At last — the duplex backyards are finished! We wrapped up just in time for our first weeklong summer renters, with a few early arrivals already enjoying the space. This project turned out to be one of our favorite makeovers from the entire renovation. There are lots of photos below, but here’s a clear, calm walkthrough of everything we did and why it works so well.
To appreciate the transformation, it helps to remember what the back of the house looked like when we bought it. Structural changes made a big difference, but so did simple landscaping, hardscaping, and thoughtful details like string lights and little sheds. Even on a drizzly evening, the space feels warm and inviting — that’s the power of lighting and layered exterior finishes.
We installed metal awnings and swapped in secondhand diamond-back doors, both of which anchor the overall design. Because the keypad locks and outdoor showers are on the back, we added paver paths on each side to guide guests to their units and to the shed where we store beach gear. (Update: renters can use the front door too; there’s a front-door key and a shed key inside each unit.)
We used inexpensive pavers laid in a herringbone pattern to add style without breaking the budget. Each backyard has a custom-built shed that matches the house’s HardiePlank siding and a metal roof, with doors painted to match the diamond-back doors and front shutters. The sheds are practical storage for beach chairs, umbrellas, and toys, and they also add a lot of charm.
Small plantings, fresh sod, and Japanese maples help the yards feel complete. The 6′ pressure-treated privacy fences nestle each yard, creating intimate spaces that will weather to a softer gray over time. Each fence also includes a removable 6′ opening so the two yards can become one larger shared space when renters book both sides together.
Outdoor furniture was a surprisingly good deal — a large eight-piece set split between the two sides gives ample seating without cluttering the yards. We added accent pillows for comfort and plan to protect the furniture with covers and periodic teak oil treatments. Light outdoor cushions are pressure-washed on a low setting each season to keep them fresh.
We love the decorative oars — they’re an intentionally playful seaside touch. String lights across each yard add instant ambiance; they’re set to an outdoor timer by default, but guests can adjust runtime if they prefer.
The outdoor showers were designed to be private and durable. We used a reliable shower kit and built no-rot composite surrounds from readily available fencing material. The shower bases are composite decking with gaps to drain into a gravel-filled base so water doesn’t pool or create issues for the patio.
Each shower stall is fully enclosed for privacy, and we added lots of hooks nearby — eight outside and a dozen in the mudroom — because hooks are always necessary. The back porches use no-rot composite decking and simple white railings that tie visually to the showers and other details.
Up front we finished the landscaping with three hydrangeas per side and a boxwood by each stair. Fresh mulch and a few clean plantings make a remarkable difference — the house now fits beautifully into this walkable, historic downtown neighborhood.
Relocating the new AC units to side yards and choosing wide, welcoming back steps were small decisions with a big impact. We recommend making steps as wide as the landing when possible — it makes entrances feel more open and gracious.
This duplex has been one of our most challenging and rewarding projects. Seeing neighbors stop to admire and photograph the house makes all the hard work worthwhile. We’re excited to share a full video walk-through soon, but for now we’re savoring the finished yards and the sense of “finito” after a long renovation journey.
P.S. You can find posts about the other finished rooms in the duplex, including kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms, and the overall planning and finishes, in the duplex category on our site. This project spans nearly two years of updates and many detailed posts.
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