Tales of walking, eating, watching and playing. Vintage treasures and simple pleasures ... the things that make her happy.

Thursday 14 April 2011

A Very Special Little House ...

Once upon a time there was a little boy who loved the little doll’s house (a milliner’s) that belonged to his grandma.  He dreamt of having a little house of his own but he didn’t want a dollies house.  Doll’s houses were for little girls who dream in pink, dress in pink and talk pink.  He wanted a boy’s house.  And so, just before Christmas, Grandma (the Interior Designer) and Grandpa (the Builder) built and decorated a very special house and on Christmas day the little boy received this …




The Boot House, home of Mouse & Son (Cobblers).  A very talented cobbler indeed with customers who travel from far and wide, respected by countryfolk and gentry.







… with a workshop.  There are lots of boots, mended and waiting to be collected.  See the little workbench and the tool box – there are teeny weeny tools in there.  Mouse is at the bench working on the next pair of boots – a beautiful chestnut brown leather pair owned by a very fine gent who drives a Bentley and has a passion for game pie.  He pays very handsomely, for he recognises the fine workmanship of Mr Mouse and he sometimes even tips him with a slice of his favourite pie.



…. and the bathroom – on Sunday after a long, hard week Mr Mouse relaxes in the tub, followed my Mrs M and children one, two and three.  He scrubs up very well apart from his poor, sore paws.  His eyesight is not all that good you see and he does have a habit of missing the sole and hammering his poor little paws instead of the shoe.


… the parlour and kitchen, where Mrs M does like to entertain.   Some of the ladies say she has illusions of grandeur (but they are not real friends), not like Mrs D who comes to sit and embroider in front of the range whilst they eat little fancies and talk of the latest in mousewear and domestic gadgets.  Mrs D founds a cat’s whisker last week – she has embroidered the most exquisite little evening bag with beads and a tassel .. and what of the cat’s whisker? Well, the handle of course - fancy that!


… the bedroom.  See that bed – made by Mr Mouse’s very own hands (in the days when they weren’t so sore).  The marital bed; a wedding present to his dear wife, who he loves as much today as he did when they very first met.  He spotted her at the market with a beautiful purple cabbage in her basket (he has always loved cabbage soup) and it was love at first sight.

This is all true, please believe every word … for the little boy told me so.  Oh … and they all lived happily ever after.


The neighbours ... but that's another story!

The Boot House - photographed by permission of my little man.


20 comments:

Gretel said...

Golly, that is just gorgeously splendid! Echoes of Brambly Hedge, I would have adored this when I was little (who am I kidding, I adore it now!) and the background story - well, I believe every word of it.
(Your followers thingy is working!)

The Cloth Shed said...

What a fabulous story! Such a clever Grandma and Grandpa to make a little boy's dream come true.
Thank you for becoming my latest follower...I am now your latest!
Julie x

Unknown said...

That is the most amazing thing I ever did see!!!! I am totally speechless...Moi!!!!! It will be an heirloom one day x

lettice leaf said...

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah! Me lost for words that's a first! LLX

Rose H (UK) said...

What a most fantastic boot home and such a sweet story - I'm more than just a little green eyed.

two bones and a bagle said...

Oh my goodness that is unbelieveable - what a clever Grandma and Grandpa and what a lucky little boy. Love the story too. I am amazed.

Anonymous said...

Like the others I am amazed at the creativity and detail. I hope you do not mind that I share this post with friends.

Dianne said...

One word..... Incredible! Dianne

Gretchen said...

This is simply a treasure! Love the detail especially. Much thought and time have made it something really special...

Unknown said...

This is so wonderful!
I am linking it on my blog.
Great find here (via Rust) Vintage Jane!
best,

Jen said...

Just found this. It is AMAZING!!!

Yoli said...

This is beyond beautiful. Of course I believe every single word.

Spiral Staircases said...

Truly, truly amazing. the detial is just mind blowing.

Miss Simmonds Says said...

I was never a pink girly girl so this would've also been my dream house. It's the most amazing thing

Joy Tilton said...

Magical pictures and words, just my cup of tea!

A Normandy kitchen said...

The Boot house... WOW, just an amazing thing of beauty, really incredible!!
Ivan

Anna @ Miss Beatrix said...

Thank you so much for pointing me to this, it's made my day to be able to peek at it! The detail and storytelling are just breathtaking, what an heirloom to treasure always. x

Sopa Azul said...

Amazing!!!

Anonymous said...

Wow! What a wonderful piece! I have collected miniature shoes since I was about 8, and that was 50 years ago! What a special gift!

Val said...

Oh, WOW. This is amazing. What a dear gift! ♥