Truth time. Two things about me you may not want to know…

1. I think the best time to go for a neighbourhood walk is late in the evening, when the lights are on inside and hopefully, the curtains are not drawn. You can peak in to people’s houses! I don’t care what they’re doing… I just want to know how they decorate.
2. If David is invited to a party or playdate I will likely say yes and do the drop-off just so I can see inside a new house. I love seeing where people live.

I love houses and I love spying on renovations – a newly painted door or some great landscaping – yes please. It’s probably why I log so many miles running around the city. My routes are often in and out of nice neighbourhoods and because I can’t take all of you on a run or fit you into my VW, I thought it’d be fun to share some of my favourite finds in the city. A few weeks ago, on a long wet run, I was pleasantly surprised at how many houses are being built/renovated and in Halifax, I  guess MODERN is the new black.

Above: This is a legit Halifax Hydrostone but with a modern twist. I love their door and wish it was mine. The mail slot would solve my mailbox situation.

Above: Still within a kilometre from home, I love how they enclosed the underbelly of their staircase with the prettiest storage shed ever. The flower box is dreamy too.

Above: This house (office?) stands out on the street but it is not offensive. I’m all about a hidden garage – and the glass door is icing on the cake! Not shown is their other driveway. We somewhat copied their turfblocks. 

Above: Seriously, what’s not to love about a bright pink house with the most amazing flower pots?
Above: This house may of been the launching of my front-exterior-inspiration-board. Tucked away in the West End, I found it, photographed it, and showed it to the contractor and said “THIS!” … I still have a ways to go with my painting and landscaping. Above: This is another house that inspired my front exterior however, they are way better at gardening than me.Above: to the right of this house is a trail… and one day I was running along the trail and stopped dead in my tracks. THIS HOUSE! Don’t tell them, but from the trail, you get a great view of the kitchen. But what’s crazy-cool about this house is the front of the house is at the end of one cul-de-sac and the back of the house (and the second driveway/garage) is at the end of another cul-de-sac. They live on two totally different roads that do not connect. Above: This is a house that really took advantage of their lot. The first photo is the front, which is set back a lot further than the other houses on the street… see the house next door on the corner? Go around the corner and voila, here is the side entrance to the house with a separate garage. Amazing.Above: Newly renovated… what are your thoughts on the front railing. Love or hate? I haven’t decided but I do know I would love to see inside that window dome-peak at the back.Above: This is Mike’s favourite house. The double-door basement garage on the side is probably why he loves it so much. That plus, it looks like a ski resort.Above: I am a fan of the carport. This photo is not great but the bungalow sure is. Did you know I love bungalows! Above: As much as I love bungalows, I love contempo houses even more – both inside and out.Above: A good paint job goes a long way. This house is so cozy.Above: This is a great renovation. A subtle addition added to the back with the traditional Halifax peak on the front. Above: Sorry guys, I was hoping for a red light… regardless, I am sure you can make out the stunning PINK door. Big fan on the navy-pink combo Above: Arn’t corner lots great for stalking? From these two pictures, you can see so much of the house! Thank you homeowner…Above: … And, right next door are two more newly renovated houses. Neighbours who renovate together, stay together.Above: Another home with a front peak. This is very common in Halifax and I love it. Above: A little cottage in the city… but then you go around the corner and… check out the back patio! Difficult to see here but at the end is an outdoor stone fireplace. I want to sit there every.single.night of the summer.Above: This garage and fence are the nicest and most often painted garage and fence on our street. Maybe even in the whole city. And finally… seeing this house makes me wish our window frames were black. Should of could of…

I hope you enjoyed the tour. There is so many more beautiful homes in the city – let me know if there is one you love.

psst. Sorry about the crappy photography, as a stalker, it’s a quick and dirty snap with my spyPhone… Also, I am only now seeing how green our city is. We have some impressive gardeners and tons of leafy trees. Awesome but challenging for spying.

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