In a realm where elegance meets enchantment, alongside one girl's determined dream to breathe life back into aged bones, the Doll House Cottage's journey unveils a captivating story of transformation that encapsulates the magic of cherished memories and timeless charm.
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Mary Suratman still remembers the day when she contemplated to her younger self that she would one day purchase the rental property she lived in with her son.
Thirteen years later, six renovations to date, Mary’s Doll House Cottage dreams have become a reality.
The 1939 home now breathes new, vibrant, and elegant touches, fills rooms with the warmth of natural light and has a blend of gentle colours alongside a pretty pink palette.
It showcases features of freshness, history, modern appliances and upcycled materials and furniture.
However, alongside every renovation, there are months, weeks, and hours of labour that are passionately put into making dreams come true.
And without the help from local trades and the unwavering support from husband John Wallan, Mary’s Doll House dream would never have come true.
“I think he knew how much the home meant to me,” Mary said.
“When we purchased the property in late 2022, I was disappointed with how much the property had deteriorated, but it didn’t put me off.
“John seemed a little concerned, but he became a jack of all trades throughout the almost four-month process,” she said, as John smiled and made a comment on how he was just doing what he was told.
Undeterred by dirty hands and hard work, Mary and John dived into their renovating action plan and quite literally got the ball rolling, and from there piece by piece, room by room, transformation occurred.
The bathroom, toilet, and laundry were all gutted. In fact, the bath was the only piece left standing.
Everything that could be salvaged was, and the pair were both in agreement that if anything could stay, it would, unless it had met its time.
“It was a busy time with lots of long days, hard work, and incredible local trades also helping in the areas we just needed a professional in,” John said.
“We upcycled a lot of furniture and tried not to throw anything out, except general appliances — they needed an upgrade.”
Mary, who has enjoyed the renovating scene for some time now, said that her go-to colour was normally duck egg blue.
“I feel like it was the only colour I knew,” she said, and then laughed.
“My second favourite colour is pink, and it was time to do something new.”
The colour palette was locked in, the renovation was in full swing, and there was painting to be done, but as the hard work was coming together around them, so too were fond memories for Mary.
“I was having so many little flashbacks,” Mary said.
“Memories with my sister sitting in the lounge and kitchen — she has now passed.
“Moments with my eldest boy — it’s been magical.”
From pink walls to black doors, to white-painted floorboards, this home has class, retro styles, beauty, and a stunning well-thought-out unique theme that just works in every direction looked.
Mary and John said if you have a dream, are prepared to roll up your sleeves and get dirty, then a renovation could be a very rewarding life process.
“Set a budget, shop around, but most of all, have fun while you do it,” Mary said.
“Dream big — anything is possible.”
“Then take a holiday,” John said, as they both laughed.
Although for now, the couple has decided to list the property as an Airbnb, Mary admitted to sneaking off on occasions for a girl’s night at the property.
“I just love it,” she said.
“One day we will downsize and move in, but for now, I am happy to share it.
“I hope people love it as much as I do.”
This story originally appeared in Our Home. You can find the full publication at http://tinyurl.com/OurHome-Spring2023