Could u post a pic of the house from further back ?

It is most likely a combination of mildew and staining of the wood from water exposure. There are some wood cleaners that can probably get it off, usually with the assistance of some scrubbing and a pressure washer. If the wood is not finished, it needs to be, otherwise it will continue to weather, and ultimately turn to a driftwood gray color. Larger overhangs would also have gone a long way to helping the issue by keeping water shedding off the roof from landing on the porch.

It definitely looks unfinished. Clean it well and stain with a solid opaque stain that matches the darker trim on your windows.

I would paint it the same color as the house ... and then I would be VERY tempted to screen it in and put a patio at the bottom of the steps

Nice space.

Hi Sally, here's Sherwin-Williams SW 6178 Clary Sage --

Hi Sally, here's Sherwin-Williams SW 7730 Forestwood --

Hi Sally, here's Sherwin-Williams SW 6209 Ripe Olive --

Hi Sally, here's Sherwin-Williams SW 6258 Tricom Black --

Hi Sally, here's Sherwin-Williams SW 6108 Latte --

Ed - you are clever !!! I can never quite get the hang of that app !!!!

Nice, Forestwood color is my favorite.

I'd paint or stain it the same color as your darker trim color around the windows.

Thanks all esp Ed.

Hi OnePlan, it takes some getting used to, but it's fun! :) Sally, good luck! Please post photos of your progress! :)

You could just paint it the color of your trim.

Sally, all the suggestions and comments about the wood and stain or paint are good. I have a different view. To me your timber framed porch looks unstable. The granite blocks look to be tipping and there is no apparent attachment from the granite to the post. I'm certain you live in an area that doesn't concern itself with earthquake as we do here...but connecting a building to its foundation is not really just about earthquakes...foundation bolting is code required throughout the US. Having a foundation that extends below frost line and is designed to support the load above is too.

Dave, I didn't know what it was, but something looked off to me too. You are the master though. Now that you pointed it out, that is it. It is as if the porch where built and just plopped on top of a temporary step to the house.