Virginia Wolf was so right about having a room of your own in which to write and any shed can qualify as that room. What makes it a dream cottage is individual to every writer, but here are five basics to start with:
1. Requisition any abandoned outbuilding. I was lucky the little beach house we moved into last year has a shed on the property (below). The former owner once stowed their gardening tools there, but any little outbuilding will do, as long as the roof doesn’t leak.
2. Paint the inside. An inexpensive coat of white paint did wonders to erase the shed’s agricultural past.
3. Electrify. Once I installed power, the shed started feeling habitable. An overhead fan was a godsend for hot days and an internet connection was helpful.
4. Furnish. The fun part. First, a zinc-top table found at Brimfield Antique market. Some antique valentines. Then a computer and Periwinkle Studios fabrics. A work in progress.
5. Enjoy your solitude. It isn’t perfect. I share the space with a few wasps. There’s no bathroom. And come October I need two space heaters. But despite its shortcomings I highly recommend the converted shed. When company arrives and the house is full its a perfect place to escape and work. A place even Virginia Wolf might like.
Love it! I have a room of my own, which I share only with the cat. But it doesn’t keep others in the family from dropping in.
This!!! I’m inspired just LOOKING at this!