will we EVER hear the end of it?

"goodnessgraciouswouldyouSTOPwiththekitchenalready?"

-If you have said or thought these words when you have checked my facebook or blogs, kindly skip this post. But if you are remotely like every red-blooded American homemaker (-into which category I gladly lump myself-) ,then READ ON WITH UNBRIDLED GLEE.

Recently, #1 Son did a photo shoot of our finished project: the totally remodeled kitchen of our old stone home. For those who have followed this project from the beginning, much of this information will not be new to you. But if you subscribe to the camp that believes one can always hear good news twice, you won't mind in the least.

We purchased our old stone home two years ago. There were many things to love about this house: the marble plaque above the ground floor entryway into which was chiseled "1843",
the deep window sills that looked out on the Grasse River & falls, the generous dining room with a fireplace/sitting area, the built-in bookcases, and much much more.

But we cringed in horror at the kitchen. Narrow, dark, lined with cobalt blue tile, equipped with a non-working oven, tacky cheap cupboards, and a resident rat.....well. Let's not go there.

It's in the past.

All the more reason to rejoice along with me in this glorious space.

Allow me to tell you a little bit about its components.

The kitchen island has a story all its own. It was originally a general store counter. I discovered it in a friend's barn a few years back & after waxing rhapsodic over its dusty dirty glory, this generous friend agreed to give it to me -in exchange for a few hours of my husband's plumbing expertise.

She definitely was assured she got the better end of the bargain.

(You can read more about its transformation here and also here.)


About the countertops: on one side of the kitchen we have practical formica, which I love.

On the "baking" side of the kitchen, we installed reclaimed slate chalkboards. We got them at no charge from our church which meets in the old Madrid High School. They were happy to see them go, and we were happy to take them! They took a bit of elbow grease to become our pride & joy.

You can read all about how they became countertops here and here.

This useful hutch was also the recipient of a makeover of sorts. Again, it is an antique which a friend helped me find. I love its stately height. It has been the perfect repository for our everyday dishes.

(You can read about its transformation here and also here.)

A little note about the open shelving: it took me a few months to figure out exactly what I wanted as far as spacing & such. The LOTM was super gracious about building it. It took four boards from the lumber yard, a can of stain borrowed from the hutch project, and metal shelving brackets from Lowes.

Oh yeah, and a ton of obsessing about their exact placement.

They are the perfect place for all my canned goods, spices, and coffee; practical & beautiful all in one!

The beautiful cabinetry was custom made by our friend Eric. Since he never advertises, allow me to do it for him. His business is called From the Heart Cabinetry. (For heaven's sake! does he not even have a website?)

Got to get on that stat. This guy & his craftsmen are AMAZING. Plus, Eric & his wife Lisa have the most amazing kids.

(I received NO discount for saying that.)

There is not one thing I would change about this kitchen. That's how much I love it.

Moving on to the other side of the room, here is the unique light fixture that Clever Tommy fashioned for us. You can read all about its humble beginnings here.

The banner over the sink says "Love One Another". But I like to think that it directly translates as "Do The Dishes for Your Mother".

This little chair was stationed here merely for the photo shoot, but I really like how it shows off the shaker-style cabinet doors.

The flooring is hand-scraped birch from Lumber Liquidators. We chose it for its imperfections, as befitting an old farmhouse kitchen.

Lastly, I leave you with the aerial view from the loft. The blue propane bottle atop the fridge is there to keep me humble. After all, if it were a perfect kitchen it wouldn't seem real.

Over the past year we have filled this room with all sorts of people, serving up heaping helpings of food & fun. I am ever so grateful to do so!

more of The Cottage

Stepping out our back door, I find a cheerful blue sky.

Down at the entrance to "The Cottage" I look back to our old stone home to take in a deep breath of fresh air and admire the freshly fallen snow.

As much as I am aching for spring, I still find it within me to enjoy the winter view.

Inside, the LOTM is requesting coffee. But first, I snap some shots of his work in progress.

The upstairs bedrooms are framed. (The installation of two dormers will have to wait for warmer weather!)
Pardon me while I am distracted by the view of the river from the upstairs windows.

Turning 90 degrees from that fantastic view, one can see down into the kitchen. The ceiling will remain open to the upstairs landing -which, by the way, will be THE PLACE to sip coffee and check the laptop in the morning.

Here is the landing, with temporary railing for safety's sake. We are scouting for some reclaimed iron or wood for the final railing.

This is the view from the kitchen looking up! What a lovely, cozy place this is going to be!

like

From almost every window, one can see the river. I like that.

Sweethearts Dinner!

We are lucky enough to host a Sweetheart's Dinner tonight.

This is the time of winter to insist on the kind of evening event that will stun the doldrums right out of one's system. A fancy dinner at our old stone home with other couples falls into that category quite nicely.

Over the last 168 years, there have been other parties at this house. I plan to throw a few more while we are blessed enough to reside here.

This busy bee has been in her kitchen, a-buzz with food-fun. My very first Beef Bourguignon!

-with Baked Garlic Mashed Potatoes on the side.

Please indulge me with a few pics of the "new" china:


Oh boy. Am I ever having fun.

If I remember to grab my camera for the after-dinner entertainment, I shall share how grown-ups get greedy. We are having a good ole' Yankee Swap this evening. Wish me the best of grab-bag luck!

Cottage update

A brisk stroll across the bridge was definitely in order yesterday afternoon. I took Poodie with me.

How can this view NOT take one's breath away? Someone hold me back from throwing my little green kayak into the frothy current.

From the other side of the river, we beheld our humble abode. Please note the ramshackle red garage. We have been instructed by the LOTM to now call it "The Cottage".

Upon arriving back on the ranch, we popped into the Cottage to see what was what.
Above is the kitchen.
Here are the stairs. They aren't usable quite yet. But soon, soon.

Instead of trying to use the unfinished stairs, we trotted around to the other side of the Cottage to ascend the outside stairway.

This is what it looks like up there.

Eventually, it will all make sense!

alluring winter

Who could resist a winter's afternoon stroll? Not I.

the cottage

The only blizzard I would ever order is possibly one from DQ. Oreo, please.

But today we received the Mother Nature-type with horizontal precipitation, no cookies included.

The horrid weather does not keep the LOTM from his commute: a trot down the snowy steps to the garage. ahem: "the cottage", as he has dubbed it.

The transformation has begun to make the unused space above the garage into a state-of-the-art apartment with the best view of the river anywhere around.

The entryway and kitchen will be on the ground floor.

A staircase will lead upstairs to a living room and two bedrooms. Pictures forthcoming, you betcha.

As for the view, what can I say?

Stay tuned for the amazing project that will bring us The Cottage!