Earlier this month we shared the front porch makeover of the duplex, and today we’re back to show the dramatic transformation of the backyard. You can finally admire the diamond-pattern doors in full view, along with the small metal awnings we added, new back steps, and the outdoor shower stalls tucked under an extra-long awning for privacy. I’ll admit it: I’m a little obsessed with awnings.
There’s still a lot happening in the backyard right now—sheds, patios, and fences are actively being installed—so I’m glad we captured these photos before the space became a full-blown construction zone. Otherwise you’d be seeing sawhorses and wheelbarrows everywhere. When the landscaping and hardscaping are finished we’ll share a full photo tour, but for today I want to focus on how dramatically the back of the duplex has changed. It’s almost unrecognizable.
The photo above shows the state of the duplex when we bought it: rotten siding, rickety railings, cinderblock steps, odd vents and exposed wires, and inoperable HVAC units where the outdoor showers now sit. There were low-level bump-outs on each side where old kitchens once were; one side even had a lone toilet sitting right next to the back door with no walls for privacy—just a few awkward steps from the kitchen sink.
Beyond repairing those issues, one of the biggest changes was extending the bump-outs up to the second story. We received approval from the historic review board to add small second-level additions so each rear bedroom could gain an en-suite bathroom. That’s why the upstairs window there is not full height—the addition houses an attached bathroom and creates better, more functional space on both sides.
With those two new en-suites and the powder rooms we added beneath each staircase, we raised each unit’s bathroom count from a single full bath to two and a half baths. This is a major improvement for vacation rental functionality and comfort.
My favorite details are the architectural elements that add character—the corbels along the roofline that wrap around to the front, and the diamond-pattern doors I hunted down secondhand because they echo the diamond windows at the front and feel just right for the backyard. They’re playful and unique, and we painted them the same mint color as the front shutters to tie the whole house together (Sherwin Williams Pale Patina).
We also carried the same style of lanterns to the back porch to keep the aesthetic consistent. For longevity and low maintenance we invested a bit more to have the back porches, stairs, railings, and shower enclosures built from no-rot materials like vinyl and Azek. After spending days staining wood stairs at another property last summer, we decided it was worth the one-time upcharge to avoid ongoing upkeep.
Keeping the duplex exterior durable and low-maintenance was an easy choice—especially for rental properties where durability matters. At least the front steps on each house are brick, so there’s some classic material balance across the exterior details.
The awnings are simple stock metal pieces we bought online in a bronze finish with a 36″ depth. We initially ordered two smaller awnings for over the doors, then later added a larger awning above the shower stalls when we realized the showers were visible from the windows above. That larger awning solved the privacy issue and became a cohesive visual element across the back façade. The middle awning helps the back elevation feel less recessed and more dimensional, which I love.
Because the duplex will operate as two separate vacation rental units, we’re installing a dividing fence that aligns with the central line where the outdoor showers meet. However, we designed flexibility into the layout: a large six-foot gated section will allow guests to open the gate and merge the two yards when the same group rents both sides, or keep them closed for complete privacy when separate parties book each unit.
The original property once had a dividing fence, but it lacked the flexibility of a wide gate. Adding the six-foot gate, two paver patios, and storage sheds brings both privacy and versatility—ideal for vacation renters who might want a shared yard for larger groups.
Looking back at the “before” photo makes me even more excited for the finishing touches. The mature trees and green lawn from that older image show how much charm landscaping can add, and I can’t wait for the new plantings to fill in and green things up again.
The full yard makeover—landscaping, fencing, patios, furniture, and sheds—should wrap up within the next month, and renters will be able to enjoy the space this summer. Our aim is to list the duplex for weekly vacation bookings soon, so expect an announcement when the listing goes live.
I’ll admit I’m a little jealous that the duplex shower stalls are finished before ours at the beach house—we currently have an open-air outdoor shower with no surrounding stall, which is zero privacy. Hopefully that gets fixed soon!
P.S. To follow our full duplex project—from purchase and layout planning to interior renovations, tile, and kitchens—check our duplex project posts for the whole story. There are also posts chronicling our beach house work for anyone following that project.
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