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If you adore this charming home, it's going to be for rent in October '07! Laurie and her family are relocating to a sweet little beach house, so they are going to moving out, and renting out this charming home. She's including the chandeliers, outdoor furnishings, and other goodies. To contact Laurie, you can phone her at 805.641.3714. Serious inquiries only, please. And please tell her that you were referred by Jennifer at The Old Painted Cottage.
Welcome to Laurie's sweet cottage home, located in Ventura, CA. She said that when they first purchased their home, 13 years ago "everyone told us we had the ugliest home on the block"! From looking at her home now, that's pretty hard to imagine. In fact, now all of Laurie's friends tell her that her home is looks like a grown-up dollhouse, with all of it's girly appeal and charm. Influenced by Rachel Ashwell, founder of Shabby Chic, Laurie fondly calls her decorating style "Romantic Cottage, with Shabby Chic flair".
Laurie's favorite room? Her backyard, where she enjoys her flowers and old garden treasures sprinkled throughout. There are all sorts of wonderful gathering areas and little cozy quiet nooks in the garden, along with a darling cottage playhouse for their youngest daughter. You can see the amount of love, patience and time that has gone into this very sweet garden.
"My husband says I would have a party everyday if he would let me. I love to get together with family and friends, just to celebrate life" says Laurie. And it's not just get togethers when she breaks out the china. Laurie uses her china as everyday dishes for her family. She says "No one is more important than my own family to share them with. So use your collections, girls!"
When it comes to shopping for treasures, Laurie isn't afraid to travel outside her own backyard, in search of wonderful finds. She and her dear friend Ann love to venture out to the "Worlds Longest Yard Sale". Held annually in August, it's a 4-day, 450 mile sale that stretches from Alabama to Kentuky! Laurie says that she's bought some of her most favorite things at this sale. In between road trips, Laurie also enjoys local shopping as well at the Ventura Flea Market, which is located just a few miles from her home.
Laurie owns a darling little childrens store in Ventura called Blooms, where she sells Shabby Chic furniture and vintage finds. She would love for you to drop by if you're in the area, and when you do, please tell her The Old Painted Cottage sent you! -JG
(Photographs and article by Jennifer Grey, owner of The Old Painted Cottage)
Would you like to have your home featured as a future Cottage of the Month?
Because we all love to see how people decorate their homes, and gather creative inpiration from others, I have created this special Cottage of the Month page. Each month, I feature a different cottage style home, submitted by you...the viewers! If you have a beautiful cottage style home that you want to share with the world, I want to know about it!
Please email me at least 10 of your best photos for me to review at jennifer@theoldpaintedcottage.com I ask that you please title the subject of your email "Cottage Photos" so that I know it's safe to open! All entries will considered, and will be submitted on a first come basis. I look forward to hearing from you! And remember to view my FAQ page first, before submitting your photos!
