I’ve done several posts on guest quarters and guest houses over the years, but this little timber frame beauty is by far my favorite to date. Perfect as either a guest house or a little “get-away” place for two (it can actually accommodate up to six, with help from a pull-out couch), this Yankee Barn Homes guest house is well under 1000 square feet!
The charming front porch is also functional as it creates a “third room” during the warmer seasons. Even the front yard pulls double duty as a vegetable and herb garden.
The interior consists of only two rooms; a 3/4 bath is walled off in the bedroom area. The first space combines living room, possible second bedroom (remember the pull-out couch) and a little kitchenette in one corner that offers a sink, cook top, microwave and under-the-counter refrigerator. Features that give this room its Wow factor” include the vaulted ceiling and the field stone fireplace. The decor also helps as a rustic cabin feeling is conveyed in details large and small. From the fireplace to the choice of colors used, to the strategic placement of folk art pieces, each plays an important role in tying this multi-functioning room together. This is truly a great little great room. 
The bedroom is the other room and again, a vaulted ceiling and attention to decorative details go a long way toward making this space a rustic retreat. Two double beds (as opposed to either two singles or one larger bed) increase the options for the number of people the room may accommodate. 
This guest house is my favorite for several reasons. 1) – excellent use of space. The floor plan is extremely simple yet totally effective. 2) – vaulted ceilings make a world of difference to the look and feel of small spaces. If you can do it, they’ll pay dividends in both their visual appeal and (should the time ever come) resale value. 3) – one floor living. No need to use up space for a staircase or to climb them. 4) – small square footage. I believe this to be the most impressive factor of all. Less square footage makes the space more efficient to heat and/or cool and definitely easier to tend. Both are very important to me. After all, vacation time is meant for relaxation and play, not work!
Love this place – I would be the guest who never left!
You and me, both!
Could have been lovely, but the decor and landscaping are off the mark. It’s a pity it isn’t more cleverly furnished, it would sing. As it is, it’s a bit uninspired. You can’t just plop any sofa into any room.
Thank you for your input. I’m dying to know what you would have done with the space. Might you be willing to share a few thoughts on what would make the space better?????
Best, BeamBabe
I’d be very happy to offer my thoughts. It’s very nice of you to ask. Although the cottage is lovely, there are some very common proportion mistakes being made. Basic rules of visual flow will correct these issues. Less is more when dealing with tiny rooms.
1) The cottage is small, the furniture is too big, better pieces that work with the proportions of the room will help call to attention the detailing of the vaulted ceilings and woodwork. Example, the sofa and steamer trunk could be replaced with something lighter and airier, like this: http://www.re-nest.com/re-nest/reuse-recycle/when-reclaimed-works-the-backyard-house-159154 -some vintage pieces carefully chosen, would add a certain harmony.
By introducing pieces that have airflow under them, like things on legs as opposed to pieces that go go the floor, you’ll create a more open effect.
2) I’d lose all of the decorations like the wreaths, the store bought framed prints, the knick knacks, the too-big lamps, the valences, the dried flowers, the cat’s tail. They do nothing for the space and crowd it. It’s just too much.
4) The art on the walls has nothing to do with the space, I’d find something authentic to the space, or just some lovely antique mirrors to add light and create visual space
5) As far as the exterior goes, that birdhouse is the first thing you see, and the front garden is very scant, I’d plant some boxwoods and rose bushes to add fullness and color, and please, move the birdhouse to the back to the property. It doesn’t do anything for curb appeal
6) Although the iron beds are sweet, the bedding is dated. I can see going for a “country” feel, but its a cliche to use plaid and florals. Stick with plain linens and lovely solid panels that go to the floor, instead of the cafe curtains that bifrucate the room and chop up that lovely expanse of wood. Also, you don’t need so much bedding. Keep it simple like this: http://www.decorpad.com/photo.htm?photoId=88541&index=1&searchQuery=army%20green&searchType=photos
I hope this is the kind of commentary you were looking for. I also hope it helps guide you to minimizing the clutter and making that lovely cottage the show piece it can really be.
Wow, it’s exactly the commentary I was looking for! I love your ideas and the looks presented in the links; your time and effort is greatly appreciated. I agree with you on so many of your points, it would be redundant to go through each individually.
Many times, people know what they want but aren’t quite sure how to go about getting it. The points you make about proportion and flow, as well as reflecting light with mirrors and keeping a look simple (less is more), are extremely helpful suggestions we all could use in any decor.
Please, please keep checking in with us and definitely give your feedback and suggestions any time you like!
Thanks again,
BeamBabe
Wow, it’s exactly the commentary I was looking for! I love your ideas and the looks presented in the links; your time and effort is greatly appreciated. I agree with you on so many of your points, it would be redundant to go through each individually.
Many times, people know what they want but aren’t quite sure how to go about getting it. The points you make about proportion and flow, as well as reflecting light with mirrors and keeping a look simple (less is more), are extremely helpful suggestions we all could use in any decor.
Please, please keep checking in with us and definitely give your feedback and suggestions any time you like!
Thanks again,
BeamBabe
How much did it cost to build this structure?
How much did it cost to build this structure?
Hi Mike,
It was actually built back in the 1990’s so I’m not sure what the cost to the owners was. I can try and find out what a rough estimate would be for today. I’ll write back here if i can get today’s cost. BeamBabe
Hi Mike,
It was actually built back in the 1990’s so I’m not sure what the cost to the owners was. I can try and find out what a rough estimate would be for today. I’ll write back here if i can get today’s cost. BeamBabe
Thanksn, Beambabe. It would be a huge help as I ponder a project I hope to start in the next few years.
Thanksn, Beambabe. It would be a huge help as I ponder a project I hope to start in the next few years.
Any updated decor pictures to share? I’d love to see what changes have been made to make the space airier. Photos taken from the same angle at the same time of day as these photos will illustrate it best.
No updated pictures at this time. I’ll research to see if it’s on the list of upcoming photo shoots!
BeamBabe