In the late 1700s, this small, stone spring house was built.  In the lower level (below grade),
it still holds spring water.  For years, it served its purpose.  After my husband's
sister (along with her husband) purchased this old farm, they gutted the upper
levels and put their expertise and creativity to work, transforming the little spring house
into a cozy guest house. 

On Friday evening, my husband and I were invited to spend the night at the spring house.
We looked forward to the visit, especially since it had been many years since we had
stepped inside it's thick-stoned walls.

We also looked forward to our special visit because we knew the hospitality that
would be extended to us.  When we arrived, it was already dark and chilly outside.
As we walked down the old brick sidewalk to the front door, we were welcomed by
the soft lights that beckoned us to "come on in". 
Snow, from the evening before, still covered the evergreen branches on the tree outside. 
The country surroundings offered a peaceful quiet to the brisk night air.

An old, metal lantern burned by the front door.

We walked into a warm, cozy cottage, complete with wonderful smelling
candles burning on a wooden table, and a typed note welcoming us.  We were
both thrilled to have been invited to this very special "hide-away", on a cold November
evening.

Now remember, as you look at these pictures, that our brother-in-law and sister-in-law,
did all the restoration work themselves.  We found that to be amazing, since that is not
our expertise.  Soft music filled the room, and warm, comfy blankets were in abundance.

 

The massive stone fireplace had been there as long as the spring house itself,

although the stones had been repointed and it was given a good cleaning.

It was not yet in working order, but that will come in time.  For the time we were there,

a floor heater did it's job and warmth filled the room. 

 

The stonework on the fireplace, extended to the roof line.  The big mantel was decorated
tastefully, with old pieces and dried leaves.  I always enjoy seeing how people choose to
decorate, and what they use to do so.

A coffee center immediately drew my attention.  A bag of coffee, a homemade loaf of
pumpkin bread, and a good smelling cinnamon candle...what could be better!

 

The tiny, yet efficient kitchen, contained all that was necessary for a stay like ours, or even
an extended stay.  Everything was so clean and organized in the kitchen...

...and in the bathroom beside the kitchen.  I was impressed with my sister-in-law's
color scheme, never thinking of putting, green, white and purple together.  One
of my favorite parts of this spring house, was the deep, old window sills.  

Candles burning on the top shelf, added the perfect touch of ambience to the room.
Every ounce of space was utilized in this small, beautiful room.

We walked up the stairs and discovered this lovely loft bedroom, and sitting area.
Again, big, warm blankets were available, as was a very comfortable bed.  If you look
closely, you will see the stone fireplace wall on the other side of the white bannister.

This bed definitely offered a great night's sleep, which isn't always the case when one
sleeps away from home.

Interesting books graced the top of the dresser.

And a box filled with very old bottles, found in the attic of the house, gave an interesting
focal point to the upstairs room. 

Another deep window sill, held a small battery operated candle, adding a sense of
"welcome" to those inside and outside of it's walls.

A guest book, had signatures and words of thanks from many who had been fortunate
enough to have stayed within these walls.

After a great night's sleep, I opened the wooden blinds at the window, and this is the sight
that greeted me.  I could have stared for hours...it was breathtaking, especially with the
morning sunrise in the background.

And then, because our stay was a special gift to us, our sister-in-law greeted us with a hot
cooked breakfast in an old wooden box.  What a welcoming sight she was!  The
homemade baked blueberry oatmeal and fresh orange juice, tasted delicious!
Not only can she decorate old spring houses, she can cook, too!

 I liked how she filled old bottles with milk, cream, and ketchup.  A scoop of brown sugar
was served in an antique tin dish.  So much thought and kindness was put into everything
she did, making our visit most memorable.

Here you see the spring house in relation to the farmhouse, which (the farmhouse) is big enough for two families to call home. 

 

After breakfast, we spent time walking around the pond, along the rippling brook at the edge
of the meadow and sitting on the wooden porch.

I always enjoy seeing how gifted people take old places and, after adding their time and love, create such beautiful results.  That is exactly what this couple did, and we were blessed by it.

Thank you for stopping by today.  Your visits mean so much to me.