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!
Your mister lovee is really a doll – I am going to give my mr. enchanted a little hint…
Enjoy your new cottage, it is magical!
Lisa
theenchantedoven.blogspot.com
Oh Vanessa I love that post and i love your tiny little cottage and the story about the door and that window. I especially love your words about Mr Lovee as it all seems so familiar to me. I have my own Mr Lovee who though not as talented as yours he is just as likely to don a crazy hat and serve tea at the beach or other such craziness without even batting an eyelid.
It is wonderful you have someone like that beside you…someone who does make your dreams come true…and lets us all dream a little with you.
Kiss Noises Linda
Hoorah for you and Lovee and a master builder who’s been on This old House (I used to watch that faithfully on Saturday mornings..cartoons? who needs cartoons!)and an Enchanted Cottage conveniently located next to a mining camp (?) !!
it is stupendous and magniferous and i love love love your green door! and tin roofs are the best- when its raining you are sure you are in blissland. (have i mentioned i love your green door?)
please hug lovee for me for giving you such a ridiculously sentimental over the top from the heart gift–and those window details – oh my!!
CONGRATS!!! 🙂
xoxoxo rhonda roo
PS I have bought from capitol salvage too-i bought 2 pediments and lotsa tin from them!! they are GREAT 🙂
PSS you’ve seen pictures of our little workshop that Cowboy built –it will be my cottage too!
What a magical story and a magical little cottage! You are a very lucky girl indeed!
Wow, such a wonderful little place in Fanciful AZ. pop. 4. I just loved that U rescued that adorable green door with all its charm and how awesome of Mister Lovee to design and then fashion the woodwork trim to match the door and with your initial. .The roof is sooo quant. I can just imagine what is stirring in your dreams as U await its completion. I love the light on the front, so unusual. Is it antique or did U mention that? I especially love the photo with the door open and looking out from it gives me the chills as you stated past and present eyes have shared. Thank you again Vanessa, for sharing another Fanciful life story and adventure. I loved every bit of the whole processes. I will await for part 2 no matter how long it takes. Bravo Mr. Lovee! I am sure the new plum tree will grow to grace your new dreamy little dwelling.<3& 😉
Love, love, LOVE the truly lovely playhouse that Mr. Lovey built (and credit to the Master Builder who has been on This Old House, but his title didn’t go with all my L alliteration). 😉
I love your tiny cottage and I guess that is why he is called Mr. Lovee! It takes a lovee to do something so sweet. : ) I noticed the “V” right away and love that touch. Your screen door which started this whole journey for you is beautiful and it’s lovely that it gets to be used again.
How funny that you said he is more into the dressing up than you would push him to be; my SIL and his friend really got into doing the Mad Hatters Tea Party and I was really surprised at that, but I thought it was great!
Aw! You’re so lucky. I wish my Mister was as sweet as your Lovee is… It makes me a little melancholic. He doesn’t ever really take time out for me anymore. But I am so happy for you!
oh
you are my hero*girl!
🙂
you built a wee~house
around a pre~loved,
green~screened door!
{{ i am beside
myself
With Pleasure
at the thought of this…
me –>
who bought a huge, 2~story house
because
of the green
front~porch swing
15 years ago…
i know… }}
I just love the idea.. you built a house around a door. That’s such a lovely metaphor.
Oh Miss Vanessa,
I so love your cottage with a “V”…it’s truly a magical, enchanting cottage, since it was made with LOVE… ohhh how I beelieve that when a treasure like your door is found, the wee little ones (fairies, lepruachans & gnomes) make sure that there is a special place for it to go…
I could only imagine all the fun & memories that will grow out of your little magical girl cottage… To think the special memories have all ready started with Mr. Loveee making you your special little place & by you planting the plum tree in honor of Baby… We cannot forget about the special moldings & “V” that were placed with you in mind (truly special)… ahhh what a grand place this will bee…
Here’s to many years of happiness & memories & blessing for your mini home away from home (only a few steps away)….enJOY!!
Have a honey of a night ~ sweet dREaMs! ;O) xox
Your tale was enchanting. Mr. Lovee sounds like such a great part of your life.
And I love that you built a cottage around a door. And that he cut trim to match the door.
And that you share your cottage with us.
I keept thinking about a little building built out on a little hill under the trees next to the pasture. Maybe some day.
This reminds me of that long-abandoned promise that my father made to me regarding an air-conditioned, wall-to-wall carpeted, secret-passage-wayed Tree House. So happy to see your dream abode come to fruition.
I’ll have to show this post to my dad :O)
I am absolutely drop-jawed!! Your cottage is truly amazing, and what a blessing to have someone want to fulfill your dreams like that. Your Mr. Lovee is a keeper, but then, you already know that, hehe. 😉
You’ve truly created your very own nirvana right in the AZ desert!
Thanks also for sharing the House Beautiful issue – must make a B&N run to pick it up! I adore the tiny house movement, and much as I love my things about me, I think if a small house meant working less, and enjoying LIFE more, I’d do it in a heartbeat, *sigh*…
OK, back to work I go now, ha!
Thanks as always, for an inspiring post…
🖤 Carolee
Madly mad…but wonderfully wonderful…must be why I love your posts!
Adorable. It looks so magical. I would love to stay in that little cottage and I can’t wait to see the pictures when the interior is finished !!
Have a great day.
Dearest Miss Vanessa,
Your blog is such a ray of sunshine! Your dear little house looks so very much like a small house that was built for me in my backyard when I was 11 or so! It broke my heart to leave it when I left Wyoming in 1988. But it makes me so very, very happy to see yours!! And I just love that it started with a screen door! I really am inordinately fond of them, especially green ones! I don’t know why, but they are very, very popular in parts of New England and hearing the sounds of them, the creak when they open and the tiny slam when they shut is one of my top 25 favorite sounds!! Isn’t that just silly?!?! My little house had a screen door, but it wasn’t an old one, so it did not have so many stories to tell! But your lovely place is just full of ooooooodles of fun touches! The “V” near the pitch of the roof was one of the first things I noticed (and it melted my heart. What a Wonderful Mr. Lovee he is!!) and tin roofs are super fun! We have them in this house and on rainy nights, of which there are many, we are lullaby-ed by the rain!
It’s just beyond words wonderful, Dear Vanessa!!
Big hugs,
Betty
Wowza Vanessa, what a lovely cottage that Mr. Lovee built around your green door…super sweet for him to put all those fancy touches too!! I love it and was wondering about it in your Mad Tea Party post 😉 😉 I thought we may be hearing more about it! Can’t wait to see what you decide to do on the inside.
Hugs,
Jamie 🙂
p.s. sweet of you to keep the stump from Baby’s fav tree
Mister Lovee rocks. To build you the plans for your own Enchanted cottage. That is so sweet. Your house looks beautiful. I can’t wait to see what you do inside of it. Ah, I wish I could come visit you there. I’m sure it would be quite magical fun.
I need to pick up that magazine!! Wonderful~~~Miss V!
Love it!
Hope you are having and amazing summer! Sounds like a full summer indeed!
Always a fun time to pop by and check in with you:))
xo
Kay Ellen
Maybe you’ll have your dream cottage fixed up inside by Halloween!?? That would be a delight!
I just knew Mr. Lovee had to be an exceptional artist (He reminds me of my artist brother in many ways, as my brother has dressed up many times, in outfits his wife has sewn for illustrations in his books) I love it when men are whimsical and talented at the same time! You are sooooo lucky!!!
Can wait to see how you decorate the inside.
Those are crazy stories about the stained glass window and then the special order window ‘getting lost’ and having to be made all over again. (I bet you the gremlins had something to do with it!)
Your cottage is oozing with magic…I am sure the fairies in your garden would love to inhabit it too! I am so happy for you to have a special girly hideaway.
Harry Potter movie tomorrow at the theaters…midnight! Yipee!
XXOO
from Crookshanks, Hermoine’s cat
=^..^=
So gorgeous!!! You are a lucky girl having Mr Lovee. Very sweet of him to build your little dream and he did it very well. It is beautiful!!!
In Sweden there is a tradition to build tiny houses to throw parties in. Since we have rather cold evenings and lots of mosqitos we build them with huge windows, they are often hexagonal and decorated with woodwork, looking like decorated cupkakes. If you google search on pictures on the word ‘lusthus’ you’ll see what I mean. The word is lust-house but not the sexual meaning, just for amusements and joy.
Wishing you a lovely day /Therese
Vanessa, I Really enjoyed reading the saga of your cottage. I know that you will enjoy many magical hours there. Mr. Lovee is a gem. Have a wonderful day! Twyla
How lovely, I can hardly wait to see the inside. My little Garden Studio I had built a year and a half ago is my favorite place to be. I have kept it rather simple but am constantly dreaming of all the different ways I could arrange it…but then I realize how much I love just the way it is! Happy Small Cottage Day to you!!!
Oh, Vanessa, this was such a fun-to-read post! So many elements of a good story went into its construction . . . mystery (unknown eyes that once peered through that beautiful old door), love (Mister capturing your dream and bringing it to life), tragedy (window breaking), triumph (new window ending up being more embraced than that which was lost). Oh, and then there is the tease for the sequel!
In the past I have looked up some of those tiny houses just out of interest. They are pretty fascinating. They make my 1000-square-foot-previously-thought-of-by-me-as-really-small house seem like a mansion!
Oh, happy inside finishing and decorating!
STAINED OR LEADED GLASS!
My dream is my own business doing stained/leaded glass. I work in the field now but for someone else. They are great but I have my own vision. I read your jaw dropping blog day in day out.
Sooooooo much inspiration for my daily life comes from you truly living yours.
Let’s make our own stained glass piece…if not for the tiny window for whatever you dream up next.
Let us dream and make history! herstory!
let our relics be that which the future generations restore…behold!
Miss Vanessa, congratulations!!!! What a DELIGHTFUL cottage. Mr. Lovey is just amazing. It’s gorgeous – like a mini Wonderland come to life! And I LOVE the “V” at the tippy-top. 🙂 It is quite obvious that your Mister loves you oodles and oodles. And it’s beautiful to see. I have always adored how he dresses up for your parties and has such a playful spirit. And now he has made your dream cottage. 🙂 You are soul mates!!!! Have fun – I cannot wait to see the decor inside when it’s complete!!! xoxo
Thank you for your wonderful stories! I LOVE your little house! You are so lucky to have someone love you that much 🙂
sigh . . . you do have a fanciful life!
~elaine~
What a wonderful cottage and the story behind it!! Hope one day it is finished on the inside and you share the pics of it 🙂 But like you said: time to time
I am going to find a copy of House Beautiful.
This is a very sweet and moving story. So pretty and loving. Thank you for sharing it!
Vanessa! Look at the blog postcards from paradise!
Mr. Lovee has got the right name. Only a man in love would make a small house for their partner. When you mentioned the A/C at first I was thinking there was A/C in the little house but then I realized..oh you are staying in your own home because it’s too hot. Well the little house, I mean cottage, will be ready when the weather gets cooler. I’ve always wanted something like that for my daughter and I. Ok more like a garden shed. Then I imagined that she would go in her little house and day dream or just get away from her parents. Enjoy!
Miss Katharine, the little cottage defintely has A/C 🙂 So that it can be enjoyed in the now too.
The small cottage movement is new to me- but small spaces…. Growing up we travelled extensively, and we did so using 1977 full-size Ford vans. We put in curtains, and had real beds, the whole bit. These little cottages bring back all the great memories of small spaces. Thanks!
^-^
I loved re-reading this post. ^-^
It makes me smile & feel all fuzzy & twinkly… Maybe because there’s a fairy tale cottage… maybe because there’s still a little girl inside me who’s always dreamed of her own play house… maybe because your sweety is just the sweetest ever.
Or maybe because of all of that? =D
Have a good weekend!
XOXO