Life at Hummingbird Cottage, for that is it’s name, though it hasn’t been mentioned for a while. It was decided long ago by the readers of this blog.
Oh boy, it’s cold outside! Perhaps it’s the perfect time to knit or crochet, all snuggled up on the vintage Christmas in Connecticut-y sofa?
Or maybe it’s time to grab a copper pan and make a hearty soup while basking in the heat of the ever-warm Aga? Ummm! It looks and smells delicious.
But not having a working refrigerator is frustrating. One has to buy fresh food daily. Very European.
Or maybe this cold day brings thoughts of Christmas. Perhaps it’s time to haul the ornaments down from the attic?
Of course, there’s construction going on within the walls of Hummingbird Cottage, as well. The sound of hammers and saws is ever present.
The gutted bathroom has new tile and wallpaper. Beadboard has been installed. Moldings and a chair rail have been added.
It’s more than a little annoying that there isn’t a toilet. Or a bathtub. Or a sink.
But that’s what happens when you’re renovating. Thank goodness you have kind neighbors who graciously give you a key to their house and use of their bathroom.
You have been sleeping on the sofa in the den. Your bed hasn’t arrived yet.
But then again, you chose to live in the cottage while it was being renovated. So, there you go. And besides, the sofa is very comfortable. It’s just not a bed.
The floor has been painted in what will be the craft room/office. But the walls are a blank canvas. This room needs the most work.
What to do?
Light the fire, make some hot chocolate, and grab your well-worn copy of Anne of Green Gables. Snuggle against those pillows and lose yourself in the adventures of Anne on beautiful Prince Edward Island. Ahhhh! A lovely way to spend a cold and blustery day.
Happy Wednesday.
Mrs. Magpie (Sheila) says
It really is adorable! Where on earth did you find the adorable ornaments, the bead board, and wallpaper? I would love to find some for Cecelia’s doll house.
xo
Sheila
Claudia says
I got the ornaments last year from a seller on Etsy. The beadboard is from Miniatures.com. and the wallpaper is from Itsy Bitsy Mini. xo
Sheila (Mrs. Magpie) says
Thanks, Claudia!
Cecelia has a yellow dollhouse at her house that could use some fun revamping. She is getting to the age where it might not interest her, but her older cousin would enjoy it. I might have to see about getting Addie one somewhere. She is very interested in design and is making things. She loves bright colors like Lily Pulitzer and monograms. I have always liked monograms, too, and I am definitely not afraid of color. We are fast friends! xoxox
Sylvia says
Oh, I just love the little details. Comfy, cozy indeed!
Claudia says
I want to crawl right inside Hummingbird Cottage!
Janie F. says
Hummingbird Cottage looks like it’s waiting paitiently to be lovingly restored. What a lovely way to spend the cold days Claudia, working on something you love so much. I spend a lot of time trying to reorganize and make things in our home tidier. It seems like a never ending struggle and frankly if I didn’t work at home I can’t imagine how cluttered things would become. Wish you could see our “new to us” furniture. When you sit on the chair with the ottoman you feel like you’re getting an all over hug. Hope you all have a lovely day today!
Claudia says
I’m so happy for you! Nothing like a new look with cozy, comfy furniture, Janie!
Diane says
What fun ! The name suits it perfectly,and it is full of charm and it is so homey.
In a way it reminds me of our little home we are renovating. We do finally have a working bathroom, but in one of the rooms the entire floor and subfloor has been removed and we have a dirt floor.
I painted the kitchen cabinets a soft white and will be using cherry red accents and maybe a tiny bit of teal. The house is only 1100 square feet so I am carefully deciding what to keep and what to sell before we move. The house is located an hour away from our current home, which makes it a little more difficult to be there every day, so progress is slow.
Your blog has been very helpful….your home is decorated to a T in my opinion.
Claudia says
Your house sounds about the same size as ours. Ours is supposedly 1200 sq. ft, but that counts the unusable half basement. So it’s small!
Thank you for your kind words.
Erin says
I do love these kinds of posts. I wish there were more in the world.
If you want, you can visit my dollhouse blog…I am doing a 25 days of Christmas Advent thing.
http://www.fairiemoon.typepad.com/weathertop
Erin :)
Claudia says
I just stopped by, but I’m going back to see more. I love your dollhouse blog, Erin! Absolutely delightful!
Judy Ainsworth says
Delightful! -Judy A-
Claudia says
Thank you, Judy.
Donnamae says
Great details Claudia…love the backstory of the renovation, too! Do you have a backstory of the couple, people or individual who live there? Is this a full-time home…or a weekend retreat? Would love to hear! ;)
Claudia says
I have the beginnings of a back story – single womanβ¦.not unlike me in my single days. But that’s all I know now. Oh, except that it is a full-time home.
Pat says
I love reading about Hummingbirid Cottage… The furnishings and renovation story are delightful and fun to read. Love the attention to detail you’ve shown to each room so far. I’m with DonnaMae on this one– would love to read about the occupants and their story. Retired? Young and artistic? Newly Weds, perhaps with their whole life before them?
It’s so fun! – Pat
Claudia says
One occupant – a single woman who is very artistic. Mid forties.
She’s saved up for her own home. It was in sad shape when she moved in. She’s done much of the work herself.
Maureen says
It’s a magical cottage!
Claudia says
Thank you, Maureen!
My Little Home and Garden says
No doubt, Anne would approve of the name Hummingbird Cottage and find “scope for imagination” within its walls.
Claudia says
Yes, indeed! Anne would love it, I think.
Betsy says
I love this post! It’s so happy and mater of fact. Especially the writing as if you’re actually living in the house. I had a silly grin on my face the entire time I read it, especially the bit about the key to the neighbors. Thank you for the smile this morning.
Blessings,
Betsy
Claudia says
You are most welcome, Betsy.
Julie says
I’m ready to move in! I love that bathroom. The wallpaper is so cheery. xoJ
Claudia says
Oh, to have a bathroom that big in my life-sized cottage!
Tana says
Residents of Hummingbird Cottage! I know just what you need. My grandchildren have a plastic RV with all the comforts of home. The top even comes off for easy loading! Now, if I was not on the other side of the country, I would drive it on over. You would be so comfy living under the coffee table while the renovations of the cottage are underway.
Claudia says
That would be just the ticket, Tana. Where’s an RV when we need one?
Balisha says
You made me wish I was tiny and could fit into this tiny cottage. What a cozy little place.
Balisha
Claudia says
I wish that very same thing every day, Balisha.
Missy says
Looks so cozy..sweet story..Does it have occupants??
Claudia says
One woman who is the homeowner. I’ll write her story soon.
Janet in Rochester says
Your last paragraph says it all, Claudia… PS I just love those bitty copper pots. Adds such a Julia Child look to the kitchen. Perfect.
Claudia says
I love them too, Janet!
Nancy Blue Moon says
It sounds like a wonderful day at Hummingbird Cottage..except the part where there is no fridge or toilet..lol..
Claudia says
That’s definitely a glitch!
Linda @ A La Carte says
Just so sweet and I love that you are re-doing some rooms!
Claudia says
Thanks, Linda!
Lori says
I love it when we get to spend time at Hummingbird Cottage.
You’ve done such a beautiful job Claudia!
Lori
Claudia says
Thank you, Lori!
Melanie says
This is the coolest and prettiest dollhouse I have ever seen. The details are gorgeous. Love that little box of ornaments and the copper pots!
Claudia says
Gosh, I’d love to have a real-life set of copper pots! But at least I’ve got them in my dollhouse
Dawn says
Enjoyed the day at Hummingbird Cottage. XOXO
Claudia says
XOXO right back at ya, Dawn.
Veronica Roth says
Loving the house Claudia. I bought one, a Cape Cod style house, at a thrift shop last year. I’ve started a pinterest file to get some ideas because I plan to re-do it one of these fine days. But I can’t even imagine it’ll look as lovely as yours. :)
Claudia says
Oh, it will, Veronica. I’m sure it will look equally lovely – it will have your stamp on it.