I suppose, it is safe to say that this tale began 30 years ago, but, I won't go back that far. I'll go back to 10 years ago, where a girl met a door, at an antique store...
So, at many of your very kind requests, here goes the tale...
It all began with a green screen door that I procured from an antique dealer. I simply fell in love with it, plus, it came with the story of being taken off of an old farmhouse that was being torn down in Texas. So, as you can imagine, I was sold.
Now I had a beautiful green door.
A door that I dreamt would one day go on some sort of building that would be part of my future. I didn't know what or when. Why or how. The door was all I needed to keep my hopes and imagination alive.
Fast forward, years later, to early March of 2011. Mister Lovee and I were (and are, as you know) knee deep in a handful of largish projects. Both of us, so alike in many ways. Starting several things at once. Ideas fluttering about.
So, what was one more project, really?
In the midst of hammers and ladders, and an open space in our garden, I mentioned how great it would be for a little building to live right next to our mining camp area...
Then I went on to say, you know, these are just ramblings of thoughts and dreams, but I would love a wee cottage. A play house of sorts, but for a growed up girl.
With a pitched roof and such.
Then I said, of course, this is just a little dream I am sharing. It doesn't have to happen. Just food for thought...
The next day, I found Mister Lovee doing his fabulous drawings, bringing a girly cottage to life, on paper (I love these drawings he whips up when he is going to build me something).
Did I ever mention that he is an amazing artist, and can draw just about anything? He has lots of secrets, that one. Also, whilst veering on the topic of Mister Lovee, did you know that he dresses himself up for my parties, and is quite the well rounded fanciful character? He has tons of whimsy, and is, dare I say, much more adventurous than I. So, when you think it is me egging him on in all of our madness, it is often quite the opposite. It's more like, him egging me on. Go figure ;)
Anyhow, where was I?
Oh yes, so he drew up a cottage, and asked me if this was something I really wanted, because, he could make it come true.
Of course, I squealed yes.
(We always had playhouses growing up, and I love them so, who doesn't?)
He called up a master builder friend, who had recently worked on some of our other projects, and asked him if he would jump into a lil' cottage building. (he's been on This Old House, the television show, and more)
The builder extraordinaire said yes.
And so, the little cottage began...
Mister Lovee helped him build...
(that's our builder below)
It was March.
All of our other big projects got bumped down the list...
The cottage itself was built rather quickly...
It was fascinating to watch...
Mister surprised me with a metal roof. I think it's simply peachy!
After it was built, the inside called for insulation, drywall, caulking, etc.
The details in building are quite time consuming.
There were coats and coats of paint (huge endeavor), and then Mister Lovee finished putting the front porch on. (he also built trims for all of my windows, and more)
Oh, and then, what proved to be a huge task! Putting the white pickett fence up. I had three vintage pieces I got at my friend's shop. Then we purchased new pieces and painted them, to finish it off. Mister had to anchor it into cement holes, and on and on...
This was going on days before the Mad Tea Party.
We were physically spent beyond words. Exhausted.
Working away.
Literally mad, as in loony ;)
But it was all well worth it, totally and completely.
(I won't even tell you the tale of the tiny upper window space (under the V), built to fit an antique stained glass window that I achingly splurged on, which arrived in pieces. The antique, English glass architectural salvage window company, which prides itself on being the best, was very difficult to work with. They kept me going in circles about the insurance and uploading my photos to the insurance claim site (I had to take the window to the post office 2 times, and they would not accept the claim placed by the seller). I never got my money back, or the window fixed. By the time I found out the window company was really not going to help me, it was too late to leave feedback. Finally, when I couldn't take it anymore, I decided to just accept the loss of the stained glass window, and leave it all to karma to iron everything out. I mean, really, aren't there greater things in life to worry about? Yes indeed. So, proverbially speaking, I let the window saga go.
But then, dun dun dun...
We had a new window made from scratch (to fit the space) by a local company, which took 3 weeks (then we found out that the window building company lost the window, and had to remake it). Oh my goodness, it was a nightmare. One of those weird things, that goes on and on, giving us so much pointless grief. Silly window people. But, I have to say, I like the simple window that is up there even more. And, I guess I did tell you the whole tale in the end, haha! As they say, no pain, no gain. Isn't it funny how there is always some funny glitch in building? In this case, the tiny window.)
Oh oh, I must share this bit of real goodness...
Mister Lovee did something super lovely, as a surprise for me. He took the same pattern from my old green screen door, and used it to create wooden accents (drawn and cut by him). He placed a "V" on one of the accents.
He made the 2nd wooden accent to go over my front porch window. I am still so touched at that. He is so nice. Isn't he?
Thank you LOVEE!!!
And, as you have probably figured out, my old green door found all those years ago, now had a home...
On a little cottage, in a little garden, in Arizona....
With thoughts of what others had seen when they looked out this door, once upon a time...
As for other tid-bits...
I think that the corrugated metal roofs are charming. Such a good idea, and I extra love the sound of raindrops on metal...
(By the way, my antique shutters came from the nicest seller, who packaged them perfectly! Capitol Salvage)
One of the first things I did was, plant a plum tree, next to where a fruit tree that Baby used to love lived. (It was killed by bugs living inside of it, but we kept the trunk in place as a memory)
And so, after all of that, you are going to want to wring my neck when I tell you...
No inside photos yet...
WHY you ask?
Because well, the truth is...
It simply is not done.
It is insulated and drywalled.
The a/c is in.
But, there is still a part two to this tale.
And honestly, Mister Lovee has worked so hard, and the hours he has spent on this are unreal. So, I am not being pushy. The inside will happen in its own time.
But I can tell you this, it will be a girly hideout space, just for fun and relaxation. Maybe I can even have my sister stay over in it from time to time? We'll see ;)
I know what will go in it, and how I envision it.
But, we'll see what happens when I finally get to put things inside.
So, the little cottage journey continues...
(Along with other projects I will love to share one day)
Part II to come, before I am 89, I hope ;)
See you soon!
Love, V
ps: Have you seen the July/August 2011 issue of House Beautiful?
It is really fun. It talks about the Tiny House Movement, and decorating in small spaces... (love this kitchen)
I took a few photos for you to peek at...
I am sure you have noticed all the talk about tiny houses over the last couple of years? It seems it just got more explosive. Some folks actually live in some of these tiny houses. I wonder if I could live in my tiny cottage? What would I do with all my stuff? haha! I guess that is the point. Minimizing.... hmm...
I dunno.
I once got rid of all my stuff, in a minimalist fit, and often regret it when I think about all my serious treasures, and paintings, that I gave away to Good Will. I guess I am not ready for that again ;)
If you are into tiny houses, this is a really fun issue...
Garden sheds re-imagined!
Fun Stuff!
