New England homes that have peculiarities ?

I would replace the little window with a larger one...maybe two of that size. Consider adding shutters and match the railing colors. Have fun!

I want to thank each of you for your generous help and suggestions.
I have decided, after viewing this home, it's not suited to my needs.
Best,
Lise ☺