Beach House, Bolivar Style

Remember this?

Or, remember this?   Remember how much you all loved this house? Remember how you left 84 comments almost overnight?   Well, just in case you don't remember, or if you want to relive the beauty, read the story of how I Stalked the Wheats HERE.

Sally Wheat, the owner of that beautiful Belgian style home in West University, loves decorating so much that she couldn't stop at fixing up just one house. No, of course she couldn't! Why should she when she also owns a gorgeous beach home that needs her special touch?   Across the bay and a ferry ride away from Galveston, Texas, Sally and her family live here all summer long.

The Bolivar Peninsula is a sleepy coast off the Gulf of Mexico, with miles and miles of undeveloped shoreline. From this picture you can see what I mean - the beach stretches undisturbed on both sides of this ecologically sensitive development called The Biscayne.   Sally's beach house is a three story, white, clapboard style home, built to look as if it was from another era in time rather than the 21st century.

Since Sally's beach house is over an hour away from Houston, I hadn't had a chance to stalk it yet, though I was itching for an opportunity to.     After much pleading and prodding, Sally, worried that you, the reader, would be tired of all things Wheat, finally agreed to take pictures of her summer hideaway for us to enjoy.     I am thrilled she did, and hope you are too!   Thanks again Sally!    Enjoy this tour of the Wheat's Beach House:



In accordance with Texas hurricane codes, the main living area is on the second floor. Wrap around porches extend the living space and provide a great perch to watch the ocean from. Though not quite beachfront, they have a clear view of the coast and their back yard is on a lake. Behind the lake is a nature preserve, where no development will ever be allowed to encroach upon.



The lake with a visitor!   Not to worry, the residents had him removed to another area of Bolivar, far, far away. The lake is stocked with fish which provides plenty of meals for the lucky residents.



The main living area soars over two stories. Slipcovered sofas and chairs in khaki linen make cleanup easy.    Sally accessorized the room with Moroccan styled end tables.



A view of the living room looking up towards the second floor.

And looking back down.   Slipcovered sofas make great resting places for pets and children. When soiled, just remove the slips and toss them in the washing machine. Dry for a short time, and then still slightly damp, place the slips back on the sofa. No need to iron, especially if you are a fan of Rachel Ashwell.

Opposite the slipcovered sofa is the built-in bookcases. I love her two Chippendale inspired white chairs.   Black and white family photos lead up the stairwell.   Antique French bottles stack on top of the built-in.

Looking from the living room to the dining area and kitchen - all in one big area. Sally mixed a large, rustic table with contemporary chairs.



The kitchen has clapboard walls and island, concrete countertops and stainless appliances. I love how Sally uses the antique wine bottle holder for coffee cups! Notice her stainless pendant lamps and bar stools. The view out back is of the nature preserve. Hard to believe this is just one hour outside of Houston.

Across from the dining table, a plate wall inspired by Kelly Wearstler.    An antique bench is set below it.

Computer desk and contemporary print chair liven up a corner of the dining area.   I could be very happy right here just blogging away with a Starbucks! FYI, the closest Starbucks to Port Bolivar is across the ferry to the Strand on Galveston Island.    It would be worth the trip, except on Sunday afternoons when the ferry is busy with beachgoers heading back to Houston.

Hallway vignette. I love how the sunburst mirror looks like it was made out of gray driftwood.

The master bedroom is a bright, sunny yellow with black and gray accents.      I love the way the walls are paneled throughout the house, it adds to the cottage feel of the beach house. Rather than furnish the home to match it's clapboard style, Sally has chosen contemporary fabrics and furniture with antique accents added for their texture and warmth.

This guest room is painted blue instead of the bright white which runs throughout the rest of the house.

Another guest room in black and white and yellow.

No beach house is complete without a kid's bunk room.



Sharks and surfboards - only in a beach house!

And last, a glimpse into the bathroom, filled with Sally's touches.

For more information on The Biscayne at Bolivar Peninsula, Texas, go here.