We bought a Cottage
We wandered about the
island and the internet searching for our next home. While I wished for a
project; something to toy and play with, Mr. GDC wished for something
different; intact, updated - inhabitable. Obviously he is the sensible,
realistic one; while I am a romantic; ready to “save” a home with original
details, regardless of the condition. After many discussions and days of
searching we toured a cottage. Quirky, is the adjective I use, the floor
plan is odd due to previous remodeling. It is a bit Victorian, Mid-Century and
Contemporary, a cottage with multiple personalities.
The exterior is a
picturesque post card; with a white picket fence and “X” design balustrade, and
bay windows along one side. It sits perched upon a corner lot with towering
palm trees posted almost as guards. The cottage was built in 1894 by a wealthy
widow for her and her children, and is a "Storm Survivor" of the 1900
Storm. "The Storm" as it is known on the island struck Galveston in
September of 1900 destroying the city and resulting
in incomprehensible damage and death. You may read more about
the 1900 Storm by going here
Approaching the
cottage I noted the large square newel post (I use that word generously), they
must be from one of the renovations, more Craftsman than Victorian. The
cottage sits up off the ground some five feet. The bottom is concrete skirted
with graceful decorative archways. After the 1900 Storm much of the
island was filled in to raise the ground level to prevent flooding from future
storms. Workers actually raised the homes, an amazing feat. We believe
prior to the island fill the home was high enough to walk beneath it; a bead
board ceiling and fireplace chimney beneath the cottage provide us with clues
from which to draw our conclusion. The tall windows to the right are original;
the large French window, front door and French windows forming the "bump
out" on the left are from a renovation.
Entering the foyer the
walls are clad with exterior siding and a bead board ceiling. Directly across
from the front door is what appears to be shelving inside the frame of either
an original doorway or window, alongside that shelving a porch pilaster. The
front porch must have graced two sides of the cottage. We wonder where the
original front door was located. It is a pretty room, bathed in sunlight.
It's difficult to guess the renovation era; 1940's, 1950's? The French window
panes are wavy, and are made with ropes and sash that you can hear inside the
wall when a window is raised. I’m wondering how to locate renovation
information; most records in Galveston have been lost from past hurricanes.
Stepping down through
a very large opening you enter a square room accented with cabinets and Doric
columns that appear a new addition. The room is punctuated with a huge French
window framing the view of the world outside. “Look at the window, look at the
house across the street, is that a copper roof?" Glancing past the
panes; the house across the street is beautiful, the view as well and "yes Mr.
GDC I think that is a copper roof".

Walking forward there
is a large room featuring original pocket doors and hardware. What
appears to be an original closet is tucked beside a peculiar faux fireplace
with pink painted brick, This room displays many period features; original
windows with wavy glass, an ornate picture mold, and soaring ceilings. Mr. GDC
"This would be a great office.” I'm sorry, Office? (He works from home.)
The details in the room are beautiful. But, pink brick?
Wandering back through
the hallway we found a ¾ bath, with a small shower. The finishes are nice, too modern
and current for my taste. I think something more "vintage" would have been nice; subways, and beadboard, and tiny mosaics...
At the end of the
hallway another room; same beautiful bay out with original windows and period
features; wavy glass, soaring ceilings and picture molding.
A skinny closet
lined one wall. The floor gently creaked as we walked about (love that creak).
A doorway lead to a private bath with the original pedestal sink and a
claw foot tub. The bath clad in pale gray subway tiles had all the charm I had
been longing for, I adore subway tile. (Heavy sigh.)
Back through the
hallway to the center of the house; there is an open room that is probably the
dining room; just off the kitchen with a pass through window and a charming
built-in along one side that must be original. Eastlake style pulls accent the
built-in drawer, fluted trim frame the shelves and bulls-eye decorative corners
are situated at the top corners. The other side of the room has a large French
window; a "twin" to the window at the front. There he is again;
“look at that built-in?” Yes, I see the built in, very pretty. Placing the
return air in the bottom portion of the built-in creates a decorating dilemma.
And I'm unsure of the pass through complete with bar in a turn of the
century Victorian. Am I the only one who feels this change in design is odd?
Progressing forward there is a huge kitchen introducing itself; copper glass mosaic tile counter tops and walls, what appears to be custom designed cabinetry with soft close drawers (I long for soft close drawers). Pristine, modern, and current the kitchen falls flat with me. How my heart longs for chipped paint cabinets and a drain board. (Yes, I know, I need counseling.) Romantic me feels the kitchen is like a shiny new penny sitting inside a jar of well warned, much traveled, antique coins who if only they could talk would spin tales of adventure. A thrilled “Wow!” breaks my thought; Mr. GDC is wandering about the kitchen opening every cupboard, playing with the drawers while he peers over to me displaying a well satisfied expression. All I can think is; it’s brown; very, very brown.
Up a short staircase that connects the original home to the carriage house there is a private bedroom and bath. Within seconds of our rising into the space there is a shout “Mine! This is my room”! The shout had come from our 18 year old son who up to this point had remained somewhat quiet. Staring at me through excited eyes, with the grin that melts my heart with warmth, I had to admit “yes, it’s perfect”. What? Who said that I thought? Did I say that? Not with that brown kitchen!
Private bath for Jr's
bedroom. 4 X 4 pale green tiles and green fixtures it feels a little 1940's,
1950's maybe 1960's. Still confused.
The group of us
traveled another two steps passing from the carriage house onto an outdoor
walkway.
We opened a door entering the living room above the garage; where I believe our son had an out of body experience. He floated about the room, snatching open the double French doors, walking out onto the balcony, breathing deeply he turned and proclaimed “I’m home”. Feeling defeated; I realized that no matter what else lie ahead of us upon our cottage tour, we had discovered our next home. We were there, standing in it. Despite my concerns and lack of enchantment with the kitchen, this home possesses many details that we need. We’d recently completed a one year renovation on our last home; Mr. GDC was tired of bleeding money, and clearly uninterested in another project. Romantic me was a bit disgruntled.
We opened a door entering the living room above the garage; where I believe our son had an out of body experience. He floated about the room, snatching open the double French doors, walking out onto the balcony, breathing deeply he turned and proclaimed “I’m home”. Feeling defeated; I realized that no matter what else lie ahead of us upon our cottage tour, we had discovered our next home. We were there, standing in it. Despite my concerns and lack of enchantment with the kitchen, this home possesses many details that we need. We’d recently completed a one year renovation on our last home; Mr. GDC was tired of bleeding money, and clearly uninterested in another project. Romantic me was a bit disgruntled.

We wandered back to
the kitchen where I heard the words that formed a knot it my
stomach; “Let’s make an offer.” Oh no! The little voice in my head screamed; my
inner self running about my head, my hair standing on end, no not this house
with the new, brown kitchen! The house has a personality disorder! (Sybil) The plan is
quirky. I saw 40’s windows, and 1800’s windows and a 2015 kitchen. I think I
counted four different styles of interior doors. Please not this one! Mr.
GDC stood there, holding his breath, peering at me; the love of my life, whom I
have such a difficult time saying “no” to. Which by the way makes me
insane. He wore a grin. Interesting, I never noticed his grin was so similar to
our son’s. "Seriously?” I inquired. He responded; “Yes, don’t
you love it?” Frantically looking about, “Um no, not really love. Are
there antacids in the truck? The windows are pretty, I like all the windows. Can we go? Anyone else hungry?"
Returning to
Fisherman's Wharf for more delectable shrimp. We sat outside on the pier. I was
lost in thought while staring at the rigging on the Elissa docked alongside the
pier. I found it beautiful. The island was going to be different, new,
interesting, an adventure. My two guys were lost in elation, chatting back and
forth - they were in house love. There had been a time when the cottage
kitchen would have made my heart sing; years ago, my English Country period.
All I could think now was how I wanted vintage chipped cupboards. Heavy sigh.
Yes, I know…counseling.
It is a proficient article that you have shared here. Pedestrian gates gold coast I got some different kind of information from your article which I will be sharing with my friends who need this info. Thankful to you for sharing an article like this.
ReplyDeleteI just need to say this is a well-informed article which you have shared here about hoodies. It is an engaging and gainful article for us. Continue imparting this sort of info, Thanks to you. roofing canberra
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to say this is an elegantly composed article as we have seen here. I got some knowledge from your article and also it is a significant article for us. Thanks for sharing an article like this.Roseburg Roofing Services
ReplyDeleteMagnificent post. I truly appreciate perusing and furthermore value your work. This idea is an effective method for improving information. Continue to share this sort of articles, Thank you.Coos Bay Remodeling
ReplyDeleteYou've composed an exceptionally valuable article. This article furnished me with some valuable information. Much thanks to you for giving this data . Keep up the great work.commercial roofing san antonio
ReplyDeleteGreat job, this is good information which is shared by you. This information is very meaningful and factual for us to increase our knowledge about it. Always keep sharing this type of information. Thanks. Read more info about Window Replacement Montgomery County
ReplyDelete