The Cottage was darling yet we knew we wanted to make some renovations to open the floor plan, allow more light and put hardwoods down throughout. Dave's been a contractor all his life so we went to work. The house is from the 40's (at least) so there was lots to do. Dave opened the kitchen to the dining room and created a bar. We took down a wall for an easier access to the bathroom. We just, in 2025, re-remodeled the bathroom again, putting in a new shower, toilet, vanity, sink and flooring.
The opening from the dining room to the living room was made and new sliding glass doors replaced a window, opening the whole house to the new patio, garden and meadow! Dave built an arbor and for a chardonnay and a muscat grape vine! I landscaped for a garden of rose bushes, fruit trees, shrubs and flowers. We discovered the javelina loved it too, so we installed a white picket fence to keep the little devils out! 🐗
After Carpets were ripped out, ceilings lifted, lighting, plumbing, painting, and lots of things you can't imagine we started making it homey, a little Western and a little midi-century modern. We had fun furnishing the Cottage and meeting people from auctions, antique stores, yard sales and estate sales. It's so wonderful to see so many works of art, antiques and collectibles and remember the people and stories that go with them. How heart-warming and magical it is to repurpose someone else's beloved or handmade items!
We've enjoyed a cocktail and glass of wine on the deck once or twice and I've often thought I could move in! I love the openness, the quiet, the cleanliness and the birds and butterflies.