From Birdhouse to Guest RetreatCottage Living May/June 2008

Not just Small Cool, tiny cool. The photo above is (we kid you not) an oversized birdhouse. This small structure called a pigeonnier was built on the grounds of a Louisiana estate around 1750. Its original function was to house pigeons which, at that time, were considered haute cuisine.

Jump down for more photos, including a shot of the fairy tale exterior and an unpublished (!) bonus pic...

As the years passed, and pigeons were no longer raised, the pigeonnier turned into a very pretty storage shed. When Angèle Parlange, a fabric/fashion designer and author of Creole Thrift, returned to her family home, she decided she needed her own space.

Angèle's brother helped in the renovation by replacing the beat-up brick floors on the lower level with hardwood. He also designed the custom ladder which lifts one from the sitting room to the second floor bedroom. Angèle decorated with goods and textiles from her worldly travels and tons of pink, as she believes one should always "use feminine colors in excess."

BONUS PIC: The cozy second floor bedroom still retains the earthy brick floors and the built-in bookshelves previously held pigeon nests.

We're excited to announce the winners of Small Cool 2008 at tonight's wrap party and we love this example because it shows just how small you can go (minus a bath and kitchen) and how very cool it can be.

Photos: Cottage Living (Thanks, Rex!)

It doesn't look all that small to me.

posted by big dane on May 15th 2008 at 5:54am
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Oh, my goodness, I have little happy heart fuzzies over this.

posted by JV on May 15th 2008 at 5:54am
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Adorable!

posted by Henrietta the Terrible on May 15th 2008 at 5:59am
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amazed!

posted by closertotheocean on May 15th 2008 at 6:06am
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I love it! I'm guessing it is about 12x12 (based on the size/scale of the bike out front), so maybe 144 sq ft on the lower level...less than that on the upper level because of the floor area cut out for the ladder. I'd estimate maybe 250 sq ft total. That falls under small and cool to me!

posted by siobhan. on May 15th 2008 at 6:07am
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LUCKY PIGEONS!!!

posted by Sumhope on May 15th 2008 at 6:11am
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wow.. this is beautiful. there's nothing else like it.

posted by explauren on May 15th 2008 at 6:15am
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beyond gorgeous! i guess they didnt have to work around that nastu birdhouse smell. wish some one would do a pre fab for this!

posted by Eleno_Mome on May 15th 2008 at 6:34am
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I assume the cleaning out of happened many years ago?
Cause... shudder... pigeon poo.

Meanwhile, i'd tottally live there. Love!

posted by DahliaCactus on May 15th 2008 at 6:36am
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Very cool room/house/bird house? I love the hot pink and blue combination. I guess it would be strange for a man to have these colors, but I still love them.

T8
www.strangeclosets.com

When design takes priority, the result is often strange closets.

posted by t8 on May 15th 2008 at 6:53am
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Delightful!

posted by Gallivant on May 15th 2008 at 7:24am
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Another description for this type of structure (if not necessarily meant for housing someone) is a folly. These are becoming more and more popular on larger estates these days as part of garden settings.

posted by kimg924 on May 15th 2008 at 7:26am
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Love it!! Romantic, unique and well edited.

posted by azure on May 15th 2008 at 7:59am
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Visually, nice; but seriously all I think when I look at it is "Cryptococcus neoformans".....

posted by Rndrc on May 15th 2008 at 8:19am
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Really cute. How about something like this on wheels! I just noticed this on Ebay. I want it!!!! Suppose anyone could live in this?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1984-13-U-Haul-uhaul-fiberglass-vintage-camper_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ50063QQihZ017QQitemZ270236580761QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

I'd love to see someone try? Or just see it decorated.
So clean, so spare!
Pem

posted by pmaher on May 15th 2008 at 8:36am
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I'm usually good about sourcing things on the internet, but I'm trying to find a staircase/ladder like that. I think it was made for a boat, but I can't find it anywhere. (I'm using it for roof access). A big hug to anyone who can find one.

posted by greeps on May 15th 2008 at 8:45am
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I love it! As long as I don't dwell too much on its pigeon-y past. Love the fabrics, the wood, the ladder. the shelves, and the shape of it all.

posted by randomname on May 15th 2008 at 8:49am
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pmaher-
you can buy them new
http://www.casitatraveltrailers.com/home.html
we don't live in ours, but it does make a nice guest room

posted by mrs yow on May 15th 2008 at 8:59am
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I LOVE this! I'd rather have one of these than a garage any day!

posted by kuroneko on May 15th 2008 at 11:30am
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love the pigeon sitting on the chair

posted by jen_g on May 15th 2008 at 12:58pm
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that's one handsome ladder staircase.

posted by lolax on May 15th 2008 at 9:19pm
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