I realized the other day that I haven’t given you guys an update on The Woods and Ivy Cottage in FOREVER. I told you all about it and showed you the layout but haven’t shown you progress. There hasn’t been MUCH progress but there is some. We decided not to build our home because of what Covid did to the lumber prices, availability, etc. So, we decided to build Deb’s workshop, The Woods and Ivy Cottage, first, and live in that for awhile… until things settle down. We just heard the other day that lumber prices are skyrocketing again. Our builder told us that we can be glad we started when we did because they shot up another 30%. Probably for no other reason than because THEY CAN. There is no shortage, etc. But, whatever. It is what it is. So we remain patient.
Obviously, the windows are covered with paper, but you can see where the garage door will be. The cottage will have white vinyl siding. And the porch columns will be wrapped and trimmed out to make a bigger statement. We will have ceiling fans above each window and lights on each side of the front door.
Im unsure if we will paint the door white, black, or do a wood-look technique. I want to stick with all woods and whites with a bit of classic black.
Looking toward the front of the cottage from the living area.
So…. If you want to see the entire layout, check out the previous post where I talked about it. The foundation, framing, roof, and doors are all done with the exception of a door going INTO the Deb’s little temporary make-shift workshop from the house. Her little workshop will be 10×20 which will be a garage for storage and our Polaris once the house is built. The windows will be delivered next week, so they will start back up then.
The contractors will finish the windows, siding, electrical, insulation, and drywall. And then Deb and I will take over finishing it all. Which means we will do the painting, adding trim to the doors, windows, and baseboards. We will install the kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanity, toilet, and hang all of the lighting. We are SO EXCITED to get to that part. When Deb and I have a project like this, it is GAME ON.
Looking at the back of the cottage which will be the dining area (in front of those large windows.)
The bedroom door looking in from the kitchen area.
The fireplace where our antique fireplace mantel will be along with an electric insert.
Standing in the dining area looking into the kitchen. The sink will be under that window. The door to the left is the bathroom and the door to the right is the mechanical room.
I receive comments and questions all of the time like “why would you want your bedroom or bathroom right off of the kitchen.” We don’t… it’s a temporary situation. This layout will easily be converted to Deb’s workshop in the future. Which, by the way, will be THE MOST FABULOUS workshop in the world. ????
We are both looking so forward to getting out to the woods full time. It will just make things so much easier. Deb has so many projects she wants to do and we both want the woods cleaned up of fallen trees and limbs. We are only 15 minutes away but it makes it difficult when you want to burn brush. You kind of have to plan to stay for awhile when you start that. With us living there, we can go outside and burn, and come inside to stay warm.
When I talk about the property, I always have people ask what happened to the camper. We still have it. The temps are WAY TOO COLD here in Ohio to stay in a camper. So, we are currently storing it off of our our land because of the construction. And, we need to have a few trees cut down which were close to the camper. It is easier having it out of our way anyway.
So.. that’s the update on The Woods and Ivy Cottage. Things are finally happening. Stay tuned for more updates in the upcoming weeks.
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It has been so fun following your progress. You have given my hubby and I the idea of doing much the same. We have been eyeing 3 acres in SW Florida where we want to be when we retire. We love being outside, but do not enjoy cold weather. It's either going to be in SW Florida, or the mountain area in North Carolina. We have decided to build a 1-2 bedroom vacation house, which will then become a weekly rental/guest house once we build our home and retire. That way we have somewhere to stay onsite while the house is being built, and perhaps have some future income. Of course, the house will be out of our view so as not to see or be seen! I thought you'd like that! Keep on! Have a wonderful new year! Exciting things to come!
Oh that sounds fabulous! And thank you. You have a fantastic new year as well.
I'm so excited to watch this project move forward. I know you two will make it amazing. I was wondering what the square footage of the livable space is in the Barn versus the rental where you are right now. Will you have more space for awhile at least?
Great job so far!
I was wondering the same thing! ;).
Thanks... and yes.. We will have more space. The rental is 1100 sq ft and the shop is 40 x 48.... minus a 20x10 space as the little workshop.
Looking amazing! This will be your woman cave down the road....Enjoy and Happy New Year and thanks for all the fun this 2020. Love seeing your pics and blogs....
I can't wait to see it completed! I love your style and I am hoping I can get some kitchen ideas from you when it is completed. It is my roadblock here in my own home and it doesn't sound like you are too far away from me. Ohio is a good place to live if I do say so myself! :)
AHAHAH Yes it is... very calm and peaceful.
I understand one of the reasons for the increase in building materials was the number of forest fires out west which reduced the amount of wood available! Not sure about this but I did hear that!
Yes.. I understand the first part of the year, but not now. Our builder said there is no reason other than THEY CAN.
Love all the progress! So happy for the both of you! Thanks for taking us along on the journey of building ????
Deb and Danelle. I am beyond excited for the cottage to be ready for your finishing touches. Wishing you both all things wonderful in this new year 2021. ????????????????????????
????Brenda