This spectacular cottage was originally envisioned as a large stone potting shed. However, the design evolved and the cottage became a small potting closet with a large guest suite including an outstanding bathroom with a large skylight. We positioned the cottage south of the house in a secluded area of the property which includes a small creek surrounded by large trees. This location offered a feeling of seclusion. In this place one could imagine themselves to be far out in the woods away from everyday life.

For the exterior of the cottage we chose to use a cultured stone, matching the existing residence. We added rough cedar exterior columns and braces to contrast the stone façade of the cottage. This combination is meant to create the feeling of a rustic cottage. We also added functioning shutters to all the windows to add to the rustic feeling. The porch ceilings have a vinyl soffit which was used for its great capabilities to withstand weathering and time. The interior details include rough cedar ceiling beams with a ceiling in natural cedar planks to give that wonderful wood smell. Also, we added a fine stucco to the walls, and a porcelain slate tile floor to ensure long-lasting maintenance free usage. For the kitchen, we added honed granite counter tops, a hammered copper farmhouse kitchen sink, and a cultured stone stove backsplash.

As an interesting detail to the cottage, we added two sculptural wooden ceiling fans. In the bathroom we added white oak cabinets in a gray weathered finish. The bathroom doors were distressed and antiqued to give them an aged look. The bathroom continues the use of slate and cedar to blend with the rest of the cottage. This cottage, with the surrounding trees and the meandering stone walkways, added a whole new space to the property; a space where one can escape to reflect, ponder, or simply snooze for a while.