On a street shaded by magnolia trees stands Magnolia Cottage, which dates to 1928. Owners Lynn and Rick Cirelli have given each intimate space in and outside the house its own look—with the intent of ensuring that all of them, when viewed as a whole, comprise a functional and unique cottage.
City records reveal that the cottage was not much more than 900 square feet, just enough room for a small living room, downstairs bedroom and bathroom, and upstairs bedroom. A galley kitchen was squeezed in toward the back of the house. It changed hands nine times over the nearly eighty-year period, and somewhere along the way the space was expanded to 1,500 square feet, a perfect home for Lynn, Rick and their Tibetan terrier, Samie.
Today, though looking exactly as it did in 1928 from the outside, the inside is a reflection of traditional elegance. Lynn worked with local painters to create a custom sea-foam green for the plaster portion of the walls, all of which contrast sharply with the sheen of white enamel that has been applied to the tongue-and-groove lower portions of the walls. American cherry bookcases (not pictured) line the walls of a short hallway between the living room and study-guest room. Around the corner from the study, a small room accented by original leaded-glass windows serves as a home office for Rick, a successful mortgage banker. Keep-ing with the clean simplicity of the cottage, the dining room is anchored with an elegant yet simple glass chandelier. The walls contain watercolors dating to the 1940s, painted by well-known artist Thelma Speed Houston. The galley kitchen (not pictured) has been updated with the latest professional appliances, contrasting beautifully against American cherry cabinetry.
“Our favorite room is the living room with its original fireplace and intimate character,” Lynn notes. “It’s the only room that has remained intact and unaltered.” Hardwood floors are featured throughout the cottage, and each room is flooded with sunlight through custom leaded-glass windows. “We’re surrounded by gardens, old-growth hedges and century-old trees that afford us complete privacy,” says Rick.
Entry to the property is made through a wrought-iron gate topped by an arbor filled with immense blooms, into what Lynn and Rick characterize as their secret garden. Enclosed by tall walls and fences covered with old-growth vines, the secret garden is actually a combination of brick courtyard, flower beds and custom wrought-iron gates leading from the front of the property to the sides and a rear walkway. A vintage birdbath, a wedding gift from Lynn’s mother, anchors the flower beds. “We’ve worked hard to ensure that every square inch of our wonderful cottage is accessible and in tiptop shape,” says Lynn. This even includes the construction of custom weather-sealed outdoor closets handsomely tucked against the back wall that serve as great auxiliary storage space for the “space-challenged” structure.
“Our design sensibility focuses upon elegant simplicity,” emphasizes Lynn. “We respect the heritage of our cottage and work to maximize its comfort and utility, making it open and inviting to family and friends.”
The living room is a contrast of dark and light. Atop the mantel are starfish that Lynn and Rick have collected during their walks along the nearby beach.
The front courtyard has been prepared for an intimate dinner while Samie awaits the arrival of guests.
Enclosed by tall walls and fences covered with old-growth vines, the secret garden is actually a combination of brick courtyard, flower beds and custom wrought-iron gates.
The enclosed side yard is Lynn’s secret hideaway. Overlooking it are classic leaded-glass windows surrounded by Cecil Bruner roses.
A living room corner overlooked by a contemporary plein air oil painting.
The contrast of light against dark is carried into the dining room against sea-foam walls. The watercolors above the table are from the 1940s by noted artist Thelma Speed Houston.
A large wall mirror enlarges a living room corner, and a contemporary oil painting, specially designed and framed, cleverly hides a flat-screen television.
Gathered in the cottage study is a grouping of family memorabilia, including a vintage circa-1920 banner from Rick’s alma mater.
The courtyard comes alive by the candlelight and soft hues of the study.
We respect the heritage of our cottage and work to maximize its comfort and utility, making it open and inviting to family and friends.
Lynn highlights her collection of dog paintings and statuary with French tulips.