The Little Cottage

The smallest cottage in town.

A few weeks ago, I received an email prompt about a new rental property on the market. As soon as I saw the picture, I knew I'd go see it; it looked so wee and small, like the perfect fairy tale cottage from a chidren's fable. The afternoon I went looking for it, I walked in the wrong direction, away from town. A neighbor called out to me as I stood on the sidewalk perplexed. After we talked, I headed back towards town, to the south side that I rarely walk to, near the railroad tracks, because it's in the less prosperous part of town. When I found the house, I thought it was perfectly lovely, though it needs a bit loving care. 

It is indeed a small one bedroom, though my neighbor told me she always thought it would make a nice taxi stand, given its' proximity to the town's railroad station. I see it's future in a much cuter and quainter way: that of the local pie shop, dressed up in brightly appealing candy colors, the trim hand-painted with floral motifs, decorated by the charming lady behind the counter, who shows the townspeople love and care with her crisp, frilly aproned self, briskly dispensing advice and attention along with her expertly made pies, in a feminine counterpoint to the many pubs in town for the men.  

What do you think?

Potting Sheds, Tiny Studios, and Other Delights

Little blue house next to the "Mommy" house.

Check out this adorable little house that sits next to the bigger "parent" house, a local fine dining restaurant that's been around since I had friends in high school who waitressed. Yeah, that long. So cute!

Painting studio

This will appeal to any artist, crafter, or carpenter with two hands (or maybe just one that works well, but you're still creating): the space to do it. I've tried to incorporate studio space within every home I have, and it is very hard to do. You need tons of natural light, time alone, and space to work. The fact that they turned this tiny back house into an actual business cheers me.

Wee gardening shed? Done!

This baby garden shed is every little girls' dream. Think of the tea parties with Teddy Bears you could have. So adorable, I'm done.

Neighborhood gem.

I often walk past this beauty, and the way it peeks out of the shrubbery at different angles just kills me. It's a small house with big personality; can't beat that.

Cabin in the park.

The local hidden park (http://mariedoucette.blogspot.com/2013/08/gardens-dr-henry-v-borst-park.html) has this rustic log cabin that reminds me of Scout hikes on the Adirondack trail, with  campfires and marshmallows roasting on sticks. I have no idea why the good doctor built it, but it's funny that's it's still here in his old grounds.

Got any good cottages in your area? If not, take heart. I've got a beauty collection of them right here: http://www.pinterest.com/mariedoucette/cottages/.