The thing that need improvement is the landscaping. Fill in sparse spots.

Definitely repair the walkway. It is a liability. Bluestone in concrete is a good option. I think cobblestone is not level enough for a walkway. I like the fence. It is quite charming.

I like the color of your front door, but the off center light is distracting. How about a charcoal, so it is not so evident? Paint the grills of the windows the French blue. Remove the shutters.

landscape will completely make that house.

This. If you can swing the cobbles or the bricks.

I love the all white w/the soft blue. have you thought about doing your brick? The current color is rather drab. With your charcoal roof, I think a bright white would look so much better.

see? the white w/your roof and dormers.

Romabio. it's not a paint

Before and after w/the classico, which is a lime wash. The picture above is done w/the Masonry finish. a heavier coverage.

this cape has the white brick. brick path

maybe consider redoing the white fence

I’d start with whitewashing the Brick. Doing a nice walkway. Add a portico. And landscaping. Your house is so quaint and cute!! Lots of potential. Love it!

Some inspro of exterior

I really like your house. I think very little needs to be done to make it even nicer! Trim the tree branch to the right of the house. Update the landscaping too. I truly believe the problem is the extremely wide trim surrounding the front door. Hope this helps, even a little bit. Enjoy!

Lose the shutters and get a new front door. The path should be the width of the steps (it appears narrower but could be the angle). I like the brick and the door surround... I could go other way on the fence- I think they are always charming.

Call me crazy but I'd paint the dormers the color of your door. Make it even more story book cottagey looking. Cute house.

Just wanted to say what a cute and charming house! So many choices with all the great suggestions here. Agree the shutters need to go.

The house is very charming with great bones. You may want to consider doing the brick white for a nice, fresh pop that always works well with a cottage style. As others have said, repairing the path is important, widening it would also be good. Removing the shutters and changing the doorframe style could also freshen it up.

Love your house - now install another English style garden; it will be wonderful!

Provincetown Cottage · More Info

As for the house itself, I would remove the shutters, enlarge the porch, replace the broken concrete and stain the brick (see Romabio.)

Wow! Thanks to everyone for taking the time to make such great suggestions! It helps to get objective opinions. I’m loving the white washing idea. Definitely agree with removing the shutters and replacing the walk. Our landscaping is in transition as we are removing shrubs/plants that I have learned are invasive or detrimental to local wildlife. So new plantings are in the plans as well. Thanks again.

@enkane There has been a lot of great ideas shared here! You could even do something as simple as replacing the walkway with something timeless like the picture below. Just a little revamp on your landscape design with a sleek but subtle walkway design with contract around the edges and a few retaining walls as planters for spring planting! This a an easy to maintain design that will never go out of style. Good luck with this project and if you are looking for any inspiration feel free to visit our website: www.techo-bloc.com!

First off - it's a wonderful house! The landscaping definitely needs some attention. Would suggest some of the yard be hardscaped to provide a balance with the lawn area. Would recommend installing a new fence - not so much for privacy but it adds a lot of charm to a Cape Cod style home. Would also suggest painting the brick and trim white. Think I would re[;ace the door with a style more appropriate. Would suggest a door that is half solid and have glass. Definitely remove those shutters. Shutters on a set of triple windows is never appropriate. The entry stoop could become an entry portico with a flat roof but I would maintain some distance between the top of the portico and the roof eave. Looks crowded as it is now. Good luck!

I think your house looks absolutely charming!! I would do a double look if I passed it, just the way it is. To me, it doesn’t look tired, but settled and with history and character. The only thing I would do is fill up that lovely flower bed with lots of beautiful perennials, and flowering shrubs on the left to balance it out. I do like the fence too.

just saw this photo on houzz when looking for something else and thought it applied to your house. it combines treatment on the Brick and landscaping ideas. I hope it gives you inspiration!

Trimmed to Perfection · More Info

If you decide to replace your picket fence (and I hope you do!), hold it back from the street so that there is planting space in front of it. Create a sort of courtyard effect, if you can. And include a gate! I strongly suggest that you look at the fences of Cape Cod and the islands. They are varied in their picket patterns. A custom picket fence, unique to your home, made out of WOOD would be absolutely charming! LOVE your house. Please post updates!

It took a long time to get it done, but the overall project is done (for now). The foundation plantings are brand new and will look a lot better when they’ve grown into the space. We whitewashed the brick, added a canopy, changed out the door and surround, and replaced the old cracked concrete walkway (12” of concrete!!) and stoop with Virginia bluestone. We replaced the lantern and mailbox with larger copper versions. We also replaced the white picket fence.

gorgeous! that front door and steps are just beautiful.

compared to this? wow. and all those people screaming about not painting the brick! Can you post another pic w/the identical viewpoint as this??

Beautiful! You made really smart choices with lots of impact. Love the door color with the new walkway and steps. Agree with Beth that it would be nice to see another photo from the same perspective to get the full effect. Thank you for the update!

Looks great! I always love it when people come back and share what they've done. Thanks!

Beautiful! I love your fence AND your cottage garden. It is an adorable home. The front door, the painted brick (and I am one who usually says no to that…), everything looks great! Good job. Now…ENJOY it!

So charming! love all of the thoughtful details you’ve added ✨

Great way to show others what can be done and the awesome collaboration that is possible on Houzz. .