My fantasy beach house is on Cape Cod at the National Seashore which I consider heaven on earth. The National Seashore was authorized in 1961 by JFK, a lifelong resident of Cape Cod, as a way of preserving the natural beauty of a portion of Cape Cod which until then was mostly held privately. The National Seashore extends from Chatham to Provincetown and encompasses over 43,000 acres of shoreline, ponds, dunes and woodland. There is no commercial development along the shoreline which is it's greatest appeal to naturalists and beach bathers alike. This area of Cape Cod is primarily known as the Outer Cape.
Private homes do exist within the boundaries of the National Seashore . The majority were grandfathered upon the establishment of the park, are protected from eminent domain and can be privately sold (here). To the dismay of many, loopholes within the legislation allow for the expansion of private property and have lead to the development of enormous and often ostentatious homes. Other homes will eventually be turned over to the National Park Service when their use and occupancy reservations entered into when the park was established expire. Their fate is uncertain as many have fallen into disrepair much to the concern of local environmental and preservation groups.
My beach house lies somewhere within the National Seashore. It is in a remote area and can only be reached by an unpaved road- just the way I like it.
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Image of rose covered cottage from "Sea Captain's Houses and Rose Covered Cottages"
The house in my fantasy is a quite modest, shingled cottage covered in climbing roses and hydrangeas, which thrive on Cape Cod.
Image of rose covered cottage from "Sea Captain's Houses and Rose Covered Cottages"
available here
The house in my fantasy is a quite modest, shingled cottage covered in climbing roses and hydrangeas, which thrive on Cape Cod.
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Of course, the house has a magnificent view fronting the Atlantic high upon a dune.
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My horses are grazing nearby (wait, that's another fantasy!)
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Of course, the house has a magnificent view fronting the Atlantic high upon a dune.
My horses are grazing nearby (wait, that's another fantasy!)
There is a view of the Cape Cod Highland Lighthouse built in 1797, which was originally lit with whale oil. Even though it was long ago electrified, I would take great comfort in knowing its beacon continues to guide errant sailors away from treacherous waters.
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Design by Cathy Kincaid, Photo by Reed Davis
Inside, my home is simple but replete with architectural details; old beams, plastered walls, old wood and stone floors and an enormous fireplace. Comfort and style are key and I would add fabulous antiques (which are somehow miraculously impervious to salt). My beach home would be filled with light but also moody shades of grays and blues to reflect the sea.
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Image from "French Country Living" by Caroline Clifton-Mogg, photo by Christopher Drake
There would be plenty of books to laze the days away reading.
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The large kitchen is bright and cheerful, ready to handle the hoards of visitors.
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Fresh ingredients are always on hand for impromptu dining.
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After a day on the sand, family and friends would linger for hours over candlelit dinners.
Design by Cathy Kincaid, Photo by Reed Davis
Inside, my home is simple but replete with architectural details; old beams, plastered walls, old wood and stone floors and an enormous fireplace. Comfort and style are key and I would add fabulous antiques (which are somehow miraculously impervious to salt). My beach home would be filled with light but also moody shades of grays and blues to reflect the sea.
Image from "French Country Living" by Caroline Clifton-Mogg, photo by Christopher Drake
There would be plenty of books to laze the days away reading.
The large kitchen is bright and cheerful, ready to handle the hoards of visitors.
Fresh ingredients are always on hand for impromptu dining.
After a day on the sand, family and friends would linger for hours over candlelit dinners.
A cozy bed under the eaves promises pleasant dreams of sun-filled days.
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The guest chambers are equally comfortable.
The guest chambers are equally comfortable.
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The bath is simple but luxurious.
The bath is simple but luxurious.
And this.
Ah, to dream!
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