Wonderful house. I think white trim is classic for a New England cedar shingled house. Posting some pics for color inspiration. In addition to landscaping, I'd remove the scalloped window storm door and replace with something simpler. Remove the lattice from the portico. Consider adding a little more substantial portico, cleaning the cedar to brighten it up. Maybe painting the front door. door. You will certainly get many responses to your post with suggestions as to how to bring this charmer to life.

I too would keep the cedar if it is in good shape a very cute house and the ideas above are all good, love the white trim and removing the lattice and upgrading the portico and I would put the same door on the front as you have in the back, widen the walkway and add plantings along it.

BTW- that must has been one enormous tree in the front yard! Any old pics of the house?

It was a big tree! I couldn't find any old pictures but the original owners are close by I think I will ask them. Good idea :)

If the siding needs to be replaced, just use cedar shingles. You can either have them stained or leave them to weather to a silvery grey that's very common in beach homes. Paint the trim to white & change the front door to your favorite bright color. Change the storm door to a non scalloped version that has more glass, so you'll see that beautiful bright door.

For landscaping, have that giant stump ground down! It's going to be expensive, but it will remove the eyesore & you'll be able to plant something there in a year or 2. Expand the walkway to double in width, keeping the gentle curve. Work with a local nursery or landscape architect to come up with a plan for planting, taking into account your location near the beach. Make sure you have some evergreens for year round interest, good shrubs, bulbs for early spring blooms, etc. Have fun!