“There is a chandelier on the washing line Mum, why?” asked Little Miss staring at the freshly hosed pretty drying in the spring sunshine. “It’s so odd and not at all normal” she continued. “Huh, I’m only surprised you even needed to mention it” her brother mocked “and we’re not really all that normal anyway, are we?” he concluded as he strolled on by in his sisters’ fluorescent green beanie hat. They are probably quite right. We may not always conform to one’s idea of a ‘normal family’ (whatever one of those is) we do always pull together though as a family should. And if we hadn’t achieved the end goal of finishing Beautiful Belle and The Cottage Garden recently, it maybe wouldn’t have mattered since I am never happier than when we are our normal family of four. Laughing and teasing one another, enjoying time and a meal together is hugely special now my little ones are not so little. And working so very hard together recently to ensure one of the family’s dreams came true was pretty special too. More stuff for the memory box. Come take a look at what we achieved…
The Cottage Garden first then. A quick reminder of where we began…
As if I even needed to prove what a wonderful community we share over on Instagram, thank you lovely Helen @home_to_roost who gifted me wonderful iris bulbs to fill a great many holes and offer the promise of much needed colour to come in the garden. And whilst I’m dishing out the thanks, you’ll recall I left you last week in search of coffee and cuddles from my dear friend Sara, who has one of the most beautiful gardens I know. “Just bring your spade and take what you want” she said. Cue nostalgic feelings not dissimilar to being presented with a large stripy paper cup as a child in a sweet shop and being told to help yourself in the pick and mix section. The Cottage Garden will surely benefit from both these kind offerings.
We didn’t manage to locate the last few Victorian edgings we needed for the path, instead Mr M edged with reclaimed bricks…
And he laid a whole heap of gravel for the sweet little pathway…
And in only a few short months, there’ll be a lot less grey earth and much more glorious garden colour to come in our finished Cottage Garden…
And so, to Belle. The star of the show; my beautiful and finished shepherd’s hut. You’ll recall she started life like this as a very special Christmas present…
In her early days she looked a lot like this inside…
Then she had a cute little wood burning stove added…
And after last winter took its toll, she was insulated and looked like this for a while…
And then she was clad in gorgeous pine tongue and groove and each and every one of the knots were treated…
And the walls and floor were painstakingly painted…
And then the fun began. In went the chandeliers (yes there are two) the bed was assembled, see that hat?
And ever-so slowly the pretties, all the pretties found a home…
And finally, exhausted and just a teeny bit emotional, I took a quiet moment to light the sweet wood burner and flop on the vintage bed and look back at my shepherd’s hut Pinterest page. There I discovered Belle is infact everything I had ever dreamed she would be right from the start. White, bright and light on the inside and home to many of my most loved pieces. Generally inexpensive, thrifty finds from wonderful days spent trawling brocante and charity shops with a few treasures hunted down on eBay and Instagram in the mix. My collection of pretties all with a story and a memory attached. And outside, Belle’s carefully chosen and weathered shade of blue-grey blends perfectly in the prettiest of Cottage Gardens. A garden created lovingly from scratch with its own winding path and cute little home-made picket fence. Exactly as I imagined it would be.
Wow… it has been a busy few weeks getting my happy place ready. I so hope you have enjoyed the journey with us through my tales here and here and through my posts and stories on Instagram; your supportive and encouraging comments really do make my day, so do let me know what you think of the (hopefully) finished Shepherd’s Hut and Cottage Garden now.
I am looking forward to slowing life down just a little and I am taking the next two Thursday’s out to recharge. I will be back with another story for you on Thursday May 9th and I am also hoping to share a secret with you by then. It’s a secret I have been keeping for a while now. I know when you read it, you will squeal out loud. Until then, lots of love from Belle and me x
You are not the first person to refer to us as The Durrells which I still have yet to see… I’m taking it as a compliment though!By the end of this project Mr M and I were exhausted, I imagine you are feeling this stage now in your own beautiful back garden transformation x
Again a lovely read and an amazing outcome. For some reason the Durrells came into mind!! Think it was the chandelier on the washing line and the green beanie!! It did make me laugh. Well done everyone, hard work really does pay off!! Xx
Aah the hat is just perfect!! So glad you enjoyed the read darling and so happy you were such a big part of her transformation. Now, about the bathroom…x
What was I thinking with that hat !! Bells looking beautiful and glad I could help out! Another brilliant blog hels!
I am indeed one very lucky lady Molly and you are quite right, by working as a team we achieved much. And I am currently enjoying days at Belle’s sewing, blogging, reading and generally recharging. I don’t mind telling you Mr M and I are beat! Thank you as ever, for such kind and thoughtful words x
Well what can I say YOU are one blessed lucky lady who so deserved a special Belle in their life!
Reading this gave me a lump in my throat Helen. What a wonderful family all mucking in and bringing their skills (and hats) to make a dream come true. I have no doubt you will savour the special times, laughter (and your tears) that you have endured and enjoyed in this beautiful project.
Belle is just beyond ones wildest dreams and I am sure she will reward you with creating a little sanctuary for you.
Enjoy some quiet time, recharge and you little tease! Can’t wait for the next reveal….this is becoming addictive 🤣XXX
Mmmm… lost for words eh?! I am glad you like her though, I’m thrilled with the result.. shattered and thrilled!! Thanks for reading and leaving a comment and see you very soon x
Omg !! What an amazing transformation.. ..I’m a bit lost for words…. it really is a labour of love..it all looks absoloutely stunning! As always beautifully written and beautiful photos, am so looking forward to seeing her , think all your hard work deserves a champagne celebration, forget the tea!! Very excited waiting for your “secret” to be disclosed…xxxx
We did good sweetheart didn’t we? A real team effort from a not so ‘normal’ team. Thank you for your lovely comment darling x
So, I hope you’ll be here for coffee and biscuits next week with Jane lovely. I am so looking forward to enjoying Belle over Easter and as for the secret… I am beyond excited to share!
Thank you Wendy for your wonderfully kind comment. I love to write these stories and get such pleasure that they are enjoyed. A very happy Easter to you too!x
Thank you lovely friend, she will be waiting with coffee and biscuits at the ready!x
Thank you so much for leaving me a comment Marijean, I’m so happy you like Belle’s new look too x
Ahh dear Claire that is not weird at all, it is as ever an incredibly kind comment and we are all so glad you love the end result. Thank you for joining in with this journey and for your wonderful support. Have a fabulous Easter x
Oh my, what a wonderful adventure this has been. Your photos are beautiful, your family is amazing and your writing is just enchanting. Belle is magical because you (all) made her so.
Weirdly perhaps I feel proud of you ! Claire xx
Oh my! So charming!
aah Belle is looking just so lovely. worth all that hard work and headaches!! can’t wait to see her next week.
xxx
Soooo love your blog, it’s like we’re right there with you as you tell the story!! I’m sooo happy for you, have a lovely Easter !!🐇🐇🐇
AMAZING !!… all the hard work has paid off and now enjoy a good rest and immerse yourself in beautiful Belle!
I’m looking forward to seeing it all with my own eyes!
And such a great blog…. with a secret to be revealed!……lots of love 💕 🌺 💕
Oh I do soooo love our little bunch! Maybe we aren’t normal but who wants normal anyway!?
Seeing her all done even took my breath away, she looks amazing
This is so beautifully written mum, as always, I’m left in awe of you xxxxxx ps CAN’T WAIT for your secret to be revealed xx
Morning Helen… Mr M was busy planting the bulbs last night so fingers crossed. It really was special having every one help, it wasn’t initially planned as that, I’m so very lucky they all did. My ‘secret’ is just too exciting and I am hopeless with a secret, this is a real test for me! thank you for reading and again for your kind gift and have a very wonderful Easter yourself x
Oh bless you of course you are to come and enjoy her with me, I’ll be in touch! We have worked hard, Mr M goes to work for a rest these days! I’m so looking forward to actually sitting in her and writing my stories again this summer. Thank you for reading and for your lovely comments as always x
Wow Helen what a wonderful job you and your family have done. I know from our own projects when everyone mucks in it makes it even more special too doesn’t it? Thankyou for the mention. I’m just glad the Iris bulbs found a good home and I look forward to seeing them bloom, if not this year then next. I can’t wait for your next post too, I mean what a teasing cliffhanger you’ve left us with this time! I hope you have a fun filled and relaxing Easter enjoying your beautiful Belle. Xx
Bell is a real labour of love Angeline and I’m looking forward to a rest now and to really enjoy being there over the warmer months. Thank you for reading and for your lovely comment, happy week ahead for you x
Oh Helen, wow! Wow! WOW!! What a great read AND an amazing transformation! Belle and your cottage garden look absolutely magnificent! Magnificent!! You have all worked extremely hard to achieve an exceptional goal. Wow! Please may I come over for a cuppa tea and sit inside Belle so I can admire her in all her splendid glory? xxx
Helen, Belle is beautiful what a lovely job you have done….enjoy spending time using her. Angeline xxx