I think one of the first homes I took a picture of in our new neighborhood was this charming white tiny little house. I imagined it to be a guest house (maybe because that would be MY dream). I drive by this tiny white “guest house” everyday. And every single time I turn and look at it. Imaging what is inside. Well one day I decided I was going to do it. I was going to ask to see inside.
Last week my kids and I didn’t have much going on and the weather was really cool for July. We jumped on our bikes to go on a long bike ride. I told my girls that while we were out we would pass this charming little white guest house that I wanted to stop and see if we could peep inside.
Of course my girls had questions like “what if she calls the police?” or “what if she says no?”
I reasurred them that she would not call the police. And yes, she might say no and she might say yes. But we will never know until we ask. We don’t want to be afraid of the no. I reminded them of a Ted Talk we listened to on a long drive (that they both really enjoyed). The talk was on “Getting Over The Fear Of Rejection.” Basically this funny, smart guy goes an entire year asking for things that people might and will probably say no to. This was his way of getting over the fear of being rejected, by getting rejected and realizing that rejection is not about us. For instance he asked the flight attendants before he boarded a flight if he could share the service announcement. Our request wasn’t as crazy and most people who put time and effort into their home want to share it with others! (possibly speaking from experience). *You can find that Ted Talk HERE.
So we rode down the long driveway and out walked Judy. She saw us coming.
After introductions and telling her how much we adore her home. I asked how long she had lived in Fairfield and in this gorgeous home, she said 35 years. When I asked her if we could see inside she said that she would love that and wouldn’t mind me sharing it with all of you. She is actually a designer too!
I came back a week later and toured her charming white art studio. It has been used as a guest house, her design studio and a tea room. It was once owned by someone who worked for (or owned, I forgot) GE so lucky for her it has central air!
In the 1800’s it was originally owned by Roger Sherman. He used this tiny white building as his law office. He lived in the home next door. There was (and still is) and underground tunnel connecting the two homes! Judy said she has never seen or been in the tunnel, but at parties her friends threaten that they are going to go find the tunnel and explore it (I want to be there for that!).
Judy is currently using it as an art studio. You can see some of her paintings inside, they are gorgeous and full of color and life. She once use this space as her design studio, where she would meet with clients and share her design ideas. Ok come see inside…
Thank you Judy for letting us tour your charming space. We are inspired and our curiosity satisfied! Also for not “calling the cops” and teaching my girls that it is ok to ask for things that could possibly get rejected and generally people are kind and good.
You can see more of the charming New England Homes in my area HERE
That was so fun! Loved your story, the history of the guest house and her artwork!
Thank you so much Pat! It was a fun tour!
Thanks for sharing. My imagination is running wild with all the possibilities for that space. So cute, and such a history!
What a charming little guest house. I love hearing stories of an old house ☺ I hope one day you get to see that underground tunnel!
me too! Wouldn’t that be crazy to see??
I’m so glad you stopped and asked. How fun to learn a little about the history.
I laughed out loud when you said one of the girls asked if she would call the cops?! EXACTLY what one of mine would have said! Way to go on taking the risk and asking definitely a great reward! What a darling space she has. Thank you for sharing:)
Oh my gosh, the tunnel! I am so curious! So cool. What a darling little space and a great lesson to teach your girls! I’m thinking my dad has heard the same TED talk, or read about this man’s experiences, because what you said is ringing familiar! I love the idea of realizing/knowing that rejection is okay. So happy I found your blog! 🙂
It is a really good Ted Talk, a great one for kids too!
Great post! I live in your town and have often wondered about the structure myself. Beautiful pictures.
Before I read the post, I thought to myself – I would use it as my law office! I am always looking for houses with charming carriage houses to turn into my office and this one is beyond perfect. I am not surprised that the original owner did just that. I too want to see that tunnel! Perfect for our NE winters! Great post with a really good lesson. If you never ask, you will always wonder!
What an adorable, little cottage! I would love to have such a space to create. It is truly enchanting and I am so glad that you took the “risk” of asking to see inside. One really got a sense of Judy’s personality and loves, just by the things she chooses to have in her little cottage. It’s a good reminder for me to surround myself with the things I love. Thanks for sharing and I intend to check out the TED Talk, too.
Thank you for sharing that delightful place with us. Can you tell me please if she the painter? Does she sell her artwork and where would I be able to find them?
I don’t think she does, but I will ask her!
hey girl- love the guest house! So cool!
Read the post, it was so funny story. I like the story and this beautiful guest house too.