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,



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A Tour of Three Welsh Cottages

Johnson Cottage in Brockweir

Welcome to A Joyful Cottage. 

I've got a special treat for you today. We're going to take a tour of three cottages in Wales. And when I say a tour, I mean of both the exteriors AND interiors. If you've been reading this blog regularly, you know how much I like to search the internet for cottages to share with you. A few weeks ago I struck gold when I came across Blaentrothy Cottages at www.cottage-holiday-wales.co.uk.  Since I'm a fanatic about respecting copyrights, I contacted Caroline at Blaentrothy Welsh Holiday Cottages and asked if I could feature photos of her agency's cottages on this blog. Caroline replied with a very sweet email giving me permission to feature the cottages (with the appropriate link to the agency website), which just confirms what my mother always told me: "It never hurts to ask." So, here's a huge "thank you" to Caroline for allowing me this grand privilege. 

I'm so excited to give you this tour. We'll start with the interior of the Johnson Cottage (photo of the exterior above).

The living room is so cozy. I love the exposed rough beam against the white finished beams of the ceiling, and the natural stone. 



Dinner is ready. The dining room is soft and warm. Lovely. Isn't that door fabulous?


The modernized kitchen still retains much of the cottage charm. Great color choice for the walls. It looks like a garden view from the sink. In my opinion, a cottage should always have a window over the kitchen sink. Preferably with a garden view.


Speaking of views, how about that incredible scene through the second bedroom's window? Imagine waking up to that. The write up indicates there's a fireplace in this room. Nice.

On to the master bedroom.

Ok, for the record, I'm crazy about that bed. 

What a wonderful bathroom. The floor, the wainscoting. And that gorgeous roll top tub. Pure relaxation. The website description reads: "When you get out, fluffy towels, bathrobes and slippers await you!" (sigh)


A leisurely stroll after dinner, perhaps?


Shall we move on to Monk's Hall?






Monk's Hall dates back to the 12th century. "A truly historic building, which once belonged to the monks of Tintern Abbey, and which is believed to be the oldest house in the Wye Valley."


This is a large "cottage" that has received a major renovation. The result is stunning.




Beautiful rooms.




The architectural details are impressive.




There are so many things right about this room.




Charming.








A completely different bath from the first cottage. Beautiful tile work.



I appreciate the fact that this building has been saved.

And finally, Nanternis Cottage on the Welsh coast.



Gorgeous entry.





Love the gate with the cottage name.





An updated kitchen with a cottage look. Lovely exposed white stone.









Very eclectic room. Not exactly my style, but the architecture is wonderful. I would like to snatch the table.





Nice touch here.







Great ceiling detail, and the door is great.


This is my favorite part of the cottage. The garden.










Breathtaking scenery along the Ceredigion Coastal path.

I hope you enjoyed the Welsh cottage tour. Again, I want to thank Caroline* for allowing me the privilege of sharing these wonderful cottages. You can see more cottages on the Blaentrothy Holiday Cottages website.


Have a lovely weekend.

Blessings,




*Blaentrothy 'Holiday Cottages Wales', Blaentrothy Farm, Grosmont, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire NP7 8HN
Caroline@blackmountains.biz 




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