We rehearsed until 10 pm last night, so I’m a bit off today. The students often have classes scheduled in the mornings, so rehearsals can’t start until the afternoon. Since I tend to wake up early, I’m fading by about 8 pm! Luckily, I slept in a bit today.
More photos from my walking tour on Sunday:
The details on these cottages never fail to enchant me. This one has a porch that is high off the ground and another porch on the second level (a common occurrence in Chautauqua). The siding is board and batten. The detail around the two roof peaks is absolutely charming – and the diamond-shaped windows! Don’t you just want to sit on this porch and while away the hours?
And then there’s detail like this – subtle, but charming.
There are grand houses around here and I will share some photos of them with you over the next two weeks, but my favorites are the modestly sized cottages – many of them Carpenter Gothic in style. I’ve noticed that many homeowners have named their cottages. This one is The Buckeye, which makes me think these homeowners hail from Ohio.
Many of them have a vase of flowers adorning a table on the porch – beautifully arranged, cottage in style. Hanging ferns, planter boxes, painted furniture in a lovely shade of blue, flag waving…perfect.
I have two favorite houses here. This one is my second favorite. That’s a yellow chair on the porch, which seems to be a perfect choice for an all-white house.
The railing…oh my heavens! I love everything about this house. The details are incredible. I’ll try to get a full-on shot later this week.
I have one absolute favorite that I’ll share with you later in the week.
A heads up: Someone who is dear to my heart in every way is having a birthday tomorrow, and for the second year in a row, I’m working out of town and can’t be there with him. So, will you help me out and stop by tomorrow to wish the guy I live with a Happy Birthday? See you then.
Happy Tuesday.
Those cottages Claudia are so inviting. I would love to sit (and rock) with a book or some knitting or embroidery (and probably a glass of wine). You will still be in Chatauqua over July 4th, won’t you? I would love to see how the cottages are decorated for the 4th. I will definitely stop by tomorrow to send greetings and wishes to Don.
I’ll be there through the 4th, but we’ll be heavily into rehearsals and previews as we open on the 4th. So I can’t guarantee any photos!
I love porches and these are gorgeous! Of course we will wish a certain someone a happy birthday tomorrow!
hugs,
Linda
Oh good! Thanks, Linda!
This town is so tranquil and idyllic. Makes me long to be there rocking away on the front porch and just soaking it all in. Makes me think of Aunt Bea or a lemonade commercial as if it was just perfectly staged yet in fact, it’s real. Enjoy!
Big Texas Hugs,
Susan and Bentley
I will! It’s lovely – I call it Brigadoon, because it comes alive during the summer, then fades away during the rest of the year.
Inspirations for another miniature house, Claudia…LOL! I’m assuming the population is minimal in winter and swells during summer? I would love to live in a cottage-style home full-time. I can only describe my house as cookie cutter, but remodeling here and there is making my house more unique. And declutter ingots making it more enjoyable to live in.
You read my mind. I’m already planning a dollhouse in this style. There are 300-400 full time residents, but the populations swells to10,000 during the summer season.
I have a Greenleaf Vineyard kit that echoes this style – maybe it’s time to crack open the box.
I wouldn’t mind a real-life one either! Your photos of “around town” are just lovely.
I’ve seen that kit and have considered ordering it – I think I’d have to edit all the gingerbread trim – there may be a wee bit too much. But it’s definitely on my wish list.
I love quaint towns like that and the charming homes. I think they would all be my favorites. Best wishes, Tammy
I love them, too!
thank you for the pics you have been sharing…. looks like an amazingly lovely place to sight see.
the homes are so beautiful… and the lake…wow
hope you are able to rest and relax some of the time you are there
Me too! This morning it was rainy. But tomorrow should be nice – I’ll take another morning walk.
I love seeing & hearing about these beautiful cottages. I always learn something. Today it was “board and batten” – which I’ve seen for years and didn’t know had a name! I bet the Chautauqua region is a good place to be has a painting contractor. Can you imagine re-painting one of these grand ladies? The level of trim and detail is massive – not a job for the weekend handyman. Or the faint of heart – LOL! Looking forward to seeing your favorite cottage. Did you get the huge t-storm there last night? We missed the brunt of it here in Rochester, but south of us saw quite a lightning show.
Apparently we did – but I slept through it. I was vaguely aware of thunder.
Gorgeous houses – can’t get enough of them.
Judy
Me either, Judy!
OK..I have officially decided where I am going to live when I win the lottery..lol..the thought of spending the rest of my days there is like a dream..You can certainly tell how much pride those people have in their beautiful homes..I will be back tomorrow with wishes for the big guy!
Thanks, Nancy!
Claudia, do the “regulars” live in these houses, or are they in subdivisions or streets elsewhere ~ and are these all the rental properties?? Do the “regulars” leave the island when the population swells so much and rent out their homes? It would be fun to see pictures of some of these cottages in the winter, with a Christmas tree in the window, wouldn’t it?? Or, perhaps they are all closed up.
Glad you are enjoying your time!!
The regulars live in the houses but many of the homes are rented in the season – or for certain weeks of the season. Many homeowners can only attend for a few weeks, so they rent the properties out for the rest of the season. There are also condos scattered throughout the property.
It’s not an island, Chris, it’s right on the shores of Lake Chautauqua. I think the regulars are those who decided to not only be here during the season but live here full time. But many of the homes aren’t winterized and they’re sort of ‘shrink-wrapped’ in the off-season.
Quaint seems the perfect word for those cottages! I would so love a peek at the interior…might have to check out some real estate listings for that. I’l be back tomorrow…enjoy the rest of your day! ;)
I’ve peeked at the listings and surprisingly, some of the interiors are sort of drably decorated! I would go to town decorating if I lived in one of these cottages!
I share the same birthdate as Don. I will toast him here in the Midwest. Happy Birthday Don!
P..S. I am really enjoying your posts this week. Thank you for the glimpse into a fascinating event.
Happy Birthday tomorrow, Tracy!
My life does not center around material objects but I love these cottages. Their beauty is so quaint and unique. It’s just heaven. I would love to visit this area but I doubt I’ll get that far so thanks for the photos. It has done my heart good.
Did you happen to see the post ny 20 North Ora. She has a lovely vase and an egg cup pictured. She is going to be selling some of her stuff. The vase is very pretty. I don’t know the maker though.
That house is incredible! Those roofs on the first one are so unusual! I think of the two houses you showed us today that one is my favorite.
I wish I could see all of the cottages there. I have always wanted to live in a cottage by the water. It seems so calming and calm is something I always am in need of.
I sent Don birthday wishes on his Facebook page, but in case he doesn’t see it, wish him a happy Birthday from me.
Hugs,
Deb