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Creativity in Bloom in East Greenwich

A funky home decades in the making

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Fifteen years ago, Michael Merolla toured an outdated, lackluster home in East Greenwich near Goddard Park. In addition to its shabby condition, the house’s choppy floor plan was awkward at best. Convinced that the Cape Cod-style home built in 1942 had “solid bones,” Michael bought the place and quickly took to destroying it.

A professional interior painter, color consultant and spacial planner concentrating on redesign of kitchens and bathrooms, construction zone living didn’t faze him. While protective plastic sheeting hung from the walls, for example, Michael didn’t hesitate to hang art from it. “Quality of life is important,” he insists.

His vision was to transform the Cape into a charming cottage peppered with whimsical touches throughout. An avid entertainer, Michael ensured that though the actual square footage of the home isn’t over the top, the layout and design makes it feel quite generous. The stunning wraparound porch and ample back patio equally accommodate guests, so parties ranging from 40 to 60 people can still be comfortable.

Reflecting on his home’s transformation, Michael says it was a “soulful” experience. But you don’t have to take his word for it. His “Serene Cottage by the Bay,” as its dubbed, has been a perpetual 5-star rated AirBnB rental for three years. Visit AirBnB.com and search “Serene Cottage by the Bay” and see – or stay – for yourself. 

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