August 20, 2008

Hi Sharon,

Congratulations on the wonderful article about GO-Cottage in the brand new issue of Country Living! I am writing because ironically my fiance and I have just purchased a lovely 13.66 acres property in Nottingham, NH which has a currently unusable cottage which we too are thinking of turning into a rental! (It will be a one bedroom cottage.)
Just wondered if you might have a few minutes to chat about any 'tips' as we begin this new project? Thank you for the additional inspiration your article provided!

Here are the questions that have come to my mind.
hope it's ok to ask others too if I think of more later! Many thanks!
Best Wishes -
Deborah Mac Millan
Nottingham, NH
 
1. When looking at the lay-out of a rental cottage (ours will need to remain a one-bedroom), what are the things you have found that are most important to renters?

1. A great Cal. King size comfy bed with lushes, plush organic linens
2. A sparkling clean bathroom and kitchen with all the trimmings!
3. Premium cable TV with wifi internet access.

2. When purchasing the interior furnishings, what types of stores did you find were best price/quality wise?

I love POTTERY BARN and RESTORATION HARDWARE for great beds and furnishings and IKEA and TARGET for all other. You can also find great deals on Ebay and Craigslist too.

3. If you could do something different (based on what you now know), what would it be?

This is a GREAT question! and I have to say that based on what I know now I would have started GO-Cottage 20 years ago! ;o)

 

 

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August 18, 2008

Hi Sharon,
I saw your article about GO-Cottage in the september issue of Country Living Magazine. Could you please tell me where you got the wicker chairs that are in your dining room photo? I'm looking for something just like that in that same color. Thank you so much.
Dianna Britton
Memphis, Tennessee.

 

Hi Dianna,
Thanks for your question and glad you like them.
Those wicker chairs are available at Pottery Barn. They're amazing and very comfortable as well as sturdy and very durable. Truly a great value. Thanks again and happy shopping!
best,

Sharon

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July 18, 2008

Dear Sharon,

I love the silver clawfoot tub represented in a bathroom photo on your website - GO-Cottage.com
I am looking to paint my pedestal tub silver, too. Can you please tell me how you did that, what color/type of paint you used, and any additional prep work that you found necessary? Thank you in advance for your assistance! Sincerely,

Lesly Adams
San Diego, CA

 

Hi Lesly,

Thanks for the call and questions. I'm very happy that you like our claw foot tubs. you're probably the 5th person that has called or written me about them. in a nutshell, when refurbishing your claw foot tub

1. make sure to clean the tub inside out. if the tub is very dirty or has rust on it try using bleach as well as rust removal. here's some advice below.

On the tub, sink, ceramic tile, or toilet, wet Pumice Scouring Stick, a pumice bar, and rub the iron stain. Caution: Do not use this pumice stick on the ceramic glass found on cookware or ceramic cooktops, as it will scratch the surface. A paste of borax and lemon juice also is effective on iron stains. Rub the paste into the stain and allow it to dry. Rinse with clear water, then repeat if necessary. Rinse again and dry with a clean cloth

2. Paint - you can either silver leaf the tub or spray paint the tub with silver paint. silver leafing is much harder and takes longer to do but looks great. you can get the silver leaf at any art store. spray paint is easier and quicker and also works great. go to any paint store for the spray and ask for "silver or metallic." doesn't really matter what brand you buy. if they have different ones buy a couple and do a test on a small space underneath or in the back first to make sure it works. make sure to read the instructions and go for it.

3. After it is thoroughly dry spray on a finishing spray or lacquer of some sort. ask for it at your store.

4. make sure and buy excellent fixtures/faucets, etc. for your tub. spending a little more will enhance the tub and make it sparkle like brand new. here's a great link to check out for everything you need. www.vintagetub.com

hope this helps and if you have any other questions please let me know. good luck with your tub! best,

sharon

 

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January 9, 2008

Hi Sharon-
Your cottages just look so wonderful! I’m definitely going to use them as the inspiration for our cottage update. Your “studio cottage” looks just like our cottage which is why it’s the perfect inspiration, and I love the cottage décor. You suggested Cabot, so I went to the site and I love the color swatches. One thing that I’m wondering…Did you use that stain on shingles that had already been painted or did you use it on new, unpainted singles? The federal blue looks much bluer then your cottages; I’m guessing you adjusted the color a bit?

Thank you again!
Elizabeth Prybylo
Yarmouth, Maine

Hi Elizabeth,

Thanks so much and glad you like the cottages! and thanks for sending your photos. Looking at them brings up a ton ideas! You're right about the cabot stain. We used the Federal Blue by Cabot color on our garage which is at the foot of our driveway. The Cottages are a little grayer than that but to be honest i really love the federal blue. You should check out a few swatches that are a little lighter/grayer and see how it works. Always do tests before you paint. Buy a few colors that you like (small cans) and test a side or two. Live with it for a few days and see how you feel. Also, we used that stain on raw shingles. We scraped all the old paint off and started fresh. it's a BIG job but important.
Thanks for writing and happy painting! ;o)
Best,

Sharon

 

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sept 10, 2006

hi sharon,
here's my question.
our tub/shower has some kind of fake black marble from the previous owner. it's fine, except it gets bleached out in spots like where suction cups were attached (from previous owner) or the little froggy mirror (us) gets wet and sticks to the wall. anyway, it's pretty unsightly now - it looks dirty even when it's clean - but I don't want to invest the $15,000 that would really take care of it. we're looking to sell the house in the spring and I know the bathroom should definitely look better than it does. is there a way to "fix" it in the 1,500 (or less!) range?
thanks, bleach stains in tennessee