When we first bought this house, many years ago now, there was a wonderful old building in the garden. I was instantly drawn to the old stone, the terracotta roof tiles partially covered in moss, the magic of the hollyhocks growing wild outside the door and the wisteria over an old pergola. We named it instantly the summer kitchen. Simply because it became just that, our makeshift cooking space for months on end whilst we renovated the house. But behind the pretty exterior it was a mess, if it hadn’t been for the fire and the ability to cook on it I doubt we would have gone near the place. Refurbishment of this particular space was was right at the bottom of our list of priorities.
Over the years we have slowly done little bits here and there to make it what it is today. In the autumn, spring and summer it is the potting shed. In the summer, when there are no tender plants requiring its thick walls as shelter from cold weather and when all my gardening is done outdoors, it reverts to the summer kitchen. We added a covered terrace a few years ago which means we can keep the doors permanently open creating a light filled space that is protected from the elements. This is where the lemon trees grow, in the same place year round, in full sun but with a clear roof shielding them from our occasional rare frosts in the winter.
Originally this building was the wash house, a place where the laundry was done. These were often communal and most likely it was used by the surrounding cottages. It dates from around 1780, the floor tiles are still the originals, worn smooth by thousands of feet over the centuries.
The well is right outside the door. This is the original wheel, in the days before electricity, this was used to draw water up from the well and out of the big old lead tap.
With the invention of electricity came the pressurised holding tank, new pipework was added in the early 1900’s allowing the water to flow into this by means of an electric pump. The old tap became obsolete although it still remains in place. One hundred years later and we are still using the same holding tank and the same system, although we have had the electrics completely rewired! The well and the pump which looks like it dates from the dark ages, are highly efficient. Our entire garden is watered by this method.
We kept the original electric switch, no longer used, but still a vital part of the history.
The other important part of the room was the open fire. This is where water was heated and although it was rebuilt in 1970, it still sits in the same place. Nowadays, it has other uses, notably keeping me warm in the winter! It is precisely why I love this room so much. The fire chucks out so much heat I can work away with seedlings, sharpening tools, doing all those necessary winter jobs. It can be lashing down with rain outside, but the doors remain open, the interior sheltered from the weather by the covered terrace.
The children will come and join me, begging to toast marshmallows. Roddy will wander in with a cup of tea or a glass of wine if its late in the evening. I’ll put my glass on the bricks by the fire, gently warming a full bodied Bordeaux. A couple of months ago I planted an old ironstone tureen with lots of tiny narcissi bulbs, they’re now in full flower and I’ve left them on the table, it is after all very much a room to me, and a room needs flowers!!
And it is totally self sufficient heating in the most organic way possible. I have several old large cardboard boxes which are filled with sticks and branches from the garden. Every time the wind blows and the garden is littered with twigs, I’ll break them up and place them in the boxes. One box contains this years (not to be used), one box has last years (ready for next year) and the nearly empty box is the one from two years ago and these we are currently burning. So it is very dry and burns clean and efficiently. There are also two years worth of vine cuttings from the annual December pruning, stacked and drying ready for summer barbecues.
The old roof timbers make a picture on their own but just to draw attention to them I had to ask Roddy to hang a chandelier for me. I found one at a brocante a few years ago and it’s a slightly decadent, rather fun addition!
With the help of a friend who is staying with us we have recently repainted all of the exterior woodwork. A darker shade of grey that works well. A couple of weeks ago we had glorious spring like weather, we painted and chatted one Sunday without the need of a coat, and certainly no need for the fire. We ate a sandwich for lunch on the terrace and then continued our painting. A good days work! Now an old child’s crib, another brocante find from two summers ago sits by the door. At the moment it is filled with the geraniums over-wintering in here. But I have plans for it! 
Even Clara our barn cat has been drawn into this space. We’ve tried to get her to come into the house so many times with her brother, who is always to be found somewhere on a bed upstairs fast asleep. But Clara is not interested. She’s very sociable, she’ll purr away and loves nothing better than being cuddled, but just not inside the house. The other day I saw her curled up in one of the garden trugs. I’ve now added a cushion for her as I suspect this is her new hideout! I’m not surprised it is often warm and flooded with sunshine.
And just a word about reusing things. The old armoire at the back, which had seen better days is used as shelving for all the gardening bits and bobs. The table is made from its two doors.
Old terracotta pots, live on our vintage French bottle rack, they’ve been washed and are ready for new compost and new plants in the spring. Perhaps this really is what is meant by the simple life bringing contentment.
Our French Oasis 
What a glorious place! You’re very fortunate.
Yes it is very special in here x
What a beautiful and charming place!!!
Such an ‘organic’ growth and re-use of things that were once living a life of their own and are now rebirthed for you and your family. That’s what I like about this rather natural form of living; make do with what is around, living organically where and when possible but still living a good life as in ‘having a fire, being surrounded by flowers (my tête-à-tête bloomed already abundantly 3-4 weeks back and are already past their best time!), finding time for a glass of wine or a mug of tea, being CONTENT…. A wonderful and encouraging post.
Gosh, that sounds so fabulous, but I don’t remember the potting shed… Next time… Hehe. A beautiful, simple life, but with plenty of hard work on your part!
Next time for sure xx
We are certainly making do now, and good will come out of all of this I am quite sure. xx
I so love this space… and your love for it.
The potting shed is SO you! I would enjoy having a cup of tea and reading by the fire on a cool day, planting and potting when sunny. Just perfect!
You absolutely must, I hear maybe next summer!!! When all of this is over we shall celebrate together, stay safe Nancy and lots of love xx
What a beautiful and practical space. I love the history behind your potting shed, and how you’ve repurposed it to suit your life.
Yes I love that it is used and loved once more xx
Oh how wonderful my friend! It’s glorious!
It is, I wish I could share it personally with everyone, its a very special place
Enchanting space!
What a change. I hardly recognize it. So hope we can venture out your way this year. I need another feed of figs. Living in a rural area is truly the best…nature with all of its beauty right outside your doors.
Ali xx
Right now living in a rural area feels even better. Stay safe xxx
Never get tired of your lovely place and your descriptions!
Thanks so much Debbie, I owe you an email and I am sorry I have not replied, just been slightly overwhelmed. Lots of love xx
CHARMING!! The rustication with a little sparkle of crystal! The delightful history only accentuates the visual charm of the building…..weathered beams, mellow flooring, terra cotta tiles…..and claypots.
You’ve described it perfectly !!
This was lovely to read & enjoy the pictures
How wonderful to walk on a floor that so many walked before you.
I always think that every single time I am in there!
Gorgeous. But I would never have expected anything less.
You are too kind x
An uplifting and peaceful post: I enjoy the patina of old things, be they floors or pots – the history that flows through this special place of yours adds to its charm.
It makes one feel more connected to everything around us for sure
The perfect spot for working or reflection, and the chandelier was definitely the right touch of panache.
I thought so too!!
A beautiful enticing read on a drizzly grey Monday morning.
What a lovely little story about a little cottage, wonderful, thank you.
What a charming and inviting space, full of history and age yet usable today. I love the old buildings and tiles, and moss covered anything. There is a feeling of permanence, of a durability of workmanship that is difficult to find these days. How wonderful to have this space in your own backyard.
it is a very special place and I am glad we have found something that can make it so useful x
You are lucky to have a gardening shed and yours is really special. It always amazes me that so many old buildings were left standing.
It saddens me that so many old buildings are abandoned when they could be repurposed, that someone would prefer a modern garden shed to an old stone one. x
Have so missed your weekly blogs!
Sent from my iPad
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Thanks so much Donna, I’m back!!
Would love to be there to enjoy this old building. It sounds lovely & amazed it is still standing! Love the terra cotta pots too & at least I have those! Thank you so much !!
Make the most of what you have and enjoy it. xx
Seems a lovely place to find contentment. Thank you for sharing.
Life has led me to read this rather late and after most . . . I knew about the potting shed . . . and yet I knew but little. Tiles a few thousand years old under your feet . . . a chandelier where one was never planned in its proper place. a friendly fire used in so many ways. An old child’s crib and a tureen not in its usual environment housing the green growing. A cup of tea. A glass of wine. A cat with excellent feeling-world of where to nest . . . . yes, Susan, all that us very you . . . and a degree of loving envy has to be admitted . . . blessings . . .
I’m sorry you are on the other side of the world, about as far away as you could be for I am sure we would be very good friends xxx
Absolutely amazing!
Feels like an adventure. ^_^
A potting shed extraordinaire with a chandelier! I do hope you potter around in wellingtons and diamonds! Fabulous photos and what a beautiful place to pot up new life and relax with the warmed Bordeaux. Made me smile!
Ha ha, wellingtons yes, I’ll mention the diamonds to my husband!!!
OH MY!!! THIS IS MY KIND OF SPACE FOR REAL RELAXATION! EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR RELAXING…..FIRE, CAT, DIRT….THIS IS SO ME! LOVE THIS PLACE!
Me too!!
I see this being a place where family and friends spend much time.
How I loved reading this and always enjoy your IG posts about this space. It inspires me to try harder with my funny little outdoor brick laundry at our little beach house.
Oooh that sounds like fun, make the most of it and enjoy it, I think it is the unexpected that makes it so special
Nice.
I would love to be you
Bonjour Susan ! Vraiment un très beau refuge pour passer de bons moments seul ou en famille. Un oasis de tranquillité à l’ intérieur de votre oasis. Une très belle restauration de votre cuisine d’ été. Simple, efficace et une belle touche de féminité avec ce lustre lumineux.// Hello Susan! Really a beautiful garden shelter perfect for a good time alone or with family. An oasis of tranquility Inside your home oasis Indeed! a very nice and clever restoration of your Summer kitchen. Simple, rustic efficient and a beautiful touch of femininity with this luminous chandelier ( the Susan’ s touch! ).
Philippe, tu est trop gentil x
just lovely, thanks for the inspiration in your poetic garden!