This post was inspired by sushi.
You'll find out how in a moment.
Front porches are found in many areas, and for me bring back memories of relaxing, enjoying the views, meeting neighbors and just watching the world go by.
Classic New England and Southern colonial homes have front porches or wide verandas with rocking or Adirondack chairs to take in the sights in front of the home and they became popular gathering places.
Front porches were where folks met their neighbors, gossiped about the community, enjoyed a summer beverage with friends, kept an eye on the kids playing in the street, and simply socialized.
I think of Cambridge, Somerville, South Boston ("Southie") and similar communities. What communities come to your mind?
In many communities new housing had ignored the allure of the front porch and they have simply disappeared, as styles have changed. Here, in Southern California, folks have retired to the more important back yard to enjoy outdoor living, with the front of the house often ignored except as an entrance to the home, and perhaps a showcase.
Many builders have shunned the front of the home as a gathering place and deleted it from their design repertoires. What used to be on the front porch has now be relegated to private interior courtyards and backyard outdoor living rooms and kitchen.
But there are some that are changing this approach, in communities like Bressi Ranch in Carlsbad and San Elijo Hills in San Marcos where front porches are making a come-back and garages are retreating to the rear of some home styles. The focus on some of the Carlsbad-area master planned communities is just that...community. And providing more walkable neighborhoods which harken back to the days of small town life (which has disappeared in many fast growing areas). Perhaps porches are, again, becoming more popular and desired.
Now about sushi.
We have been redesigning our front yard and porch and it is nearing completion. The sunset last night, with clouds, was spectacular, and we decide to enjoy happy hour on the front porch...a first here in Carlsbad. Several neighbors were out walking their dogs, but one woman came by with a very different pet...her African Grey Parrot.
Meet Sushi!
We were so entranced with this neighbor walking down the street carrying her parrot that when she turned around and came back I grabbed my camera and asked if we could take a photo. So that's how we met Sushi (who is 6 and could live to be 80), and our neighbor (who sometimes brings her more traditional dog along as well). Hmmm, makes one wonder what else we have been missing by not using our front porch?
So what are your thoughts on front porches?
Are they a thing of the past?
Still desired and popular?
Are they common in your area or not?
Or are folks retreating more to the privacy of their homes and back yards?
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