Living Large In Small Spaces - Waverly Cottage

Built in 1895, Waverly Cottage in Medford, Oregon is this week's featured small space.




Welcome to the eightieth post in the series
"Living Large in Small Spaces".


As soon as I discovered Waverly Cottage I felt the 1200 sq ft gem was destined to be part of the Living Large In Small Spaces series.  Fortunately, the owners Robert and Tiffany Pool have allowed me the privilege of sharing it with you.

Also known as the Shone-Charley House, Waverly Cottage was built by Joe Shone in the Queen Anne/Eastlake style. W. J. Benett was the architect. An article in the Medford Mail, January 10, 1896, page 5 reads:

"Joe Shone is putting in some good work these days on his new residence, which, when completed, will be one of the best and prettiest buildings in Medford. Joe being a carpenter—and a good one—he is leaving not a thing undone that would help the building's beauty and convenience. One especially fine feature is that the building stands well up off the ground, thus permitting of the grading of splendid grounds around it. The finish of the building is to be of a style of architecture very out of the ordinary and when completed it cannot fail to attract much favorable comment." (source)





The Shones sold the house in 1901 to William and Andromeda Charley. The house remained in the Charley family until 1978.

When the Pools purchased Waverly in the early 2000s it was in poor shape, and so they began a complete restoration from the foundation up. Using old photos as a guide, Robert rebuilt the original porch and the carriage house. (He's also in the process of recreating all the elaborate embellishments.) The project took four years to complete, after which the Pools lived in the home for four years. Later, they used it as an antique store and now operate the cottage as a bed and breakfast.




It's easy to see the love and care Robert and Tiffany have poured into Waverly's revival. On the National Register of Historic Places, Waverly Cottage was the winner of the City of Medford Historic Renovation Award by the city’s Landmarks and Historic Preservation Commission in 2008.




The archway between the parlor and dining room is hand carved of red cedar with gold leaf designs and decorative glass insets. The arch is offset with similarly intricate matching red cedar woodwork.

In every aspect this charming cottage lives much larger than its size. Each room is beautifully decorated with period antiques.



Even the kitchen is equipped with antique appliances. The house has seven operable transom windows above the doors.



You'll notice chandeliers throughout the cottage. 




True to the age of the home, artwork hangs from picture rails.



The bathroom is dreamy. 






Walking through the door of Waverly Cottage one may feel as if they've stepped through a time portal. It has so much character. 

Tell me, do you live in a period home?


Waverly Cottage is a Boutique style two bedroom, one bath National Historic Home/Museum and was featured courtesty of Robert and Tiffany Pool. To learn more about Waverly Cottage and reservation opportunities, click here


Join me next Saturday for another post in the special series

 Living Large in Small Spaces

See more home tours and small living ideas in the 
Living Large In Small Spaces Series here.

Living Large In Small Spaces - Deepwell Barn

A 500 year-old converted barn in Buxhall, Suffolk, Deepwell Barn is this week's featured small space.





Welcome to the seventy-ninth post in the series
"Living Large in Small Spaces".

Barns have always intrigued me. My interest began when as a wee girl I climbed into the hayloft of the barn on our family farm and basked in the dreamy light that drifted through the window. Life seemed full of possibilities in my quiet retreat. Years later when I saw a magazine spread of an old barn converted into a home I was enamored with the idea of rescuing neglected barns for living spaces. I still am.



Deepwell Barn, with its thatched roof, is a stunning conversion set in an equally stunning location.


Through the stable door we enter into a bright and inviting living space.





Modern furnishings mix with classic to create a romantic, approachable room. 



Floor to ceiling windows visually enlarge this small space.



The pendant light over the dining table adds a quaint, farmhouse touch.



Beautiful gardens and a pond are visible from the living room.




Exposed timber stars in this peaceful paradise.




Are those butterflies made from oyster shells? I think they are. Love this!




The compact kitchen has plenty of storage.




Wooden spoon and rolling pin collections decorate the wall. The open shelving is pretty, as well as functional.










Upstairs a gallery loft leads to the bedroom.




Natural light floods the room through large windows.




Throughout the home color is used sparingly, but with impact. In this case, via the antique Persian rug, the coverlet and the flowers.







The small bathroom is charming. An accordion mirror is the perfect solution when an over-the-sink mirror can't be installed, and it gives a hint of vintage to the room.




Outdoors is a 2-acre private garden.



Enjoy al fresco dining on the patio.


Or just relaxing on the bench, taking in the views.



And what views there are!







There's a rope swing.



And a sweet bistro set to enjoy a cool drink.







Beyond the gardens is countryside waiting to be explored.





Deepwell Barn -- a small space that lives very large in my book.





Deepwell Barn featured courtesy of GroveCottages - Romantic Holiday Cottages
Tel:01787 211115 


All images are the property of Grove Cottages and were used with their permission.  



Join me next Saturday for another post in the special series



 Living Large in Small Spaces

See more home tours and small living ideas in the 
Living Large In Small Spaces Series here.

Living Large In Small Spaces - A Petite French Country House

A French country home near Versailles is this week's featured small space.


French country home



Welcome to the seventy-eighth post in the series
"Living Large in Small Spaces".



This 1200 sq ft restored 16th century presbytery is filled with wonderful details. 



French country home


The once dark interior is now light and inviting thanks to the skills of interior decorator Catherine Sandin of Versailles. She lightened the wall and floors, and bleached the dark brown beams.


French country home


The previous owner brought the old stone fireplace and the paneling from an 18th century castle he owned in the south of France. Sandin's clients, wanting to change the dark paneling, chose a paint and patina that coordinates with the color of the sconces and mirror above the sofa.


French country home


Attention to details brings a collected, timeless feel to the rooms.



French country home


Did you notice that the drapes are knotted at the bottom?



French country home



Sandin kept the old rug in the dining room. It works beautifully with the rustic tile floor.


French country home





A charming Santos surveys the pretty dining room.

French country home



The writing desk, found in a barn on the property, was painted in two tones to enhance its detailing. 


French country home




With light streaming in from the skylight and the sweet little table and chairs, this kitchen gives the feeling of a lovely garden room.


French country home


French country home




I have a serious crush on this coat rack, and I wouldn't turn down the chair, either.


French country home





There are two bedrooms upstairs, along with the bathroom.


French country home





French country home



Blue and white fabric in the door glass adds a bit of color.


French country home


The master bedroom is soft and serene.  

French country home




French country home



Old louvers serve as headboards in the granddaughters' bedroom. Sandin created the look of canopies with organdy voile and gave a nod to the Versailles location with the addition of Marie Antoinette medallions.


French country home


Whimsical touches like the stuffed animals and the doll dress lamp remind us that this is, indeed, a room for children. However, I wouldn't mind sleeping here.



French country home



A terrace with climbing Wisteria invites lingering.


French country home



Another outdoor space was created for dining and conversation at the back of the house.


French country home



The outdoors is every bit as delightful as the interior.



French country home



Imagine dining with friends here in the beautiful French countryside.

French country home


I'm ready to pack my bags for a visit.

French country home


Does anything about this home inspire you?


Join me next Saturday for another post in the special series

 Living Large in Small Spaces

See more home tours in the 
Living Large In Small Spaces Series here.