Tuesday, August 28, 2012

The Garden Cottage Reveal!

Thank you dear friends for sticking by me during this eternal project.  I so appreciate your encouraging words, but I have to admit it feels funny to be done with a project that has consumed me for three months.

Above is the front view of our garden cottage.  To the left is the side view.  It shows how six different windows come together to fill this part of the side wall, there are another four windows behind the rose bush. 

The planter shelves on either side of the door were a last minute brainchild.  I bought the corbels at a time when I was thinking the garden structure would be a gazebo.  I love them and have used some to support shelves in my house.  You may have noted two of them at roof level in the first photo.  I decided at the last minute that window boxes would be charming, but then thought that shelves could support planters, and I could use more of my corbels, so here they are!

 This is the view on the opposite wall when you first walk in the cottage.
To the right is the same view with the back windows open (for ventilation) and with the loft ladder in its down position.

Here we are looking up into the loft from the floor.
And this is the loft from the top of the ladder.

 Add a comfy wicker chair to curl up and read a good book!
And a little table and chairs to enjoy your breakfast, with a good friend, or a good book!
 


The chandelier is awaiting shades ....

In the picture to the left you can see the loft ladder in its up position on the left upper corner.


Each of the window side walls have one window that is hinged and drops to the outside to allow for a cooling breeze.  The picture above shows the window in its open position.
In staying with my literary theme for the cottage (and garden) I brought in a volume of Jane Austen's books and one of her biographies as well.

This antique yard long picture shows cameo shots of several famous American authors ... I mean, I love so many British authors, that it only fair that the Americans get equal time, right?

I even have this statue of a fairy engrossed in a good book, to add charm and set the mood.

 
 It will be a multiple use space for sleepovers, garden parties, snuggling with a good book on a rainy afternoon, evenings chatting with friends, and even the growing of seedlings in the early spring with the help of an electric fireplace that will be placed on a thermostat to keep temps above freezing ... I can almost taste those home grown tomatoes right now.
 
Thanks again for sharing the creation of my cottage.

31 comments:

  1. Absolutely breathtaking!! A great work of love, persistence, and enormous creativity. Truly awesome, Truly. . . .

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks sis, its been a journey ... just wish everything didn't cost double what you think and take four times as long as you plan ... Just glad its done, with some summer left to enjoy it.

      Delete
  2. It's just charming! I love all of the details and beautiful architectural trims that you used. And that door! It looks like something out of a storybook. What fun you'll have sitting out there and enjoying the gorgeous Utah autumn. :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Oh how gorgeous! What a way to maximize space too! I'm going to be pouring over the posts on this and trying to get my husband on board! Thank you for the inspiration! I love it!

    ReplyDelete
  4. What a lovely, charming space! I hope you get to use and enjoy it often.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Just beautiful. . . what a work of love. There really are no words to describe it. It's totally "you" and I hope you enjoy many lovely hours there! hugs. . .

    ReplyDelete
  6. that's just lovely paula!! i love the door...so pretty.:D the perfect spot to spend some time for sure.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Paula ~ it turned out so beautifully! I just love everything you did and I can't wait to see it in person. Now I have have a place to stay when I'm in the doghouse! (*_*)

    ReplyDelete
  8. That turned out just darling, I absolutely love it. (from carole, Marci's friend)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey Carole, great to hear from you!! You should drag Marci down to flea.o.logy this weekend, it would be amazing to see you both!

      Delete
  9. Paula, your cottage is adorable--so complete with all the furnishings. What fun for you and your friends and family to enjoy!!

    ReplyDelete
  10. I just love it Paula! So cozy and fun. You have a hubbie like mine. I think he lives to make you happy ;) Mimi

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I isn't life wonderful being married to someone like that? Still smiling after all these years ... :-)

      Delete
  11. It's just magical!!! I could move right in.

    Enjoy!!!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Oh so very fun. It is so pretty and welcoming. Blessings Paula Lusk

    ReplyDelete
  13. This is so beautiful! I love it can I come over and have a glas of iced tea? I would love to curl up and just relax.

    Cynthia

    ReplyDelete
  14. What can I say? Just WOW.
    Happy WW!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Wow this is a really beautiful retreat. Very charming and so inviting. Awesome job. Grab a good book and curl up and enjoy that amazing space.
    Kris

    ReplyDelete
  16. Just so lovely. Everyone needs this in their yard.

    ReplyDelete
  17. I knew it would be absolutely amazing when it was finished Pollyanna... and it is!! Thanks for sharing at Shabbilicious Friday.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Absolutely Beautiful. My auntie has a guest house they call the chalet, I will have to share this post with her it is too much to keep to myself.

    ReplyDelete
  19. It's delightful! It's like a fairytale playhouse for GROWNUPS! LOVE IT!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  20. Pollyana I am in cottage heaven! Love everything about it! Corbels are one of my most favorite architectural finds! Hubby and I have plans to build an outbuilding next Spring. If mine could only turn out half as cute I will be elated! Love the bread box planters and all of the white decor! Thanks for sharing this with Share Your Cup. I will featuring it this week.
    Hugs,
    Jann

    ReplyDelete
  21. What a lovely, charming space! So glad I found you.
    -Revi

    ReplyDelete
  22. This is so beautiful. I would love to have a room like this. I have a link party on Wednesdays, and I would love it if you would link this and any other posts. It is called Wednesdays Adorned From Above Link Party. It runs from Wednesday to Sundays.
    http://www.adornedfromabove.com/2012/09/reeses-smore-brownies-and-wednesdays.html
    I hope to see you there. I am your newest follower, and I would love for your to follow me also. Have a great Day.
    Debi Bolocofsky
    Adorned From Above
    www.adornedfromabove.com

    ReplyDelete
  23. Your garden house is just adorable! What a place to relax!
    Would you mind sharing the green color name and make?
    I've been searching high and low for a green color to use on our dutch door in our garden and I just love yours.

    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey Melissa, so glad you enjoyed the post. I am sorry I can't help you with the color, and am one of those mix and match girls, and the color is the result of putting together some can ends. I love this kind of 50's green and am always picking variations of it out at the store, I usually just use the Bear Brand paint from Home Depot, and would have picked most of the colors from their swatches, but I am not above buying partial gallons at Habitate for Humanities Restore either. Sorry about that, and good luck with you dutch door, I love dutch doors, and agree it would be the perfect color. Have fun.

      Delete