Porch Daze

There is something so romantic, so seductive and so peaceful about porches. They invite us to relax in the early morning hours and watch the sun rise, or enjoy a glass of wine in the evening with friends. On rainy days they provide an outside escape, and in the heat of the summer they are the perfect cool, shaded retreat. Is there anything better than watching the rain within the shelter of a good porch?

A well designed and appointed porch, for me, makes a home. My next house must have a porch that lets me soak in the early morning sun and enjoy the shade of the evening. My condo, where I am now, is divine. There is a courtyard garden with a beautiful fountain and lovely architectural details inside and out. But what closed the deal was the covered patio off the family room. The patio’s ledges are topped with potted plants, the high back chairs are a restful place to recover from a morning run or just sit and listen to the sound of the fountain and singing birds.



My spot for morning coffee and quiet time with a book at the Reynolds Mansion.

On a recent trip to Asheville, I stayed at the Reynolds Mansion Bed & Breakfast Inn. The historic 1847 mansion is rich in history including ties to the Hope diamond. The meals where decadent, the rooms wonderfully comfy and the decor spot on. Our hosts ensured every bit of our trip to Asheville was perfect.

But what I will remember the most and with great fondness was the porch that wrapped around three sides of the house and the chair where I settled in each morning with a book and fresh cup of coffee. Now, if only I could get myself to have the same routine at my own home each morning- every day would feel like vacation.