After living through a 12-month island home renovation, I feel as though I could launch my own HGTV reality series. The remodeling and expansion of The Dolphin Hale has been nothing short of a full season of reality TV. The experience, complete with the antics of island locals and mainland visitors, surely would give producers enough material for a full season. Albeit, I feel my show would be more closely akin to Survivor than Fixer Upper.
It all started with the need for toilet upstairs and like a tidal wave, the project soon consumed the whole house. At the end of Phase II, The Dolphin Hale would go from a simple family-friendly island home to an executive house featuring 5 bedrooms, 4.5 baths. The jewel of the home is the new gourmet kitchen. In all, nearly 1000 sq ft of living space was added making the house footprint nearly 4000 sq ft. And, that does not include the porte cochere and hand-stained circular driveway which was added in Phase I.
Since reopening The Dolphin Hale to guests in March, the feedback has been positive (see The Dolphin Hale on HomeAway). However, I am not finished yet! Phase III will commence sometime this Fall and include refinishing the hardwood floors. Meantime, I will be sharing “behind the scenes” details on this island home makeover over the next few months, complete with Dos and Don’ts as well as a Shopping Guide. And, I will begin with the new Coral Room (outlined here at the start).
So, stay tuned, for the forthcoming episodes on my island home renovation aka Hawaiian life.
A Hui Hou!
Mrs. Rice
