Happy 100th Birthday!

Welcome to Storybook Cottage! Built in 1924 this humble historic abode that’s filled with character and charm is where Graham and I hang our hats! 
Now, I know some of my English friends would say, “pish posh,” to the idea of 100 being old but around Texas a house that’s lived for that many years is downright historic! 
Interesting fact, it was only 79 years earlier, in 1845 that Texas, the Lone Star State traded in its independent status to become part of the United States! 
So upon my discovering this well preserved gem, Graham was shockingly unimpressed and oft referred to it as “the dungeon or cave” but I adamantly held my ground and described it as “a diamond in the rough.” Graham thought it was dark and dingy but I saw bags of potential! 
We began to uncover the beauty that had been concealed beneath decades of layers. First came off the camel brown painted sheetrock, behind it was a beautiful rose patterned wallpaper (crumbling with age) and underneath that was gold! Well… not really but shiplap wood is the next best thing! 
On the floors, glued on, was a smoky gray colored carpet! Underneath that we found more gold! Original wood floors! 
Enchanting features were spread throughout. A stone fireplace, a built in window seat with storage, glass doorknobs with brass panels, vintage red tiles in the kitchen and so many more of the original features were preserved.
I just fell in love! 
Our friends who have visited us from the UK have nicknamed the cottage, “Christmas Cottage” and other visitors from the US have commented that it looks just like their idea of an English country cottage! What do you think?

The Dungeon!

Uncovering Beauty!

Our little English Country Cottage, deep in the heart of Texas!

Some of the finds in the living room;

Yellow chair bought at an estate sale in Austin for $20.00.

Doggie cushion cover bought in Tintagel England in a Charity shop (I can’t remember what I paid for it but just had to point out that it came from England!)

Red Plaid chair bought in a Wimberley thrift store for $35.00

Pretty handmade rose afghan bought in a Brownwood thrift store for $3.00

Large painting bought in a New Braunfels thrift store for $20.00

The adorable kitchen. The wallpaper was already in the kitchen when we bought the cottage. I loved its vintage style so I decided to keep it!