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"Tereasa's journey of renovation and resurrection proves that any one of us can make a difference when it comes to preservation." –James Peters, President, Landmarks Illinois
When Tereasa Surratt decided to restore a dilapidated old cabin to its original state AND move it 245 miles from Illinois to Wisconsin, everyone said she was crazy. But she saw potential where others saw junk, and knew that with hope and a hammer there is always a way. To her, this cottage was not just a building, but a precious piece of her childhood and hometown that she was determined to keep alive.
A Very Modest Cottage follows Tereasa’s adventures as she rescues this gone-to-ruin cabin and gives it new life as a guest cottage on the edge of the woods overlooking a peaceful lake. Moreover, she achieved her goal on a budget of around $300. Part how-to guide, part scrapbook, and completely inspiring, this special memoir shows how even the simplest architecture can have a powerful emotional affect...and that when you roll up your sleeves and work to make a dream come true, anything is possible.
KJWill
Posted May 5, 2010
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I've been wanting to build a garden cottage for several years and decided this was the year. I started by looking for resources about cottages and cabins. Luckily, "A Very Modest Cottage" had just been released. I snagged a copy the next day.
This is a delightful book, filled with humor, history, charm and inspiration. Tereasa Surratt and her husband, David Hernandez, rescue Tereasa's childhood cottage before it becomes firewood, lovingly restore it and give it the opportunity to provide memories for future generations.
As an old house owner, I appreciate the hard work Tereasa, David, and their friends and family put in to accomplish this task. How many people would tackle such a project!
"A Very Modest Cottage" is filled with general project information, entertaining anecdotes, beautiful photographs and inspiration. Tereasa's attention to detail is just right as she creates a warm, comforting and functional get-away.
A quick read (I've read through it twice), I keep going back to the photos as a reference as we start the planning process.
This isn't a how-to book on building or restoring a structure - there are plenty of other books for that. This is a love letter to a woman's past, to her future and to a little cabin.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.The author details the "saving" of an old cottage, which she and her husband uprooted, transported across state lines and rehabbed in its new location. (It is now part of Camp Wandawega, a private campground the couple also own.) The book includes a "play-by-play" of the project, complete with historical context and photography. It was an inspirational read, considering my husband and I are similarly renovating a cottage and can relate to some of the challenges the author experienced.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted February 15, 2011
A charming exploratory of one woman's passion for bringing an old abandoned cabin back to life. If you like architecture, decorating, renovation, history, and cabin culture, you'll find something to love in this nicely designed book.
I've given it as a gift. I keep one on my coffee table. If you're ever looking for inspiration to take on a project, pick up this book. Tereasa's can-do spirit makes me realize that the simple little household projects I fear are truly just a walk in the park ; )
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted October 16, 2010
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Posted December 20, 2010
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Posted August 1, 2010
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Overview
"Tereasa's journey of renovation and resurrection proves that any one of us can make a difference when it comes to preservation." –James Peters, President, Landmarks Illinois
When Tereasa Surratt decided to restore a dilapidated old cabin to its original state AND move it 245 miles from Illinois to Wisconsin, everyone said she was crazy. But she saw potential where others saw junk, and knew ...