4.12.2009

backyard bliss...

Ever since I saw this little backyard retreat in a neighbors yard last year, I have secretly coveted it. I really could have used something like this for the "garden party", because 90 of you rsvp'd that you were coming to the party, and over 500 of you showed up. I was lucky to have enough cupcakes, and french pastries, plenty of fresh chilled strawberry water, and plenty of wine.......but I'm not going to lie and say the toilets didn't get backed up, but it is a good thing that my neighbor is a plumber, and had them working in 2 seconds flat!
Whew!


Anyways, back to the garden retreat.......In my new issue of Country living Magazine, on page 133, they have an "outdoor retreat" that you can easily do for around $1000. Take a peek below....








This garden shed is from Lowe's {in the mag it's listed for $998, but when i looked online it was $1200}, it comes with a floor and if you have a handy husband, then it should be easy to put together. I would like to point out that even though my husband is VERY handy...{he can change a few light bulbs, and he has been known to even fix the washer when it broke}, but i don't know if i trust him building my "dream retreat"
without me standing next to him "assisting" with the project.
He just informed me that he could in fact put this project together....
*sigh*






The pic above is the 12x8 Heartland Stratford model from Lowe's. It has so much potential.....right?!?!
I even drove by Lowe's today, and saw some smaller ones for half the price of this one above...





I would hang one of my birdie chandie's from the inside, put a table for 6, and dine alfresco in the spring.
Do you want to come?


I would also add a few finials to the top like this pic above, and even the custom french doors scream out to me, but those might have to wait till I have another grand to spend on the "retreat".
ooooh, the possibilities.......
I hope everyone had a fabulous weekend, and a lovely Easter.
xo







50 comments:

Amy said...

My husband indignantly told me he could build me a birdhouse when we were at Home Depot and I wanted to buy one. That was in 1992. I'm still waiting. :)

Lisa said...

I CAN'T BELIEVE I MISSED THIS PICTURE. I'LL HAVE TO GO BACK AND LOOK FOR IT. IT WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE SOMETHING LIKE THIS WOULDN'T IT.

HUGS FROM MAINE

B said...

That's gorgeous, do you think the spiders would know they're not invited!? Not that it'd be a worry for me; my husband can't change a plug. No retreat for me - unless I build it myself:o(

mrs boo radley said...

I'm busy coveting an Arctic pagoda firepit.

xo

Kacey said...

Oh no. Now I want one!

Emily said...

What a fabulous idea! I JUST subscribed to Country Living a couple of weeks ago. I hope I get that issue!

J.J. said...

I am positively giddy imagining the posibilities! :)

Brandie said...

Love it! I am hunting for a house with a backyard that will accomodate my little retreat. Must have!

Gigi Thibodeau said...

I have been dreaming about that little shed/cottage ever since the latest Country Living arrived in my mailbox! We live in the city in an old mill with no yard at all right now, so it will have to wait, but we're building one just as soon as we move back to a house! It's simply perfect.

Kathy's Red Door Welcome said...

I have the shed already, but it definitely needs the embellishments and to have all the storage boxes of junk removed. L.O.L. I'll have to post a picture of it and ask for everyones suggestions in hope of motivating my husband.

Kari said...

I haven't seen that issue yet! That place is unbelievably cute. I can just imagine walking through the little potager to get to the dream retreat. Is your hubs going to let you get one???

Jamie said...

I came here via the Nester's blog and just noticed that you are in St. Charles! I was born and raised in St. Charles! I'd love to visit your store in person but I couldn't find an address on your site.

Kurstin said...

so cute! and wouldn't that be such a nice little get away! very cute idea.

Evy said...

Ah, I so wish I had a yard with room to place such beauties! Imagine the kind of decorating you can do inside and the gardening you can do outside to create a lovely little "secret" retreat!

Tiedupmemories said...

It's a dream of mine too! I've always wanted a retreat and artists getaway{I called mine}. My husband too thinks he could build one.Lol! He tries hard at handy man jobs but I'm not sure if it would come out the way I would want it!

jessiev said...

The garden party was terrific. I had a little too much wine, though...lol.
A back yard retreat would be a dream come true. I saw one in a recent Cottage Living magazine... also beautiful!

paige said...

still recovering from my mid-day drank too much bubbly at your garden party...glad i didn't miss the social event of spring-wink!
xo

traci said...

i can totally see one of those in your backyard. get busy girl. they are really cute. haven't looked at my country living. saving it for the perfect time to savor every page.

Free Art Printables said...

I think you should do it you have plenty of room too!! MY hubby said is we ever get a garage, I can do what i want with our shed....hhmmmm...

Lulu and Co. said...

Lovely indeed... i think if i mention another project to my hubby he will run! Silly men!!
LuLu

the wild raspberry said...

it's like a playhouse for big girls...love it.
chas

Wendy said...

It would be just lovely!

Dolce Baci said...

I want one too!

Maisy said...

This is the deal...you put that in your yard and I will be over for another garden party.
xoxo
ps. maybe next time i will just sleep over!

littlebyrd said...

I know! I love this! I showed it to LD and we started making elaborate plans on what we want to do with our detached garage that sits at the back of our house, practically in the back yard. Perfect.

Anonymous said...

Girl....did you get a chance to meet all of those sweet friends that blessed your party! I was in awe....
Now thats just how you through a party! I may need to have you come over when I do my next one so you can bring all of your friends. Oh darn.. my neighbor is a painter not a plumber. Maybe you can bring neighbor too. So glad you had such an awesome turnout. Made my heart smile. As far as your outdoor room..perfect. Cant wait to see what you come up with!

Anonymous said...

Dont pay attention to my mispelled words...dufess..thats me

Anonymous said...

Oh, just wait until I post pics of our playhouse Neal built last year! Its just been too cold yet to go out and get it all ready! Plus, the garden isn't done at all yet!

Backyard Candle Co. said...

That would be so cool! Do it, do it!!!!

Paddywack Designs said...

So fabulous.. I need a bigger yard...maybe I could just convert the garage.

a.love said...

I have an idea...build it and they will come. By this I mean, build it and you can a) charge admission or b) rent it out. I will gladly live in your backyard dream if you'll let me! :) My husband JUST said last night he wants something just like this one day.

Rebekah said...

Absolutely dreamy!

Tara said...

Gorgeous Kasey, if your hubby so diligently does build this, can I stay in when I visit? Looks so dreamy and I know you would make it just perfect for overnighters, **hint hint!

Leah C said...

What a wonderful & lovely retreat that would be! My husband is very handy around the house, too...
hmmmmm...;)
P.S. Hope you had a Happy Easter:)

Anonymous said...

You know I used to fantasize when I was a little girl about having a playhouse just like this!

And frankly, now I'm a big girl and I STILL fantasize about it!

Laura said...

such a full Easter weekend over here complete with a sick child..and I MISSED the garden party! Not to mention the giveaway at MY fave store...ugh. NOT a good way to start my Monday!

Beautiful pics as always!

Jeanne Oliver said...

I saw this in the last issue and thought it was beautiful too. Do you want Kelly to come and do it...it will be done in 10 years:-)

Amanda @ Serenity Now said...

Oh, so cute!!! You'd have to do a step-by-step photo show for us if you do it. :)

Tracy ~Seeking Refinement~ said...

Kasey - those are so inspirational! So beautiful.

I LOVED your garden party - and really look forward to the next party!

My husband loves DIY projects (especially when they involve wood and building something) - why don't I loan my husband to you, while you and I go shopping for things to fill it?

we would have SO much fun!

hugs to you this monday!

Joyce said...

I too have been craving one of these little pieces in our backyard. I tell my love we can build it together, but so far he hasn't believed me. lol... I hope someday to have one of these little hideaways to store things in the winter and me in the summer! Thanks for sharing. Enjoy!

Petit Coterie said...

Kasey, Thank you so much for stopping by my blog. You have just touched a soft spot with that adorable little cottage. I have been asking for one for years. I'll have to show my husband these fabulous pictures.
Thanks so much for sharing.

Piper Jacquelyn said...

I LOVE THEM! I've always wanted my own little backyard getaway. When I was little I remember a "playhouse" featured in a magazine that was amazing - it was more like a small house!

Nice and Easy Antiques said...

Wish I had the room to have one just like it!!!!!

maybe one day....
Clara

Lindsey said...

Oh, how lovely! I'm dreaming of having something much like that little garden retreat someday, too. So relaxing and inspiring! :)

It' an Evolution said...

I think all girls need their own tea house...I think it needs a pool as well :) My latest obsession :)

paperbird said...

This is my dream- I would love a little garden house.
You absolutely could tweek the Lowe's shed to be something spectacular.
Kasy when you go to Cambria -if Monterey is close, visit the Cannery Row antique mall. I found so many great things and reasonably priced- two floors of great vintage finds!

Suzanne : : S.HOPtalk said...

That little cottage has your name written all over it. Can't wait to see it come alive. The article inspired me to get off my you know what and complete my own little retreat.

Anonymous said...

YES,I'M AFRAID MY HUBBY IS LIKE MOST OF THE OTHERS HERE.IT TAKES HIM MONTHS TO DO THE LITTLIEST THING FOR ME.2.USUALLY HE DOES AN AWFUL JOB OF IT ANYWAY.BA...ANN

shopruche.com said...

aw I was behind on blog reading and missed out on your contest. Congrats on your 200th post! What an adorable garden party!

Corinna is Stamptopia.com said...

Ha! I googled Lowes Stratford to show a friend the shed we just bought. I don't know if I will let my husband use it as a shed now - do you have your retreat after pictures? This is beautiful!