Monday, April 18, 2016

WHEN A SPECIAL DREAM COMES TRUE - A Downstairs Tea Room

Our new home (actually it is 15 years old) is a cottage style rancher with a finished walk out basement.  No more second story  bedrooms with that flight of  stairs to climb to bed in retirement. I am 67 years old - things have changed and I hurt a little!  There are 3 bedrooms on the main level of the house.  Two are rather small but we don't mind.  This is a nice home for retirement which is where we are in the journey of life.


Going downstairs below:


Today, I am sharing my new personal tea room so we are going downstairs.  Are you ready.  I had to go down and hide all my husbands hammers, tons of tools, etc.  I am sure he won't be happy because he is working on his office and it isn't done so he had tools and boxes everywhere.  Some of you already know all my stuff so here it is in a different house and location.  The sign that used to be inside my store and the maid from my old dining room greet you at the bottom of the stairs where the rugs are temporary until I find some new ones.



If you turn left it's the large open room in the basement that brings joy to my heart and I say is a dream come true.   With the closing of my store, I had plenty of furniture and tables to use in this large room to create a personal tea room where I can have ladies over for tea and use for group hospitality.  


The buffet that was in my kitchen before and the food will be served on that table around to the right.  The pictures to the right are Catherine of Braganza, Queen Victoria and Anna the Duchess of Bedford  who I call the "First Ladies of Tea".


Another old sign from my store which is sentimental:


This week my hubby got out the chandelier from my old store window and hung it up for me.  There are tables set up right now to seat 27 ladies but I have to find 6 more chairs.  I could add a few more tables for 2 if needed.  The door leads to my husbands office which is "in progress".  You see my old dining room table below:



Remember I showed you this mantle which was in the garage when we were moving?


 This is my springtime tea room look but I can change it for various seasons, events, etc.
  The sliding glass doors go out to a patio and a koi pond.  I will show you that soon.....but not yet!  I have been digging in the yard as much as I can each day.  



I have a little seating area too:




 I plan to invite ladies - especially older ladies who are lonely or discouraged to come to afternoon tea. I even have a little play table for little girls.  The doll bed was one of two things I have from my birth father.  He made it for me.  We will probably be painting it pink.





  A small room at the bottom right of the stairs
will become a kitchenette where my tea dishes can be hand washed and stored too. We have
a refrigerator in there now and will be adding a sink to hand wash my tea set pieces.  There is a small bathroom just off the kitchenette which will be helpful for guests.  
Later this week, I will also be sharing my "where I create" room on that side of the basement.  I never had a sewing-craft room before so this is a real blessing for me.  



 We also have an unfinished basement area for storage too which I am not showing you! Ha!  My husband plans to have model trains set up in there.  Right behind those 4 door panels over there. He has a nice "manly" office that he is very happy about too.



I know many of you recognize some things:



Our poor Victrola has a broken caster foot
 which we will be repairing.  We mostly
crank it at Christmastime.



This was also a small  mantle
 at my store for years:




57 comments:

  1. Your large room is a dream come true! Like you after closing my booth I could fill it easily! To have your own tea room is exciting. Thanks for the party and for the feature saturday, we were traveling and couldn't respond till today.

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  2. Wow, how fun and just beautiful. I am so excited for you xox Clarice

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  3. How exciting Bernideen, that it's finally finished! And a lovely spot and purpose! I know it will be a blessed place of love and encouragement! Love all your special decorating!
    Ruth

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  4. Bernideen, your tea room looks so lovely! Someday soon I must stop by for a visit. Everything was put together so tastefully. I deeply admires our vision for your tea room and your desire to show hospitality to women, especially elderly women who are lonely and in need of a friend. I hope I can follow suit when I get to be sixty or seventy, because I believe no matter where we are in life, there are always people near who could use a friend.

    Thanks so much for sharing!

    Dani xoxo
    a vapor in the wind

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  5. Bernideen, I am over the moon happy for you! What a blessing you will be to those ladies! Your tea room is adorable and you have worked so much charm into it that the ladies are going to love being there. Regarding your husband's room for train sets; my Daddy had train sets so I am interested in seeing those as well when you're ready to share. Thank you for this peek into your 'Dream Come True.' I'm sure you will spend many happy hours in there.

    Blessings,
    Sandi

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  6. What a special place for tea and friendship! It is lovely!

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  7. This is a dream come true! How delightful! To have all that lovely space and to have a little kitchen space for ease of serving and clean up, too!

    Thank you for sharing this with us. It is beautiful!

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  8. I am so happy to see that you are realizing your retirement dreams! The tea room is just gorgeous Bernideen! I can't wait to see the koi pond, we had one at our other home and really enjoyed it.....hugs...

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  9. Dear Bernideen, it is absolutely wonderful that you have created this tea room in your house! I can see that this is a real dream come true for you. Overall the way you describe your new house, it seems to be the perfect fit for you and your husband to retire. I am glad for you, that you found this place. Wishing you many enjoyable teas with nice guests in your new tea room!
    Warm regards,
    Christina

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  10. Wow! That is just a wonderful way to use the things you had from your store. What a great space to achieve your dream. Such a nice tea room setting for sure. Congratulations Bernideen!

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  11. Oh, my Dearest One, how many touching antiquities in this so loved room of yours and how many remembrances .... I'm truly moved !

    With the flowing of the time you may add a floor to your home and find new space for your furniture, don't you ?
    At the moment you've found such a lovely accommodation, my wonderful friend, I'd love to come and meet you, take seat at one of those so inviting tables and to have a few chat with you while sipping a cup of delicious hot tea !

    Thank you darling for hosting me today, I'm always so delighted to be here and, hope your week is off to a great start, I wish you joyous days to come,
    sending blessings and love to you

    Dany

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  12. Oh Bernideen,
    How I have enjoyed seeing your new tea room this morning. And oh... I want to come!!! Love, love, love the teacup chandelier, chintz teacups on the teacup wall hanger, teapots on the piano, your mantle, mirrors, Bernideen sign and everything! What a wonderful idea and I am sure that you have enough china tea sets to fill every one of those lovely tables. Lol! When I first saw your sideboard a few years ago it me to paint mine white too and I am so glad it did. I can't wait to see more of your beautiful new home! Thank you for hosting BTTCG! Have a Wonderful Week Dear Bernideen. Your hubby is a keeper! :)

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  13. O my Bernideen, I'm breathless... Your room is glorious... And I'm the most happiest about your wanting to share it with older women who are perhaps a bit lonely and sad... This warms my heart dearly, for I at times visit that place with Mama gone. Your new house I just love it. And your so lucky to have your hubby who does so much and accommodates you.. I can't wait to see more. Happy Monday dearest. With great love Janice

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  14. Your basement tea room certainly is a dream come true, Bernideen. I love how you will be using it, too, which is your own special mission in life. Oh, to see it in person, would be such fun, and you've decoate it perfectly with all your special touches!! Thank you for sharing the beauty with us and for hosting your lovely party.

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  15. What a fabulous room!! I see that most of the comments have included the word "dream," and indeed it is apt. I cannot imagine a little girl who doesn't dream of such a grand, romantic, beautifully-appointed PERSONAL space, whether it's such a marvelous venue as yours, or a little ice cream table with two chairs and a teapot.

    I've never joined in your posting party fun, but I've just received a lovely gift I'd like to display this week. Thank you for the kind invitation.

    Once a long time ago, a dear much-older woman whom I helped with little errands and chores now and then said, "Honey, when you're MY age, I hope there's a YOU to look after you!"

    And there you go---pouring more and more pennies into your Blessing Bucket.

    rachel

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  16. Wow! You have been busy, Bernideen. But what a job well done! I love your tea room! Everything look so pretty....Christine

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  17. Bernideen!!
    You have left me speechless and take my word for it....that NEVER happens!! LOL!! What an amazing space!! Who would not want to be a guest for one of your Tea's in the beautiful Tea Room!! I know if I lived closer, I would be looking for an invitation!! LOL!!
    You have so many beautiful and interesting pieces!! Love all of it!! Looking forward to seeing your craft room too!!
    Thanks so much for hosting!!

    Hugs,
    Deb

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  18. What a delightful tea room you have. I'm joining in for the first time today, sharing some of you teacups. Have a 'tea'riffic day.

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  19. What a lovely tea room for you and your friends. Everything is beautiful in there.

    Your new home is going to be so good for retirement. You never think about that when we are young & have our life before us. But, things happen, we get olden and it's hard to go up and down stairs. This is a beautiful perfect home for you. Look at all the great space you and your husband have. Enjoy your new home and stunning tea room.

    Mary

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  20. OH. My. GOSH!

    Just wow. WOW WOW WOW!

    B- seriously with those little rooms, if you ever wanted to you could just have another business brewing there. (Pun intended.) Even just Bernideen's Cream Tea House.

    Love love love this space - I am SO happy for you!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hugs! ♥

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  21. Oh, Bernideen... everything is simply lovely. What lovely times you will have hosting friends in your own personal tea room. Thank you for sharing all of your hard work and beautiful treasures.

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  22. You will have a lot of fun I'm sure having special tea parties in your new tea room. I like your foxes in their riding clothes.

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  23. LOVE it! Your awesome tea room has exceeded my wildest imagination! I look forward to reading about all your fun tea parties. Thank you for hosting and have a wonderful week!

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  24. This is a beautiful space for Tea and Friendship! So happy for you!

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  25. Your "big room" is a dream room! Oh I would play in it all day!

    Just beautiful!

    Hugs,

    Debbie Kay

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  26. The tea room looks great! All the ladies that pop in for a cup will have no choice but to feel energized and happy :) Will he let you show off the trains?

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  27. OMG, what fun. We are the same ageish and I know what you mean---this will be so much fun. To share and have tea with different kinds of friends and friends of friends. Such a wonderful space..somehow I see it filled with granny's and grandgirls and maybe a few boys...lol.

    I went to ettiquette classes wehne I was like seven or eight. How much fun would that be...hats and gloves required.

    Grinning here, thanks for sharing your surprise, Sandi

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  28. What a lovely idea! I look forward to visiting again to see how your dream unfolds. Good luck!

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  29. What a beautiful tearoom you have created! I also love the thought of how you are going to use it! That is a great inspiration! Have a beautiful week, Lynn

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  30. Hi Bernideen! It all looks so pretty, so glad I got to see it in person! It's so much fun having you here. Thank you so much for having us over Sunday, we enjoyed the visit and the food was great! Thank you!
    Talk to you soon,
    Gina

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  31. It looks so pretty. I can't believe you have your own tearoom! What fun! xoxo Su

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  32. Bernideen, how wonderful to have your own personal tea room. It is beautiful and so are the plans you have made for it. Great job! Thank you for hosting this party.

    xo Dianne

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  33. Oh my Bernideen, what a dream. Congratulations on your new home. Your new tea room is gorgeous.I am so happy for you. I can only imagine all the fun gatherings that will take place in your pretty tea room. I love the idea. You have certainly inspired me. Maybe I can convince hubby to do one for me.

    You sound very happy and that makes me smile Bernideen. To new beginnings friend.

    Janet
    rosmeary-thyme.blogspot.com

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  34. Dear Bernideen,
    what a wonderful cozy new home! I adore your personal tea room !!!
    I'd like coming over, have a cup of Tea...
    Thank you for sharing, Carmen

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  35. Oh my, this is a special room full of memories from the past and yet to create. How very special. Not sure my husband would be so generous with a lovely spot like that.

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  36. JOY JOY JOY! I really enjoyed your post dear friend. It must be so nice to be settled and enjoying your new life. Can't wait to see those tea parties of the future! Hugs...Linda

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  37. Oh, Bernideen, you have a beautiful set up and space for your tea room. You must have been beside yourself when you first saw the house. No wonder, Quail Creek Cottage is now your home!. Any ladies that you have to tea will be so honored to be in such a special place and I hope someday that I might be able to visit..Thank you so much, again, for honoring my post from last week..Happy Tuesday..Judy

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  38. What a delightful room! Love all the space and everything in it! Would love having tea in your special place! Congratulations!

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  39. Bernideen, Your home tea room is absolutely gorgeous and amazing! What a ministry you have planned. God bless you and the work of your hands...
    Hugs, Beth

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  40. Your tea room is romantic and absolutely gorgeous, Bernideen!! Congrats to you!

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  41. Such a unique and wonderful space, Bernideen. For me, that fact that you can also play music there is the icing on a very lovely cake. Lucky you!
    Amalia
    xo

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  42. So happy for you! You have a beautiful tearoom! Lots of fun happy times for you!

    Hugs, Nancy

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  43. GASP -- oh my, oh my!!!! Wow, how beautiful. What a wonderful place. Oh, you are going to bless so many with this gorgeous room, with all the lovely tea accoutrements. And you've made it so lovely in such a short time.
    Well, I just got up to make another cup of tea because I have to look over these pictures once more, and just drool . . . :)
    xo Deborah

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  44. Dear Bernideen,
    I loved the tour across your new home. What a fun to have such a beautiful tea room. The ladies will be very pleased to be invited. Its a good idea to move nearer to your granddaughter. She will have fun with you, too. Thank you for all the wonderful photos and the tour and for hosting this sweet event.
    Best greetings, Johanna

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  45. What a sweet tea room, Bernideen. I know it's a dream come true and am so happy for you. You will have such fun in your special space. It really looks inviting. :) Deb

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  46. Bernideen, I couldn't imagine what you were going to do with it all when you were packing everything up for the move. Now I see! Love your tearoom and your plans for it! PS I would not / could not paint the doll bed.

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  47. It's always special when you can incorporate something with history (like your shop's signs) into your life. All the best warmest wishes for your new tea room!

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  48. Your tea room is lovely. You have so many beautiful linens and tea accompaniments. I expect you will have many successful teas in your charming tea room. You have accomplished so much in such a short period of time. Thank you for sharing your tea room at Vintage Charm.

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  49. What an amazing space you have created. If I were near you, I'd certainly come for tea! This is so special! Enjoy!!

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  50. Swoon! I am so excited for you Bernideen! What a fantastic idea for your new space. I want one! I will feature it! Thanks for sharing at Home Sweet Home!

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  51. What a gorgeous space you have created.


    Thanks for sharing with SYC.

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  52. What a fabulous room! I'm sure lots of ladies will be blessed by having tea and crumpets in this room.

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  53. My first time here and I love it already. Your tea room is amazing and I can see what a blessing it will be to others.

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  54. Bernideen! Oh wow---this is amazing!! So, I'm in NW Arkansas...how far would it be for me to come to tea? Ha! This is just beautiful. Congratulations on your dream come true!

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  55. I love the unique idea of having your own tea room. What a lovely idea to invite ladies to get together! I'm 66 and moved to another town for our retirement home and know how hard it is to meet people because of moving. I'm your newest follower. Found you via a post you did at another blog party and so glad I did.

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