Why not build a small deck with entry steps up the centre? You can put an all weather day bed /seating area on one side and a small eating area on the other. No need for overhead cover if you don't want to. It would make a great impact.

[houzz=]

Lucky you. What a great place to be - Cape Cod, ah! Yes, I would replace the steps and I think you could work in a stoop or porch. Personally, I would go for a porch.

Nice the place,I would more design if you need.

Wow....that's a piece of heaven :)
Can I join you grover? I'll bring the wine.

Bring a paintbrush, Denita. We can't just sit here forever. Can we?

Lol, ....I hope this is big enough :)
Notice it is the kind you hang on a wall for décor and not the kind you actually have to use

Why didn't I think to offer my painting skills. Is it too late. Am really good at painting trim, fast and neat.

aenma, we haven't heard from you, but I hope you will consider expanding your stoop idea. Here's an anecdote for you:

20 years ago in my 40s, I built a 350 sq. ft. deck off the back of my little house. I'd never done anything this involved before, so I bought some books, learned about ledger boards and lag bolts, footers and posts and joists, and became conversant with every framing connector known to man. Hired my hairdresser to help me (his main job was lifting the concrete bags into the wheelbarrow), and within a month of weekends, we had a deck.

I have gotten more use out of that deck than I ever imagined. It has more than paid for the cost and labor I put into it. And I don't even have a view. I think if you had a deck like the one in the rendering above, you might never go inside.

Plus, you can impress your friends when they find out you know how to cut a stringer.

Groveraxle, you are amazing! That's all I have to say ;)

Thanks to everyone for the great ideas, comments and stories. So helpful! Especially love that deck rendering done by groveraxle. May be a bit of time before we save some more $$ to do the project (and we need to prioritize projects at this lovely new spot... you should see the 1982 kitchen, woooohoooo!) Many thanks-

Definitely add a deck or a porch for rainy days. You can't have too many outdoor spaces for entertaining, relaxing, dining. Decking it out with pots of flowers on either side of the door can make entering your home a more pleasant experience.

I love the way a deck looks, until I have to sand and stain it. Never again! I would raise the area in front of the door slightly with a tumbled look retaining wall block. Leave a stone step into the door, and a step or two at the walk end, it wouldn't be a very high wall. Just enough to level the area mostly toward the right of the door. Then pave with whatever you prefer. Flagstone or brick style or square patio pavers. One more place to put a rocker and look at that amazing view! [houzz=]

The new composite deck materials do not need sanding or staining. And the price is dropping.

Patio with a hole in the middle to incorporate the existing tree ... Could put a bench around it or plant complimentary plants around the base. A pergola might be nice but could be too formal for the space

Stenciling is a great alternative to just plain paint

I think I know what you're describing but couldn't find a photo in my quick scroll through houzz photos. I have some books that show those type of steps and I'll keep scrolling.

You may need a railing to comply with code.

Maybe it's the photo but the treads of those look really narrow, not deep enough and steep?

None of these are it...just idea starters with different materials. The last photo is someone's dilemma, but it made me think about creating a larger stoop/step/deckette in that general shape. Maybe having a little built in wall/ seat on the edge, along the lines of the the maine
photo.

Haven't read all the above, but if you use the basement and need the light there from those windows, I'd build toward the right of the current steps and leave the basement windows exposed to the light.

Here's the last photo.