Thanks. That looks better than most of the metal railings I’ve seen, as it is very simple. Is it possible to install one of these in the ground next to the steps, or would I have to have holes drilled in the stone slabs for it?

I’d be tempted to replace the bottom step with one that is the same width as the stoop and then the lovely railing @HALLETT & Co. suggested is easier to design and install

If budget allowed, also consider widening to improve both functionality and safety. Think about aging in place and having to maneuver between a railing and the swing of the door in that narrow space. An added bonus is that your lovely home’s curb will also increase.

I really like @Maureen idea. That was my first thought too - about how nice it would look with a wider set of steps to your front door. You could widen just the bottom step to match top but just think how lovely it would be to have good space to stand to the side while opening that storm door. I’d widen both steps to at least just past the two entry lights but I really wonder about going to corner on left & a matching distance on the right. The two railings could be mounted at edges on the steps. No spindles needed but a decorative something could be included to dress it up just a bit.

Hallett nailed it. Just be sure to get a drawing of it first. My brother just had the exact same thing ordered from a metal worker to had to his steps as my mom's balance is getting worse. The curl at the end of the rail is gigantic. Not what my brother had in mind, exactly what the metal worker had in mind. Luckily, my brother is easy going. Just get a drawing first.

They do sell these railings on Amazon prefabricated.

https://www.amazon.com/DYNAMI-Handrails-Outdoor-Railing-Installation/dp/B0CQY4BN8F?th=1

But a cusom one from a metal fabrication house would likely look better

Given your current stair configuration I don't think you have the surface are to install them in the stair treads.

Until you decide, have questionable guests enter through the garage.

I did see the readymade ones online, thanks. They would probably serve their purpose but not terribly attractive.
I’m new to the area and will have to look around for someone who does this.
We do currently have some of the family come through the garage, or through the gate in the side yard if we are gathering outside.

@eld6161 “questionable guests” ? I understand your meaning but I couldn’t help laughing at imagining those guests who might be described as such. 🤣

There actually are some questionable ones in the crowd. Can’t choose your family. Or in-laws in this case.

Many of the 19th c. houses that had no railing originally here have exactly what Hallet posted. Simple and unobtrusive. When widening the stoop, you have to take into consideration that if it's "too wide" --and this is a matter of conjecture, some of these relatives will not walk over to it and grab onto it, but will still try to walk down the middle. A number of older public buildings here had to put a second handrail in closer to middle because people would not walk over a bit to go down the side of the steps where there was often an older handrail already. Some of these steps were really not all that wide...

I like the simplicity of the one Hallett posted but you need a cover over that doorway and IMO a much larger stoop so plan both of those then that railing on the new stoop

Yeah, thanks but i don’t think i’m going to go that far in improving the front entry. that’s for a younger next owner who plans to stay longer than the ten or so years we will stay. We’ve been here about 3 years and dropped an additional 50% over our purchase price into the property. It was a short sale and in horrible condition, but we love it here. I’ll be sad to downsize. just need to keep from breaking a hip in the meantime, lol.