ELM TREE COTTAGE

This small single home project is tucked away in charming downtown Exeter, NH. The project goal was to create a smaller, under 1200 square feet, cottage-like home that the owner could use as an upscale rental or for extended family use in the future. It also includes a fabulous she-shed for entertaining and storage.

The kitchen area blends painted and light wood stained cabinetry with a subtle quartz countertop. Storage is maximized with drawers and cabinet resting on the countertop. The microwave is out of sight behind a lift-up door inside a wall cabinet. The cabinetry extends beyond the kitchen into a passage way with more storage including a beverage refrigerator and closet storage. Light floods the space from the windows above while beams add architectural interest to the room. The laundry/bathroom and primary bathroom offer warm wood cabinetry with light modern tile, keeping the look clean and simple. The LED mirrors and back splash design are added touches to these rooms.

Outside, the house sits snugly on the lot in front of a large elm tree. It dark siding is a contrast to the surrounding greenery. The small porch and wooden door are welcoming with details including a British mailbox. Beyond is the she-shed with a charming space for guests to enjoy a glass of wine or lounge in the loft above with a book. The “storage side” of the shed conceals the shed’s water tank and hides away all the lawn care items.