When Rachel told me she was taking me to meet her friends Betty and Jim, who just renovated a two bedroom cottage, I envisioned a tiny little place, but I was surprised to see the grand style and spaciousness of this “tiny” two bedroom home in historic Marietta, Georgia.
Originally built in 1897, Betty and Jim only moved in last year and got busy restoring the cottage to its original beauty, while reconfiguring a few rooms to give a lighter and more open feel to the house.
These cabinets were added to the dining room for extra storage and a visual point of interest. The doors were originally installed between the two front rooms. The calming abstract paintings on the sides were painted by Betty.
The true charm of this home comes from the unique and personal touches throughout the house. Jim’s Mother was from Peru, and many of the items and artwork are from her home. Everything has a story . . . and it doesn’t start with, “I popped into IKEA . . .” Â (Not that there’s anything wrong with that. I actually love that place!)
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Can you see how open and flowing the house is by spotting Betty in the photo above, back in the kitchen? She was preparing a tasty shortbread for us!
Doesn’t the shortbread look great? It smelled as good as it tasted. The silver frames in the bottom photo are from Peru, and what’s that in the bottom center photo? Is it my friend Douglas Frey’s book on historic homes in Marietta? Why, yes it is! Betty and Jim are featured in that book in their previous home, which was a fabulous old loft.
The golden framed paintings on the top right are “Cusquena” style and also from Peru. The painting in the center is lovingly referred to as “Aunt Bertha” and was painted by a friend’s Uncle.
Betty and Jim were wonderful hosts, and there is so much more to see, so stay tuned tomorrow for part 2 of the 1897 Cottage!
Read part two HERE.
Sharing this fine house story with: Coastal Charm, Dwellings, Savvy Southern Style, Ivy and Elephant, The Dolen Diaries, Cedar Hill Farmhouse, Adorned From Above, The Charm of Home
What a quaint little cottage! I love, LOVE your Miss America Pageant quote about wrestling smart-mouthed teenage boys! Have been there and done that! So awesome, and I can so picture it!
Very ladylike and all…
Sherry
I love historical homes and some cottages can be quite spacious. The artwork is breathtaking and the wood floors look fantastic.
Such a beautiful home and I am loving the colors and those built in cabinets in the dining room!
The cabinets were my favorite feature too!
What a beautiful home! Betty seems to have a knack that not many of us have. She has combined beautiful old and new to make such a pretty place. I could study these pictures over and over.
I love these old homes. They are always so rich with history and charm.
Absolutely Beautiful!!
I scrolled back and forth looking and not wanting to miss any of this charming house. Great photos Leslie Anne. I do love all the storage in the dining room, love the doors. So sweet of Betty and Jim to open their home and give us all a lot in inspiration and ideas, thanks Leslie Anne.
What an interesting house — can’t wait to see the rest tomorrow. That’s a really great table where the silver picture frames sit.
I just love all of the their beautiful pieces of art. The light mint wall color really lets the art take center stage!
Had to hop back over to thank you so much for sharing at AMAZE ME MONDAY…
Blessings,
Cindy
Oh I am just verde with envy! When I lived in Warner Robins I loved visiting Marietta. Such a charming place.
The lady of the house is truly a gifted painter. I love what they’ve done with the place.
Thank you so very much for your kindness and friendship.
I appreciate the charm of the historic home.
It reminds me a little bit of the older homes in the Garden District of New Orleans where you are!
Lovely! So much charm!!!
Blessings,
Cindy
Love the colors of the soft green walls, white trim and beautiful wood floors.
Your photos are beautiful! I love this house and how they’ve kept the historic feel but updated it, too. Betty’s artistic talent shines in every corner.