A Quiet Haven by a Peaceful Pond

We called it 'Stephen's Summerhouse'. Named after Alec's dad, as it had been bought with a small inheritance that came after Stephen's death. He was a kind, placid, peaceful person and we could both imagine that he would approve of such a quiet haven, under the oak tree and by the pond, so 'Stephen's summerhouse' it became.

I've spent many hours in there over the last eighteen years, with journal and laptop, watching the wildlife at the water's edge and listening to the birdsong from the trees, but in the last three or four years it has become something of a dumping ground for garden furniture, deteriorated more when the roof felting was ripped off in a storm last autumn and was finally invaded by ivy growing in through decaying wood corners which needed serious attention.

The Dumping Ground

The roof - on the floor - after a winter storm - not great for keeoping the rain out!

Invading ivy & mouldering desk

Something needed to be done - and so it was that I resolved to spend the last few weeks on a period of renovation there - both to return the little room to use for our own pleasure, but also to give a writing point in the garden where attendees to my therapeutic writing courses may, in future, squirrel themselves away if they choose.

Half done is well begun

I painted the interior to begin with, and alongside that I've also painted the motley collection of furniture in there to give some semblance of unity. I've chosen a vaguely Scandinavian 'Gustavian' colour palette to create a tranquil atmosphere, and set out with the intention of spending as little as possible on the project, attempting to use junk furniture, old pots of paint, off-cuts of flooring and old textiles where I can find them.

The following series of photographs catalogue some of the steps I have taken so far - almost there, but there is always something else to add. (Oh, goodness me! Does this mean I am going to have to visit even *more* antique and curio shops, street markets and boot sales? How will I ever cope? Watch this space!)

Outside still to be done - but inside now welcomes rather than repels

Temporary lamps - to be replaced by small shaded candle lamps when found - or made!

Pictures of a fieldmouse and a hare from the loft; cross-stitched runner draped over the desk until it is stencilled; the old curtains previously installed looking even nicer because they had faded and also been bleached to remove damp mould.

My sentiments to anyone who visits here.

An old wollen travel blanket in lovely, heather-y shades thrown over a scruffy (but original 1930's) bedroom chair

OK - I bought this cushion! just a few pounds though...too pretty to resist

Another favourite - a cobalt colourwashed cabinet adding a touch of Mediterranean blue (the missing drawer had a defunct wasps nest inside, so is still being cleaned in the kitchen)

So who's for tea with me in the summerhouse??

Comments

[Dbande7th]

Tried to comment but something failed. So, again. I can see that you did lots of work but the results are so inviting.

Darla

[Margaret Lambert]

It's coming along very well! You didn't mention what might be your Portuguese tiles, and the vintage linens. Do I see some mercury glass on a shelf? I'll be right there for tea, thank you! It looks so pleasant.

[Jamie]

I'm coming with Margaret :)

[Ellen]

A cup of Earl Grey, please. A spot of milk. No sugar.

[PaulaH]

I'm right there with you, Roz. It's gorgeous!

[Ardi]

Been there, loved it, but didn't have tea. Guess we'll just have to come back! Did you get the roof repaired first?

[Lorrie]

What a great transformation. You've created such a welcoming place!

[Loretta]

Utterly charming. You just need to cram in a daybed so I can take a nap after writing.

[CatherinE]

It's beautiful, Roz!

[Carol]

I'll be right over in my dreams, Roz. Everything you've done is perfectly lovely!