Hi,
This is the side of the vacation home we just purchased. There have been some moisture issues on this side of the house, so we'll be installing a curtain drain. I'd like to address the issues in other ways as well... We've cleared out the stone garden bed along the house (you can see it is empty in the second photo), and I am thinking of transforming it into a bench. Should I do a wood top? Any ideas? I could also make it an outdoor storage area with a top that opens and closes.

Second, the moisture issue is the worst in the area between the exterior door and the chimney. We've been advised that if we extended the roof line in this area that would help, but the roof is already sloped down to door height, as you can see. I was thinking I could possibly add a small rustic awning/pergola along the house in this area for a little more protection. Would love creative ideas, I think this house has a ton of potential!