Our Secret Hideaway

I have to admit, I've been holding out on you. I promise, it wasn't intentional - it just sort of happened.

When I started posting, this blog was just supposed to be about the renovation, restoration and decoration of one dilapidated limestone. (Hence the catchy title!) Much to my surprise, some of you wanted to know a little more about us and what went on behind closed doors. So I added a bit of travel and entertaining to the mix. Instead of it just being about the limestone, its become more of the highlights of our lives (always with an eye on spotting good design of course!). So you'll have to forgive me that I never shared our little bit of peace away from the city - down at the Jersey shore.
Beach
Before we had any plans of a huge renovation project in Brooklyn, we purchased a small one bedroom condo near the beach. Sadly, I don't have very good before photos so you'll just have to take my word for it. We loved the location, the complex's pool and the potential but the apartment needed some help. For starters, it stunk like a dirty diaper, the carpets had blood stains, the bathroom had all sorts of nasty yellow and brown surprises. It was kind of a mess.

Here are my only before photos but trust me, it was way worse than these photos let on. We spent our first few days in bio hazard gear with bleachy scrubrushes in tow.
Before_DuringWalkthruBefore_DuringWalkthru
Before_DuringWalkthru
Before_DuringWalkthru_Kitchen3Before_DuringWalkthru

So why am I mentioning it now? Because I need some motivation! We did do a few critical things the first year (like ripping up carpets, painting, etc) and it looks so much better but there is still work to be done. Naturally, we were preoccupied with the limestone renovation for a while so whenever we got the chance to stay, we didn't want to have to tackle a to-do list. But the time has come. The plan is get in gear this season! There are still way quite a few "little" things to do (isn't it always those little things that cause the most trouble?). I figure if I blog about it, I'll have no choice but to get my tasks crossed off or I'll have to hang my head in shame! (Am I the only person who uses their blog this way?)

On top of that, we really do love to relax here and I thought the first unofficial week of summer was the perfect time to invite you all in on our little secret. I'll be sharing what it looks like now, the bathroom renovation and the other projects I'm working on all summer long. And if you're interested, I can share a little more about what the Jersey Shore is like. (No, its not all Snooki poofs and fake tans!) If there is anything you want to see in particular, just ask.

Hope you've had a great Memorial Day weekend!

37 comments:

  1. How do you like living in two different places? City vs Country (or beach in this case!)

    Do you get confused about what items you have where? How do you keep it all straight?

    I ask you this because I am about to embark on a similar situation, only it seems mine is the opposite: Larger space in the country, tiny place in the City...

    Looking forward to seeing more as this project evolves!
    ABCD

    ReplyDelete
  2. Oh, you're a sneaky one, Mrs. Limestone! I'm eager to see pics of your little hideaway... does it have the same style as the Limestone? or is it more beachy and cottagey in feel? Looking forward to your posts.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Sounds like an awesome hideaway

    ReplyDelete
  4. Oh my gosh. You've totally been holding out! Can't wait to hear about your to-do list. And hang your head in shame all you want... ALL THE WAY TO THE BEACH.

    Not fair. ;)

    ReplyDelete
  5. Oh my gosh, I can't wait to see how it's progressing! I'm sure it's fabulous! Can we get a sneak peak of the afters this week...I can't wait all summer.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Thanks for the questions ladies!

    Rambling Renovators: I'll answer this more throughoutly in a post but this place is nothing like the limestone in terms of style. No original detail, no woodwork or molding to speak of. Its very much a cookie cutter kind of apartment that I've tried to improve but not transform. But Ill let you make up your own mind about that when you see it.

    ABCD: I don't really consider myself "living" here like I consider myself living in Brooklyn. We come down here a lot for a day or two at a time but its not the same as living somewhere as far as Im concerned. I don't get too confused b/c I keep most of my stuff at home (in Bklyn) and leave all the essential things here for me to use when needed. I can't really answer the country vs. city thing b/c this isn't really the country. I guess its a suburb? Im a city girl through and through so I prefer Brooklyn life in general. We did pick this town b/c it had a cute little town with the essentials just a block away (aka no driving required once we are there). I'm fairly certain I could never live anywhere more remote but thats just me.

    Juliet: I wont be making you wait all summer. Its a pretty small place so there isn't that much to show and the afters aren't all that amazing. But I'll share some soon - just figured I should introduce it properly first.

    ReplyDelete
  7. SO looking forward to the results! I'm envious of your beach location...I miss the water so much.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Anonymous12:00 PM

    WHOA! It's like not only do you live a glamorous life with international travel, but now have a secret hide-away! YOU ARE SO COOL!
    Being in a boring apartment myself, can't wait to see what you did.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Wow, a secret hideaway!! Sounds like heaven to me. We are leaving for the Jersey shore on Sunday for two weeks but unlike you, we are renting. Our dream is to one day be able to buy at place at the Jersey shore, we just haven't figured out how to afford it!!!

    ReplyDelete
  10. ooooh! kinda like a pied-a-terre! (i just love saying that word ;) i love the thought of having a smaller...temporary home away from your main home - a place you can go to unwind and this sounds perfect!

    i'm looking forward to seeing your after and progress shots. i think it's the perfect opportunity to perhaps try something a little different than your regular style? whatever you do i'm sure it'll be fantastic!

    ReplyDelete
  11. OOH! I'm so excited about this!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Okay, now your love of bumpits totally makes sense :)

    I cannot wait to see the after photos of this place! So excited to see more of your work in another place.

    ReplyDelete
  13. How long does it take you to get there? We have contemplated buying a place around LBI, but just moved from south Jersey to north Jersey (I can walk to the GWB now). Did you buy northern-ish (Spring Lake, Point Pleasant) or south (Wildwood, Cape May)? I love LBI but dread the thought of sitting on the parkway for four hours every Saturday.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Lisa: It takes us about an hour. We are in Sea Bright so its as close as north as it goes. Anything much more south than that would have been a deal breaker for us.

    ReplyDelete
  15. You should post your in progress photos! Even if it's not finished, your place already looks a million billion times better!

    ReplyDelete
  16. I've been to Jersey Shores two times. One for a quick summer get-a-way. The second was for a tournament. Never saw "Snooki" or any signs of the "poof" ~ only the beautiful beach;o)

    ReplyDelete
  17. This is a major hold out! I can't wait to see the pictures. I'm sure it's beautiful.

    http://40daysof.wordpress.com/2010/06/01/the-back-porch-back-from-the-dead/

    ReplyDelete
  18. Have you seen SJP's home in the Hamptons??? An editorial was done in Elle Decor not too long ago but everytime I see pictures of that house I drool a little. Epitome of a “getaway” space for me.

    ReplyDelete
  19. I am so excited to see this place in progress! What a great little place to get away, and I know it's going to look fantastic! ;)

    ReplyDelete
  20. I think it goes without saying that I want to know more about your Jersey Shore hideaway. ;-) Rode my bike from OG to Sea Bright this weekend...I should have waved!

    AND -- OG Flea is this Saturday, June 5.

    ReplyDelete
  21. You sneaky little girl, you! You were holding out on us. You must share all the details and I look forward to seeing the progress!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Awesome! My husband is from Jersey and grew up spending summers "down the shore"... I've visited, and it's lovely. Can't wait to hear more about your secret getaway! :)

    ReplyDelete
  23. A getaway to the beach is pure heaven to me. I can't wait to see what you have in store for the beach transformation.

    No gym, tanning, laundry since you aren't part of the Jersey Shore gang. Instead we will get decorating, entertaining and beautiful pictures.

    ReplyDelete
  24. love to see more of your getaway!

    xo,
    cristin

    ReplyDelete
  25. What a wonderful project to work on during the summer!! I know with your talent you will make it fabulous! Janell

    ReplyDelete
  26. Why...You dog you! Little hidden beach jewel. ummmhmmm.

    I know Sea Bright well, My brother lives in Rumson. Looking forward to your unveiling!

    ReplyDelete
  27. Well what else is there in Jersey Shore besides wildly entertaining Italians who's lives revolve around GTL!!?? :) I would love to know more about the Jersey Shore!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Wow! A whole new project -- I'm sure it will be awesome!

    ReplyDelete
  29. I love that you have a little hideaway! Lucky you :) have a wonderful day!

    ReplyDelete
  30. Oh my gosh, how dare you hold out on us?!

    haha just kidding! I'm sure that whatever you do with this condo will be fabulous! :)

    ReplyDelete
  31. PhillyLass7:54 PM

    Oh, this is so exciting! I can't wait to see what magic you make happen in this place!!!

    ReplyDelete
  32. oh my, what a fun secret! can't wait to see what changes you make!

    and no, you are not the only one who uses the blog for accountability on tackling the to-do list. :) :)

    ReplyDelete
  33. I'm from down the shore...exit 7A ...Elberon. Sea bright is a great little town. Boy do I miss the beach!

    ReplyDelete
  34. First can I say that I LOVE, LOVE I tell you, that photo of the beach?!!! Is it for sale like your other photos? and do you have more?

    Now, about this secret getaway, how cool is that? Its like having your own personal hotel room! Where you can get away to whenever you want and not have to worry about anyone elses dirty germs. Anyway, I can't wait to see more of the space and what you've done to it so far!

    ReplyDelete
  35. Anonymous12:47 PM

    Hi and welcome to the Jersey Shore! It'll be great to have you. What a lovely area you'll be staying in.I'm a little south of you in Toms River. I love it here.There's nothing like the beach at your beck and call.I promise the MTV crowd is few. Good luck in all you do <3 Donna

    ReplyDelete
  36. Wow girl! How on god's great earth did you keep this secret for so long? I can't wait to follow along with all the renovations!

    ReplyDelete
  37. Grew up in Rumson, myself. (Same street as the police station in case you now think I'm rolling in dough). We just started going to LBI for the summers since we live in Boston and my sister and her kid are in PA. Wanted to be able to give them some of the same shore life we had as kids. My favorite memory...hibachi bbq-ing on the beach at Sands Beach club after everyone would go home and my dad would arrive after work...but I digress...

    Anyway, glad to have 'found' you...

    Miriam - who's random posts on design can be found over at flor.com/blog every once in a while

    aka Coasting anon at www.otherpiecesofme.com
    aka Limoncellostyle.com

    ReplyDelete

There is nothing that thrills me more than hearing from readers. Please share your thoughts. ♥

Follow @ Instagram

© 2007-2020 Brooklyn Limestone. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy
Back to Top