I took a little road trip this weekend and happened to notice a fence that made me think of your post. It took some time finding what the style was called, but I think this is similar. It is not solid on the bottom, but has a second set of pickets that are so close together, nothing from the bad neighbors could blow through. And the advantage to the open pickets is a well aimed leaf blower will clear your side of the fence and will simultaneously blow their leaves away from your fence without you having to move off your property. I completely understand not wanting to access the fence or a hedge from their side. I have neighbors like that, too. Ugh! From what I can see it's called a puppy picket. I know this is taller than what you want, but this is the idea. Another example (I don't care for the top portion of this fence, but you can see the idea of the double pickets at the bottom, with more open pickets at the top). I am linking because the pic is large and I can't seem to reduce it. Here is a link that might be useful: puppy picket This post was edited by olychick on Wed, Nov 5, 14 at 11:17

You can replace the shingles; they are special order at Home Depot. I got some a few years ago to replace missing ones on my grandmother's house. They have all styles, including the wavy edge ones and they are cement. The originals back in the day were asbestos, so be sure you don't crack or break any of them. Shutters do need to go and you can beef up the window trim. Red would be pretty, and so would Crisp Romaine.

"Look like a carnival"; I'm going to use that. Traditionally double hung windows had counter-weights to have the sashes operate properly. Those counter-weights took up space beside each window in the wall. When modern double hung windows are mulled together without the space between them that would be required in a traditional double hung window, they give the house a more modern look. A subtle detail but it contributes to the look of a house. So for a more traditional look separate the original house second floor double hung windows by approximately eight inches, or a larger distance similar to the addition. For those changes and the others, I would recommend engaging a local architect versed in traditional residential architecture.

Great home and yard to work with. Keeping in mind your current roof color and siding, I would keep the shutters and add some to the bottom window in a pacific blue color and your door in a Terra cotta color. A white carriage style garage door. if replacing the garage door isn't an option paint it white and get the magnetic handles and hinge decorative accents for it until then. Add white trellises over the garage and across the bottom of the second story. Flowers (lavender and rose trees) to line the driveway. a good flowering ground cover at the base if your tree and a mix of flowers to by the house to fill in flowers beds.