Thursday, January 6, 2011

Verde Cottage


Hello farm friends, hoping your 2011 is in full swing and your goals and resolutions are on track.We've been somewhat hesitant about putting our goals to paper this year. It's a lot to think about, "where do you want to be by 12-31-11?" We have so many plans in the works and its easy to set yourself up for failure by taking on too many things at once. One of our goals has been to rent our cottage to vacationers and those needing a special getaway. This is a goal we are fully prepared to reach and the first one we're moving on. 

Verde Cottage was built in the 1930s about 15 years after the main house was built. By the time we purchased the property in 2007, it was home to a wonderful family of raccoons.Yes, raccoons and they were smart enough to make their nest in one of the bedrooms.Three men, including my husband said bulldoze it. You know how men are about things like this, no vision. My mother-in-law and I saw something else, we saw a fully restored little cottage amongst all the rubble, rusted tub and mess. So, who do you think won that battle? Yes, the women.


We started restoring the cottage in 2008. We took it all the way to the studs but kept the layout intact. As we tore out walls we found interesting things, like newspapers from the 30s with pre-WWII articles , which  were used as insulation, old silverware and letters. There was an old claw foot tub that needed repair, and an old mantle with layers and layers of paint. Again, the men said, "get rid of them." I even had a tub restorer come look at the tub and he said it was irreparable. Well, they were all wrong. The tub is gorgeous and a friend refinished it with a product we found at a home improvement store. It's as good as new. The mantle is down to the original wood and and it is beautiful.


So, after all the restoring, painting, decorating and loving we did to this upscale raccoon shack, Verde Cottage was born. I decorated it in my idea of cottage style and continue to do so today. You're never really finished decorating, right? The colors are soft and pastel with vintage pops of hand-me-downs throughout. I love it and love the coziness it exudes. We've had many farm guests spend the night in our cottage and we want to open it up to others. It has two bedrooms (one full and one queen size bed), a living room, full kitchen, bathroom and sun room.



Verde Cottage is available for rental at $100 a night during the week, and $185 for a weekend.

We also offer special seasonal packages, such as The Romance Renewed Package-including champagne or wine, fresh fruits and cheese, romantic candles, bubble bath and delivered to your door, my husband's special chocolate gravy and flat bread for breakfast.

Others include:The Spa Weekend Package-with a trip to Picasso's Salon and Spa for massages, facials and mani-pedis.

Back To The Farm Package-including fresh egg delivery with all the fixings for you to cook your own farm breakfast, time working with the animals and in the barn as well as your own Easter egg hunt collecting eggs for the day and a couple dozen to take home.


We love our small farm and want to share it with others so if you are ever traveling our way and want to set a spell, take your shoes off, just give us a call at 888-630-3828 or e-mail us at verdefarms@gmail.com .We'd be honored. 



71 comments:

Country Gal said...

What a beautiful cottage ! Fantastic work you guys have done with it ! One day we would love to visit as we one day will visit Heritage Farms! Have a good day !

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

Your little cottage looks so charmin' and inviting. What a grand way to share what you live everyday.

I just wanted to thank ya for hoppin' on my blog. I truly hope ya enjoy the ride sweetie!

God bless ya and have an incredible day!!! :o)

Farm Girl said...

I would love to come and stay in your cottage. Do you think I could see a different angle in a picture sometime? It looks like my grandmothers old house I have looked for years for a picture of some kind. I love that you didn't tear it down and you have restored it so beautifully. All of my someday dreams are being stored up and you and Verde Farm are on the list. :)
It sounds like a beautiful vacation.

TexWisGirl said...

Oh my gosh! That is an adorable cottage!!! I hope you get lots of folks wanting to stop in at a farm and stay B&B style! You guys are awesome! It looks so inviting!

Chris at Red Gate Farm said...

Amy,

I don't know where to start! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE every.single.thing.!! Can you tell??

My house is a small cottagish house built in 1920 and so I find myself quite at "home" in your cottage. The soft pastels and whites along with vintage touches is just my style.

If I can ever get myself out to your part of the US I'll have to make a reservation!

~Chris

PS that screen door is fantastic and can just hear it as it slams shut in the summer time....

Tete said...

Cool- glad you kept it from being torn down! Don't forget to mention roosters to wake you up in the morning! City slickers would love that!

Teresa@1800 Farmhouse Rd said...

Oh how adorable your little cottage is. I cannot believe the men were gonna tear it down. Oh my!

Maura @ Kisiwa Creek Photography said...

Amy it's BEAUITUFUL!!! I knew it would be but it's always wonderful to see someone elses idea of 'cottage' and yours is perfect. Oh I'd LOVE to rent your cottage for a weekend and maybe one day we'll make it out your way. So far I haven't gotten any further east than about Eurika Springs Arkansas so it's something I just HAVE to do one day. Thanks for sharing your cottage with us! Hope your day is a good one.

Maura :)

Flat Creek Farm said...

I love Verde Cottage!!! It also makes me sad in a way that we have decided not to preserve our old farmhouse, but we'll be bulldozing and building new at some point. There is so much history in a house like that which can't be replaced or replicated!! But, for us, it's a matter of economics. Oh well... I'll just be happy to come stay the weekend at Verde. Maybe (hopefully) someday :) Thanks for sharing your gorgeous cottage, and please keep us posted!! -Tammy

Jen said...

It is simply beautiful! I love everything about it and so wish I could come stay for the weekend! Awwww that would be soooooo nice. If I every get the chance you better believe I will... I'd love to see your farm in person!

Patrice said...

I love what you did with the cottage. I think cottages have a certain charm. Wait! Isn't that a line from Sense and Sensibility?

Sharon said...

It looks great, I know there was a whole lot of work involved, and I believe it was worth it! What a lovely addition to your farm!

Bee Haven Bev said...

Amy, it looks wonderful. Perhaps if you have any baby piglets for us to look at, we might just have to stay a night!!

Blessings for 2011,
Bev

Lori Skoog said...

You have done a top shelf job restoring Verde Cottage. If people can see it through advertising, I'll bet you are going to have many, many guests. Charming. Tasteful. Warm. Welcoming.

jp@A Green Ridge said...

And where did you say you were located? So it would take me how long to drive there from Virginia?...:)JP

Dog Trot Farm said...

Oh Amy, the cottage is just lovely. My one and only resolution this year, get myself to Verde Farm. Come spring I am putting my poultry cage in the Suburu and hitting the road!

Inger said...

That's so lovely, Amy, and it sounds like you are well on your way to realize one of your goals. If I were even close, I would come. -- Inger

connie said...

What a peaceful looking place..I would like to live there.You all did a beautiful job on fixing it up..

Robin's Egg Bleu said...

You have done a marvelous job, your decorating and color choices are superb. If I'm ever in your neck of the woods, I think I have to see it in person! Have a wonderful, cozy New Year!
Take Care,
Robin

Anonymous said...

I am so glad you did not tear it down! It is exquisite!!!!!!!!! Fabulously decorated by a master!!!!

Nancy said...

Yay for the ladies! Men - ha!

Amy, this is just the most precious cottage I've ever seen. You have done wonders with it. Just perfect.

I love how you have organized the packages so thoroughly. Great job!

Now, I just have to get a babysitter for my chickens and I'll be right over! :)

Anonymous said...

Love the photo on your sidebar of the mini donks. My sister lives in Calif. and has 2 of them. They are a hoot! Love your little cottage too, it's very sweet!

Di
The Blue Ridge Gal

Country Whispers said...

What a beautiful place.
I would love to stay there for a weekend getaway. It looks so cozy and peaceful!

brokenteepee said...

It's gorgeous!

Judy said...

Girls rule! :)))
What a beautiful cottage! I'm keeping this in mind if I'm ever in you area.

Joe said...

Nice little cottage. There are times I wish my house was half it's size and more like your cottage.

Angela said...

I love it Amy! It is so cute and cozy! I wish you great success in renting it out!

Have a Great Day!
Angela

Genny said...

Oh, I LOVE your cottage. I have the same shower curtain because I loved the "vintage" look of it so much. It's just the kind of place I hope to own someday, something with a lot of history and tons of beauty. Thank goodness you were able to bring your vision to its full glory. If Julie comes from Maine then we definitely have to have a get together with everyone close enough to come!

Deb said...

I love your cottage...looks like it would make a great get a way....

~Kim at Golden Pines~ said...

I'm so glad you and your Mother-in-law won the battle and saved the cottage!! It really is just lovely and has so much charm--I also think it's really cool that you found some 'history' as you were restoring it too!
I come in that direction a couple of times a year and we usually stay around Charleston--Next time we need a place to stay, I'll be getting in touch with YOU instead of Best Western!

Paula said...

Wow~ what a gorgeous place!! And I really enjoyed learning about the history!

Tonia said...

Its beautiful!!!

Terry said...

What a sweet and inviting cottage! I love that soft yellow room - so pretty.

Jennifer said...

I LOVE your cottage...how wonderful! I hope we get the chance to come up your way someday...I would love to stay in it!!!

Pondside said...

The bedrooms are so sweet - I've been looking at books on bedrooms lately, wishing to redecorate our guest rooms - so this was very interesting to me. I'm sure you'll be booked solid after this post!

Leah said...

It is absolutely lovely - I would love to spend time there - it looks very comfy! I'm on my way! Ahhh wait, you are where? Guess I'll have to stay in Brrrr Minnesota for now. Thank you for all your visits and comments -

Leah said...

It is absolutely lovely - I would love to spend time there - it looks very comfy! I'm on my way! Ahhh wait, you are where? Guess I'll have to stay in Brrrr Minnesota for now. Thank you for all your visits and comments -

Janice Grinyer said...

Oh yes, when we come to buy your little polish hen chicks ;)! And Im going to link to this post on my blog !

Your decorating style of lil' Verde cottage briefly made me yearn for my childhood days; good friends of mine grew up in northern Il farmhouses with sash windows, narrow hallways, tiny bedrooms upstairs; the colors you choose just made me smile :)

And as far as resolutions? I made a resolution not to eat the whole bowl of caramel corn and tomez the cat made a resolution not to eat the whole mouse...we now have to wait for 2012 to amend ourselves :P

Beverly@Beverly's Back Porch said...

I can see myself on the front porch with a big glass of sweet tea. Absolutely beautiful!

Rainy Day Farm said...

What a dreamy place for a getaway. You did a wonderful job on it. I wish I lived closer so hubby and I could getaway for a weekend. I hope everyone who stays there will enjoy it.

Cheryl @ TFD said...

What a charming cottage! Love it. If we ever get out that way in our travels, I will be sure to look for Verde Cottage. It looks so peaceful and inviting and pretty, that I'm sure you'll have plenty of guests. ~Cheryl

Heritage Farm Village said...

amy your cottage is spectacular. i am so glad you posted on it. love the winter pic! jill

Michelle said...

This is beautiful and such a great job you did. Good for the women for having the vision!

Rural Rambler said...

It would be absolutely lovely to stay at your cottage!

FarmHouse Style said...

Amy, Verde Cottage is completely charming. To bring your vision to life must be truly satisfying. I don't know that I will ever be in the area of your lovely farm, but if I am.... this is where I would want to stay:-)

Rhonda

Leslie @ Farm Fresh Fun said...

Lovely!!! Everyone said "BULLDOZE IT" on our farm at settlement. Our house was missing part of it's roof, but the squirrels n coons didn't care! We've had a goal of sharing our farm with visitors as well. But it seems much easier to come stay at your cozy retreat instead... Maybe *that* should be one of my resolutions! Congratulations and good luck!
hugs,
Leslie

Rebecca said...

Love to come and stay there one day-so glad you saved it! I definetely know how men are-my husband included! It's simply delightful!

Anonymous said...

You all did a fabulous job! My mom says she wants to come stay for a week :)

Brenda Pruitt said...

I just stumbled upon your blog. What an adorable little cottage! So glad you didn't listen to the men!
Brenda

Staci@LifeAtCobbleHillFarm said...

Amy it's beautiful!! What a wonderful idea. Glad you saw the potential rather than tearing it down. Have a great weekend.
Staci

Fi said...

It would have been tragic to pull it down! I love old homes, so much more character. Well done Amy, it looks beautiful. I'd love to stay one day :)

Mary said...

The cottage is a dream! What a beautiful job you have done. I know you will have the place booked solid. :)

-Mary

Lindsay said...

How lovely is your cottage! What a beautiful renovation and restoration you've done. Great work!

Ginny said...

what a marvelous cottage! I am already plotting how I am going to get my hubby to stop there on our next trip to see family in Louisville. So sweet and cozy and then there is the farm too. I can't wait.

From Beyond My Kitchen Window said...

Wow, so lovely. I would love to stay in your sweet cottage. Good luck Amy, I hope you have lots of visitors.

Bee Lady said...

Hi there, Thank God he made women! Especially women with vision. Your cottage is adorable. Are there other things to do in the area? Not that I wouldn't want to look around on the farm, I would! But I'd also want to do some other things and just wondered what else was available in your area.

Cindy

PS- we could probably spend one day talking honeybees - but my husband would be bored to death! He hears it all the time.

Susanne said...

That is absolutely beautiful! The way it's decorated is exactly my taste. How wonderful to have that on your farm! When can I move in? :)

Unknown said...

Amy, it's so lovely! You've done a wonderful job and good for you for saving that tub and mantle! Anyone who visits is surely in for a treat. Who knows, maybe it will be me. : )

Hugs ~Andrea~

Donna@Conghaile Cottage said...

I LOVED my very first visit to your farm!!! I will be back often! I am your newest FOLLOWER...I would LOVE to have you visit me and if you'd like become a FOLLOWER of me too!!!
Have a wonderful weekend,
Hugs, Donna

My Farmhouse Kitchen said...

hi amy...my husband was standing behind me and said...WHAT'S THAT...it is FANTASTIC !!!

it really is wonderful...just charming...we LOVE it. we went through the same thing here at Farmhouse. people thought we were crazy...we moved in upstairs summer of 2007...the downstairs was a 3 car garage....but we could see what it could be...and while living in it with 2 kittys and Buddy...my toy poodle...we had at it. my husband john is a builder and he and another guy remodeled this whole place...there were some days when i wondered if it would ever get put back together...but May of 2008 we moved in....and we love it.

i would love to be able to come and visit...you never know :-)

so happy to visit here today...oh, and john and i LOVE the little donkeys...darling.

sending love,
kary, john and teddy
xxx
p.s. i LOVE the farm breakfast with the eggs...i have got to get some chickens :-)

Carol............. said...

The cottage is absolutely lovely! I'd probably never leave!

Tammy said...

Your cottage is gorgeous! I can see how peaceful it would be as a getaway. I imagine once the word gets out, you will have a steady stream of guests and most importantly repeat guests! I'm glad you persevered to restore the little cottage.
Tammy

Velva said...

What an absolutely beautiful cottage. I am so glad that you had the vision to restore this to its present beauty.
I cannot think of anything cooler than discovering newspapers, letters and other interesting history items.

The idea of renting this cottage out on your farm is wonderful. It gives you an opportunity to share what you live everyday. Awesome!

Cheers!
Velva

Tootsie said...

what a wonderful and adorable little cottage!!! You did a great job!

Vintage E said...

Lovely, this is definitely a place I could hang my hat! The master bedroom reminds me of my daughters room....it feels like home. I'm glad you didn't tear it down.
Elinor

Teresa said...

I'm in love! It is absolutely gorgeous and looks so inviting tucked away in the trees. If I ever get your way, you can bet I'll be checking into Verde Cottage. Your renovation sounds so much like ours - animals in residence and gutting to the studs. Fun times, that's for sure. Your hard work and vision have paid off, Amy!

sarah-jane down the lane said...

Gosh how lovely your cottage looks, what a labour of love.
Thank you so much for visitng the lane, I am off to read more about Verde Farm!

Sarah x

cottage garden farmer said...

Your cottage looks idyllic, and good for you insisting on renovating rather than rebuilding, - there's always a character with older buildings that you can never quite recreate in new ones.

*Susycottage* said...

Mamma Mia! It 's just fantastic
could be my dream home!
And the paper that you are getting 30s on the walls
you still have it! I hope you have not heard
men (they are so well here in Italy!).
Thanks for your lovely comments.
Kissing Susy

Lisa Sall - Sall's Country Life said...

Amy, the cottage looks wonderful and I'm sure will be booked solid soon!! The pictures look like it was a labor of love! And it doesn't surprise me because I think everything you do at Verde Farm is touched by love and gratitude. You are such a lovely person and I wish you every success with Verde Cottage!!

Katy said...

What a beautiful place! And how nice that you are able to share it with others...someday maybe I will be in your neck of the woods and be able to stay. Thanks for the kind comments on my blog and for stopping by. Glad you found me...stop again sometime :0) Blessings, Katy