HISTORIC COTTAGE

Everyone knows this irrepressibly cheerful burst of sunshine presiding from its corner perch across from Lake Maria Sanchez. It’s a classic in a city known for its wide and exciting range of architectural styles spanning well over a century. This diminutive cottage offers a downtown pied-a-terre for those who happily call St Augustine their home away from home or if you are part of the small house movement, you’ll need a minimum of things to get the maximum enjoyment from living here.

With an eye to its past history, many original details are intact and you can contemplate them from your sunny living room which spans the width of the house. Federal moldings surround the windows, picture molding waits for art and the stained glass panes cast rainbows around the room. Natural light bounces off the wooden floor and illuminates the room throughout the day and you can see the sparkling water and the birds as they skim along the lake looking for a snack. In winter months, the fireplace will be welcome as you snuggle on the sofa and contemplate what cultural or culinary adventure is next on your to-do list.

In the 1800s dining was considered a formal affair and there is a separate dining room tucked between the living room and kitchen. Built-in glass-front Federal cabinets display your favorite dishes or other treasures and if you favor a more casual approach to meals, this central room can take on another role to suit your needs. If you’ve ever lived in Manhattan the kitchen will feel familiar – small but efficient and it has been the scene of many a party in its past. Victorian details in the kitchen include the 4-drawer cabinet and open shelving, diamond detailed window and the bead-board ceiling. Exposed beams add texture and the transom windows let in additional light from over the doors.

The bedroom has a vaulted ceiling with an exposed beam, Gothic window and light detail and a Gothic French door leading to the closet/dressing room. It would not be complete without a clawfoot tub and the bathroom delivers one for your leisurely soaks. 1″ floor tile, diamond-patterned window and two sets of graceful French doors which provide access from kitchen and living room. Off the living room a covered side porch accommodates morning coffee and evening cocktails with equal grace and your dinner parties will spill out to the brick courtyard.

If you truly value the idea of a wee antique house, we will be waiting for you.

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