If you will consider repairing the columns, I think you might not spend any more than the carpenter's estimate, and you will retain something much more valuable than new fiberglass ones would be. I will try to get to my desk-top to look at your pics. I think new bases might very well be the ticket. Often contractors are not terribly restoration-minded because they have a build-new mindset. That's OK, except when repairing and retaining is what the owner wishes to do. It's hard to know, sometimes, if it's truly time to replace, or if that's just a particular tradesman's bias. One of the wonderful things about old houses is that they were made to be repaired, more often than not, and certainly more often than many modern materials and techniques could be (like fiberglass columns!) Your house was probably built before anyone coined the term "throw-away" society. I know you want everything spiffed up for your parties, but by late in the year everybody will be hustling in to stay warm and be focused on your party, your baby and not on your house. I have two sets of "best china": My own wedding set, which I've kept in perfect condition since 1980 when I was married; and my truly "best china" which is my husband's great-aunt's wedding set purchased in 1890. Great-Aunt Anna's (fortunately, very large to begin with!) set has been somewhat depleted by the ensuing century plus of use, and by now shows some evidence of wear: worn gilding, and the odd tiny chip. But it is Anna's dishes that I bring out for really best occasions, despite the small blemishes, because it has an unmistakable beauty due to its age and history. Your house is the same way and no one will mind (or even notice) a bit of peeling paint, or repairs underway. Molly~

I like the thick 'wrapped" colums. I think the stone half wall is OK but your stoop is a decent size for a stoop...mine is similar but judging from the space next to your front doors, yours is probably a bit bigger and I find that mine is a bit too small. A half wall on each side is going to take up and make your stoop space feel tighter. And I don't know that they will stand out much against the new stone facade for the cos. I think railings would be better and more open. And maybe you don't have to go with the usual thin black wrought iron. On our last house we rebuilt the front stoop and had the contractor build white painted "chippendale" style railings. It was not expensive. When you start looking around you might find there are more options on railings than than the typical ones you aren't too fond of.

I would suggest adding a wide band of trim just above where the tops of the columns meet the wall. This should give the illusion of a beam being supported by the columns. The columns seem a bit undersized. I think I would replace them but instead of plain square columns I would give them a brick base with a brick or stone cap. I "might" suggest painting the entire house the same color - brick and siding but you should really give some thought to that. Once painted, brick can never be unpainted. It is a lovely house and a great lot. I LOVE the mature trees. Good luck!

First you need to decide how to use the porch. Are you a sit on the front porch type of person? With food or drink? If yes think about adding another seat and some type of table. Is this an area to stand around before coming into the house? If yes your bench is enough, I would consider moving the bench to against the wall to give you more room around the door and color on against the wall. Regardless of how you use the porch put art on both walls. Put colorful pillows on your bench, I like it, colorful pillows will make it stand out more. You might want to consider painting the bench another color to make it stand out. You have a blank slate have fun with the area. Art on the wall can bring in color that plants would, but with fewer limitations, and upkeep.