The Gatehouse
Dear lonely, over-looked little house at the end of the driveway,
Welcome to the family.
I just wanted you to know how much I have always adored you.
I’ve driven by you for years. Every time I turned into the driveway……there you sat.
Patiently waiting.
The Living Room
You always looked a little forlorn to me.
I remember when your gutter fell off in the back and kind of hung there…..swinging back and forth.
*sigh*
I ached for you. Such an uncomfortable situation.
I wanted to march down the driveway with a 10 foot extension ladder and hang it back in place immediately.
But you just kind of shrugged your shoulders and sighed patiently.
The Study
And then there was the whole beauty shop phase.
Your glory days.
When your rooms were full of shampoo and blow dryers and a tanning bed and rollers that smelled like permanents and gossip and giggles.
And plenty of big hair.
Just like a Kentucky Steel Magnolias.
The Dining Room
You had a few other tenants.
But nothing really seemed to work out.
And then you sat.
And sat.
With the occasional half-hearted wave and downcast expression when I turned into the driveway.
The Bathroom
But now….watch out summer of 2013.
Finally…..my little neglected friend.
This is your year.
Your day in the sun.
Your time to shine.
The Kitchen
Wait until you see the plans I have for you.
I’m just sayin’.
I’m talking vivid and bold and fun and graphic and color.
Hot pink damask.
And zebra.
And turquoise.
And a zinc topped desk.
And giant chalkboards with metal letters.
And light fixtures that look like spaceships.
The Craft Room
And this?
This is going to be the jewel in the crown. This is going be the craft storage room.
With a built-in desk.
And floor-to-ceiling shelving. With baskets and zinc tags and sewing machines.
And containers full of material and scrapbook paper and stencils and paint and a wrapping paper station.
And buckets of Mod Podge.
The Back Yard
Here’s the view from your back door.
Sunny and green and bright and full of the promise of a summer’s day.
Just like your future.
So buckle your seat belt, little gatehouse.
2013 is going to be a great year. 🙂
PS We bought the gatehouse (formerly known as the beauty shop to the stars of the county) on Friday.
I can’t WAIT for you to follow along this summer. Every project that I have always wanted to do….but never had the perfect place for in the main house….
……has finally found a home. 🙂
can't wait to see what you do!!
And the Gatehouse sighed with contentment, loved at last. . .
Sweetest story...you cheered me up this morning. You actually have me thinking..... I have so many projects to do and if I approach them in the same way you do I think I could succeed! I can't wait to see what you have in store for all of us!
That is so exciting! What a lucky house! I can't wait to see the transformation. Congratulations! You're going to have lots of fun.
I can't wait to see what you do with the little house...especially with all of those colorful descriptions you gave! It sounds amazing already. Happy Monday Friend ~Sonya
Before and after pictures, especially in your hands, is one of my favorite things. I can't wait to see it's progress and it's final beauty.
Yay! Your own, private studio!!! How much fun!I can't wait to see what you do!
So THAT"S what I've been missing--a gatehouse! Can't wait to see what you do with yours! :)
Looking forward to following the transformation! Happy little gatehouse :)
Can't wait! You had me at zinc and turquoise!
But I want to move in to the little gatehouse and I'm sure you will too when it is all finished.
No way!!! That is the coolest thing ever, Kari! I'll be living vicariously through you, I can tell! Congrats!!!!!!!!! xo Heidi
It will be so much fun! Can't wait to see the progress!
Sounds like you will have a blast! I need to show before and afters of our condos....if those pesky kids will ever move out!
Congratulations! What fun! Can't wait to see what you do!
This will be so much fun for us readers to see the progress you will make as you transform these rooms into something wonderful!
What an exiting undertaking to have an extra space like this to decorate. What fun! Looking forward to seeing all you do. I know it is going to be fabulous.
Congratulations on your new little addition to the Family!! This is going to be one great summer of staying tuned to your channel!!
Oh, Karianne, How exciting!! I'm thrilled for you. Congratulations on your wonderful new project.
How fun!!!
So, questions, questions...what are you going to use it for...how close to your home is it...what are you thinking? I've never known anyone who owned a gatehouse before...this is pretty snazzy! Oh, and congratulations! ;)
I've been waiting for this announcement. You are going to have so much fun!
How exciting!!! Congratulations!! Will be watching anxiously to see your creations!!~~Angela
In your hands, that little gatehouse is looking at a bright -- and stylish -- future! So happy to be along for the journey! :) Linda
How exciting! I can't wait to see your ideas come to life! The gatehouse will never be the same! I can't wait to see the reveal!
Consider this a virtual knuckle-bump, sister. Congratulations on the acquisition of the gatehouse. Looks like a fantastic little place. A story in-the-making, I can't wait to see the creative transformation -- "Karianne style" Let the fun begin!
I just experienced a surge of jealousy so great that I am almost embarrassed to admit it. This is going to be awesome. I can't wait to see it! :) Elena
Love those floors!!
I cant believe I am so excited!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
How exciting...I can't wait to see it all unfold! Really, hot pink!!
THIS is absolutely "the bomb"! Every creative woman dreams of having her own playhouse.
That is so amazingly exciting! I cannot wait to see what you come up with. I'm already drooling over the craft room because I know it will be incredible!
Oh my goodness!!! What AMAZING fun you are going to have getting it all ready!! That is a dream come true!! I can't imagine the fun your children will have in there too creating with mom.... LOVE!!!
Gotta give you my first thought (besides "is that a trapdoor at the toilets feet"?) because nothing else I can type conveys my thoughts accurately. So..... OHHHMMMMMGEEE! Bliss
What a dream come true for all us! I can't wait to see this unfold. The outside is the skin, the inside will be the soul, We want to see it grow and bloom. We all wish this was our place, so we will live though you. We will follow your dream with you.
How completely exciting! I cannot wait to see what all you are going to do! Oh my word! What fun! Congratulations!
How exciting! Can I come help? Sounds like so much fun. Judy
Can't wait for your transformation....only you would have a gatehouse with a fun story....
How exciting! It is so cute. I can't wait to see how you transform it!
Oh my goodness, that is so exciting! Can't wait to see the transformation. Congratulations!
I think every woman (and a couple guys) should have two houses. One for the beautiful and serene neutrals and the second to go wild with color. One for antiques and farmhouse and one for modern (oh, heck, maybe I need four houses). One style, one set of colors...it just doesn't work for me. I love it all. Unfortunately the bank book says that I can only have one (read small) house and still have the kids in Catholic school. Hmmm, maybe the principle will let me deck out her office.....(If you knew this principle you would know how truly funny that it!) Good for you, you lucky girl. I know it will be MARVELOUS.
I want a little building just like that for my sewing/craft room. My own building! I want it black, white and red with splashes of bright yellow. I want to quilt, scrapbook and look at all of my craft magazines and dream of all the projects I can accomplish. Oh my, I am really jealous. You are one lucky woman. Enjoy!
Oh how exciting! I can't wait to see what you do! Have fun!
I love the gatehouse. I am sooooo jealous.
I swear I just saw the words zebra and turquoise and COLOR in a post about decorating???? Say it's so. Say you aren't just teasing me. I'll love you to the moon and back if you manage a colored fridge.
I can't wait to see what you do in there, that would be so much fun! So much potential in that cute little house :)
Oh my goodness, a new space to decorate and love! You must be in Heaven right now...I can't wait to watch it's story unfold!
I can't wait to see what you come up with. Gosh I wish I would live closer because it would be so much fun to give you a hand. Projects of love are right up my ally :) Now how can I expain to my sweet husband that I need to swing by your state and have my paint clothes ready. I just know you will make it smile!!!!
Congratulations on your new purchase :-) OOOhhh, I can't wait to see what you do. Happy Monday. Hugs, Gee
Won't you have a blast with this?? I can't wait to see what you do with it..
Congratulations to you and to the little house!! Love your story and look forward to all the loving improvements you will make!!!
FRESH GROUND for all your inspiring projects. How exciting! I can't wait to see what this little gem turns out to be. when it grows up.
WHAT???? I am not sure if I am more jealous that you are now the owner of a "gatehouse" or you will have the opportunity to decorate in zebra print and turquoise. Color me jealous. I can't wait to see what potients and spells you conjure up. 2013 is gonna be a fun one indeed. xxoo
I've just discovered your site and I love it! I can't wait to see what you do with this little nook of a place - it looks like a perfect canvas to start! Good luck!
Wow!! That is the cutest little house. I am sooooo excited for you and all that is ahead!! Can't wait to see what you do with this little gem....I know it will be just adorable!! What an opportunity for you to spread your wings and fly!! Exciting new....wish I had one of those little cottages in my backyard. ha. Blessings, Linda
Oh my goodness, I LOVE it!
When can I move in? Just kidding... Congrats on your new space! I can't wait to see what you do :)
Can't wait to see your ideas come to life. Don't keep us waiting too long :) Following from HickoryTrail
Oh I'm so excited for you! And I cannot wait to see what you do with this place is is darling!! But it is going to be amazing no doubt!! -Haley
Best Mother's Day present ever: more square footage! Congratulations!
I have hiccups just hearing about it - I want to move in and live there forever....
Sounds so exciting... you are such an inspiration and I can't wait to see how you do the craft room... now that you've peaked our interest so looking forward to the updates!
What an adorable little house! She should count herself lucky to fall into your hands.
I can't wait to see how you use this, Karianne...because I know it will be great!
How exciting! I can't wait to follow along during her transformation. :o)
It will be a "Cinderella" story from start to finish! Can't wait to see her in her ballgown!
Oh this is gonna be fun! Thanks for letting us all in on it....GOOOO Karianne!! xo, Kelly p.s. if u have a minute check out https://mysoulfulhome.com/best-kind-of-gift/ I want u to "meet" my girls!
So exciting! Can't wait to see what you do with it!
As always you are able to see a diamond in the rough - I know it will be amazing and even be better than it's former glory days. A true little cottage that is loved.
Oh, this is gonna be fun! Question: What will you do with it after it's decorated? Rent?
Sooooo exciting! I have often wished you were blogging when you re-did your farmhouse so we could follow along.... Now is our chance!
I can't even imagine what you are going to do... but I am sure I will ooh & aah when you reveal it! ;) Congrats Karianne, this sounds incredibly exciting!!
I absolutely love the Gatehouse! So beautiful. I can't wait to see what you do with it. I love the Craft Room with the beautiful floor.
Love Love and Can't Wait!! And, it looks in pretty darn good condition to start with, so sunny!! Oh the possibilities!!
So fun!!! Can't wait to watch the transformation!!
Can't wait to see the little Gatehouse's Happily Ever After!
THAT IS AWESOME!! What a cute little cottage! Oh, Kari, it's gonna be a knockout when you get finished with it! I cannot wait to watch this transformation begin. FUN!
This is so cute! And considering the condition it's already IN, you won't have to do much but put YOUR stamp on it! So exciting!!!!! You'll have your own grown-up Craft House! :) Happy Sunny Monday!! It's GORGEOUS out there!
Dee-lightful! I cannot wait to see what your summer journey blooms into! :) Congrats on your new property! :) ~k.
Oh, Karianne, you lucky girl! I can't wait to see what you do, you do everything so well. Have a great day. Jeannie
What a fantastic story with a great ending. I can't wait to see what you do and come up with. I am sure it will be great. Looking forward to seeing the transformation. Cynthia
What a fantastic little blank slate! I know you're going to make it gorgeous!
Your little get-away : )
A whole house to do as you please with, Oh what a dream! I cant wait to see what yo do with it.
I will enjoy watching your progress!! These are the things in life that make my heart sing! Have fun...I know you will.
Seriously!! I am beyond excited to see what you do to this little house!! When will it be done so I can move in!!?? It sounds perfect!! How far is it from your current house? So fun!!
How exciting, I will be have fun reading your progress. :-)
Well this makes perfect sense! Since your home is perfect now - every inch of it, you needed a new place to work on! How lovely that it's so close to home...it could even be a shop for you! Can't wait to see what you do, K. -Revi
Oh my...buckets of Mod Podge!!! Fun!!! Somehow I have a hard time wrapping my mind around you not having room at the main house. ;) Looking forward to all the goodies. xoxo's
Awwww it's finally nice to meet your newest edition that you have been talking about for weeks :)
How exciting...cannot wait to see what you do with it!
How cute was that! I love the little story about the little house and you really said it well I can't wait to watch "her" become a beautiful happy place. Please don't miss a progress picture. Can't wait to see the whole process of the new life you breath into her.
How exciting ~ It is already such a charming little house but I know with your fabu-chic ideas it will be amazing!
What a fun project!!! Can't wait to see the transformation! Anna askannamoseley.com
incredible! and exciting! how lucky that little house is, and how lucky we are to be along for the ride :-)
How exciting! I can't wait to see you work your magic on this blank slate! -Shelley
That gatehouse should get down on it's hands and knees in thanks for it's salvation! Kelly
Oh how fun! I know you must be truly excited! Congrats!
That little house is so so SO CUTE! Can't wait to see all the wonderful updates you'll do to it!
Kari, You are so inspiring! I can picture the beauty you will bestow upon this Kentucky Gatehouse... all I can say is Wow to be able to work on a project like that... You are one lucky girl... Thanks for sharing..
How exciting ... congrats! I look forward to seeing all of the personality, character and life you bring to it this summer!
How wonderful. I am waiting with baited breath. Are you going to start a little business with it? I kind of think your little house is as big as my only house... lol. Congratulations!
Love it! I always thought it should belong to Thistlewoodfarms.
What a terrific opportunity! I look forward to seeing all your grand ideas. Hope you had a wonderful Mother's Day.
How amazing. What fun you will have this summer!! Can't wait to see her transformation.
That patient and lonely gatehouse is going to SING after you get finished with it!!!!!!!!!!! I can't wait to see and follow along with this project! It will be amazing, I know. I am so happy for you!!!!! XO, Pinky
I can't wait to see what you do! We are just in the process of restoring a 60+ year old fishing cabin that my Dad built in the late 40's. It has been a weekend getaway for our family, my children, grandchildren and many friends all these years, without much thought to "fixin' up" over the years. I am tackling the daunting job of painting "wormy-oak" paneling, as we speak. (My Dad would not be happy to see this! He was so proud of that paneling!) Not sure where we will go from there, so I'll be a voyeur at your gatehouse this summer! Good luck and looking forward!
Wow, can't wait!
Aaaaaahhhhhhhh!!!! So exciting! OK. I think I can breathe again. What an unbelieveably magical thing to do. I am all aquiver with anticipation. Marian
Lucky you! And lucky us to be able to follow along!!
Through your comments, you have already given the "Gatehouse" character, color, life and a future. Thanks so much for sharing. Blessings and smiles, Emilou :-)
I can hardly wait!!! I'm sure it will be charming :)
I want to make a reservation!
I'm so excited to see what you do with your magic wand (I'm convinced it is magic!). I already know this will be a story with a "happily ever after" ending.
How fun! I'm a bit jealous - I would so much love to have a workshop/craft house in a building besides my house!
Oh my! This is going to be fun! REAL FUN!!!
Soooo excited to follow this project! Inspiration at every step!! {sigh} :)
Oh Karianne! I am so thrilled that you have this space to expand your ever growing art filled world! How fantastic your Summer is going to be! Looking forward to many photos! Enjoy! Sweetly, Susan J. Sias, Couture Baker & Chocolatier.
How exciting! I'm buckling my seat belt, too...ready to ride along and watch!
Oh fun! Can't wait to see what you come up with:)
OMG How exciting!!! Congrats!
If that's not the cutest little gate house I've ever seen! Can't wait to see what you do with it. Let the magic begin!
It is going to be nothing short of fabulous! I am green with envy (of course the green is the perfect shade of celadon). I am so excited and happy for the adorable little gate house!
ooooh, I cant wait!! I cant wait, this is gonna be so fun!!!
Oh my! This is going to be so exciting to see you transform. Can't wait!
This will be fun!
OH MY GOLLY!!!! Wow, what fun news! Gonna be fun and awesome, whoo hooo hooooo - can you hear my shouting happiness all the way from mid Ohio?????????????????
How exciting! I can't wait to see the progress! I KNOW it will be AMAZING!!
Shut Up! I'm not sure I can handle this... I'll have to stock up on some paper bags and smelling salts.
Yippee! A blank slate awaiting! Have fun! I can't wait to see what you do! Life to the full! Melissa
What a lovely project! Looking forward to seeing how it turns out! Thanks so much for visiting and commenting on Saved by Grace! Your blog is a blessing and I am now following it, and I invite you to follow Saved by Grace also: https://savedbygracebiblestudy.blogspot.com/ Love in Him, Laurie Collett
This little house is gonna be gorgeous! Just look at her floors - wow. My question is though, what are you going to do with this house? Will it be a guest house?
So exciting!!!!! How did you get so lucky to have more than one house to decorate??? :):) Cannot wait to see how it turns out. Love your writing style. You make me smile!
Can't imagine how wonderful this house of the "bouffant hair doos" will be after you work your magic....Looking forward to spaceships and zebras!
Oh my goodness! What a beautiful blank canvas! I can't wait to see what you do with the space! :)
Congratulations! How awesome! I can't wait to see what you do with this! I am sure you will amaze us all. ~Diane
This is so exciting! I recently found your blog, and you home is lovely, I can't wait to see what you do with the Gatehouse!
Karianne can't wait to see what you do to this! I know it will look amazing! Is this on your property?You need to do an outside photo sometime and share :-) xx Anne
Looking forward to seeing it all unfold!
I am SO EXCITED and totally CAN'T WAIT to savor every.single.second of this makeover!!!! YIPPIEEE!!!!!! :-) CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!! Hugs, Jennifer
Love before and afters! This looks like it will be a fun space to play with! Can't wait!