refrigerators. An inspection revealed that virtually everything in the

house except the original board-and-batten ceilings and the inde-

structible concrete walls would need replacing.

Despite the problems, w e w ere smitten. And by we, I mean me.

M y practical husband was dubious. But w hen the owners accepted

our lowball offer, it was time to pay up or shut up. W e closed on June

13

,

2008

. For my birthday in July, I asked for a Dumpster and a

crowbar, and the family—Katie, her husband, Mark, and our son,

A n d y-h ad our own demolition derby.

W e knew from the start that w e’d offer the Breeze Inn, our name

for the house, for rent when w e w eren’t using it. So during the

renovation w e added w hat would make it appealing to vacationers:

three full baths, an outdoor shower, and comfy fabrics and furniture.

Above

: Son Andy’s bedroom is the landing spot for vintage nautical finds.

Top

: Niece-in-law Corry Trocheck introduces son Blaine to the ocean.

Middle:

Powder blue paneling shows off built-in storage cubbies and a claw-

foot tub.

Bottom:

Comfy pillows in shades of ocean blue make a dreamy bed.

Opposite:

Jackets from Mary Kay’s novels hang over her desk.

40

JUNE 2010

BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS

IT ’S T H E BAREFO O T

LIFE FOR US: W O R N

W O O D FLOORS,

C O T T O N RUGS,

W H IT E CURTAINS.

N O T H IN G S H IN Y

O R N E W W IL L D O

AT T H E BEACH.