On the outskirts of Little Candleford just before Candleford Road joins Larkrise Lane stands the little property named Candleford Cottage originally called The Gatehouse. The house had stood empty for many years until Miss Emma Townsend purchased it after losing her position of Housekeeper at Middleton Manor and becoming homeless. . . . . . . . ( Click on All images to Enlarge )
A Winters Tale
Emma looked through the window of the Floozies workroom, it had started to snow, winter had arrived early in Little Candleford, the nights were colder and she could feel The Festive Season wasn’t far way. As she sewed the final stitches to Emilia’s Christmas gown her mind started to wander, she wondered whether the gown would be good enough, would Katherine and Louisa give their seal of approval. They were very Quality conscious and only the finest work could have the exclusive Floozies label and then again, what if Lady Emilia didn’t like it. She started to doubt her own ability but it was too late to change anything now, the next day Louisa and Katherine would see the gown for the first time and inspect the quality of her work.
Closing the Work room door, Emma locked it and started to make her way home. As she passed The Bakery she glanced at the upstairs rooms and saw Emilia standing at the window (Click on Photo to Enlarge), Emma waved and Emilia waved back. How she wished it was Friday night as that was the next time she would see Emilia properly. The girls had decided to keep their relationship a secret and were only seen together when Emma served Emilia in the Floozies shop or when they were taking Sunday Lunch at The Little Candleford Hotel. They met discreetly at Emilia’s Bakery on Friday and Saturday evenings and occasionally Emma would stay the night but Emma would not invite Emilia back to Candleford Cottage as she was ashamed her small home was not grand enough for a lady like Emilia, however now that Emma had a permanent position working at Floozies, every penny she earned was going to be spent repairing and renovating her little cottage so that one day it would be fine enough for her to invite Emilia to visit. . . . . . The Renovation begins
The Cottage Bedroom
Started to convert the Attic Room of The Candleford Cottage into the Bedroom. Made A small Cabinet, Wardrobe and Dressing Table to go with the Bare Wood Bed and Bedside Table. I have to added a False Ceiling/Loft and Beams and a few 'Floozies' Accessories. (Click on Photos to Enlarge)
The Kitchen
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(Click on Images to Enlarge)
New Kid on the Frock
After a sleepless night worrying about Emilia’s gown, the day had finally arrived when Katherine and Louisa would see Emma’s creation for the first time and if they gave their approval Emilia would be invited to Floozies for a fitting.
Emma looked at the clock; it was almost midday and Louisa put the closed sign on the doors. We will close for lunch today suggested Katherine and we will have a look at Emilia’s Christmas Gown.
Emma nervously unveiled the mannequin as Katherine and Louisa looked on in amazement. Emma waited for them to comment and feared the worse." It’s OK" said Katherine, "Er….I expected a little more" said Louisa and the two girls turned and started to walk away
But there is more cried Emma desperately as she removed the fine lace wrap shawl to reveal a plunging neckline trimmed in white fur to match the fur trimmed hem of the red silk gown.
Louisa and Katherine both turned around giggling “Oh Emma, we were teasing you; the gown is lovely and will be perfect for Emilia” said Katherine “and now we have a surprise for you”
To Emma’s delight, Louisa told her that as she was spending all her money renovating the cottage there would be no charge for the dress and she must give it to Emilia for her Christmas Present.
Tears of joy ran down Emma’s face as the three girls hugged each other.
“This will be the best Christmas ever “said Emma, “Well it certainly will be for you” replied Louisa “with that plunging neckline on Emilia’s dress you’ll have no problem pulling her Christmas Crackers.
Click on Photos below to Enlarge
Emma looked at the clock; it was almost midday and Louisa put the closed sign on the doors. We will close for lunch today suggested Katherine and we will have a look at Emilia’s Christmas Gown.
Emma nervously unveiled the mannequin as Katherine and Louisa looked on in amazement. Emma waited for them to comment and feared the worse." It’s OK" said Katherine, "Er….I expected a little more" said Louisa and the two girls turned and started to walk away
But there is more cried Emma desperately as she removed the fine lace wrap shawl to reveal a plunging neckline trimmed in white fur to match the fur trimmed hem of the red silk gown.
Louisa and Katherine both turned around giggling “Oh Emma, we were teasing you; the gown is lovely and will be perfect for Emilia” said Katherine “and now we have a surprise for you”
To Emma’s delight, Louisa told her that as she was spending all her money renovating the cottage there would be no charge for the dress and she must give it to Emilia for her Christmas Present.
Tears of joy ran down Emma’s face as the three girls hugged each other.
“This will be the best Christmas ever “said Emma, “Well it certainly will be for you” replied Louisa “with that plunging neckline on Emilia’s dress you’ll have no problem pulling her Christmas Crackers.
Click on Photos below to Enlarge
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Candleford Cottage Exterior
Work has started on the outside of the cottage with White pebble dash walls and Dark Oak stained beams and windows. A new door has been made and an Outside Light and Hanging Basket have been added. The latest additions are the False Door , Porch canopy and Shuttered. Window Roof still to do. (Click 0n Photos below to Enlarge)
Emma's Cottage Renovation Continues With
The Living Room
Work started in The Living Room by Making a Chimney Breast, False Door and Bookcase/Cabinet. An 'L' shaped hearth was built to accommodate the Fireplace and Steps to the Attic which will be converted into the Bedroom. . . . . . Click on Photos to Enlarge