Monday, June 18, 2007

BOATHOUSE BLISS


It’s time to celebrate. Most of my other commitments are out of the way and the first chapter of the book is done! Although I’ve spent years interviewing homeowners for the stories in my magazines, I was surprised by how long it took to get all of the details and odds and ends needed for a more in-depth book-length feature.

No longer is getting information on color schemes chosen and flea market finds sufficient.

My inquiries now range from “Is your cottage your primary home, weekend place or summer get away?” to “Did you incorporate any unusual construction techniques or design features?”

Knowing a table shown in close-up was found at a flea market isn’t enough. I now must research its origins and era of manufacture. You get the idea. Right?

Sometimes my questions verge on nosy…
* “Who shares your cottage that we might mention in the book?”
* “What are the species and names of your pets?”
* “What brand of deodorant do you prefer?” Only kidding!

The first completed chapter (it’s not the first one listed in the table of contents) features a gorgeous renovated boathouse. It was built in the 1920s and seems to transcend time, which makes it all the more special. About 30 steps down from the property’s main house, the boathouse is a place where the owners go to getaway. They often have dessert on its deck, work on a jigsaw puzzle in the main room or take a nap in the guest room.

Quick Trick: Leaving games, puzzles, slinkys and vintage books in view is a great way to make guests think back to simpler times and simpler places. A cottage bookshelf is a much better place to house a Hardy Boy book collection than in a storage box.

Thanks John!

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

I am so excited about this book - I can't wait to see it.

Anonymous said...

Congrats on getting the first chapter under your belt!

Natasha Burns said...

Hi Barbara,
Good luck with the rest of the book! It sounds amazing!!!
I wanted to say thank you and let you know that my copy of Romantic Country came today and boy is it wonderful!!!! I am setting aside an hour in the bath tonight to just spend on ME, reading it! I love that it isn't full of boring ads, even the ads in there are lovely and I know a lot of the people who advertise with you, so reading the ads is not a chore either!!!
Thanks again and all the best! Natasha in Australia