As you may remember I have been working on my guest house-to-be (meaning transforming the derelict garage into a little (just under 500 sq ft) hideaway for my office, visiting family and friends.
I had 2 choices: 1) ignore the fact that the place was about to collapse or, 2) Bite the bullet and invest whatever money I could into redoing it into a guest house.
Since it already had water and electricity and, considering how bad the real estate market was, I figured I should make the most of a bad situation and go with option 2.
Though it has been tough to pull it together financially, in the long run it will be a good move as it adds value to the property. Question is: will I live long enough to see the market turn around?? Well my guess is yes but even if I am wrong and decide never to sell my house I will have learn a lot about construction, plumbing, design, and working within the tiniest budget. Not to mention I will have gain space and create a sweet spot for work and entertaining guests. So, the way I see it it's a win-win deal (tell that to my aching muscles and my anorexic bank account!!!!!.....)
The work began a week before this past Thanksgiving and my goal is to have it completed by this Thanksgiving.
MOVING RIGHT ALONG......................
you can see the little French doors opening into the living area (these photos are blurry because my battery was almost dead.....sorry!) but you get the idea..
The little alcove for the bed is to the left of the chair.....and faces the armoire (photo below) which is to the right of the French doors to the bathroom............
The other sides are done but I have to take photos.....................
One of the reasons it has taken so long is that the fellow who is doing the carpentry work can only work for me on weekends----and not every weekend. But the price is right so I went along with his erratic schedule.
The other reason is the time I can physically dedicate to it myself based on my work and travel obligations.
I have designed the whole thing (including framing, placement of new walls inside, windows, doors, kitchen, bathroom and so on), sanded, primed and painted all the drywall and furniture, and anything else that is a "do-it-yourself" project.
Then there was the issue of upgrading the plumbing and electricity .......and, the biggest issue of all: MONEY, of course! So, I had to take baby steps to pay for the work as I earned the money.
Though the project is not quite finished (still have to put in the A/C, ceiling, floor, install toilet, bath and kitchen sinks, and do all the wood trim finishing) I can see the end in a not too distant future.
As for furniture and accessories, I already had 90% of it. It was a matter of recycling, refinishing, repainting, repurposing......
As I go along I will tell you what I did and the cost for each piece.
IN THE BEGINNING..................
The old structure was falling apart. The wood was rotten and the parts that weren't had met with hungry termites...............I will spare you all the exterior and interior ugliness and give you just a couple of samples......that being said, all the walls had to be replaced, and new ones added to partition the interior (for bath and kitchen.)
UUUUUUGLY STUFF!!!!
the only things left of the original structure are the roof, floor and open rafters.........
This is what has now become the bathroom and laundry area, which you will see later....
....and this is where the small kitchen goes (now there is a wall between the washer/dryer and kitchen.
Start of the kitchen area................
Making progress..................
The kitchen area is coming along great. Still have to hang the chandelier, add more shelving, do floor, make right curtains for cupboards, and the list goes on....
The door opens into the courtyard and the cabana...........the long sideboard/bookcase will be refinished and used for books and silver items.............by the way, I got the "sideboard" for nothing.
It was outside a shop called "The Woman's Exchange". Don't get excited: it's not where you go to exchange women, it's just a consignment shop...)
Anyway, that piece was left outside and I stopped to look at it and inquire how much. I was told it was free if I could figure a way to take it home. I called my neighbor who has a pick up truck and she and I loaded the thing on her truck under pouring rain. To this day I still don't know how we managed to lift it on the truck because it weighs a ton! Just rememberb it was FREE and I wasn't about to pass it up "if there is a will there is a way!"
This is one large room, which continues into what will be my office space (where the chairs are next to the French doors---which will open onto another private little courtyard)...........
and the space becomes the living area..................
In the very back of the living room (where the chairs are and to the right of the window) there is a recessed alcove large enough for a double bed that will be set with comfy pillows against the back wall.......
I saved the little grey panels (on the floor under window) when I cut them off the top front portion of the armoire when I replaced them with chicken wire and the fabric with crowns. I kept the panels to make shutters for the little window. I stenciled "Bonne Nuit" on them. The bed will go under that window.
The larger windows (from Habitat for Humanity--$15 for the pair!) look onto the garden.
Between the 2 armoires there is a pair of tiny French doors opening into the bathroom....
The tub is in, and the plumbing for the toilet and vessel ready.........
the French doors go on the right of the photo..............
The dresser (got it from my neighbor for $30) will be repainted.......and drapes added to the window for privacy. This window is also from Habitat for Humanity and was also only $15. I bought it because of the shape AND the price...........I also put bead board all around the tub area to tie in with the beams...........
The lovely crystal hanging "thingie" was a gift from Sherry (sherrysrosecottage.blogspot.com). When we were shooting her home in Gray, GA, for Country Victorian, I mentioned how much I like these and she very kindly gave me one to take home. Now I have the perfect place for it!
I decided on a vessel because I like the "spa-like" feel. The faucet (not yet installed) is very simple and adds to the look. The panel on the window is a remnant from a piece I got at a flea market in Provence last year........
The washer, dryer and hot water heater are concealed behind these curtains.
The chair was a sale item from a local antique shop............ The little alcove for the bed is to the left of the chair.....and faces the armoire (photo below) which is to the right of the French doors to the bathroom............
From the living room to the bathroom.............................
Of course, I will put curtains for privacy into the bathroom. The floor is plywood, just primed right now, but it will be painted to look like old planks.
I posted these outside shots before but here is what the courtyard side looks like
From this.................
to this...............
To this...............
Next time I hope to be able to post more of the finished rooms and, later, show you the furniture I did over and the techniques, materials and cost for each piece.
That's it for now. I have to go because Lucy is telling me she wants her lunch..........
Wonderful pictures!! I can't wait to see it all finished. How do you find the time to do all of that?!!? : )
~ Wendy
http://Crickleberrycottage.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Wendy McDonagh-Valentine | September 03, 2009 at 11:31 AM
Love seeing the progress you have made! Very inspiring! ~Mandy
Posted by: Amanda | September 03, 2009 at 12:08 PM
What a beautiful space, so clean, crisp and spacious. You did a great job.
Margo
Posted by: Margo | September 03, 2009 at 12:30 PM
Well, if this "little" reno isn't the cat's meow, I don't know what is!!! Yes, and that is in reference to Lucy... *grin*
It is looking so fantastic and homey and yum.... What a change and I cannot wait to see the finished product, because this is definitely some eye candy!
:-) Sue
Posted by: Sue | September 03, 2009 at 01:01 PM
How stunning everything is turning out. We are slowly doing things ourselves for our 1916 home too. Right now, it is save a lil (very little) do a little and getting a lil sad that it can't be done NOW...seeing these lovely pictures has greatly inspired me to have more patience and know that we are "hopefully" not going anywhere for the next few years and will be able to enjoy the hard work when we are done. Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful pictures and for the much needed inspiration! Be well..be happy..be loved, Rose
Posted by: Rose | September 03, 2009 at 02:24 PM
How lovely....i cant wait to see the finished project!!!! You're awesome Fifi. Thank you so much for sharing!!!
Posted by: Jackie | September 03, 2009 at 02:26 PM
I visited!! I cannot believe all you have accomplished!! Fifi..I loved it then!! Imagine now..
Tu es incroyable! Bravo.
Posted by: Monique | September 03, 2009 at 02:55 PM
Fifi, that is an amazing transformation of your garage - just fabulous! So worth it all in the end. Enjoy!
Posted by: Zita - Mlle Magpie | September 03, 2009 at 03:05 PM
You have done amazing things with a small space!!! Your 'finds' - the windows, cabinets, furniture etc are all perfect. It is so inspirational!
Thanks for the tour, can't wait for more!
Posted by: Mandi Pike | September 03, 2009 at 03:44 PM
Oh Fifi... I L-O-V-E it. Can't wait to make my plane reservation, tell Lucy I'll bring food ;)
Can't wait to see more on your next post.
xoxo~Tracie
Posted by: Tracie~My Petite Maison | September 03, 2009 at 03:55 PM
I am so thrilled you are showing the progress on this project! I love this! We have a detached garage that is now stacked and barely room to get to the laundry. Our aim is eventually empty it and start over making it a space for the laundry(already in there), a space for my husband to have a workshop and the rest a sort of art studio/guest space. We don't use this garage for cars. It is a 2 car garage with a one car sliding door I hope will become sliding french doors. YOu have really given me some amazing incentive with this. MORE photos PLEASE!!!!
XOXO
Posted by: Lisa Oceandreamer S. | September 03, 2009 at 05:52 PM
Always so generous to share with us! What inspiring stuff.
Love what you've done, and I look forward to seeing more in the future.
Can't wait to see the new issue of RC. Do you know what happened to Rachel Ashwell's stores? We had one here in Austin--but it's gone.
Posted by: Denice | September 03, 2009 at 06:26 PM
oh my gosh! this is just amazing and i can feel your excitement.
what beautiful pieces you have collected and how fun of you to share the stories of their origins.
the art of the possible!
fabulous, fifi!
xo
elyse
Posted by: elyse | September 03, 2009 at 06:32 PM
Thanks for sharing.... Oh-- I love it!
Posted by: valarie@wwwglimpseofmyworld.blogspot.com | September 03, 2009 at 07:05 PM
Fifi-
Splendid ...love it all. How do you find the time to do it all!~ Enjoy this long holiday week-end.
Molly
www.mollycoddle.com
Posted by: Molly | September 03, 2009 at 07:36 PM
This is just a dream. Amazing transformation and well worth it. Congratulations.
Posted by: Beach Vintage | September 03, 2009 at 11:15 PM
Thank you so much for all the detail you have given us, I love the way the garage has grown, it has given me so much inspiration. I love all the bargains and the armoires are fabulous.
I have a work room (cough garage) that could do with a complete overhaul, thank you for all the inspiration. Yes if only money was no object, life would be so much easier.
I will look forward to the next installment.
best wishes
Ginny
(somewhere in a garden in England planning her next revamp ha ha :0)) )
Posted by: Ginny at Twinkle Pink | September 04, 2009 at 12:16 AM
Lovely! I love your interios style and I love your cats!
Posted by: Elisa Day | September 04, 2009 at 03:09 AM
Fifi, I enjoyed seeing this process so much. I am sure you have created visions of ideas dancing in many heads from this post. It is such a help to be able to see the process. I had to laugh seeing you already staging items before the rooms are completed. That is exactly what I do! When you have a vision you just can't wait to put it together. This is going to be spectacular and inviting! Kisses to Lucy and the gang.
~Lallee
PS Can't wait for my next RC!
Posted by: Lallee | September 04, 2009 at 04:30 AM
Hello, Fifi,
What an amazing transformation! Everything is looking very elegant and charming. I also see the next issue of Romantic Country is coming out soon which makes me very happy. Vicki
Posted by: Vicki Thompson | September 04, 2009 at 08:28 AM
Hello, you have the most fabulously wonderful site here and I had to leave this comment for you ! Your posts are beautifully written, creative and original too, and you have interesting pictures.
It's all perfect !
Thank you for sharing your site and best wishes.... 'Happy September'....
Posted by: Elise | September 04, 2009 at 11:44 AM
Oh my gosh, this is AMAZING!! You are amazing! It is fabulous!!! I would LOVE to have something like this and you make me feel it is possible! I just love reading your stories of how and where you get the wonderful pieces and the amazing prices! Thank you so much for always inspiring!!!
Love and hugs,
Amy
Posted by: Bunny Rose Cottage | September 04, 2009 at 03:14 PM
What a sweet transformation! Isn't it fun to have a new room to do over?
I love looking at your blog : )
Posted by: Sandy | September 04, 2009 at 07:19 PM
Holy cow! That looks awesome!!!! Jen
Posted by: jen R Sanctuary arts at home | September 04, 2009 at 08:59 PM
Fifi, this is amazing. Projects like this are exhausting but oh so rewarding! I'm amazed and proud of you. Hang in there. You'll be delighted with the finished results! xo rachel
Posted by: Rachel Going | September 05, 2009 at 05:03 AM
Fifi,
Your newest project is just gorgeous & once again I am inspired to continue on with working on my soon to be 65 year old cottage.
I can't wait to see the new space finished & I can hardly wait for the new issue of Romantic Country.
Fifi thank you for always sharing so many wonderful ideas with us!
Pink hugs.
Posted by: Vicki Pink Pearl Girl | September 05, 2009 at 07:10 AM
It is beautiful! Wish I could live in it! You need to do a feature in the magazine when it is done!! Love, Love, Love the unusually shaped windows!!
Posted by: GAIL | September 05, 2009 at 10:33 AM
Your new multi-purpose area is so wonderful! I love the shades of white and the architecture that you have put into each area with the window, doors and chosen furniture pieces. I look forward to the finished pictures! Thank you for sharing.
Posted by: Patti's Artful Design | September 05, 2009 at 02:35 PM
JUST DIVINE !!! I am yet to start on my garage, but your pictures have just inspired me to get a move on !!! By the way, LOVE Romantic Country here in Australia. Can we subscribe in Australia? I'm sure there are plenty of eager takers like myself. Thanks again for the inspiration. Fabulous job.
Posted by: Felicity | September 05, 2009 at 03:16 PM
Oh My its amazing Fifi!!! I am amazed you have done a lot of the work yourself girlie! When do you sleep??LOL Its going to be soo lovely & you will be so proud of yourself! Your taste is.. as always impecable sweets! Thanks so much for letting us see:) Cant wait to get my copy of RC..its always superb!!
Hugs..
Deb:)
Posted by: Debbie Bell | September 05, 2009 at 06:13 PM
Hello Fifi; Oh I just adore your guest house, it is just gorgeous... I love you taste and style. can't wait to see more...lots more.. you are doing a great job..
Hugs;
Alaura
Posted by: alaurajane | September 05, 2009 at 07:55 PM
Fif it is looking fabulous!!Thanks for taking us along on the transformation
Alison
Posted by: Alison Gibbs | September 06, 2009 at 05:06 AM
Oh Fifi - I am loving it! I know this has taken a long time, but you should be so proud of yourself! It is fabulous. I can't wait to see more photos...
xo
Claudia
Posted by: Claudia | September 06, 2009 at 08:10 AM
Yes!!! Bravo it's verry nice now!!! Congratulations. Gros bisous de la France.
Posted by: sandrine | September 07, 2009 at 08:42 AM
Wow, it looks like it's going to be an amazing space!!!!! Love, love, love all your finds!! Can't wait to see it all done (i'm sure you do too!!)
Isabel
Posted by: Isabel ~ Maison Douce | September 07, 2009 at 12:10 PM
...what a wonderful creation....i lived in sarasota for 25 yrs. and will be going back....last time i was there i figured out where you lived as i think i know every old house in sarasota!.....what a creative paradise you have created......love reading your blog.......best wishes......carol
Posted by: carol | September 08, 2009 at 02:48 PM
Oooh Fifi, it is fabulous, just like you! I love your kitties too, kitty kisses to them all! Bisous... Julie Marie
Posted by: Julie Marie Vicknair | September 08, 2009 at 08:28 PM
What a fabulous transformation! It looks amazing. I love it!!
((hugs)) Rhondi
Posted by: Rhondi | September 10, 2009 at 07:32 AM
Great idea to renovate the building. It's looking wonderful. Looking forward to seeing the finished product.
Lucy is cute and a very curious kitty I am guessing.
Posted by: Chatelaine | September 10, 2009 at 08:15 PM
OK Fifi, may I please come and stay...for a while? It is so lovely and quaint. Just a perfect spot for you to work and your family and friends to retreat.
Nice work my friend. Ciao bella,
Suzanne
Posted by: Suzanne | September 12, 2009 at 06:18 PM
Hello sweet Fifi!
I am amazed at what your talents can do. :) So inspiring, that I want to re-do our garage into a fun studio space. :)
Smiles,
Teresa
xoxo
Posted by: Teresa Sheeley | September 27, 2009 at 10:12 PM
WOW, Fif, this project is truly inspirational.. Its fantastic to see its transformation from what it once was..Spectacualar job angel face!!!
Posted by: Jo-Anne | October 01, 2009 at 03:59 AM