Cape Cod Retirement Dream Home

Homebuyers Terry and Lynne Dunn tasked ERA agent Susan Dean with finding their dream Cape Cod retirement home, complete with vintage charm, modern updates and enough space to accommodate visiting grandkids. See how she made it happen.
By: Holly Aguirre
Related To:
Cape Cod Design Styles

Photo By: ERA Real Estate

Photo By: ERA Real Estate

Photo By: ERA Real Estate

Photo By: ERA Real Estate

Photo By: ERA Real Estate

Photo By: ERA Real Estate

Photo By: ERA Real Estate

Photo By: ERA Real Estate

Photo By: ERA Real Estate

Photo By: ERA Real Estate

Photo By: ERA Real Estate

Photo By: ERA Real Estate

Photo By: ERA Real Estate

Photo By: ERA Real Estate

Photo By: ERA Real Estate

Photo By: ERA Real Estate

Cape Cod Retirement Home

After spending vacation time in a tiny seasonal cottage on Cape Cod, Terry and Lynne Dunn knew exactly where they wanted to spend their retirement. The 544-square-foot house was perfect for quick weekend getaways but wasn't large enough to accommodate visiting grandkids, so they tasked ERA Realtor Susan Dean with finding their dream retirement home.

Home Exterior

Dean scoured the entire Cape from Sandwich to Orleans. Then, the perfect house was discovered in Dennis: a beautiful antique with all the charm and finishes that they were looking for, plus a few fun features for the grandkids. One found a secret room in the back of the front hall closet, while another slept in the upstairs nook, which is the perfect spot for a small child when there's too much company.

Entryway

Terry and Lynne's retirement home's entryway features the original hardwood floors and wainscoting.

Living Room

Flooded with natural light, the spacious living room features hardwood floors, a fireplace and a sitting area.

Fireplace

Terry and Lynne Dunn now spend evenings in front of their very own fireplace with its original red brick hearth.

Warming Kitchen

The warming kitchen features a wood-burning fireplace, and is one of retiree Lynne's favorite spots in the home.

Kitchen

Many of the kitchen's features are original, but the countertops, sink and appliances were all recently brought into the 21st century.

Eat-In Kitchen

Terry and Lynne enjoy breakfast by the warm fireplace on the chilliest of Cape Cod mornings.

Breakfast Area

We love the built-in cabinetry and the stone hearth fireplace in Terry and Lynne's eat-in kitchen.

Dining Room

Terry and Lynne's dining room features the original wood-burning fireplace and stone hearth.

Family Room

The built-in shelving and the fireplace make for a cozy family room where Terry and Lynne spend quiet evenings together.

Hallway

Terry and Lynne wanted vintage features in their new/old home like toile wallpaper and hardwood floors, but it also had to be move-in ready.

Attic

The attic of Terry and Lynne's new home was refinished by the previous owners and is now used as a sitting area.

Back Garden

Terry and Lynne Dunn plan on spending lots of quality time in their new back garden, a feature their condo lacked.

Welcome Home

ERA agent Susan Dean (left) welcomes her clients, Lynne and Terry, to their new forever home on Cape Cod. 

Former Cottage

This was Terry and Lynne's seasonal cottage that had to be sold before they could invest in their retirement dream home. Dean sold the home in 41 with ample advertising and weekend open houses.

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