A country cottage in Australia

 'Clair Matin' shrub rose

One of the things I love best about living in Australia is seeing beautiful cottages, like this one, which are very common in older towns and in the countryside. Their lovely verandas and charming gardens never fail to catch my eye. It is always such a pleasure to take a drive into the country, to see the beautiful hills, vineyards, farms, and cottages around Adelaide. I feel so lucky to have landed here.

{photos by Michael Wee for Country Style AU; found here}

Swedish Cottage by the Sea

Serene whites and neutrals and a lovely garden view make this Swedish cottage by the sea a perfectly relaxing home. 

Just looking at these lovely rooms is making my Sunday better. Hope it does the same for you.

{all images found here}

Elegant Southampton Cottage

With gorgeous cedar siding and white trim, beautiful formal gardens full of white roses and hydrangeas, and lovely neutral interiors designed by Thomas Pheasant, this circa-1900 cottage in Southampton is the very definition of classic American elegance. To me, the view over the swimming pool is the very best part. I'm guessing there is even a white picket fence, to complete the picture.

{all images via Veranda magazine}

A serene country cottage in cream and white

A cream and white colour palette, along with beautiful antique and vintage finds, infuse this country cottage in Australia with an air of serenity and grace.

{Photographed by Jared Fowler; styled by Geraldine Munzo for Country Style AU; all images found here}

Amazing Grace

An elegant tranquility sets the mood of this seaside cottage in Paternoster, South Africa, home to chef and food stylist Maranda Engelbrecht. 

The subtly textured grey walls bring an earthy feel, while pretty feminine accents and toned-down pinks add a dash of glamour. Such a refreshing change from the usual nautical themes we often see in homes by the shore. My favourite spaces in the home are the kitchen and dining room, with their beautifully detailed chairs and carefully-chosen accessories. 

Would you take a look at that fabulous bathroom? You know I always love to see a vaulted ceiling. This space really gains drama from the height. I'm quite in awe of this luxurious room. What gal wouldn't enjoy a bit of pampering in such a lovely space?

{Sources: Photos 1 - 6: Photography by Henk Hattingh and styling by Julie Kenney; found here; Photos 7 - 8: from Elle Decoration SA, found here}

A Cottage in Woodside

Every now and then, you pass by the kind of cottage which evokes a deep sigh, causing you to daydream about the simply beautiful life that must surely  be happening inside such a home. Stone cottages like this line nearly every road in the lovely Adelaide Hills, where Morgan Allender and her partner Justin Hermes call home, in the town of Woodside. 

My partner and I have often driven through this charming town, as well as stopped for coffee and gone antiquing. I wouldn't be surprised if we've passed by this exquisite cottage. I always wonder about such places. Now I'm happy to have the pleasure of seeing inside one, and find it is indeed as charming inside as out.

Morgan is a painter, and her works are often inspired by this lovely home and its garden. Her partner, Justin, is a furniture maker, and he has filled their home with his gorgeously crafted pieces. The cottage was in need of a good amount of repair when the couple bought it. They've replaced timber floors, repaired windows, and spruced up the garden. Together, along with the help of their talented and generous friends, they have transformed the cottage into a delightful home. 

To me, the rooms look as if they have been slowly and lovingly formed, with each element adding something unique. To think that the couple had only bought the cottage two years before these photos were taken seems incredible. I wish them many years of happy dwelling.

You can see Morgan's paintings here on her website, and find Justin's furniture at Oak & Elm Furniture & Object. Morgan also designs floral arrangements for The Bluebell Society, a commission-only floristry business.

{All images & info found here}