This 400-Square-Foot North Carolina Cottage Is All Sorts of Cute Inside
Name: Annie Chernecky
Location: Highlands, North Carolina
Size: 400 square feet
Years Lived In: 6 months, owned
The cottage was originally built as a rental golfers cottage in the 1940s and was owed by the country club where it resides. Since it is the smallest cottage on the property, it became known as The Honeymoon Cottage. After sitting relatively empty for the last 10 years, I got my hands on it six months ago.
As a designer, I knew that I wanted to update and modernize the cottage while embracing its quirkiness. And of course, I wanted the cottage to be representative of its namesake, The Honeymoon Cottage.
What is your favorite room and why? This is a tough question. The cottage has three rooms: the front living room with a wood burning fireplace and breakfast nook, the backroom which has high ceilings and houses the kitchen and bedroom, and the bathroom. The living room is tiny but by painting the original tired pine paneling white and choosing furniture for both look and functionality, the room feels much larger than it is, while still remaining cozy. For that reason, it’s my favorite room!
If you could magically change something about your home, what would it be? When I first saw the cottage it was anything but perfect. There was dark pine wood paneling that made every room feel claustrophobic, a refrigerator taking up the closet, and there is no true bedroom. But rather than focusing on the cottage’s imperfections, I chose to embrace them. I enjoyed the challenge and can honestly say I wouldn’t change a thing about this tiny space. Its imperfections give it such character and charm.
What’s the last thing you bought (or found!) for your home? The town where the cottage is located is known for bear sightings. In recent years there have been large forest fires in the area and have pushed the bears into town. I drew from this and added several bear accents. My favorites are a bear clock by the front door and a bear head bottle opener that is attached to the kitchen wall.
Thanks, Annie!
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