Front Porch Living

There is nothing like front porch living on the farm. Throughout the warmer months, spending time on the front porch is a pleasure. Whether it’s napping on the porch swing, enjoying an afternoon storm roll through from the comfort of a rocking chair, or watching the animals as they graze. Time on the front porch is always time well spent.

“Make your front porch a part of your home, and it will make you a part of the world.” – John Harris

Although summer in the south is hot and humid, that doesn’t prevent us from spending a lot of time outside on the farm. Whether it’s fishing in the pond, taking care of animals, swimming in the pool, napping on the hammock, or enjoying iced tea on the porch, we do not have a shortage of outdoor areas to enjoy at Hidden Acres Farm.

This year, more than ever, all our outdoor areas have gotten a lot of use.

Front Porch Living

Today, I thought it would be fun to give you a little tour of our favorite outdoor spot, the front porch. (If you follow me on Instagram, I have saved a guided tour that includes all of our outdoor living spaces on the farm in my Highlights.)

Welcome to the Front Porch

Without further ado… Welcome to our front porch! Upon your arrival to the farmhouse, this is where you are always greeted by our family as you come up the front walkway and the stairs to our home.

To the left of the front door, you will see the coveted porch swing bed. This is by far everyone’s favorite aspect of the front porch. (Animals included!) To the right are our rockers. Both sides are equally relaxing and wonderful ways to spend time on the porch throughout the year.

Porch Swing (Bed) Love

I always get lots of questions about our porch swing, so I thought I would take a minute to answer them here. Our porch swing was built by a local fireman here in town. When he’s not at the firehouse or fighting fires, he makes these gorgeous swings. The extra thick rope was my request because I just love how it looks! 

The swing bed fits a twin-size mattress. I found an inexpensive foam mattress on Amazon and covered it with a zippered, all-weather, waterproof, mattress cover (that isn’t plastic-y or crunchy). Over the top of the mattress, I use a very inexpensive extra large canvas drop cloth (similar to a top sheet) which I tuck in all around the mattress. The drop cloth makes it very easy to keep the swing clean.  Every other week, I just take the drop cloth off and throw it in the washer and dryer. Easy-peasy!

Styling the Swing Throughout the Seasons

I love styling the porch and swing for the seasons. In the fall and winter, I add lots of cozy touches including throw blankets on the swing and blanket ladder, pillows, lanterns, and candles. For spring and summer, I like to add a little color in this space through a rug, throw pillows, and lots of flowers.

Morning on the porch swing is the perfect way to start any day. I love to enjoy my first cup of coffee out there while I listen to the farm wake up. The sound of the birds singing and frogs croaking are music to my ears. Off in the distance, you can hear ducks quacking, goats bleating, horses neighing  (even Willy’s piggy snorts can be heard at the gate) as they all await their breakfast in the morning. It’s my favorite time of the day.

Summer in the south can be stifling. There is nothing is more welcome in the late afternoon than a thunderstorm to cool things off.

The porch swing is my favorite spot for watching a summer storm roll through. As the skies begin to darken and the thunder starts to rumble in the distance, I quickly grab a cold glass of tea and head out front. I kick off my shoes, get comfy on the porch swing, and listen to the soothing sound of the rain and the frogs singing at the pond. It’s heavenly! (It’s also the perfect time to sneak in a cat nap before feeding the animals and starting dinner-just saying.)

Rock On

On the other side of our front porch sit the rockers. Nothing says, “Welcome to the porch,” like rocking chairs. I love them so much and I challenge you to find a porch in the south without at least one.

Every day, at some point,  you will find me on a rocker. Whether it’s going through the mail, waiting on a visitor, or just gathering my thoughts for a bit. There’s just something about the calming effect of rocking. On many summer evenings, you can also find us enjoying a cocktail in our rockers before dinner.

Rockers are a relaxing way to spend time on the porch catching the breeze and enjoying the farm views that surround us. Even Holly loves a good rocking chair. Even she finds it a lovely way to relax after escaping her pen… Little stinker!

Front Porch Living is The Best

Having a front porch was always on my wishlist. When we moved to the south, it finally became a reality. Now it’s hard to imagine ever living without one. The front porch is truly an extension of our home and a wonderful way to enjoy the beauty outside.

Thank you for joining me on this little front porch tour. I look forward to sharing it more with you throughout the seasons. Until then, stay cool and enjoy the summer sunshine.

If you’re looking for more porch inspiration, you may enjoy these posts:

Patriotic Touches to the Front Porch

Decorating the Front Porch for Christmas

And for more farmhouse inspiration, I hope you’ll join me on Pinterest. I look forward to seeing you there!