Summer Cottage Porches

Front Gate photo by Katybeck:http://www.flickr.com/photos/katy/26588395/in/set-603714/
Some Rights Reserved

"Deep summer is when laziness find respectability." -- Sam Keen

Have you traveled anywhere this summer? Maybe stayed in a cottage somewhere along the ocean (like the whimsical cottage above), near a lake or in the mountains. Perhaps you even have a vacation cottage of your own. One of my favorite movie scenes takes place in "On Golden Pond" when Ethel (Katherine Hepburn) and Norman (Henry Fonda) open up their summer cottage. It reminds me of  the times I helped my mother and aunt open my grandfather's summer cottage in Illinois. We pulled sheets off time-worn sofas and easy chairs, polished the big oak dining set, washed mismatched glassware and dishes, and hosed down the lawn furniture. 
The cottage overlooked a small lake on Grandpa's property, where I learned to fish.  After breakfast Grandpa rowed the boat out on the lake, took out his rod and reel, and handed me a bamboo pole tied with fishing string and a cheerful red & white bobber. Sport, Grandpa's rough collie, napped in the bow of the boat until one of us caught a fish. That was the large dog's cue to snap to attention and bark his approval. I can still hear Grandpa's deep chuckle as he removed the fish from the hook and tossed it back into the lake. "Too little. We'll let it grow up," he would say. 
As the sun faded we ate fat burgers from the grill and played gin rummy until even toothpicks couldn't keep our eyes open. Then Grandpa would head for his bedroom with Sport, and I'd snuggle up on the daybed on the screened porch, counting the silver stars in the black velvet sky and wishing those lazy days could last forever.

With that last memory dancing in my head, I found cottage porches to share with you. Porches like these extend living space and call us to kick back a bit. Is there any place where laziness is more respectable?

Photo Gothic Oak Bluffs Porches by Professor Bop:

 http://www.flickr.com/photos/professorbop/1184679803/in/set-72157600979229182/

Some Rights Reserved

Wonderful gingerbread and Fleur-de-Lis trim this pink and blue porch. I've always wanted a wicker planter like the one here.

Mount Gretna Porch photo by Elizabeth Thomsen:http://www.flickr.com/photos/ethomsen/3852708486/

Some Rights Reserved

White porch, white wicker, a hanging fern and ceiling fan all say "summertime". Lovely rose print on the cushions. Fresh flowers in a cut glass vase. Charming.

Martha's Vineyard photo by Janet Lindenmuth:http://www.flickr.com/photos/j3net/244914366/ 
Some Rights Reserved

Here white wicker plays against bold colors on this Martha's Vineyard porch. The impatiens in front of the porch are a perfect compliment, in my humble opinion. Paler flowers would be lost against those trim colors.

The Porch photo by MollyAli:http://www.flickr.com/photos/mollyali/1033409728/
Some Rights Reserved

This is a lovely classic screened porch. I'm kind of coveting that big wicker chair by the door. Imagine this porch with flower-filled pots and maybe a colorful rug on the floor. 

Screen Porch. Day 240 photo by Kevin K:http://www.flickr.com/photos/tworubies/5674398604/

Some Rights Reserved

This screened porch is sweetly simple. That centerpiece on the table is intriguing. It looks like birds' nests. I like the vintage pictures hung on the porch trim, the chandelier and the pretty rug. All this makes it more like a cozy outdoor room.

The Old Wicker Chair 1 Photo by Craig:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/lincolnblues/2718016408/in/photostream

Some Rights Reserved

The print on the cushion is a great choice for this old white wicker chair. I've always liked blue and white together. I may have to do another room with blue and white. It's so fresh.

Sit A Spell photo by Andy Chase: http://www.flickr.com/photos/usonian/563934428/

Some Rights Reserved

This is a great rocker. It really does evoke a desire to "sit a spell". I see adding a colorful quilt to this scene. That birds' nest centerpiece would be right at home here, too. And big natural baskets of sunflowers or black-eyed susans.

Cottage Over the Rainbow photo by Timothy Valentine: http://www.flickr.com/photos/el_ramon/3943432580/in/photostream/ Some Rights Reserved

Mmmm, I'm lovin' this porch and the cottage that it belongs to. 

Cottages photo by Timothy Valentine: http://www.flickr.com/photos/el_ramon/3943432176/in/photostream/
Some Rights Reserved

Perfect. Are you inspired yet?

Nothing Like Montreat Porches photo by Seth Youngblood:http://www.flickr.com/photos/whateyesee13/223769498/
Some Rights Reserved

Okay, your turn. How would you embellish this quaint cottage porch?

Blessings,

A Tour of Pixie Nook Cottage in Cornwall

Pixie Nook Cottage
Photos used with the permission of Unique Home Stays
www.pixienook.uniquehomestays.com, contact number + 44 (0) 1637 881942

Recently I received an email from Claire at Unique Home Stays in the UK ("Unique Home Stays offers luxury private house accommodation in more than 140 homes scattered over 14 different countries.") Claire had found my blog and had some nice things to say about it. Then she asked if I'd like to blog about one of Unique Home Stay's cottages "Pixie Nook". Once I looked at the stunning photos of Pixie Nook I sent a "definitely" reply to Claire and here we are. It's my pleasure to share this pretty one bedroom cottage with you.

Step from the picturesque Cornish countryside through the powder green door of this 300 year-old traditional stone cottage and get ready for a surprise.

There's nothing conventional about this cottage decor. Dressed in luscious contemporary florals in jewel tones, the rooms suggest a cottage garden.

Lots of attention to detail here. The colored glass at the windows echo the hues in the drapery fabric and the area rug.

Pixie Nook is Grade II listed, which in the UK means it is of "special interest". The present owners purchased the cottage in 2011 and renovated and decorated the property themselves, with the help of the Interior Styler at Unique Home Stays Jess Clarke.

We classic cottage lovers can appreciate the care the owners took to maintain the architectural integrity throughout their home. I love the white granite walls, deep window wells, beamed ceilings and painted wood floors.

The bright colors of the accessories contrasted against the white walls and cupboard create a cheery dining area.

I knew you'd want a closer look at that gorgeous teapot.

There's no lack of modern amenities in this kitchen, yet the blue cabinets with the scalloped edging and the wood countertops satisfy the longing for an old-fashioned cottage.

Ahhh, a white farm sink. It speaks "charm" to me. Not to mention that marvelous door.

I'm really intrigued by this headboard. It looks like velvet. I imagine breakfast in bed followed by lollygagging the morning away with a good book or magazine. (I still like to thumb through home decorating magazines, don't you?)

There's a little mid-century, a touch of vintage and a spot of modern throughout the cottage. It's not easy to pull off an eclectic look, but these folks did a smashing job. Did you notice the cup and saucer lamp bases? Just a hint of whimsy. Very smart.

Are you as crazy about those hook and eye locks on the window as I am? So quaint. And who could resist a walk in the countryside after seeing this view?

After a soak in the tub I'll meet you on the patio for a late lunch.

It appears to be early spring when these photos were taken. I'm picturing this scene with morning glories climbing up the trellises and a scramble of perennials under the windows. A window box or two wouldn't hurt, either.

Very inviting. Every cottage needs a stone wall somewhere.

Afternoon tea in the garden, anyone?

That's a cedar hot tub, upper left in the photo. The lighting is enchanting. Very effective for evening enjoyment. 

I hope you enjoyed the tour of Pixie Nook. And to Claire I'd like to say a big "thank you" for allowing me to share this delightful place with all my cottage friends. 

If you're interested in booking a stay at Pixie Nook, Claire invites you to travel on over to www.uniquehomestays.com. 

Blessings,

Stone Cottages and Gardens to Love

Penlan Cottage: http://www.cottage-holiday-wales.co.uk/penlan-cottage-crickhowell.shtml
Copyright © 2012 Blaentrothy Cottages (Cottage Holiday Wales) Used with permission

We've had technology issues this week. Our internet provider had to perform emergency repairs, which shut us down for awhile, but we're back up and running now and I can finally share some cottage love with you.

Today we're visiting Penlan Cottage located in the Black Mountains of Wales. 

Penlan Cottage: http://www.cottage-holiday-wales.co.uk/penlan-cottage-crickhowell.shtml
Copyright © 2012 Blaentrothy Cottages (Cottage Holiday Wales) Used with permission

This deep well window is delightful.

Penlan Cottage: http://www.cottage-holiday-wales.co.uk/penlan-cottage-crickhowell.shtml
Copyright © 2012 Blaentrothy Cottages (Cottage Holiday Wales) Used with permission

Leaves in a heart. Oak, perhaps?

Penlan Cottage: http://www.cottage-holiday-wales.co.uk/penlan-cottage-crickhowell.shtml
Copyright © 2012 Blaentrothy Cottages (Cottage Holiday Wales) Used with permission

Love the barbed wire heart. This vignette inspires me to repurpose the old horseshoe I discovered on our property.

Penlan Cottage: http://www.cottage-holiday-wales.co.uk/penlan-cottage-crickhowell.shtml
Copyright © 2012 Blaentrothy Cottages (Cottage Holiday Wales) Used with permission

Great lime-washed walls in the cottage.

Penlan Cottage: http://www.cottage-holiday-wales.co.uk/penlan-cottage-crickhowell.shtml
Copyright © 2012 Blaentrothy Cottages (Cottage Holiday Wales) Used with permission

Lovely backyard overlooking a duck pond.

Walnut Tree Cottage: http://www.cottage-holiday-wales.co.uk/walnut-tree-abergavenny.shtml
Copyright © 2012 Blaentrothy Cottages (Cottage Holiday Wales) Used with permission

Another stone cottage in Wales: Walnut Tree Cottage.

Walnut Tree Cottage: http://www.cottage-holiday-wales.co.uk/walnut-tree-abergavenny.shtml
Copyright © 2012 Blaentrothy Cottages (Cottage Holiday Wales) Used with permission

Sometimes understated elegance is the best.

Walnut Tree Cottage: http://www.cottage-holiday-wales.co.uk/walnut-tree-abergavenny.shtml
Copyright © 2012 Blaentrothy Cottages (Cottage Holiday Wales) Used with permission

"Stable" or "dutch" door. Whichever you call it, it spells cottage.

Walnut Tree Cottage: http://www.cottage-holiday-wales.co.uk/walnut-tree-abergavenny.shtml
Copyright © 2012 Blaentrothy Cottages (Cottage Holiday Wales) Used with permission

A very pretty cottage garden just outside the doorway.

Walnut Tree Cottage: http://www.cottage-holiday-wales.co.uk/walnut-tree-abergavenny.shtml
Copyright © 2012 Blaentrothy Cottages (Cottage Holiday Wales) Used with permission

Eating outdoors is one of summer's delights, and this lovely setting is especially inviting.

Photo of The Royal Pavilions' North Garden by
David Le Masurier: http://www.flickr.com/photos/davidlemasurier/831374488/in/photostream
Some Rights Reserved

And once I get started on gardens. . .well, it's hard to stop. This garden has hollyhocks, which personally I think belong in a cottage garden. I first became acquainted with hollyhocks in a cottage garden I designed in Illinois. They are a wonderful old-fashioned flower.

Hollyhocks in Taos, NM

When we visited Taos last summer I discovered hollyhocks everywhere. The climate must appeal to them.

Photo of Hollyhocks in the Pavilion Gardens by David Le Masurier: http://www.flickr.com/photos/davidlemasurier/831374452/  Some Rights Reserved

Most of my gardening these days is confined to containers outside our shop. I purchased the little wagon at a friend's garage sale last week. He made it out of solid oak. It makes transporting the plants into the shop for the evening very convenient. I love it.

I hope your week is off to a good start.

Photo Cottage Garden Gate by RWM: http://www.flickr.com/photos/rwm/86839537/ Some Rights Reserved

"Give me odorous at sunrise a garden of beautiful flowers where I can walk undisturbed."  ~

Walt Whitman

Blessings,

Linking up with Inspire Me Monday