Several years ago, we decided to put a deck onto the back of our house, off of the dining room.
Our lot slopes downward, from the front of the house to the back, so that all of our fieldstone foundation is exposed (yes, we have a foundation made of "field" stones! The house was built in 1904.)
Once the deck was complete, we were looking at a big ol' mess "underneath" it .
Hubby envisioned another spot to park our cars but....
...I envisioned something entirely different!
And so "The Grotto"was created.
We had the contractor dig another few feet and then had a pressed concrete floor poured.
I'll let the rest of the pictures do the talking...
I made these pillows using painters drop cloth and house paint (you heard me!)
~DIY Post coming soon~
Since we needed "support beams" at the center of The Grotto, we opted for solid mahogany, instead of pressure treated, and then built a table between them.
Weather permitting, we eat dinner here most every evening.
Most everywhere you look, you will see my collection of old chandy's and candelabra's....
...I love the glow of candlelight at night.
This summer, I finally added some shears....
...when closed, they keep the bugs out at night and look ever-so-lovely blowing in the breeze.
I hope you enjoyed the tour of my outdoor haven..."The Grotto."
(I will take some nighttime pictures soon)
I hope you savor what's left of this beautiful summer by spending time in YOUR outdoor havens!
Happy day Mes Amies!
(I will take some nighttime pictures soon)
I hope you savor what's left of this beautiful summer by spending time in YOUR outdoor havens!
Happy day Mes Amies!
It is a beautiful space....very inviting! I can see why you spend your time out there.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful week.
Jane
What a lovely inviting space! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteOh Michelle, You've created such a gorgeous additional outdoor room with lots of wonderful details. It's obvious that you enjoyed decorating "The Grotto". I'm sure it looks beautiful at night as well. Hugs, Julia
ReplyDeletewhat a wonderful space you've created. The exposed stone foundation really does give it the grotto feel. so much better than car parking!
ReplyDeleteMy goodness! What an elegant little space! I'm sure it's magical in the evening.
ReplyDeleteWow Michelle, how have you been hiding this from us for so long! What a lovely and enchanting space you've created! Much better than extra parking:)
ReplyDeleteMichelle your Grotto is absolutely gorgeous! What a beautiful place to sit and relax while dining!
ReplyDeletexx
Anne
Absolutely Amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!! Everything is so palaced and looks inviting.Love Love Love it!!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your day . Hope it is a beautiful one for you!!!
Chickie
oh what a special dining place...so peaceful.
ReplyDeleteI love the way you laid it out and all the decor you used. I just happened upon a bolt of sheer fabric for $10 at a thrift shop and am going to make curtains for our deck. Your vision has reinforced my idea. thank you
Your vision is delightful and I adore your "Grotto". Such a lovely romantic space. Pure Bliss...
ReplyDeleteOoh so pretty, those drapes are very romantic. I would love relaxing in your beautiful space.
ReplyDeleteI would never want to leave~~
ReplyDeletethis must surely be one of the most beautiful outdoor living areas that I have ever seen. (Of course your husband would think it was a great place to park cars!!) Thank goodness for your creative forsight - you have turned this into the most wonderful and cozy outdoor areas -- the photos are absolutely gorgeous. If this were my space - I would be there almost 24/7. What a wonderful place to eat your dinner and to entertain guests. Its absolutely too beautiful for words~
Vicki
My jaw is on the keyboard!! This is just fabulous!
ReplyDeleteWe are tossing around the idea of making the front porch of the shop an outdoor space and this is absolutely the perfect inspiration to share with all the Shop Girls!!! Thank you Michelle (and please, save me a seat in the Grotto)!!
It is beautiful Michelle! I envision many mornings and evenings with coffee, conversation, and quiet times. What a fabulous place to relax! t.xoox
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely beautiful! You did such a wonderful job! I would eat out there as often as I could to.
ReplyDeletexoxox
Tammy
Michelle, I don't know how I missed this post, but I'm glad I always go back to catch up. Your grotto is just marvelous!!! I love most (because I do love it all) the fireplace with the heater,gorgeous! Then lighting, the mixture of all the vintage pieces, and the curtains blowing in the breeze, .... ahhh!
ReplyDeleteLove it!
Hugs,
Patti