are you sure it's "peach"? ... kinda looks like a nice shade of beige on my screen ... i think i would paint the door balck/charcoal, and upgrade the lighj fixtures, also black. oh, and trim back that hedge that is blocking the walkway.

libradesigneye, yes you're right. I took your advice and it is the lovely wythe blue. The neighbours are now calling it the "mint chocolate chip" house, since it looks like that ice cream colour with the brown roof and eavestrough. Thank you again! The tenants helped me paint (yes, I paid them, Lila), and are excited about the improved curb appeal, and say they can't wait for the perennials to come up again.

The "natural" coloring of the exterior actually suits the wooded hillside location; however, it is a bit less than cheerful -- and a bit too much of the same. If and when you change the roofing, in addition to getting rid of or covering over that odd shape on the roof on the right wing (creating something more recognizable as second gable instead), consider using modern metal roofing that looks good, is very durable and comes in a variety of colors; also, extend the roof beyond it's current roofline to create more overhang to make the house look less boxy If you're open to changing the exterior siding, vertical board and batt -- or panels that mimic that look such as hardie board siding -- would look better painted brighter or bolder colors than the current siding -- perhaps a bold really dark green. You could change out the siding on just the bottom floor or on both floors but leave the gable ends and more unique features keep their current siding and/or uses some vertical and some horizontal board siding. http://www.canpos.ca/images/portfolio/large/siding/july-2012/3.jpg http://www.paradisebuilders.org/img/examples/CedarBoards%20Insulated%20Board%20&%20Batten%20-%20Single%2012.jpg If there are corners or other places -- such as beside and between the garage doors -- where stone facing could be added to the lower level, you might consider that, too. You could also stain the decks darker for more contrast. A short arbor or awning added over the garage doors could also be stained the same. Adding a copper awning over the front entry, perhaps supported by 4'x4' posts and also stained the darker the same as the decks could provide additional contrast. You might consider replacing the blah fencing with stone walls or some other material that is less of the "more of the same" "bit of blah" coloring as the house itself.

So, are you saying you purchased vinyl cedar shake look siding and then painted it to match the look of weathered Cape Cod shingles? I'm fascinated because that is a look I want for our next home which we will be purchasing (and most likely renovating to this same style) soon. We live close to Cape Cod and vacationed there all of our lives and even bought a cottage in South Yarmouth before selling it to build a home in another town in southeastern Ma. Can you share photos of the end result and any tips on how you did it? I'd greatly appreciate it!