From Smokehouse to Rose Cottage

Tutu dever
by Tutu dever
2 Materials
We have and old building that was a smokehouse many years ago,it was in bad disrepair but it didn't leak.. My husband practically rebuilt it to make me a she shed. That's like a man cave for women. It had a dirt floor, no windows, cracks and had been used as a garbage dump for years before we bought the property. It is just steps away from our back door so it it great to have my own little get away, although he comes out and sits with me some. I told him we might have to cal it a we shed, even though he does have his own shed. Here are just a few pics of how it turned out.
I saw a facebook site called She Shed Sisters. What a great idea, Even though my children are grown and it is just my mother and my husband and I. He and I are in our late sixties, and my mother is a young 87. I thought it would be fun to have a cute place and we can always use it if we need an extra bed when we have visitors.
Before--We cleaned it out, many trips to the dump. There were no windows in it but he made frames and installed ones I bought at Habitat for Humanity.
What did I get myself into?
What it looked like after we took all the junk out and he put the windows in and sealed all the cracks. There were huge holes and it sits on a stone foundation. The house was built about 156 years ago and I guess the smokehouse too. He sealed up all the cracks and repaired the holes. All kinds of critters had been there, a feral cat had kittens, there was a raccoon, rats and a opossum at one time.
New floor joists
Even the chickens had to check it out.
putting up the paneling.
He put the electric in then put the paneling up.
This old mantle, which I think was probably in the house at one time was in there. It was full of worm holes, rotten on legs from sitting in the dirt, and had several coats of paint on it. My mother (did I mention she is 87) sanded and repainted it and my husband had to cut some of the rotten part off.
Looks so much better now.
She did a great job. We wanted to keep it since we thought that it was original to the house. It is identical to the one in our bedroom and someone told us that that one was handmade. so this one probably was too.
Cozy place for a nap.
All of our interior decorations, furnishings and knick knacks came from thrift stores and yard sales. I don't think anything coast over 10.00 and a lot of it was a couple of dollars or less, except the bed which was $50.00 and a tea set for 30.00.
My favorite place to read and listen to musi.
Tea anyone?
We were looking for a pretty tea set but they were all expensive. We found this pretty Havilland set of dishes, service for 4 and several serving pieces for $30.00 at the local animal shelter yard sale.
We wanted to keep it rustic looking outside so we didn't paint or anything. I just love it and can't thank him enough for doing this. He even made a screen door so that I can sit in my chair and see what is going on outside.
Last but not least, a little whimsy. Made from fan blades. Still need to put the antennae and eyes on. Maybe a little neon paint outline .
Suggested materials:
  • Lumber and other supplies   (Lowes)
  • Decorating   (Thrift stores and yard sales.)
Frequently asked questions
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3 of 7 questions
  • Edith A. Robbins Edith A. Robbins on Aug 01, 2016
    How did you get electricity to the shed?
  • Glenda Verhine Glenda Verhine on Aug 01, 2016
    What is the size of the smokehouse?
  • Mary Mary on Aug 01, 2016
    What size is this shed? Very cute! I have a shed in my back yard that looks like a miniature house with a covered porch!
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