A dreamy white cottage filled with vintage in California

The cottage is located in the center of Vacaville, California – a short drive to Napa Valley and the Sierra Mountains less than 2 hours away. It’s owned by Colette Miller and her husband who have been busy renovating it to bring it back to its former glory and adding its own “casual California” vibe to the space.

If you like light and airy homes, whitewashed clapboards and lots of beautiful vintage finds, then today’s tour is for you! Oh, and it also features a romantic, rustic sunroom and even a shed! Read on to hear more about this dreamy property in Colette’s own words – and lots of beautiful photographs by Linda Kennedy.

“We downsized to this small townhouse on a tree-lined street 10 years ago. It is 1,200 square feet (111 square metres) with a detached garage and shed.”

“We replaced the belly stove with a 1960s Malm stove for the ambiance we were going for. The kitchen is on the to-do list, but I’m okay with waiting. I call it the ‘misfit look’ – I guess when you remodel it there won’t be any drastic changes… Maybe a Smeg refrigerator though!”

“The previous owners had remodeled and removed the old sash windows and had the wood floors carpeted wall-to-wall. All the windows had been replaced as well, so we found antique windows and doors that we thought the house might have been outfitted with when it was built in the early 1940s.”

“We raised the ceiling in the living room and added two skylights to let in all the light and it immediately felt more spacious.”

“If someone asked what my ‘vibe’ was I wouldn’t really know how to answer. I don’t really fit into one box, but if I had to come up with a name, I’d like to think it’s ‘California Casual’.”

The back porch was open when we moved in. I knew the moment I saw her that she needed a sunroom. I had 6 old windows that we used to partially close and it is my favorite space outside of our master bedroom for morning coffee!

“I love our little shed in the backyard, too. It’s been a gardening shed, an art shed, and a picket shed when the rain gets on the tin roof. Now that I have grandchildren, I’ve turned it into a playhouse shed for them to play in.”

What a dream!

Looks like this property has fallen into absolutely the right hands! I love that the old windows and doors have been refurbished – and also that the sunroom has been made from old finds. I’d be very happy to sit there, sipping a coffee while the rain pours down the windows, how about you?

Is there anything about Colette’s house that caught your attention? If so, please share in the comments below, I’d love to hear your thoughts, feedback and reflections!

Have a great start to the week!

Nikki

Credits: Interior Design – Colette Miller, Photography – Linda Kennedy, shared with kind permission.