“I drew a circle with a 200-mile radius around our home inThomasville, Georgia.
Anywhere with water would doa river, lake, or ocean.
“Close proximity was the dealmaker.
Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Frances Bailey
We wanted to be able to leave our house on Friday afternoons in time to catch the sunset.”
Seacrhing For Paradise
Just under 2 hours from Thomasville, St. Teresa was ideal.
This is also why it’s nearly impossible to find property available.
Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Frances Bailey
“We checked the real estate listings weekly, but nothing was ever there,” says Haile.
Then, one day, a rare “for sale” sign was spotted.
She remembers, “Ben called and said, “Haile, I found a house.
Credit: Haile McCollum
you better drive down and see it.”
So I went right away.
Before: The Exterior
It was a messdark and overcome with years of being forgotten.
Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Frances Bailey
The house was painted Benjamin Moore’sSuper White (OC-152)inside and out.
The porch ceiling was painted inEmbelished Blue (SW 6747)by Sherwin Williams.
“We did only what was absolutely needed,” she says.
Credit: Haile McCollum
Most of the furniture came from storage.
The tile was bought at Lowe’s.
The back porch’s farm sink once belonged in the McCollums' Thomasville home.
Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Frances Bailey
“The family before us really knew how to live right.
Usually, the story starts with rum cocktails on the back porch.
We’re certainly keeping that relaxed and festive spirit alive,” she says.
Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Frances Bailey
Haile maxed out the home’s 2,200 square feet.
The first floor includes the guest room, kitchen, den, and living room.
The primary bedroom, bunk room, and a bath are upstairs.
Credit: Haile McCollum
The front and back porches are screened to keep out the area’s infamous bugs.
Before: The Porch
While it seemed overwhelming, we knew this space had so much potential.
The couple knew this would be the place where they soaked in the views and slowed down.
Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Frances Bailey
To maximize space, this dining area is the only one in the home.
Before: The Entry
Dark, dreary, and in need of a lot of TLC.
But like the entire home, the couple was excited for the challenge.
Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Frances Bailey
These oversize white sofas become twin beds when guests arrive.
Before: The Kitchen
This room would take some creativity and innovation.
The couple knew the kitchen should be bright, airy, and functional.
Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Frances Bailey
“The floor is blue schoolhouse linoleum.
Nothing can hurt it!”
White Formica countertops, circle finger pulls (no hardware!
Credit: Haile McCollum
), and an analog range are all nostalgic and inexpensive.
We watch movies together and play a lot of backgammon no cable at the beach!”
Lots of work had to be done to brighten it up.
Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Frances Bailey
They accommodate any dynamicmy kids' friends, work colleaguescomfortably,” says Haile.
“We’ve had 12 or 14 guests spend the night.
Haile says, “I love the color blue and I kept adding it in.
Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Frances Bailey
The art is a commissioned print by artistRebekah Webband speaks to Haile’s love of creative entrepreneurship.
Before: Bunk Room
A dreary place that had lots of potential.
Credit: Haile McCollum
Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Frances Bailey
Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Frances Bailey
Credit: Haile McCollum
Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Frances Bailey
Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Frances Bailey
