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| Photo courtesy of Blaentrothy 'Holiday Cottages' http://www.cottage-holiday-wales.co.uk/brasseys-contract-cottage-welsh-borders.shtml |
Welcome to another cottage tour here at A Joyful Cottage.
It's my pleasure to show you Brassey's Contract Cottage, a meticulously restored half-timbered 17th century thatched cottage located in the town of Edge in south Cheshire.
The cottage is named for the British civil engineering contractor Thomas Brassey (1805-1870). It was here that Brassey closed the deal to purchase the land for the railway line between Chester and Shrewsbury.
When the present owners purchased the cottage it was in a severely deteriorated state. They have lovingly restored it to its current beautiful condition.
This cottage is delightful in both its architecture and its décor.
The kitchen bubbles over with charm. Take a look at that chandelier and the exposed beams. And who could pass up the apron front sink?
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| Photo courtesy of Blaentrothy 'Holiday Cottages' http://www.cottage-holiday-wales.co.uk/brasseys-contract-cottage-welsh-borders.shtml |
I do believe this is a kitchen out of my dreams. Just the right shade of creamy yellow on the walls to contrast with the white cabinetry and open shelving, and the slate counter tops. The cream built-in cooker with the black pipe tops off this cottage kitchen.
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| Photo courtesy of Blaentrothy 'Holiday Cottages' http://www.cottage-holiday-wales.co.uk/brasseys-contract-cottage-welsh-borders.shtml |
The warm and cozy drawing room pairs antiques with modern furnishings for a classic traditional look. The equestrian paintings, the leather chairs, and the cupboard in the corner all work beautifully with the exposed beam ceiling and the large fireplace.
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| Photo courtesy of Blaentrothy 'Holiday Cottages' http://www.cottage-holiday-wales.co.uk/brasseys-contract-cottage-welsh-borders.shtml |
The floral fabric and ruffled lamp shade soften the room's mood, keeping it from feeling too masculine. Even something simple like adding a table with curved legs can keep a room from appearing severe.
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| Photo courtesy of Blaentrothy 'Holiday Cottages' http://www.cottage-holiday-wales.co.uk/brasseys-contract-cottage-welsh-borders.shtml |
The sitting room is light and cheery in pale blue with a hint of cocoa.
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| Photo courtesy of Blaentrothy 'Holiday Cottages' http://www.cottage-holiday-wales.co.uk/brasseys-contract-cottage-welsh-borders.shtml |
I love this wingback chair upholstered in a dog print. The chair, along with the tailored window treatment tones down the feminine qualities of this room just enough. I really like the way the owner has added just the right touches in each room to accomplish this balance.
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| Photo courtesy of Blaentrothy 'Holiday Cottages' http://www.cottage-holiday-wales.co.uk/brasseys-contract-cottage-welsh-borders.shtml |
Here again, the dark coffer and the fox are overtly masculine, but the floral fabric and the slim lamp add ladylike touches to this hallway.
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| Photo courtesy of Blaentrothy 'Holiday Cottages' http://www.cottage-holiday-wales.co.uk/brasseys-contract-cottage-welsh-borders.shtml |
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| Photo courtesy of Blaentrothy 'Holiday Cottages' http://www.cottage-holiday-wales.co.uk/brasseys-contract-cottage-welsh-borders.shtml |
While the fabrics and patterns vary from room to room, the colors flow. There is a hint of pale blue in the drawing room that repeats predominantly in the sitting room. Beige in the sitting room is picked up in the hallway fabric, and the added blue and red in that fabric is repeated in the dining room's chairs and the blue and white plate display, and ties in with the drawing room's blues and reds.
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| Photo courtesy of Blaentrothy 'Holiday Cottages' http://www.cottage-holiday-wales.co.uk/brasseys-contract-cottage-welsh-borders.shtml |
Books in the library continue the color flow; picking up the reds, blues, beiges and cocoa. So subtle, yet very effective.
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| Photo courtesy of Blaentrothy 'Holiday Cottages' http://www.cottage-holiday-wales.co.uk/brasseys-contract-cottage-welsh-borders.shtml |
The same multi-colored striped carpet in the drawing room is used on the stairs and in the master bedroom. Red pops throughout this room.
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| Photo courtesy of Blaentrothy 'Holiday Cottages' http://www.cottage-holiday-wales.co.uk/brasseys-contract-cottage-welsh-borders.shtml |
The master bath colors tie in with the bedroom carpet.
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| Photo courtesy of Blaentrothy 'Holiday Cottages' http://www.cottage-holiday-wales.co.uk/brasseys-contract-cottage-welsh-borders.shtml |
Another bedroom is tucked under the thatched roof. Very charming.
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| Photo courtesy of Blaentrothy 'Holiday Cottages' http://www.cottage-holiday-wales.co.uk/brasseys-contract-cottage-welsh-borders.shtml |
This is a second bath. I wanted you to see this stylish sink.
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| Photo courtesy of Blaentrothy 'Holiday Cottages' http://www.cottage-holiday-wales.co.uk/brasseys-contract-cottage-welsh-borders.shtml |
Outside the cottage garden invites lingering, and leisurely walks.
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| Photo courtesy of Blaentrothy 'Holiday Cottages' http://www.cottage-holiday-wales.co.uk/brasseys-contract-cottage-welsh-borders.shtml |
A big thank you to Caroline of Blaentrothy Holiday Cottages for allowing me the privilege of featuring Brassey's Contract Cottage at A Joyful Cottage. You can learn more about this wonderful cottage on the Blaentrothy Holiday Cottages website.
I hope you've enjoyed our tour of this lovely rescued cottage. What do you think of it?
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