Living Large In Small Spaces - All American Cottages Revisited


Thirty-second post in the series 
"Living Large in Small Spaces"
Welcome Cottage Friends,

Today's feature at Living Large In Small Spaces is an encore of a popular post from March 2013. These charming cottages are some of my favorites. Enjoy.




Hilltop Cottage
Copyright © 2012 Ross Chapin Architects Used with permission  



One of the things I most like to do at A Joyful Cottage is take you on cottage tours. I often feature traditional cottages abroad for their timeless appeal. For me it's all in the details. Like deep window wells, plank walls, nooks and crannies, and little architectural surprises. A thatched roof grabs my attention every time. And, oh yes, if there's a cottage garden involved, I'm in. 


Hilltop Cottage
Copyright © 2012 Ross Chapin Architects Used with permission  
 
But today I'm staying in the United States.  I'm going all American, and I'm delighted and privileged to feature the home designs of Ross Chapin Architects. This award-winning Whidbey Island firm has been featured in a plethora of newspapers and magazines, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Cottage Living and Metropolitan Home, just to name a few. Taunton Press books such as The New Cottage Home by Jim Tolpin, Cottage by M. Caren Connolly and Louis Wasserman, and The Distinctive Home by Jeremiah Eck have included Chapin designs. And Ross Chapin himself has written a book entitled Pocket Neighborhoods.

What struck me immediately about these contemporary cottages and small homes is that their judicious use of space is not a sacrifice to charm. Remember, I said "for me it's all in the details." Come, and I'll show you what I mean along the way.

Let's start with pocket neighborhoods. 

Ross Chapin and developer Jim Soules first partnered in 1996 to create Whidbey Island's Third Street Cottages, eight cheerful cottages gathered around a common green.



Third Street Cottages
Copyright © 2012 Ross Chapin Architects Used with permission  

Chapin coined the name "pocket neighborhood" when the cottages "seemed [to him] like a pocket safely tucking away its possessions from the outside world."

Since the completion of Third Street Cottages more than a dozen pocket neighborhoods have been developed in North America.


Greenwood Avenue Cottages
Copyright © 2012 Ross Chapin Architects Used with permission  


Designed to foster a sense of community, pocket neighborhoods remind me of vintage homes built around a city park, much like the small Midwestern town where I grew up.


Danielson Grove
Copyright © 2012 Ross Chapin Architects Used with permission  



Each cottage boasts its own swinging gate and private garden.



Third Street Cottages
Copyright © 2012 Ross Chapin Architects Used with permission  



Third Street Cottages
Copyright © 2012 Ross Chapin Architects Used with permission  


Front porches act as outdoor rooms and invite lingering.





Greenwood Avenue Cottages
Copyright © 2012 Ross Chapin Architects Used with permission  


Cheerful flower boxes add to the enchantment.


Greenwood Avenue Cottages
Copyright © 2012 Ross Chapin Architects Used with permission  




Classic Street Cottages
Copyright © 2012 Ross Chapin Architects Used with permission  

Classic Street Cottages
Copyright © 2012 Ross Chapin Architects Used with permission  




Betty Cottages
Copyright © 2012 Ross Chapin Architects Used with permission  


Owners are encouraged to name their cottages.



Pears and Cherries
Copyright © 2012 Ross Chapin Architects Used with permission  



The board and batten ceiling and decorative trim on this porch are extra touches that delight.


Bartlett Cottage
Copyright © 2012 Ross Chapin Architects Used with permission  



Are you dying to see what's inside? Let's take a peek, starting with the Hilltop Cottage. And by the way, the plans for all the homes I'm showing you are available for purchase through Ross Chapin Architect's Goodfit plan collection.

The Hilltop Cottage plan comes in two versions: A 729 sf and B 831 sf. 


As an owner of a 640 sf cottage, I know the challenges of small house living. Ross Chapin understands my angst. The Hilltop kitchen is bright and cheery, yet functional, with space provided for full-size appliances. I live in a mountain community where many cottages have apartment size ranges and refrigerators, so for me this particular feature is a big draw. (We are fortunate to have full size appliances in our cottage.)

Hilltop Cottage
Copyright © 2012 Ross Chapin Architects Used with permission  

 



This plan has one bedroom and a loft.



Hilltop Cottage
Copyright © 2012 Ross Chapin Architects Used with permission  



Banquette dining conserves space, but not at the expense of design.  Built-in shelves provide storage and add architectural interest. The tall window is perfect for this space.


Hilltop Cottage
Copyright © 2012 Ross Chapin Architects Used with permission  



The living room has the deep well windows I love.


Hilltop Cottage
Copyright © 2012 Ross Chapin Architects Used with permission  



Ceiling beams and a romantic reading nook give this bedroom a vintage feel.



Hilltop Cottage
Copyright © 2012 Ross Chapin Architects Used with permission  


More ceiling beams and three small windows -- as opposed to one large -- raise the charm level in the bath.

Hilltop Cottage
Copyright © 2012 Ross Chapin Architects Used with permission  




Next up, the 720 sf Bartlett Cottage.



Bartlett Cottage
Copyright © 2012 Ross Chapin Architects Used with permission  


The Bartlett's kitchen's craftsman cabinetry is delightful. Very cottagey.


Bartlett Cottage
Copyright © 2012 Ross Chapin Architects Used with permission  



Craftsman touches repeat in plank walls, board and batten ceilings . . .



Bartlett Cottage
Copyright © 2012 Ross Chapin Architects Used with permission  

and overhead built in shelves.



Bartlett Cottage
Copyright © 2012 Ross Chapin Architects Used with permission  


The Betty cottages come in four styles ranging from 708 - 838 sq ft: The Betty Lu, Betty Lu Lu, Betty Jane, and Betty Gable. (Wouldn't it be fun to name the cottages?)



Betty Cottages
Copyright © 2012 Ross Chapin Architects Used with permission


The pitched ceiling and abundance of natural light keep this small cottage from feeling cramped. The raised ambient lighting is a great touch.


Betty Cottages
Copyright © 2012 Ross Chapin Architects Used with permission

Glass front cabinets maintain the kitchen's openness. The island shows off its nice detail.


Betty Cottages
Copyright © 2012 Ross Chapin Architects Used with permission

Banquette dining surrounded by windows. Very cozy.


Betty Cottages
Copyright © 2012 Ross Chapin Architects Used with permission


Placement of windows above the  living room's built-in bookcases increases the natural light.


Betty Cottages
Copyright © 2012 Ross Chapin Architects Used with permission





Under the category of Small House plans 1,000 - 2800 sf, Ross Chapin Architects offers a variety of homes filled with character. The 1,824 sf Dine's House is one of my favorites.




Dine's Point House
Copyright © 2012 Ross Chapin Architects Used with permission

Such a pretty entrance.


Dine's Point House
Copyright © 2012 Ross Chapin Architects Used with permission

Interior space is beautifully defined with craftsman trim.


Dine's Point House
Copyright © 2012 Ross Chapin Architects Used with permission  



I could seriously nap right here.



Dine's Point House
Copyright © 2012 Ross Chapin Architects Used with permission  


The living room is filled with light and relates well to the outdoors.


Dine's Point House
Copyright © 2012 Ross Chapin Architects Used with permission  


Lots of cottage love in this kitchen.


Dine's Point House
Copyright © 2012 Ross Chapin Architects Used with permission  


Wonderful detailing.


Dine's Point House
Copyright © 2012 Ross Chapin Architects Used with permission  




Glass front cabinets, built-in hutch. There's so much to love here.


Dine's Point House
Copyright © 2012 Ross Chapin Architects Used with permission  


The Three Gable Cottage surprised me. This house seems bigger than its 1,100 sf.



Three Gable House
Copyright © 2012 Ross Chapin Architects Used with permission  


The woodwork in this cottage is beautiful.


Three Gable House
Copyright © 2012 Ross Chapin Architects Used with permission  



Large windows and French doors create a sunny living area.


Three Gable House
Copyright © 2012 Ross Chapin Architects Used with permission  



The dining room is warm and inviting.



Three Gable House
Copyright © 2012 Ross Chapin Architects Used with permission  




Three Gable House
Copyright © 2012 Ross Chapin Architects Used with permission  



I really like the built-in window seat (or is it a daybed)tucked in the stairwell landing.  And there's one of my favorite surprises -- a deep well window.


Three Gable House
Copyright © 2012 Ross Chapin Architects Used with permission  



Spruce House is a 1,492 sf charmer, and I have to tell you it's my favorite.


Spruce House
Copyright © 2012 Ross Chapin Architects Used with permission





This home has a comfortable, old world feel.


Spruce House
Copyright © 2012 Ross Chapin Architects Used with permission



Craftsman appeal throughout.


Spruce House
Copyright © 2012 Ross Chapin Architects Used with permission



Just look at the woodwork. The kitchen is reminiscent of one seen in an English cottage.



Spruce House
Copyright © 2012 Ross Chapin Architects Used with permission



The half door in the dining room reinforces the cottage feel. Imagine sitting with family and friends around this table and enjoying the view outside those terrific windows.


Spruce House
Copyright © 2012 Ross Chapin Architects Used with permission





I hope you've enjoyed the tour of these cottages and small houses as much as I have.  Do you have a favorite?

A big thank you to Ross Chapin Architects for allowing me to feature these wonderful homes here at A Joyful Cottage. And a special thank you to Debbie at Ross Chapin for getting back to me so quickly and graciously when I contacted her about doing this post. You can learn more about Ross Chapin Architects and view more delightful homes at http://rosschapin.com/.



"Just as there comes a warm sunbeam into every cottage window, so comes a love-born of God's care for every need."
-- Nathaniel Hawthorne

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.



From the comments I've received, many
people have been encouraged by the homes and lives shared here.
If you live in a small space I'd 
love to feature your story, too.
Send me an email and let's collaborate.
(See the "Contact Me" page for my email address.)

By Nancy at 27 comments
Labels:

Living Large In Small Spaces - The Sett

Thirty-first post in the series 
"Living Large in Small Spaces"




Welcome Cottage Friends,

On today's edition of Living Large In Small Spaces we're traveling to the UK for a tour of The Sett, courtesy of Blaentrothy Holiday Cottages. 



This second floor studio apartment is a barn conversion located 20 minutes from Abergavenny in Mountmouthshire, Wales.


From the first floor entry we take the indoor stairs to a second floor landing. You can hang your jacket here.




Entering through a large wooden door we find an open space with a vaulted ceiling and plenty of natural light.


The sleek kitchenette with its wood cabinetry works well here.









To the right of the entrance door is the bath.





The bathroom is one big "wet room", with a heated tile floor.



This is a great way to tuck a tiny bathroom with shower under the eaves.



The sleeping area is at the opposite end of the apartment.

Love all the beams.  They definitely make a statement.


Every window provides a view of the lush conservation farm that surrounds the studio.


A private sitting-area overlooks a delightful brook.












Although this studio serves as a vacation rental, I wonder. . . could you see this as a home for one or two people?  Could you live large in this small space?


All photos are the property of  Blaentrothy Holiday Cottages. and were used with their permission. I received no compensation for featuring The Sett.

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.


From the comments I've received, many
people have been encouraged by the homes and lives 
shared in this series.
If you live in a small space (approx. 1200 square feet or less),
 I'd love to feature your story, too.
Send me an email and let's collaborate.
(See the "Contact Me" page for my email address.)



By Nancy at 25 comments
Labels:

Living Large In Small Spaces - A Petite Cottage

Thirtieth post in the series 
"Living Large in Small Spaces"



Welcome Cottage Friends.  

I'm so glad you're here for another edition of Living Large In Small Spaces.

Several weeks ago I discovered a blog with two of my favorite words in its title: Petite and Cottage. After visiting her blog, I contacted Ana author of A Petite Cottage with an invitation to share her sweet San Diego home and the story behind it with us.  I'm so happy to welcome Ana today as my guest.  I love her design style and contagious joy. I'm sure you will too.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hi everyone, my name is Ana and I am from A Petite Cottage. Before I begin I want to take this opportunity to thank Nancy for giving me the opportunity to share our home with you. It is an honor to be a part of her "Living Large In Small Spaces" series.


TRANSFORMATIONS: the story of A Petite Cottage

It was late in the evening and my husband and I were both very tired. We had been looking for a house for what seemed like ages. I was 7 months pregnant and time was running out, but our budget was simply not allowing us to find the kind of house we had always dreamed of. We wanted a small cottage style home, but what our real estate agent had been showing us for the past few months were what I call "cookie cutter" homes, structures with all the required rooms, but lacking any sort of personality. 

We were at our real estate agent's office one evening. As we were getting ready to leave, he stopped us and said, "This just came through the fax. I'm not supposed to show it to you because the listing doesn't become official until tomorrow, but why don't you drive by on your way home and let me know what you think." 

As we pulled up to the house, the first thing we noticed was the red barn in front of it. The second was that it had a beautiful view. Its curb appeal left a lot to be desired but we had seen much worse those past few months. The house had potential, so we hurried home to call our agent. An appointment was made for us to walk the house the next day.

As we walked up to the 1950's ranch style house, the neighbor next door greeted us... friendly neighbors, I thought, definitely a plus. The red barn we had noticed the night before turned out to be the garage. As we stepped into the house, my heart began to beat faster. The house was not in the best shape. The people currently living there had five boys, and you could certainly tell that by the disarray we found inside. One of the four bedrooms had been converted into a gym, and it smelled like it, the one next to it had carpet remnants on the floor that were flea infested. And the remaining two were so small, I was surprised they could even call them bedrooms. But none of that mattered, because after our walk, my husband turned to me and said, " I love it, this is it." I was relieved to find out that my husband had just seen the same thing I had.

Buried in all the mess and clutter, I noticed a house with vaulted ceiling and exposed wooden beams. I saw old wooden floors and a brick fireplace. And the view we had noticed the night before was even more breathtaking in daylight. The next few weeks were filled with anxiety. Our first bid was declined, but after everything was said and done, our agent was able to secure a price only a few thousand dollars over our budget. 

We've had our little cottage now for over twenty years and it has gone through many transformations.  Welcome to our petite cottage...



As you walk up to the front of the house a small garden welcomes our guest.



As much as we liked the original barn red color of the home, we decided we liked this Promenade green even more. The porch was originally very plain. We added the tile and a wooden vintage style screen door to liven it up and make it more welcoming.



As you walk in you are greeted by our living room. We removed the large and clunky aluminum blinds that the original owners used to block the sun out. We felt the view the home provides deserved to be enjoyed at all times and not having the blinds provided an unrestricted view of Downtown San Diego, as well as a brightly lit living area.


We also replaced the single glass pane windows with more energy efficient dual pane argon filled windows which lowered the temperature of the home and provided the same function as the original blinds.


This was one of the things that originally made us fall in love with the house... the floor to ceiling brick fireplace. Adding the mantel made it the perfect fireplace for us and it gives me an ideal area that I can use to decorate and redecorate throughout the year.


The kitchen was the one room that saw the most dramatic transformation. We completely gutted it and removed all the dark wood cabinets and lime green 60's laminate floor. We hired a floor specialist to refinish the wooden floors throughout the house and also extend it into the kitchen. He did such a great job that you can't even tell where the old floor ends and the new one begins.


This is one of the transformed bedrooms found adjacent to the kitchen. 


The original dining area was located in the very small kitchen and we felt the proximity of this room to the kitchen made it an ideal place for a dining room…


So we simply removed the door located in the hallway, and added an opening on the opposite wall for easy access to the kitchen.



The second bedroom is our daughter's. Not much has been done to this room other than the addition of our daughter's decorative touch.


Our master bedroom is what the previous owners used to call the gym. When we moved in, this room was composed of a bare cement floor and four white walls. This made it the ideal blank canvas. 


Because we felt the room was a bit dungeony we added a french sliding door that allowed us easy access to the back yard and brought in plenty of light. The room was transformed from a dungeon to the perfect cottage bedroom with additions like a vintage chandelier and french style furniture. 


A french door deserves a romantic patio space, so the area immediately outside our bedroom was transformed with the addition of brick flooring, white washed wooden patio furniture and a canvas drop clothe canopy that provides plenty of shade. This was one of the projects that my husband and I took on personally and I am thrilled with the end results.


This is one of the areas that we have worked on recently. It is a small walk way that leads from the front of the house to the back yard. Although still a work in progress, we livened this area up with vintage metal patio chairs and some plants. We also had a good friend build us a cottage style wooden gate to separate the side patio from the back yard and provide a more intimate space. Eventually we would like to incorporate the tile flooring found in the front porch into this area.


I think subconsciously I find joy in knowing that there will always be something to do. Our home is currently in need of some backyard landscaping, and our roof will need to be replaced soon. But those are not necessarily bad things. They are all opportunities to bring our home one step closer to my original cottage style vision. I have to admit it would be a sad day for me if I were to ever consider this home finally finished. I have enjoyed the many transformations it has gone through over the past twenty years.  And as I sit here reliving those memories, I hope you have enjoyed them as well. 



Hugs and Kisses,









~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thank you, Ana, for the tour of your charming petite cottage and for sharing your twenty year story of large living in a small space.

 You can see more of Ana's cottage and her many DIY projects at her blog: A Petite Cottage.

 Ana also as an Etsy shop here.
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.




From the comments I've received, many
people have been encouraged by the homes and lives shared here.
If you live in a small space I'd 
love to feature your story, too.


Send me an email and let's collaborate.
(See the "Contact Me" page for my email address.)



By Nancy at 41 comments
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