This is the new view from my back steps. It's strange to be able to see the wash house, the building on the left, because for years it's been hidden by a tangle of overgrown bushes. A rotted grape arbor, a fig tree and several privets had been taken over by the grapes, ivy and honeysuckle. Last weekend the last of the brush was cleared away, making way for...more clean up on the inside! I was really quite surprised. I've posted about my dream of turning the wash house into a studio a couple of times. I thought Hubby was just humoring me about starting on it this spring. Thank you Hubby!
Hubby's grandmother, Hummer, hauled her laundry out to this little building until she was in her 90's. It was also used as a potting shed and storage for her bulbs. Hubby remembers being recruited each year with his brothers to dig up all the bulbs from her cut flower stand.
Both the building and the rose bush survived the pruning shears and chainsaws. I wasn't so sure that would be the case.
A view from the inside. It's too scary for more than just a glimpse!
This is the side by the pathway. My dad has inspected everything and thinks it's in much better shape than it looks like. There is some rot, water damage in the ceiling, and other minor issues. He'll upgrade the electrical that has been disconnected for years. The biggest job is cleaning it out, then prepping and painting it. All in all he says it will be relatively inexpensive and simple. I just hope his idea of "relatively" is the same as mine! My dear mom can't wait to get painting on it with me.
I had never seen the back side until a few months ago when a chicken coop that backed up to it was removed. I hadn't even realized there were windows here. When it's all finished I hope it turns out something like this...
I've been holding on to this inspiration photo for many years. I don't know which magazine it came from. When I posted about some old doors I thought might be good for this project Karen, from Some Days are Diamonds, commented:
DO IT DAWN!!!!! I cannot tell you how wonderful it is to have a room to just "Be" in and create whatever your heart desires. While I love just having my own room, to have a separate building, a "destination" if you will would be awesome! Just imagine! Oh I REALLY encourage you to find a way! Keep me posted!!!!!
As luck would have it I went to Karen's blog to grab her link and her pups, Jorja and Harley, had snuck in a post about how Karen was doing the Happy Dance over her newly re-decorated studio! Now I have some lovely pink inspiration for the inside, and some great organizational ideas too! Thank you for all the encouragement Karen. I do think this little building could turn out to be a little diamond in the rough!
I'll keep you all posted as this project moves along.
Hugs,
Dawn
