black/bronze windows with red cedar sounds lovely....pulling up the old shrubs and making the porch a lighter color will bring it out too

I love the long line of the house iy gives it presence on the property Awalkway to the house should always be visible to lead you to the front door even if it curves back to the driveway if it has to.Modern farmhouse is what you could do easily with this house I would leave the siding you have if it is in good shape aint it white add black metal framed windows, for sure get rid of all the shutters add windows on the 2nd floor if you want and then tackle the landscaping.

I like the “ linear” nature of your house. What bothers me is the lack of attractive landscaping & hardscape.

Thank you everyone who took the time to comment. The house currently has wood clapboard on the front and cedar shake on the sides and back (odd I know) all painted a taupe color. Some of the shakes are goners, but for the most part the siding appears in good shape. Only problem is we have carpenter bees so we don't know if there is hidden damage. Do you think adding shake to the facade will give it more height (we've got low ceilings)? Worried the clapboard accentuates the long, low nature of the house, though it seems everyone here likes that about it.

The long low is what this house IS. Don’t fight it. Work with it. Shake is unsuited to this house.

The house itself is a handsome example, but you don’t seem to like it very much. I suggest you repair what is broken and put it back on the market so you can find whatever appeals to you. Whatever you do, Don’t remuddle it and expect to get your money back. Trying to erase its character is expensive and futile.

I think there is not as much to fix as you do. The existing planting brings negative vibes ... especially across the porch where it helps make sure of the squinting appearance the facade gives. (I like a beefy header as I think it helps with the overall appearance of strength of the house.) There is not so much a reason to obscure the porch as there is to make it inviting, as a gathering place. As pointed out, a visible walkway (that allows plenty of space for foundation plants) would help.

Excuse the drawing as I had to do it with a mouse (yuck!!!!) It's just for the general idea of how a few small "trees" would help get rid of the long straight lines and add some 3-dimensionality. And how opening up the porch area would make it look more inviting.

The landscape is part of the issue, but I think your biggest problem is the size and placement of the second story windows. Look at these farmhouse pics:

some ideas

I completely agree with @felicity, its the upper windows that throws it off, and the double black shutter right in the center draws all of my attention. The open porch concept mentioned by both @yardvaark and @DigDoug's is a great idea. I'd love to see a long, straight walk to street as well, and a full step/steps along that entire exposed front porch (with full paver landing/walkway along the entire porch) would be insanely inviting.

I totally agree that money spent on the hardscape, especially a large landing off the porch and a graceful walkway that grounds the house, will be a big payoff in curb appeal.

My biggest concern would be the upper windows. I have no idea the cost, but it would look better with possibly two large windows there, rather than the four oddly placed small ones. Are you going to re-do the roof? Other than that I really like your home!

Wow I can't believe total strangers w/no interest in this project would take the time to help us see the potential in our home! Thank you so much!!! I truly appreciate it. I can see now how big an impact landscape and hardscape can make.

some of us may be avoiding housework *grin*

Some of us might be avoiding school work :)