A little cottage industry pays off with style
I was at a crossroads in my life when a friend called to say she had found the perfect cottage for me.
I was reluctant to go and see it because it had a closing date and I hadn’t sold my own business or home. But I went anyway and the instant I saw it, I felt strongly that it was home.
It was the perfect size, in the perfect location, facing south with a lovely garden. Inside it was sweet, wellcared-for and had immense charm.
A friend loaned me the money until my own home had sold. I made an offer and moved in five weeks later.
I enlisted architect Colin Smith from CASA to create an art studio in the garden and we converted the garage into a self-catering studio with en suite for family, friends and paying guests. Colin also came up with plans to remove the water tank from the attic to create storage space, a sitting room and an upstairs bathroom.
Local builder Jo Penfold was brilliant and brought in the other trades. Windows were replaced, floors ripped up and replaced. Radiators were replaced, a combi boiler was installed, and plumbing, electrics and painting were completed. A new kitchen, new bathrooms and a utility room were also installed. The work took 18 months.
I love the living room, which is transformed by the creation of a west-facing window and installation of a Morsø wood-burning stove.
The log baskets beside the stove are from Nkuku. The walls are painted in Manor House Grey by Farrow & Ball and are the perfect backdrop for my furniture, paintings and accessories.
I had the Sofa.com chair and footstool covered in fabric from Bluebell Grey to reflect the colours in my favourite painting by Mary Gallacher. The Ercol coffee table and side-table nest were bought from Retro Vintage, whilst the striped rug is from Skandium. The painting above the mantlepiece is by Glasgow artist Christine Mcarthur. And the French dresser in the corner of the room was painted white to fit into the room.
Most things are from previous homes and fitted together like a jigsaw puzzle.
While I was painting the kitchen I found two little mice carved around a knot in the wood of a beam.
They are the inspiration for the name I gave the cottage. The kitchen units are in grey by Magnet with Corian worktops and open shelving, where treasured ornaments, pretty mugs, bottles and cook books are displayed.
Splashes of orange, my favourite colour, appear in most rooms. I’ve painted a couple of the kitchen chairs, from Garden Trading Company, orange.
An orange lamp from Habitat sits under the window. Above is a favourite picture by Kate Downie.
I love my master bedroom.
The sense of well-being in this room is profound. The painting above the Victorian fireplace is by Archie Forrest.
The original tongue-and-groove panelling has been painted in Pavilion Grey by Farrow & Ball and is striking against the blue and white bedding and accessories from Lexington.
The focus of the spare bedroom is a red and white American quilt I bought from a vintage shop. The red and white curtains are fabric from Indigo Charlie and the rug is from Linum. The painting above the bed is by Malize Mcbride.
Buying this house was the best decision I have ever made. It is so important to be in a place I love and in this lovely village surrounded by marvellous neighbours. I am home.
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