Maggie, The First Person to Have Stayed in the Tiny House

 

 

 

 

 

 

"The Guardian's House, now known to us as the Tiny House, stands in a mature, lovely garden surrounded by ancient stone walls and enfolded by a monumental cypress tree. Rosemary bushes, wild thyme, a magnolia, chestnuts and countless woody shrubs that thrive in this climate circle the house, laced with gravel paths and bulb flowers

just now poking up through the green. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The villa to which the Tiny House is attached to one side overlooking the mountains and endless greenery. It is more beautiful and though petite, larger than I ever imagined. When Corey let me in off the street through the large wooden doors opened by a lovely brass key, I was astounded to realize I would live in a totally walled, private garden, unseen by the village for countless years, in a typical Provencal house with ochre walls and pale blue-grey shutters. Entering through the ancient wood door using an 8" iron key of equal vintage, I climbed the stairs to the charming kitchen and sitting room completely decorated in Provencal antiques including old oil paintings, potteries, demijohns and vintage cupboards, a room replete with an ancient peeled log beam. Does it get any better than this?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Corey had taken the time and heart to make the Tiny House truly an inspiration. Antique terracotta pavers create the floors throughout punctuated by lovely area rugs. As we continued up the perfectly restored stairs to the bedroom and sitting room/bath, the walls were decorated with oil paintings, needlepoint tapestry, paintings on linen cloth, antique French prints, all with age and patina that makes the heart beat very fast indeed! These compliment all the furnishings, most of which are very old and very beautiful.  The bed is dressed in French comforters and pillows in black and white toile, quilts in muted neutrals; the chairs, tables, stands are all vintage, some painted a lovely grey-green

to harmonize perfectly with the many paintings and other details.

 

 

It is all beyond charm. It is elegance.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 The French say elegance is often the result of restraint, simplicity; Corey gathered the collection over a period of weeks, lovely pieces from her own home, from the owners, from their attic of the big house, and a cellar area as well. She also installed all of it. All details of daily modern living are here as well. 

 

Corey has put heart and soul into this project, one she really created, having talked to the owners, long-time friends of hers over a period of months. I had written to see if she could find me a wee place to live during the winter until late April when I would need to return home, see my children and grandchild,  and tend to my own gardens and house. Voila! This is what she accomplished! I can't find the words to express my joy and contentment, most of all my gratitude. The Tiny House and gardens, the entire landscape of Provence soothe my spirit,  providing both a perfect refuge from my Upstate N.Y,  U.S. frigid winter, and the inspiration to dream, photograph, write, paint, and breathe in the soul of a storied region of France with its classic villages like this one begging for exploration and expression. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By the way, the violets are in bloom! And a river runs through it. There is no snow. I'm in heaven." Text by Maggie.

 

 

Maggie was the first person to stay in the Tiny House, she stayed nearly three months and we went walking nearly every day.

 Ever since then, when early February comes around my walks remind me of Maggie.

 

 

 

For more about the Tiny House click here

(rents for 500 Euros a week, or 1300 Euros a month.)

 

Comments

[Chris Wittmann]

What a touching post, and Maggie's words are a wonderful tribute to you Corey as well, and all you do to make your visitor's feel special. The Tiny House looks like the perfect place to "cocoon" away from the world. I would stay there for the rosemary bushes alone!

[Diogenes]

A nice testament from Maggie. I clicked on the link, the house is truly adorable.

[Kathie B]

I'm glad Maggie had the opportunity to stay there and enjoy herself. Because other times life can so unfair, especially her illness and death too soon. Hugs to everyone who loved her.

[Our French Oasis]

If I was an empty nester looking for a few months peace and quiet during the winter this would be my absolute dream of a place to stay, it sounds and looks utterly idyllic.

[Dd]

Someday

[LA CONTESSA]

I REMEMBER it WELL........how long ago was that?THREE YEARS?
TIME FLYS SO FAST HERE IN BLOGLAND!!!!!!!
XX

[French la Vie]

It is a cocoon. A perfect place to let your hair down, write, paint.. be. The Rosemary bush would hug you too.

[French la Vie]

Merci.

[French la Vie]

That was Maggie's goal.

[French la Vie]

Indeed xx

[French la Vie]

So true. Three years xx

[Renée]

How I wish that our plans for France were not already set in stone! Your place looks lovely. Perhaps another year...
I have very much enjoyed your blog over the last few months since I discovered it. As I, too, am turning 60 this year, it's interesting to me to read the thoughts and impressions of others who also face the same milestone.

[Jan D-M]

Oh, thank you for sharing. Since hearing her story from you, I think of Maggie from time to time and the joy she found in her stay at the Tiny House. What a lovely way for her to have spent those days.

[Marilyn]

Love Maggie's memories. How I could dream of staying in the tiny house.