I’m so inspired by the tiny little Christmas Cottage in the woods. This 125 ft.², 9 x 14 ft sweet white cabin was found and renovated by the talented, Sandy Foster of My Shabby Streamside Studio. Sandy has been featured in multiple books and magazines about her exciting renovation process including Nate Berkus’, ‘Things That Matter’ and Rachel Ashwell’s, ‘Shabby Chic Inspirations’.
Seeing these images helps you understand why everyone is so enamored with this adorable ‘retreat’ away from the world…
When Sandy found this stream side hunting cabin she said that she knew it’s gable and proportions were that of an old house. Always wanting to stay true to this home’s previous life and nod to history she made sure to use only pieces that lived a past of some sort… In her renovation description she states, ‘windows are the soul of an old house…’. In so many special ways she brought back character and an elegant aging beauty back into this old cottage’s broken facade and body.
Sandy added all the details to this cottage herself, including the gingerbread woodwork she carved using a scroll saw. Love!! The bead board porch, ceiling as well as the tongue and groove for her floors came from her old house and New York Salvage as well. She also incorporated window sashes given to her from an old neighbor. Recycling history so to speak. So inspiring!!
I hope you have enjoyed learning more about this tiny little ‘retreat’ or ‘cottage in the woods’ through this mini tour from Sandy’s blog, My Shabby Streamside Studio. I’m in love with the careful detail and care she put back into the beautiful bones of this grand old cottage by the stream. Sandy has my wheels spinning on finding ways to simplify my own life… hopefully yours as well.
I looked for more on Sandy and noticed her last post stated a goodbye message on her blog for all her readers…
‘The time involved doing well in graduate school and the time involved blogging with all my heart are incompatible if either are to be done excellently. Sadly, I must go on a sabbatical from blogging.
I wish I could gather each of you, my gentle readers, a big group hug. Then have hot cocoa by a bonfire in the snow with music under the stars.”
What a special way to send off her sweet blog to the many inspired followers and readers discovering her little cottage in the woods.
Have a beautiful day!
xo
I’m not 100% sure but…….I’m pretty sure this little building burned down a few years ago….I am going to try to find out for sure though Frances
I just read about it Frances… How terribly sad. Thanks so much!! Have a great week ahead… Hugs! xoxo
My understanding is that the house she and DH were building nearby, is what burned down. So sad but somehow it would be MORE heartbreaking if the Shabby Studio itself was gone. I mean there’s insurance for the construction project, but even if there wasn’t, at least it is only the building, not your Art, not your Life Work. More sad than any of the above, however, is that they were divorced shortly thereafter. And her doggie died!
Too sad, but I’m hoping she remains strong and returns to the blogosphere when she is ready, but this time with an advanced degree!
Agreed Trudie! Thanks so much for your input. Hugs! xo
I would love to know where Sandy is now. She is so talented and anything she does would be great, If anyone knows where we could find her work please let us know!