Vintage Cottages

Not long after the publication of Camps and Cottages, I received a call from my husband, Rich. “I’m at the plaza standing with animal control Officer Rogers, and she’s just introduced me to the most soulful pup I’ve ever met!” I knew in an instant that our family was about to grow. Yet I paused and asked him if he was certain and how he thought an additional dog might sit with the other two. “Beautifully—I know it! Listen, Molly, he’s been sitting with other rescue pets in a daze, but when our eyes met, he lit up. I gave him a nose-kiss, asked Officer Rogers if I might walk him and over the course of that walk we bonded!” I asked Rich what he knew about his new-found friend and his response sealed the deal, “He was found abandoned on a busy road. He was in tough shape when they found him, but a local vet has patched him up. He’s an older guy, and many of the younger families have passed him by. I can’t bear to see him return to the pound. You’ve got to trust me on this one.” Trust him, I did, and neither of us, including Labradors Hannah and Charlie, ever looked back. We named him “Buddy,” and within days he had claimed a favorite club chair as his own and slept close by at night. For eighteen wonderful months, Buddy held center stage. He and Rich took weekend day trips together as well as walks along the beach. He was even featured on a television episode of HGTV! Looking back, I think Rich and I, despite our endless joy with Buddy, sensed that time with him might be too short. And so it was when just before our second Thanksgiving together we lost him to an incurable tumor. On our last day with him we cried uncontrollably and were sure that our sorrow would never end. But we turned to Hannah and Charlie and held them close. Their unqualified love helped us heal. We’ve learned firsthand that the warmth of a home and the presence of a loved pet go hand in hand. To you Buddy—my angel boy—I dedicate this book.

Acknowledgments

Though one may have been fortunate to have a book published in the past, there is never an expectation that another will follow. It takes an interesting angle and fresh story line but most importantly the interest and guidance of an editor with the courage to say “yes” and the chutzpah to say “no.” Suzanne Taylor was with me the ﬁrst time and, along with Hollie Keith, has stuck with me the second. Thank you, Suzanne and Hollie. You’re consummate professionals and steadfast taskmasters.

Attracting a photographer who shares your vision is always challenging. I’m grateful to have worked with Tom Lamb. East Coast bred but now living on the West Coast, Tom has established himself as an accomplished artist, photographer and teacher. He shares with his wife, Vickie, a classic early-twentieth-century seaside cottage and a passion for life fashioned around all things natural and sustainable. Because of that passion, he has been able to make the connection between the intimacy of cottages, the natural touches of those who choose to live in them, the colorful gardens that surround them and the family pets that roam within them. To Tom and his staff, Terry Miller and Michelle Leighton, a heartfelt thanks for your discerning eyes and unquestionable talent.

The life of a shopkeeper, stylist and author often borders on the routine. That’s not to say that I don’t enjoy growing and nurturing the business I launched in Berkeley years ago, but it’s the unexpected note of encouragement that keeps me charging ahead. Shortly after moving Camps and Cottages to Laguna Beach, I received visits, mostly during the summer months, from a woman for whom I have tremendous respect. I knew her to be a busy mom and a person at the top of her profession. I was always attentive but never intrusive, and was grateful for her business. Over time we began to chat, she introduced herself and has subsequently been a great source of encouragement. Thank you, Diane Keaton.

Thank you to all the homeowners for graciously allowing us into their homes.

A very special thanks to Marsha Alldis, who, besides being the creator of one of America’s favorite destinations for French and American period pieces, Tancredi & Morgen of Carmel Valley, California, has been a key source of resources for the book.

In my opinion, no one has captured better the meaning of life, friendship and home than Simon and Garfunkel. When I hear their music, I think of those who have worked with me over the span of a decade, and I want to thank them once again for their special friendship—Lynn Cirelli, Karen Stern, Steve Reed, Susan Lamb and Katherine Garren.

Special love and thanks to my sister Mary, my life-long pal Paula Hitchcock, and Carmelita Centanni who provided encouragement and support in the early days of Camps and Cottages in Berkeley, California.

Last but not least, a special thanks to my husband, Rich, who, along with our Labrador pups Hannah and Charlie, continues to be my best friend and most ardent supporter.

Vintage Cottages

Molly Hyde English

Photography by Tom Lamb

Acknowledgments