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Introducing My 2013 Project: Remodeling a 1905 Cottage!

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Have you ever fallen in love with a … house? I have to confess, this happened to me.

I fell in love with a little cottage just around the corner from my home. It was built in 1905 — and even though it’s been remodeled over the years, its charm shines through. I was afraid someone would buy it, tear it down, and build something else on it. That is what has happened with all of the other old houses in our neighborhood.

Ever since we moved into the neighborhood, almost 11 years ago, I would walk past this little tiny house and image what it has seen in its lifetime. I imagined the families that lived there, seeing electricity come into it’s little corner of the world. I imagined the roads being paved. Cars replacing horse-drawn carts.  The telephone. What was life like then??

old fashioned kitchen

(image)

Then a few years ago this little tiny house came up for sale. I hoped that someone would buy it that would appreciate its history. I heard that there were people who wanted to buy it so they could tear it down and build something grander. That whole summer I walked past this little house and wondered what would become of it. I finally talked to my husband and by the end of the summer I had talked him into letting me make an offer on this little tiny home. So I did. And then I heard that it had been taken off the market.

little house for sale

So I waited. I put aside any money that I had from blogging and thought if that little house ever came up for sale, I was going to try to buy it. I wanted to preserve that little piece of history. And then last year I got a phone call. The couple that owned that little house wanted to know if I still wanted to buy the home. They knew that I loved it and wouldn’t tear it down.

This post has been about a year in the making. Last June we bought this little house. I wasn’t sure why, but I felt an overwhelming feeling that this was right for us. And it has been an incredible experience. This is my new office. And I am not sure, but maybe a future site of craft weekends, or maybe one of my kids will live here someday or maybe even my husband and I will live here one day when our kids are grown.

All I know is that I love this little cottage and it has been so fun to work on it –trying to restore it to what it once was, maybe even a little better than it once was.

Here’s what it looked like before we started on it (on the outside):

1905 cottage before - outside

(You can see its charm already — and the awesome, old, huge trees that surround it.)

There isn’t much left of the old buildings in our neighborhood. Our small community, now largely part of a bigger city, was founded around 1859, but there weren’t very many people living here until around 1877 when it hit its stride as a mining town. In the 1880s, several homes were built along the main street, as well as a school and general store.

granite church next door

And that’s where the story of this cottage begins: it’s on the site of the original general store, and … as you’ll see in later posts, we believe there is a bit of the original general store walls left in this cottage. The cottage itself wasn’t built until 1905. Over the following century, it was loved by various families, expanded and “modernized,” most recently by a nice couple who used it as a ski cottage for the past 20 years. They came in the winter and then it was empty for the majority of the year.

little house look into living room

beaded chandelier tutorial at Tatertots and Jello

When it was originally built it had incredibly high ceilings for the time — 10 feet. Super tall doorways – 8 foot doors. And beautiful tall, narrow windows with arched brick on top. Over the years, various owners covered up the original knotless hardwood floors with layers of linoleum, took out the beautiful tall windows and replaced them with boxy square ones and dropped the ceilings and doorways.

ghost busters

The 10-foot ceilings  were dropped to barely 7 feet. A laundry room was added in the 50’s to the front porch, but you had to go outside to access it.

little house progress kitchen

little house planked kitchen ceiling

So we literally stripped the house to the walls. (Turns out they’re about 9 inches thick,  and brick and plaster.) In many ways it was like a new construction — we reframed the walls, we ran all new electrical and plumbing. Plus, I found one of the original light switches and we decided to put reproductions of these in all of the rooms – so fun!!

old fashioned light switches

I’ll tell you all about that and more!

Some of the upcoming posts will include:

Tile how-to’s

Alternatives to crown molding and how to do molding like a pro

Taking out a Wall – what to consider

Creating a Planked Ceiling

Tiling a wall

Refacing a cracked cement porch and stairs

Adding a sliding door to an outside wall

Adding trim to windows to add character

Transforming a bureau into a DIY sink cabinet

Installing a farmhouse bathroom sink

Tiling an entire wall

Adding a light tunnel to a small room

Creating a barn door on a curved wall

How to create a charming dutchdoor for less

Replacing siding on your home

Creating a DIY pergola

Making a hanging bed swing

Creating a DIY upholstered headboard from plywood

Adding simple base moldings

Creating DIY windowsills

How to create an easy planked floor

The essential renovators’ toolkit: the 10 tools you must own

How to create a Modern planked room

How to refinish antique wood floors

Crazy things we discovered about the house’s history (here’s a preview: “murder warrant” in the attic)

blue and white nautical wreath

You may have noticed some of these projects over the past several months. I’ve been sneaking a few in here and there. (I’ve put them on this page if you want to see some.)

little house living room into entry

oegboard organizational wall office at Tatertots and Jello

I also have a whole Pinterest Board — 1905 Cottage

It’s dedicated to inspiration for projects I have done or am going to do with this space.

Check it out – there are tons of ideas for adding cottage charm to new OR old houses!!

1905 cottage pinterest board

I am hoping to put the cottage on our city’s historical register when I am done!

I hope YOU will follow along with me on this journey.

It really has been AMAZING so far and I am so excited to see what will happen next!!

And thanks to my husband, my family and friends who have been so incredibly supportive as I pursue this dream.

Have a Beautiful Day! 

xoxojen signature

PS — It’s Friday!! 

My favorite day of the week. 

Tonight is the Weekend Wrap Up Party.

I love seeing and featuring YOUR ideas.

I hope you can stop by for the fun.

The party starts at 6 pm MST.

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  14. Anna says

    I love this project and post! We live in a 1950’s cottage in St. George and I would love to remodel it this extensively one day…you are amazing! The way you describe how much you love this cottage is how I feel about our cottage–I know we will keep it in our family forever 🙂 Awesome post! 🙂

  15. Sarah says

    Dear Jen, What is the big yellow marshmallow on the roof and when are you going to give it a make over? 😉 I’ve just been wondering.
    Warmly, Sarah

  17. Shannon @ Fox Hollow Cottage says

    I’ve been seeing #1905Cottage all over and I kept meaning to pop over and catch-up. I’d see a post here or there, but I finally got to read the whole story. How amazing to restore and beautify this home. I bet it was holding it’s breath, just waiting for you! It got so lucky you swooped in to save it! What a wonderful experience. Look forward to reading all the other posts Jen 🙂

  19. Nora N says

    Awesome! We purchased our 1910 farmhouse home in 2010 and had to strip the walls down to the brick and plaster too because of layers and layers of wallpaper. For us tho, we switched out the button light switches for modern ones, the husband thought they’d be safer =)

    • tatertotsandjello says

      Nora – your house sounds like such a fun project!! I would love to see pictures!!

      We ordered reproduction light switches because the original one weren’t grounded and weren’t safe. But I love the look of the old switches 🙂

      xoxo

  21. Natalie @ A Turtle's Life for Me says

    This is AMAZING!!! I have always dreamed about doing something similar too and I am just in awe that you went for it! I’m a history nut, so this is right up my alley! Huge congrats to you and I can’t wait to check out the rest of the posts!

  22. Katie says

    Somehow I missed the big announcement. I love that you bought it and are restoring the cottage! What a fun story!

  23. Steph says

    This is SO fantastic!! Just found this through Serenity Now and I will be a new follower. Can’t wait to see more of the projects you’ve done on the cottage. One of my life goals is to renovate an old house so this really speaks to me!

  24. lexilynstudio says

    Oh my heck Jen this is AH-MAZING! I absolutely love all you’ve done so far and the whole story behind this adventure. Excited to see everything else you do! 🙂

  25. Kerry says

    My mother recently purchased an old home in Moroni, UT. Built in 1885, it’s on the historic register and needs so much work. She is all about remodel as she has already taken a 1920’s home in Springville, UT and remodeled it 4,5,8 times over. I know you would get along so well with her! And I wouldn’t mind brushing shoulders with you either! You are amazing and I enjoy every project you do.

    • tatertotsandjello says

      Hi Kerry!!

      Thanks for the sweet comment. I would love to meet you and your mom!! Her new home sounds amazing. Does she have any pictures of it online anywhere?? I would love to see it!!

      xoxoxo

  27. Angie@Echoes of Laughter says

    Congrats Jen! What a beautiful place to put the stamp of your heart & soul into! I cannot wait to see what you do with this little cottage…but I know it will be wonderful in every way! Angie xo

  28. Annette says

    I love that you are doing this. Do you ever watch Rehab Addict on DIY? She does this same thing. I hope you find great success and happiness in making this old cottage have a voice again. Congratulations you are doing a wonderful job. I look forward to more posts.

    • tatertotsandjello says

      Hi Annette!

      No – that sounds like a wonderful show. I will have to check it out. Thanks for following along on my crazy journey – it’s been so fun so far!

      xoxo

  29. Ashlee (@imtopsyturvy) says

    I wish I could have seen it at the cookie exchange, but excited to see it when I can! it’s just lovely! I’ve always loved vintage houses and DREAM of restoring/updating it… but not a project with 5 young kids at home, someday!

  30. dottaandbeambeam says

    I just read this post and I LOVE that you’re sharing your journey with your readers. I’m a renter (always have been) but I plan on buying/building my own place eventually and reading your struggles/successes will help me when it comes time for my own place. Thankful for your blog. I never met you in person but I feel like we would be BFF’s 😉 BTW, I’m sure you hear that all the time lol <3

  31. Mallie Lanham says

    It looks really great, Jen! I can feel how proud you are of it in your words– as you should be! Can’t wait to see what all else you found and what you show us!

  32. Jennifer says

    Oh, what an awesome project! Can’t wait to see what you do with the place; what syle do you have in mind? Chic, Modern, Contemporary; be sure to keep us posted!

    • Jen says

      Hi Jennifer!! Thanks for the sweet comment. I am going for a modern cottage vibe. Trying to stay true to the home’s period but also to infuse some modern, clean design ideas. I think it is going to be a beautiful mix of styles 🙂

      xoxo

  34. Amanda Pendley says

    I love this so much it hurts. We bought a little house that was built in 1943 and I wonder about its former families as well. You’re an inspiration.

    • Jen says

      Hi Amanda!! I just love old houses. There is so much history there and a sense of responsibility too. I bet you just love yours!

      xoxoxo

  36. Sarah McKenna says

    WOW!!!!!! I am blown away but what you have done! I never would have been able to see through the changes made to the beauty underneath. (And I am DEFINITELY not handy enough to take on a project like that!) I think that is just so so amazing and I LOOOOVE that you have it as your studio/craft workshop. How AMAZING!!! I have always been in love with old houses. We lived in St. Louis for awhile in a 1920s apartment building that still looked the same, and I long to move into charming historical homes like those that surrounded us during that time! See you at SNAP! 😉

    Sarah (Craft Quickies)

    • Jen says

      Hi Sarah!!

      Thanks so much!! It has been so fun. And that apartment you lived in sounds amazing. I love old buildings and all of the character that they have. I am excited to see you at SNAP too. It will be so fun!!

      xoxo

    • Jen says

      Thanks my friend. I just an so in love this little house. It has been such a wonderful experience working on it with my family. I hope things are going well with you. You are amazing.

      xox

    • Jen says

      Hi Tiffany!

      Sure! I got the rug at RugsUSA.com – they have awesome sales. You can get them at 80% many times a year. I actually think they are having an 80% off sale right now.

      xox

  40. Grammy says

    I can not believe all the work you are doing. I would love to come and see it in person some day when we are in Utah. You are amazing!

  41. Michelle says

    Thank You! In January we purchased a 1912 Farm House. 3000 sq feet of remodeling mess. LOL We’ve found so many treasures already in the last 2 weeks of tearing out ceilings and walls. I’ll be stalking you for ideas. 🙂

  42. ♥jaime says

    Jen!
    This is just so amazing!! What an undertaking…but girl you’re rockin’ it! It looks so beautiful already…and so thankful for hubbys who will love and support our wild & crazy dreams 🙂 can. not. wait. to see more…thanks for sharing this with us!
    ♥ jaime

    • Jen says

      Hi Jaime!!

      Yes – it has been so amazing to have my hubby on board for this project. He has been amazing. He spent over 80 hours this summer wiring the whole house. It’s been so much fun for us!!

      xxoxo

  43. Chelsea @ Making Home Base says

    How incredible, Jen! That house is such a delight I can’t wait to read more! I also love old charm in homes. Our last home was a military base house in San Antonio, Texas. It was from the 1930s and was so lovely. Typically, if you get a base house from the 1930s the ceiling is practically caving in! This home had been remodeled, but still had the original hardwood floors and brass door knobs. We loved it and grew so attached to it while living there. Anyway – I love your sweet cottage and I can’t wait to see more 🙂

    • Jen says

      Thanks Chelsea!! Your 1930 home sounds like it was so fun – without the ceiling caving in haha! But I love the charm of an older home. Thanks for the sweet comment. I love your projects!!

      xoxo

    • Jen says

      Thanks Karrie!! It really has been such a blessing and I feel such a sense of responsibility to try my hardest to make this home into the the best that it can be. It’s been such an amazing journey so far. Thanks for following along with me!

      xox

  45. Lolly Jane says

    OMG you teeeease!! CAN’T wait to see it all!! It’s gorgeous, so amazing! I’m remodeling my 30 year old home room by room and Kristi is building a house from scratch but it will be a cottage replica. Proud of you for holding strong, that house looks happy already!! XO

    • Jen says

      LOL – love you girls!! I adore reading about your homes. It’s so fun to do something that we feel passionate about. I love this blogging world!!

      xoxo

  46. Tonya @ Love of Family & Home says

    How awesome is this?! So excited for you Jen & also excited to follow along! I love that you are taking a piece of history & preserving it! There are so many old buildings & homes in our area that need some TLC….I wish I could afford to do something like this! So fun!

    • Jen says

      Thanks Tonya!!

      It really has been such a labor of love. I appreciate your comment so much. And I have loved everything that you have been doing too. You have a wonderful sense of style and an amazing eye!

      xoxo

  47. Tammy from Ca says

    All I have to say is WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!! I just love old houses. We also have a little 2 bedroom cottage in Mo. we live in Ca. It is just about 700 to 800 sq ft. we also have started to bring some love to it again. We go out there a few weeks in the summer. Have family out there. Once we were there 5 months at a time. You know what I found out?????? I didn’t miss my 2200 sq ft house and all of its junk. We have 6 of us and it was just right. My living room there is only 13 X 13. So that tells you how cozy it is.

    • Jen says

      Hi tammy!

      I believe it!! I think it’s so easy to accumulate so much extra stuff. I was just telling my husband today that we need to declutter and simplify. I love the idea of living on less.

      xxo

  48. carolynshomework says

    Jen-that’s fantastic. So happy for you. I get so tired of seeing houses torn down and giant ones being built. There’s a tiny house on our street too. We hardly ever see the couple because they spend a lot of time in Florida (we’re in SoCal so I’m not sure why…). I’d love to do the same thing and buy it. I’ll be following along on your cottage journey!

    • Jen says

      Hi Carolyn!!

      Me too. It seems like people only care about bigger bigger bigger. You should buy that little house on your street if it’s ever for sale or possible. I love the idea of saving the past.

      xoxoxo

  49. Kelly @ Eclectically Vintage says

    Good for you for saving that old house! And to have your very own office away from home … but in a home is amazing! It’s modern/vintage – the best of both worlds. So happy for you and can’t wait to see more!
    Kelly

    • Jen says

      Thanks Kelly!!! I really never thought it was possible and am so grateful for my husband and family for helping me with these projects. It’s been such an amazing experience!

      xoxo

  51. amy demik says

    AMAZING!The house that blogging rescued!! What a dream boat! Can’t wait to see more of you working your magic on this cottage. I can’t believe you’ve been juggling all of that behind the scenes of your normal blog life! My husband just started a new job in Salt Lake and I’m here in Tulsa with the house on the market, 4 kids and our dog! Tempted even more now, to find a fixer upper. Congrats on this huge accomplishment and wonderful new beginning for this cottage!

    • tatertotsandjello says

      Hi Amy!!

      How fun that you are moving to Salt Lake? Maybe we will be able to meet in real life! It would be so fun for you to find a fixer-upper. There are tons up in the avenues and sugarhouse. Even more suburban towns like Sandy where I live have some old homes and farmhouses. Good luck with everything!!

      xoxoxo

  53. Jenn says

    Oh my gosh. I’m SO jealous. This is amazing. If you haven’t read the book Mandy, you totally should. Your story is like the grown up version of that book :D. Can’t wait to see the rest!!

  55. Samantha says

    wow! what an incredible secret to keep! and for so long. amazing! and i love the house. what i can’t wrap my brain around is how you manage to keep this blog going with all of the projects, etc AND AAAAAAAAND re-do this house??? do you sleep? 🙂

    • tatertotsandjello says

      Hi Samantha!! haha – sometimes it feels like I don’t sleep. But this has seriously been so much fun to tackle. I really really love this little home so much. It’s been an amazing experience so far.

      xoxoox

  56. Alicia @ thriftyandchic.com says

    Jenn, that is so wonderful and exciting! …I’m somewhat a little jealous lol. I wish I had a cute little cottage to makeover. Not to mention you preserving history. I’m so excited to see all the projects that come from it!!! Congratulations 🙂

    • tatertotsandjello says

      Hi Lauren!! Yes – the dutch door is so fun. I priced one out from a fancy door place online and it was going to be over $2,000, we were able to put this door in for less than a tenth of that price. And I love leaving the top open in the warm weather and feeling the breeze come in! I can’t wait to write that post up.

      xoxo

  58. Jenny@EvolutinofStyle says

    How great that you were able to take advantage of this opportunity! I’m always amazed at how such great character can be covered up over the years! Love when it can be brought back to its original glory! Great projects – cant wait to read about them!

    • tatertotsandjello says

      Hi Jenny!!

      I just can’t figure it out. Although I guess they thought it would save money in fuel costs. And that might make sense since this house lived through the depression. But still. Thanks for the sweet comment!

      xoxo

  60. Judy Clark says

    Jen – I am so excited for you!! What a dream come true! I know it was (and probably still is) an awful lot of work but what a treasure! Congratulations on fulfilling your dream!

    Judy

    • tatertotsandjello says

      Hi Judy!!

      Thanks so much!! I really didn’t think it was going to happen. My husband has been so great to let me do this. And it’s funny, he loves the house more than I do now. He’s worked on it so hard!

      xoxo

    • tatertotsandjello says

      Hi Jessica!!

      Thanks! This has been a dream come true for me. And I’ve learned so much. I am excited to post about all of the projects that we have done and share some of what I’ve learned!

      xoxo

  62. april kennedy says

    Jen, I love it so far. I want to see it in person!! A girls sleepover weekend is in order…you know to try out to see if it would be right for a craft weekend. haha.

  63. Amy C says

    So awesome and exciting!!! I love everything you’ve done with it!! Happy you’ve got your sweet little cottage

    • tatertotsandjello says

      Thanks Ashley!!!

      I am so excited to share the projects that we have done there plus the ones that we are going to tackle this summer. This has been so much fun!

      xoxo

  65. Holly says

    Oh my what a dream that would be for me. The cottage looks wonderful! I can’t wait to see more and read future posts.

    • tatertotsandjello says

      Hi Holly!

      It really has been such a dream come true for me. And it’s been amazing all of the things that I have learned through these projects. Thanks for the sweet comment!

      xoxo

  66. EileenHull says

    Jen, this looks like so much fun- and work. We own a 1900’s Victorian in NY but it’s rented right now. Someday though… Can’t wait to see what you do with it!

    • tatertotsandjello says

      Hi Eileen!!

      Oh – how fun!! I want to see pictures of your victorian! Do you have pictures of it anywhere? How cool!! I love old houses and all of the history. That is so fun!

      xoxoxo

    • tatertotsandjello says

      Hi Mindy!!

      Yes, I do too. I cant wait to see what happens with this little cottage. I imagine many many years of family memories. It’s going to be so fun!

      xoxo

    • tatertotsandjello says

      Hi Kassi!!

      Thanks so much!! It really has been so much fun to see the original bones of the home come alive. I love it so much. Thanks for the sweet comment. I hope things have been good for you!

      xoxoxo

    • tatertotsandjello says

      Hi McKenzie!!

      I love Ken! I told him all about it the last time I saw him. And I love the frames he made for my little craft organizer. He is so talented!!

      xoxo

  72. Mardell says

    I am happy for you! This is just right up your alley so there is no surprise there. You have had a chance for many new experiences. I look forward to hearing more about your little house.

  73. familyeverafter says

    Jen, this had me tearing up! Your story about preserving this sweet cottage is so sweet. I am so happy for you that you’ve been able to work on this project, and no doubt, learn so much along the way! I had no idea this was your new office. It’s perfect. I am excited to follow along, you have TONS of awesome posts lined up! xo, Rachel

    • tatertotsandjello says

      Hi Rachel!!

      Thanks!! It has been a little emotional for me too. I just fell in love with this little place. I am so grateful that my husband trusted me with a vision for what we could do. And it has been so fun to work with him on project for the home. His dad also helped so much and it has been awesome to get to know my father in law better – just makes me love and appreciate the people in my life more.

      Thanks for the sweet comment my friend!

      xoxo

  74. 2littlesuperheroes says

    This is so incredible! I love that you and your family took the leap and bought this beautiful home. I am so excited to read all the posts on this house. If you do Craft weekends here, I’m so in!

    • tatertotsandjello says

      Thanks so much!! It really has been a family project and we have had such a fun time together so far. I will definitely love to have you come if we have craft weekends – that would be so much fun!!

      xoxo

  75. Katie says

    Absolutely charming space & I love your the heart you have obviously put into this place you love. Can’t wait to see more.

      • Brittany@lovestitched says

        It has been so long since I have seen you 🙁 sad since we live so close! I will for sure see you next weekend at SNAP / QBM but we should plan lunch or something one of these days! xo

  77. Rox Shinobi says

    absolutely love the yellow!
    I’m hoping to redo my living room which opens up to our “dinning are” in our apartment & yellow has been screaming at me! love love love that yellow carpet – where did you find that?

    • tatertotsandjello says

      Hi Rox!

      I just love yellow – it’s so happy!! Your plans sound so fun in your apartment. I hope you will share a picture of it when you are done! I got the rug from RugsUSA.com – they have awesome sales. I actually saw someone posting last night that they have an 80% off special right now. You should check it out. You can search under colors and the yellow rug should pop right up!

      xoxo

    • tatertotsandjello says

      Thanks Laura!!

      I am so excited to share all of the projects that we have done there and tackle the new ones we have planned this summer. It’s such a happy little home.

      xoxox

  79. Jess says

    It looks amazing so far! Just the arches in the door are an immaculate touch. I can’t wait to see everything from start to finish. Thanks for sharing this with all of us!

    • tatertotsandjello says

      Thanks Jess!

      I thought the arches were perfect for the space and I really think they add some much charm to the main rooms. We also took out a wall and arched the space there to open up two rooms and it made a huge difference. Thanks for stopping by and commenting – I really appreciate it!

      xoxo

    • tatertotsandjello says

      Thanks Taylor!!

      Yes, me too!! I am so happy that it all worked out. If it had been bought by someone else and torn down it would have broke my heart.

      Thanks for the sweet comment!

      xoxo

    • tatertotsandjello says

      Hi Lesley!!

      Yay!! I just love this little home. I am excited to share the rest of what we have been working on and tackle the new projects this summer. It really has been such a fun family project!

      xoxo

  82. Sharon says

    Home, sweet, home! I love how this house called to you, and your vision for it. It’s just beautiful. I love an older home, too, and mine was also built in 1905. Can’t wait to see more!

      • Sharon says

        Our first old home was a HUGE fixer-upper. Confession — I bought the 100+ year-old-home I live in now because it was already done! And I’m o.k. with that!

  85. Michelle L says

    Ain’t that cool?!! What an exciting, HUGE project. Congrats on the wonderful addition to your life! (It’s kinda like a baby, isn’t it?)

  86. Ali says

    I loved it! The cottage, the renovations, the story…Can’t wait to hear and see more! Thanks for sharing. I love everything you do and create. Happy friday!

    • tatertotsandjello says

      Hi Ali!!

      Thanks so much. It really is funny how this little home touched my heart. I am so glad to be able to work on it. Thanks for the sweet comment. Happy Friday to you too!

      xxo

  87. RobinM says

    Thank you for sharing this exciting adventure with us. I too have a special place in my heart for historical homes and their beautiful charm that I think we are missing in today’s society. I can’t wait to watch this adventure unfold!

    • tatertotsandjello says

      Hi Robin!!

      I think older homes are just amazing. Just the history that they have seen. And it;s so fun to see the things that you discover as you work on an old home. Treasures resurface.

      Thanks for stopping by – I really appreciate it!

      xoxo

  88. Sara says

    Where did you get those narrow cabinets along the wall in the last picture, I’m looking for something just like that with no luck! Thanks!

  90. jen says

    How precious is your story, and how it got me all chocked up. I am so glad that the little cottage you admired for so long and on your walks, would soon be yours. Congrats to you and you have done a beautiful job. I love it. So precious, enjoy. xo jen

  91. Leanne says

    I’m so excited for you! I know how much you love it! It’s amazing and I love all the work you’ve done to it. Can’t wait to see it even farther along now.

    • tatertotsandjello says

      Thanks Leanne!!

      I really do love it. It’s been so much fun to work on with the family. I can’t wait to show you what we’ve done since you’ve seen it last. So fun!

      xoxo

  93. Cerise says

    It looks really REALLY wonderful. I can’t wait to see what else you are doing.
    I think it’s just amazing when people take the time to restore such a wonderful place, instead of tearing it down. I feel so sad seeing beautiful old homes ripped down.

    • tatertotsandjello says

      Hi Cerise!

      I feel the same way. I love to see old homes restored. I just think of all of the history and families that have lived in those homes. I love the idea of preserving history and those memories in old homes.

      xoxoxo

  94. Colette says

    Cool!! That’s so funny… When you posted your cute peg boards/frames last week – I was wondering what room it was! 🙂 I love that you are on a ladder, in flip flops with a Diet Coke. That’s totally me! Congrats on an awesome undertaking that has such meaning. I’m excited to read your upcoming posts!

  95. theidearoom says

    LOVE!! I especially love that YOU are doing all of the work on it your very own self! This makes me so happy and proud of you. You are amazing! I also secretly love that you are on that ladder in flip flops with a DC on the side support 🙂 You remind me of myself! Haha…with a DP though instead!

  97. Kristyn says

    LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it!! So excited for you, Jen!! Still remember you telling me all about it at EVO last year and the excitement you had for this fun and tremendous project. Way to go!!

    • tatertotsandjello says

      Hi cute friend!!

      You are so sweet. I know I was a little giddy about it last July. Haha!! I still am. It’s such a fun little place. I hope you can come see if IRL sometime. That would be so fun!!!

      xoxoxxo

  98. stacyrisenmay says

    JEN!!!! I love it. I was so excited when you told me you bought it and have loved the sneak peeks. I can’t wait to see the whole thing. I dream of buying the small cottage next door to us for the same reason.

    • tatertotsandjello says

      Stacy!!

      Thanks for taking the time to comment. It means so much. I know you love older homes. Yours is amazing. And how much fun would it be to buy the one next to you!! Let me know if you do and I will come help work on it with you.

      xoxoxo

    • tatertotsandjello says

      Hi Megan!!

      Thanks so much. Seriously. I appreciate the support and nice comments. it really made my day. This home really is a dream come true for me and it’s been such a wonderful experience working on it with my family.

      xoxoxo

  103. Lisa says

    It is amazing what you have done. I’m impressed with your talent and your ability to see the gem in the rough.

    • tatertotsandjello says

      Thanks Lisa!!

      For some reason I had a vision the first time I walked in of what I thought it should look like. I am still trying to track down a picture of the home before all of the additions in the 50’s. I would love to see what it looked like then and try to recreate the feeling of that.

      Thanks for stopping by and for the comment!

      xoxo

    • tatertotsandjello says

      Hi Rebecca!!

      Yes, older homes are amazing. I love seeing all of the little details and image what they looked like when they were built! Thanks for stopping by and commenting. Happy Friday!!

      xoxo

  105. Rachel Bennett says

    I absolutely love this! Cannot wait to see what y’all do/have done to it! I just love old houses, and so hope to do something like this one day!

    -Rachel @www.FarMorePrecious.com

    • tatertotsandjello says

      Haha Jennie!! I really have wanted to share about it but I thought maybe I should wait until I had a few projects done so everyone could see a little before and after of my vision for the project. It has been amazing at the support and nice comments that people have shared. It really touched me so much and has meant so much.

      xoxo

    • tatertotsandjello says

      Thanks Charlotte!!

      Yes!! I thought I would paint the whole home white and for someone that loves color I wasn’t sure if I would love it. But I love it so much!! I want to paint everything white in my life now haha! It’s fun to try new things!

      xoxo

      • Laura / The Shed by Pet Scribbles says

        One of the reasons this post resonated with me is when I still lived in Boston, just after college, there was a tiny house on the street where I lived. The house was set among lots of apartment and condo buildings. Just this little house, with the most beautiful garden of flowers surrounding the entire front. Just so pretty and so little, and almost defiant of the imposing buildings around it. I always imagined how neat it would be to have that little house with the gorgeous gardens. So, you’re sort of doing that with this project. That’s why I know it will be a fantastic journey! 🙂

  114. jyl @momitforward says

    Wow, Jen! Awesome! Maybe we’ll have to have lunch at your place next time instead ;). I love the color scheme. Yellow is so happy! Can’t wait to see your future posts about this.

    • tatertotsandjello says

      Yes!! That would be so fun!! I should have a kitchen over there by the end of May. We should celebrate with a lunch. That would be awesome!!! I would love to have you see the little place.

      xxo

  116. Amy says

    It’s great to finally see what I have heard so much about!! I can’t wait to see it in person:-) Congrats on finishing such a fabulous remodel and contributing to your city. It look amazing! I want to hear more about the murder warrant. LOL!

  117. kristinfrombliss says

    I love it all. So sweet, so charming. What a great place to work. I am so glad it didn’t get torn down and that you are breathing new life into it. xo Kristin

  118. Linda says

    Wow, this looks fantastic already! 🙂 Would you be able to share where you purchased the yellow and white area rug — it is fabulous!

    • tatertotsandjello says

      Thanks my friend!!! Everytime I see your pretty home I fall in love with it. You have done such a wonderful job with your home. Thanks for the sweet comment!

      xoxo

  122. tery says

    How interesting! I am so glad you got the cottage and can’t wait to see what you have done.

  123. Kelly says

    Jen you always blow me away! Congrats and I look forward to reading all of these posts!

  124. Bonny @ thedomesticatedprincess.com says

    Oh, I love this! We live in a subdivision that was once an Arabian horse farm, so the oldest house in it was built in the 1990s. However, I adore the charm of old houses. I look forward to reading your posts about all the transformations you’ve made. Isn’t it nuts to think people actually lowered ceilings and covered hardwood floors? My husband’s grandfather did that to their old hold to reduce heating bills.

  125. kleinworthco says

    WOW – Jen- what a dream. That is TERRIBLY exciting!!!! So happy for you & I can’t wait to see all you have done. I’m just swooning over those floors & the plank ceilings.

    • tatertotsandjello says

      Thanks so much!! When we bought the house I wasn’t sure if it had original wood floors, so when we lifted up the carpet and saw them I was so so excited!!

      xoxo

  129. Rachel says

    How exciting! For awhile now I’ve felt like there was something major going on with you guys because your blog just hasn’t felt quite the same…and I’ve been thinking, hmmmmm, maybe we’ll find out. I can’t wait!

    • tatertotsandjello says

      Hi Rachel!!

      yes!! It has been tricky working on this house and all of the projects and keeping my main blog going. I am so happy to be able to share the project with everyone and it’s been so wonderful all of the support and encouragement that everyone has shown. It really has touched my heart!

      xxox

  132. Jessica @ Mom 4 Real says

    Jen!!!! You’ve got me in tears this morning! I love the story of your little 1905 cottage! I love that you were so passionate about saving it…it was truly meant to be! My dream is to live in a little beach or lakefront cottage with a squeaky screen door when my kids are grown. I can’t wait to see it unfold!

  133. Loretta | A Finn In The Kitchen says

    What a gem you have found! I’m so excited to see what becomes of this. Isn’t it funny how all the changes people have made over the years have made it worse?! Like covering up hardwood with linoleum and lowering ceilings! Cringe…

    • tatertotsandjello says

      I know!! You wonder why people would do that. Maybe to save energy or make it seem cozier?? It was so fun to peel back the carpet and see those floors and peek under the ceiling tiles and see how much higher the ceilings were!

      xxxo

      • veronica says

        We are in the middle of finishing our basement, and remodel projects with “before and after” pictures gives me hope that some day I will have more to post on than just a huge mess 😉 Oh, and I have been thinking all day about that cute yellow and white rug! So cute!!

  135. Jody says

    What an amazing little house! And a great creative outlet too! I can’t wait to see what you do with this little space!

  136. Kelly says

    This is awesome. Love it! Congratulations on being able to purchase this cute little place!

    • tatertotsandjello says

      Thanks Amanda!! Yes, I knew I wanted to put in a dutch door. I love being able to open the top half and have the breeze come through!! Thanks for stopping by my friend!

      xoxo

    • tatertotsandjello says

      Thanks Danielle! Yes, there are so many good cottage ideas on that board. Its amazing all of the talented people and projects. So fun to have them all in one place.

      xoxoxo

  140. Jaime Costiglio says

    Jen thanks for sharing – we’re about to move to a house built in 1740 – no that’s not a typo. Your references and ideas will be greatly appreciated as I DIY my way through history!!! Something inherit in us both loves the old charm and relishing in aged character.

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