Welcome sweet friends to the five year anniversary of the Sunshine Cottage!
“do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV)
In 2015, I started dreaming of a potting shed next to the garden. I mentioned it to my RM (aka Butch) and he agreed, but life was busy. In 2016, we became grandparents and my little dream was pushed to the bottom of the priority list. Fast forward to the spring of 2020 when I mentioned to Butch that a potting shed would be a great place for me to play and make memories with our two little granddaughters, EM and EK…
…a few days passed when one evening he asked if I had settled on a design. Let’s say I got busy finalizing my ideas. We officially broke ground June 15th and it was completed July 24th, just seven weeks from start to finish in the middle of the pandemic!
Before there was any furniture, EM and I had our first impromptu tea party! EK was too young to join us! We had a little makeshift table and paper napkins as a cloth. You can tell by her sweet smile she enjoyed her tea and chocolate chip cookie. If you could have seen me behind the camera, tears were streaming down my face!
During the building process it changed from a shed to a cottage! My personal style has always been English Country with a mix of patterns, colors, textures, the old alongside the new. The sun streams through the windows and dances on the round table and the walls, so it just seemed natural to name it the Sunshine Cottage!
The first Christmas in the cottage was decorated for the girls! Actually every Christmas in the Sunshine Cottage is for the grandchildren. WL doesn’t show any interest, he had much rather play with his Da (aka Butch, he has lots of names and Butch isn’t his real name)! Wyatt does join when there are treats involved!
Of course, I thought the cottage should be painted white with the antique French doors and shutters blue!
Playtime with EK and our resident teddy bear, Snuggles! The girls have toys stashed behind the curtains below the butcher block counter! At the beginning, I was reading to them, now they are reading to me.
Butch’s drone shots help you get an idea of the layout. The cottage can be seen on the left along with the beginnings of the cottage garden. There have been expansions and many changes to the garden since this photo was taken! Our patio is 23 feet from the entrance to the garden. Our home, garden, cottage, and Butch’s workshop are in close proximity to each other.
We love decorating the cottage porch for the holidays! Autumn, my favorite season, means stacked pumpkins of all colors and sizes! Every year we say we are cutting back on the pumpkins, but that hasn’t happened, so far!
Not only is the Sunshine Cottage for EM and EK, but I also use it to play with dishes. Some of us never grow up! The long counter is perfect for a couple of place settings and to display dishes, flower arrangements, and some of my collectibles.
The French beveled glass doors were found in an old barn probably 46 years ago. Butch had them stored in his workshop all those years and finally they were put to use! Summer is the hardest time to decorate the porch, the afternoon sun is intense. Potted plants are often watered twice a day!
No Christmas in the cottage would be complete without a tree. The ornaments were chosen with the three grandchildren in mind and now that we have a precious 5 month old little boy, ornaments will be added for him. After a long wait to have our only child, we are so excited and counting our blessings for four grandchildren!
Butch loves adding the red, white, and blue for the 4th of July!
The Christmas tree comes out in October but is dressed in fall colors! Turkey feathers which are found in our pastures, dried hydrangeas, cotton bolls, and other natural decor add to the autumnal tree!
An autumn view into the cottage garden with stacks of pumpkins filling the cottage porch!
Shelves offer a wonderful spot to display my seasonal dishes and my beloved Mother’s beautiful ceramics that she made in the 70’s!
I hinted of a change that was coming to the cottage last fall. The sweet little white cottage was getting hard to keep and I was ready for a change! November 2024, the cottage was painted to match the gables on our house and Butch’s workshop. I have enjoyed the change, and it is easier to keep clean!
Photos of our girls inside the cottage and on the porch! I almost forgot to mention that the girls and I had sleepovers in the cottage on a blow up mattress until on one of those occasions we woke up to find the mattress had lost its air and we were on the hard floor! Thankfully, they decided it was more fun to stay in the house, and they haven’t mentioned it since that night!
The cottage is painted Iron Gate by Benjamin Moore and the shutters and door are Buxton Blue. The roof is cedar shake which was a dream come true.
A favorite photo of a double rainbow over the cottage and garden…
…an autumn night by the fire pit and the cottage porch aglow in the darkness…
…one of those glowing magical moments at sunset after a rain…
… and a sunny, hot July afternoon!
Thank you for allowing me to reminisce and share some photos with you. The cottage has brought me endless hours of joy…reading, relaxing, playing with dishes, and enjoying time with friends. However, the memories that have been made with my grandchildren have brought me the most joy. Hopefully there are many more to come. Tea parties, Barbie’s, storybooks, puzzles, coloring, and lots of snuggling in the chair…the list goes on and on. I pray that the memories we make will last a lifetime and one day they will share them with their children and grandchildren. Just the thought fills my heart with joy!
You still have the opportunity to enter my giveaway…the deadline is midnight tonight!
Thank you, precious friends, for your visit and gracious comments. Wishing you a delightful week!
Linking with: Pieced Pastimes, Between Naps on the Porch, Katherines Corner, Follow The Yellow Brick Home,
Life and Linda
Oh my. Every picture is a treat. Such charm! How wonderful that you have so carefully built and decorated The Sunshine Cottage with such love and care. Your dream come true to be enjoyed over and over again.
The drone shot is amazing. Your garden and cottage are perfectly balanced with color and interest. To get to share it with your precious littles is the cherry on top.
(I too, love to “play” with my dishes and tables capes)
I also love that you begin with a bible verse.
Ruth, you are so sweet and your comments are heartwarming. Thank you for following along. I know you love dishes and enjoy tablescaping and I enjoy seeing them!
whoops, forgot to say, Happy Anniversary!
Thank you!
What a lovely invitation we have had to visit your Sunshine Cottage over the past few years. We have seen it decorated so beautifully. But to get to share this all with your little girls has got to be the most precious moment! What a joy for you! And we, too, find joy when you share your tea parties with the girls and all your pretty collections and dishes.
Thank you, my sweet friend!
Happy Tuesday!
Nancy, it is truly a joy to see my girls having so much fun. Ella Mae said she was going to move into the cottage 🥰 Thank you for your visits and lovely comments!
Awe how sweet! I lovethat! 🥰
Marvelous, it is fun to see how you change the cottage with the seasons. Most of us cannot have one of these little she-sheds, so we love seeing yours.
Thank you, Carole. It is my adult play house!
I cant believe it has been ten years! We have enjoyed so many gatherings in the cottage vicariously through your marvelous photos. And it has been a delightful place to watch your little ones grow up. I savor every new design and holiday change! You’ve had such fun with this and I eagerly anticipate the fun to come. (And love that drone shot!)
Thank you, Jeanie! It is a joy to see my granddaughters having fun and playing in the cottage! I love the seasonal changes, so much fun to decorate!
Happy Anniversary Pam! I snuck a peak at your post on my phone this morning and then I was out the door to walk the dogs and do some plant resuscitation/watering…I think it’s hopeless in these triple digit temps and no rain in sight. I love seeing your Sunshine Cottage dressed for the seasons and holidays! What a fun look back at your five years. I envy you having A/C and a climate controlled spot to enjoy with your grands, for tea parties, reading and relaxing. The thermometer in my potting shed registered 91 degrees yesterday, I won’t be back until the heat breaks…probably early October 😉 I adore the double rainbow you captured and the drone shot. Your grands are adorable…I have no doubt you’re making lasting and fond memories with them. Happy Tuesday and stay cool! ❤️
Thank you, Mary! The cottage porch didn’t receive much decorating this summer. The afternoon sun is so hot and flowers just struggle. I gave up and said I will decorate come fall! It is a happy place for my girls❤️
Seeing your cottage posts over the years has been a favorite of mine. It is reminiscent of my childhood playhouse – a real little wooden house with real china dishes. I spent many happy days playing there and would love to sit with you in your little cottage and sip tea. I love that you appreciate the simple pleasures in life and find beauty in all things around you.
Leslie Anne, how fabulous it must have been to have a real play house as a child and with real china dishes. I would love to have you visit! Thank you!
I can’t believe the Sunshine Cottage is 5 years old! It is indeed the perfect playhouse for you and the girls! You don’t have to worry about your grands remembering, they already have experienced so many fun things you and RM have done with them that they will always remember! I bet you are itching for the pumpkins to arrive so you can do your beautiful Fall decorating!
Jenna, it has been so sweet to watch the girls enjoy the cottage. You know me well, I can’t wait for pumpkins! Thank you!
Your sunshine cottage is sweet and beautiful. I guess this is an example of something good coming out of Covid. The grand girls looks so little. Gosh they grow up so fast. Your Sunshine cottage is a place you can find joy and fun everyday. Happy Tuesday. Summer is going to fast. Hugs. Kris
Thank you, Kris! Yes our oldest was four and now she is nine. As you know, they grow up too fast!
Pam, I love your cottage! I have been wanting something similar for several years. Sigh, maybe someday. Keep enjoying it and making those fabulous memories with your family.
Thank you, Darlene. I never dreamed I would have my adult playhouse. Don’t give up!
Seeing your cottage through different seasons has always been one of my favorites! It is so charming and I love your decorating style. What special memories you are making with your grandchildren too!
I look forward to more Sunshine Cottage pictures!!
Thank you, Kathryn for your sweet comments. The memories are what it is all about, because children grow up so quickly!
It’s always so fun when I find you’ve posted a Sunshine Cottage post! What a pleasure watching your beautiful grandchildren grow, the sweet and thoughtful decorating and sharing of collections and stories are such treats. Thank you so much for sharing with us. The cottage is beautiful inside and out!
The scripture was especially meaningful to me this morning, as always, thank you Pam.
Thank you, Sue for your heartwarming comments. I am so glad the scripture was meaningful. It is my joy to share God’s Word!
Your Sunshine Cottage continues to bring delight and inspiration to your readers. Thank you for sharing your beautiful adventures.
Thank you so much, Cindie!
Hi Pam
I am hearing that you have a new grandson but I have missed details. Have you announced it or posted a picture?
Yes, Vicky, Daniel was born on February 13th. He is precious, and we are so happy to have another grandson. We are even now, 2 girls and 2 boys! We are grateful for these four blessings!
Happy Anniversary. Seems like a playhouse that evolved into a cottage. The memories those girls will treasure. My grandmother was born in the 1800’s. She had a big yellow wash house behind the Victorian house. How I would love to have that “wash house” today. It was big enough to live in. She had a walk in pantry with green tea and grew kale. Country living is so unique and special. You and Butch have the most beautiful property “one step away from heaven” Thank you for sharing with all of us.
Thank you, Myrna. I am so glad you shared about your grandmother’s yellow wash house. I can just imagine how special it was along with the Victorian house. I should blog about our property and how it took years to acquire it all. You have given me an idea. Have a wonderful week!
Happy anniversary to you and the life of thw Sunshinw Cottage, Pam! These photos are SO beautiful, and I feel certain your grandchildren will remember the memories made there and all throughout your property. You and Butch have created a true haven for your family! ☀️🌈🩷
ps I love the new colorway of the cottage.
Thank you, Rita. Butch and I were talking today about how much work it takes and how long will we be able to keep it up. He says we will continue until we can’t!
How beautiful your transformation of your grounds surrounding your country home and your little cottage dreams coming true. I love the aerial views with the drone…and I especially love your grands and seeing the joy they have with their PJ in the cottage. Happy Anniversary to your cottage … and Butch….Isn’t it wonderful we are truly blessed as God has given us husbands that make our little “wants” happen. Butch has expanded your gardens making them truly English and Victorian in nature. AND I don’t think one can have too many pumpkins. LOL
Thank you, Kari. Butch works so hard and always has. He doesn’t have a lazy bone is his body. Since he retired, he works non stop on our property. Making memories with the grands brings us both much joy!
Happy Birthday to Sunshine Cottage. Oh my word it is beyond awesome! What gal doesn’t DREAM of something exactly like that. It is true perfection. Inside and out – dreamy and perfect and I absolutely ADORE it, Pam!!!! Funny mu grand girl just left about a half hour ago and we had our little tea party as we always do when she is here. So I had a lump in my throat seeing your sweet tea with your grand girl. ♥♥ Butch – you are a fabulous human being making that dream a reality. And you both sharing it with your readers….thank you!
Michele, thank you for your sweet comments, they touched my heart. How fun to have a tea party every time your grand girl visits…making precious memories. I agree, Butch is fabulous!!
Wishing you a lovely week!
Cheers to five years of cozy Sunshine Cottage memories created with love! And now the garden meets the cottage front door. Every day must be a staycation here!
Mary, thank you for your sweet comments. Wishing you a lovely week!
Pam, how fun to hear the history of this project. Kudos to Butch. I didn’t realize he had built it. I’ve long admired your beautiful property, and the Sunshine Cottage and garden are favorite aspects for me as an observer. I envy you having this special spot to spend time with your grands, making memories they will treasure for a lifetime. My sister had a small playhouse on her property that was there when she and her husband bought the home for their growing family. It was a home that belonged to a one of our distant cousins and the three girls who grew up in that house played in that same playhouse. My sister took great pride in spifing it up through the years. She would let one grandchild spend a week helping her clean, paint, refresh the interior. They each felt ownership in this little structure. I hope one of my sister’s daughters will rescue the playhouse and take it to their own home to use in some creative way.
Happy Sunshine Cottage anniversary!
Sarah, thank you for your thoughtful comments. Like you, I hope one of your nieces rescue the playhouse. Wishing you a lovely week, dear one!
I had a pretty awful day today but then I came upstairs and saw Everyday Living and it changed everything-your precious grandchildren, your cottage and the beautiful pictures and Bible verse ,meant a great deal and made me feel so much better. Thank you, Pam. It’s not enough but it comes your way with a lot of gratitude. Barbara
Barbara, I am so sorry you had an awful day. I am thankful that the Bible verse and my little Sunshine Cottage made you feel better! Your comments mean so much and thank you! I hope the rest of the week will be better🙏🏻
Pam, I love Sunshine Cottage so much and can’t believe it has been 5 years! One of my favorite things is your dear daddy’s typewriter and the way you display special cards and mementoes in the keys. And I love your magnificent Autumn Tree. The cottage really glows at Christmas with all of your mother’s special pieces. I cannot wait to see what beautiful designs await us in the cottage and what adventures you Richardson girls have there. You are truly blessed with your wonderful family, and I feel blessed with our friendship.
Thank you, Roxanne. You have been with us for a long time. Daddy’s typewriter only gets moved for me to dust. Your comments and friendship are so important. Stay cool in this heat, dear one!
Oh Pam, what fun to look back through the years to see the beginnings of Sunshine Cottage. It is such a beautiful spot for making memories with your grandchildren. You decorate it so adorably for the seasons. I do love your paint color and can see how it is easier to keep up. Thank you for sharing its 5th Anniversary!
Thank you, Kitty. The memories being made brings me great joy. Happy August!
Goodness, five years already Pam how time flies!
Such sweet memories & I’m sure the sweetest of memory making times with your grandchildren. God indeed is gracious.
Happy Fifth Anniversary & many more fun times to come sweet friend! 😀
Blessings, Jennifer
Thank you, Jennifer. God is so gracious and good!
Pam, when I grow up I want to be you❣️
Cried when you said you had tears running down your cheek when you took the picture of precious little EM. I totally understand why you cried. It was definitely a dream come true to have a grandchild to play with and a cottage the love of your life built for you to play in. That picture of the rainbow over all of your hard work was a love letter sent to you and Butch as reward. I’m so glad you shared your seasons in the sunshine cottage. It warmed my heart.
Alice, thank you for your sweet comments. They warmed my heart and brought tears. God is gracious! Happy August!
Pam, I absolutely cannot believe that it has been five years for the Sunshine Cottage. And built in 7 weeks during the pandemic is indeed an achievement! I love all the photos and what fun to decorate for the seasons. The memories made with the grands are priceless and they will look back with joyful smiles. The new color is lovely. Happy Anniversary to the Sunshine Cottage! Thanks for sharing and wishing you a wonderful rest of the week!
Kim, time really does pass quickly. That precious four year-old is now nine! Happy August!
Pam, time sure does fly by! I can’t believe Sunshine Cottage is 5 years old. It is so beautiful in every season. Your grandbabies are absolutely precious. They are so blessed to have you as a grandmother. I know you have all made so many treasured memories in the cottage. Have a wonderful weekend, sweet friend!
Thank you, Shannon for your sweet comments! Happy weekend!
Oh, what a wonderful post! I loved reminiscing with all your precious memories. What I find hard to believe is that it’s been five years! I remember when it was built. Time flies by so fast, and we can surely see that demonstrated in how quickly your sweet grands are growing. I wish we could slow it all down and freeze the moments, but sadly, they slip right through our hands. May God help us all to make the most of every moment, and may He continue to bless you and your family!
Thank you, Cheryl. Yes, I can’t believe that little four year old is now nine!
Blessings dear one!
I always enjoy your posts that include the cottage. I look forward to seeing you redecorate it with the change of seasons and for special holidays. I can imagine how much pleasure your family gets…especially the girls.
Thank you, Karen! Many memories have been made in the cottage and hopefully many more to come!
Gorgeous garden and Cottage. And oh those beautiful babies.
Thank you so much, Gina! I hope you are doing well!
Just curious, do you have heat and A/C in the cottage to deal with humidity and mildew? It’s such a beautiful space! Here in PA my studio gets very musty smelling over the summer so a dehumidifier is needed.
Hi Dianne, we have a Mitsubishi Mini-Split unit which heats and cools. We haven’t had a moisture problem so far. Our summers are so hot we wouldn’t be able to use the cottage without air!
Thanks so much!
Pam, I missed this post entirely as my BIL was placed in hospice during this time. He passed in early August. This has been a really tough year with many serious issues happening. We all have theses years it seems. Your Sunshine Cottage is adorable in any season! You and the grands have made many good memories there and hopefully many more to come! I love the paint colors! Clara❤️
Clara, I am so sorry to read of your BIL’s passing. My heart goes out to you with the many serious issues happening! I will be praying for you and yours, my dear friend❤️