It's Only a Shed

Looking Up!

2011-01-25T20:37:00.000-06:00

Our 12 x 20 coach houses are little, less than a one car garage, so getting the most of every inch is critical. Planning and re-planning, thinking and re-thinking .... well, it all part of building a 12 x 20.

Now, stop and imagine, a 12 x 20 floor plan is divided in half. Half, 12 x 10 is typically the kitchen/bath area ... the other half, 12 x 10 is the living area. The height of the roofline is really short.

Now look up! Here is where you will find some real creativity and tray ceiling designs in a little coach house can be tricky. So, well, a picture is worth a 1,000 words.

A little bit of Tuscany in the Village

2011-01-11T18:18:00.003-06:00

Full-timer RV'ers Pat and Garry just completed their coach house with our village 'go to guy' Raul. Raul construction guys take a simple storage shed and make it special.

Raul's crew transformed this 12 x 24 into a Tuscany retreat.

Pat had the idea for the arches, Garry had the ideas for the ceiling. It took Raul to pull it all together. This is the first time this technique has been done and the results are impressive.

Pat and Garry's coach house has a side entrance, and as you enter you see the ironed bristo chairs, the darling "WELCOME" and the family pictures.

Step inside and you feel like you are stepping into Tuscany, Pats decor is inspired by the rolling Italian countryside, beautiful Italian art, and exquisite hand painted ceramics of Tuscany.

Raul's cabinet maker custom built the entertainment center which includes a fireplace, perfect for chilly evenings.

The tray ceiling is finished with hand cut tiles, the curves are soft and elegant.

Pat searched high and low to find this copper styled sink. Love the wine glass holder!

The copper styled sink can be found in the bathroom too. Love, love, love the mirror. The storage on the left holds all the towels and supplies and includes space for a stacked washer/dryer. Perfect!

Garry spent hours getting the stencils just right! The warm "Welcome" above the bristo table are warm and inviting -- just like Pat and Garry!

Wine is popular in Tuscany (and Retama) , decorating with vintage wine bottles is one way to bring Tuscany into any room. Wine centerpieces on tables or lined up along a backsplash are ways to incorporate the look into a room.

Pat, Garry and Zoey love their coach house, their neighbors, and Retama. Garry has several other projects that have been completed, I need to grab the camera and get some more photo's ... his RV site is looking good.

Home on the Range

2010-09-30T12:11:00.000-05:00

The coach house of Linda and Bruce Hall was purchased in December and they wasted no time in getting their coach house completed in January 2010 and I must say it's a cutie!

At Retama its not just the super-sized RV pads that are enjoyed, but its really about the additional outdoor living spaces. There is plenty of patio setting up patio furniture, the grill and Oh! even a fire pit, perfect for relaxing or for when friends to come and visit. . . which is often!

As one walks through the double french doors the feel of south Texas touches the senses.

Here the convenient counter top which doubles for dining and is a bonus for 'happy hour' gatherings.

Whoa Nellie! This beautiful wall sculpture is perfect!

Check out the tray ceiling and the tropical fan. A really nice touch.

Linda and Bruce also created a workspace and of course, the comfy chairs which invite one to come inside for an afternoon nap.

The kitchenette includes the microwave, a handy fridge and sink.

Linda's attention to detail with the western bathroom light and horseshoe.

Oh, ya gotta love the stacked washer and dryer too!

Thank you Linda and Bruce for sharing your 12' x 20'!

A Little Bit of Texas

2010-05-26T16:59:00.000-05:00

Since my last post we have traveled from Retama (South Texas) to Florida and are now in the Chicago-land area. It’s a rainy afternoon and a great opportunity to share this next Retama coach house.

Located on Lark, this coach house was created by Greg and Barb who spend their summer's working in Redfish, Idaho, perhaps this area of the country should be on everyone’s ‘travel destination bucket list’. Don’t forget to check out Greg’s RV Travel Journal, he's quite a story-teller!

Here's the link Keeping Up with the Jone's Blog

When you think of the Southwest, what do you think of? Deserts, cactus, saloons? Well, in Barb and Greg’s coach house FUN is a better way to describe their coach house and the cowhide rug really sets the Texas theme. The bright colors and patterns blend beautifully.

Barb and Greg collected some of their southwest treasures while living full time since 2007.
Check out the clock on the boot clock!

Barb has a great eye for finding the perfect accessory combinations … The wall painting was found here in South Texas.

The neighborhood carpenter, Raul, created the tray ceiling and took the traditional bathroom and created a creative angle. The display shelf fits in perfectly.

The kitchenette is located off the coach house side entrance and contains a fridge, microwave and everything for outdoor grilling. Check out the detail in the sink and matching backsplash tile. Perfect for South Texas!

Here's a close up of the sink area. Cabinetry is from the local craftsman.

Just off the kitchenette the bathroom continues their theme with the great copper sink and the star-studded mirror.

The lifestyle at Retama means the outdoor sitting area is the hub of activity and nothing better and comfortable seating, palms and a slight breeze .... oh, and a cold margarita!

Greg and Barb paid a lot of attention to the small details ...

where even the moulding reflect's Texas,

making for the perfect 12 x 20' coach house.

Thanks Greg and Barb for letting us see 'A little bit of Texas"!

A Working Man's Studio

2010-03-14T12:33:00.000-05:00

Spring has finally arrived at Retama! Gone are the 3 months of cloudy & rainy days which made picture-taking and simply getting outside difficult. Okay, so we didn't have snow, but this winter has been considered the coldest in South Texas in the last 30 years.

With blue skies I visited with Gary and Marilyn who have been long time Retama residents. Located in the back corner of a cul de sac this coach house holds a hidden treasure. Gary is a wood carver, but not just an ordinary wood widdler, he specializes in birds and in Santa's and his work is awe-inspiring!

Gary's enthusiasm and love of 'wood' created a work carving nook in the corner. The shuttered windows open for more light

Gary designed the workshop so that it can be taken out by removing 3 screws.

The five large windows open to their beautiful gardens.

This 12x20 coach house is different from all the other coach houses – and reminds me of the little houses in the Cape Providence of South Africa with the shuttered windows and brightly colored interiors.

One of the builder's floor plans offers a screened in porch – Gary's builder background had the porch windows put on the side so they could enjoy the beautiful backyard and their patio. The windows were then shuttered, when open allow light to filter in all day, the perfect answer to creating the wood cravers perfect studio. The shutters close tight during the summer.

Gary started woodworking in 2004. His son, Michael is a world famous taxidermist and has help Gary to refine his birds. His carvings have won many awards, I can see why, the attention to every detail is amazing. I just love this Santa!

The birch and maple wood used on the bases of each bird comes from their farm in Wisconsin.

Gary's carvings can be found at the Door County Art League in Wisconsin, local gift shops and in art shows and exhibits.

If you are ever in Mission Texas during the winter, Gary and Marilyn's coach house is well worth a visit. Come on by their door is always open!

Texas Chic

2010-01-30T16:49:00.000-06:00

From the moment you walk inside the coach house of Kathy and Dennis you are mesmerized by the quaint, Texas chic design. The wow factor is found everywhere in this 12by20 shed. Last winter Dennis and Kathy painstakenly created a rugged, yet sophisticated all-American look that combines their personal style with Texas charm and ties it all together with the romance of the west.

French doors that open out to a patio provide a breathtaking western sunset view, the perfect ending to a great day – which happens everyday!

It's hard to imagine this 20' space is divided in half, 10' for the lounge area and 10' for the bathroom and kitchen as every inch was transformed by Dennis.

Dennis has firsthand understanding of materials, and possesses a deep sense of content and meticulously planned their RV coach house into something out of the pages of a magazine.

One has to love this space – it’s so chic, so sophisticated, yet it is totally welcoming and warm.

Turn on the electric fireplace on those chilly mornings.

Wood and leather say western when it comes to furniture, the pair of recliners make football or movie watching - theatre style.

The warm wall color, copper sink, tile and texture forms the foundation of the western chic look.

Everyone wants to move in here!

Decorating a home in a Texas ranch style gives the space a laid-back breeziness, perfect for relaxing and entertaining.

The warm wall color and naturally stained tray ceiling forms the foundation of the western chic look.

Lighting in the tray shelf provides a lovely evening ceiling cast.

Check out the detail of the mouldings, Denny hand cut and stained each of the corners. The design copies the carpet design.

Kathy décor foundation was found in nature the walls and floor colors tend toward warm tones of terracotta, burnt orange, golden brown and mustard yellow. The accent ledge is so cute!

The bathroom functions not only with the corner shower but also includes a make-up vanity for Kathy.

A stacked washer/dryer, storage and picture ledge makes this room cozy and charming.

Put the puzzle together, frame it and you have a perfect wall decor!

Add a shelve to the towel holder, colorful paint ... clever!

Texas Chic, every detail from the ceiling tray, the ledges and the hand crafted trim make this the perfect Winter Texas vacation home, er ah.... but, remember, it's "Only a Shed!

Margaritaville is More Than a Song

2010-01-19T07:20:00.000-06:00

In Key West, it’s the quintessential state of being, and the afternoon is complete when neighbors and friends stop by for a visit, here at Kathy and Ken's coach house their doors are always open.

This 12by20 coach house is a Key West styled cottage, it may be little but its open floor plan allows it to live large. The interior was finished by Ken and Kathy who spent several months running electrical wire, plumbing and installing the dry wall. Their planning made this coach house floorplan very efficient.

Kathy commented that building a small house is more difficult than a larger home because every inch has to be accounted for. Kathy said they drew 30+ plans before finding the right combination of living space, a closet for their washer/dryer, the kitchen and full bathroom.

Kathy and Ken, originally from Baltimore Maryland retired early and have been living in their RV full time for five years. Kathy and Ken while in their early 50's began planning on living in their RV, so downsizing was easy. Now their coach house's 240s.f. feels large and spacious – and it is!

Homes in the tropics have blue ceilings to give the illusion of sky, open the french doors and you can sit on the sofa and feel like you're outside.

Mixing elements such as pine, wicker, stone, bamboo, and painted surfaces adds layers of comfort and texture to this light-filled space.

Comforting and Key West coastal are the soft blues and whites. I just love this kitchenette, it sure makes the evening grilling a breeze -- Key West style!

This sunny kitchen is sunny without feeling overwhelming.

Bring the party outside, the fully functional kitchenette includes a microwave/convenction oven, refrigerator, and sink are all you need.

A tiny window in the bathroom allows light in and keep the space from feeling claustrophobic.

Trade in bare walls for a built-in corner entertainment center – find the remote, turn on the surround sound – you're guaranteed to have a great movie at your fingertips.

Kathy and Ken would to spend six months a year here, our RV resort is filled with fellow RV friends who have made Retama their home. Kathy and Ken's vibrant coach house is certainly a bright spot here in South Texas.

Tucked away is the stacked washer/dryer. Work? Here's you're on vacation!

McMansion -Time's Two

2010-01-14T06:37:00.001-06:00

Over the past decade a 'McMansion' has commonly referred to very large homes, those 3,000sf+ styled home with oodles of open spaces, massive kitchens and master bedroom suites decorated like a high end hotel.

Here in Retama our McMansion's are tiny, only 220 s.f. but carefully drawn and engineered to be masterpieces in their own right. The coach house of Sabrina and Ken, from McAllen Texas and the second coach house of Ken's cousin, have to be my personal favorites. The very first time I walked into their coach houses all I could say was WOW, Wow, Wow! And they weren't even complete. Needless to say every opportunity I stopped into see the changes in this 220 s.f. perfect tiny house!

Take a peek, the transformation of this 'shed' to a weekend getaway for Ken and Sabrina will make you stop and reconsider just how compact and efficient this coach house, errr ahh! McMansion really is!

Ken's first goal: Open it out! The doors that is.

Here in South Texas we have many wonderful days of sunshine so the two french doors let the breeze and sunshine in. Plus, Ken and Sabrina like to entertain -- the open doors allow an easy flow when there is a group of people.

Ken made sure the coach house was party friendly with surround sound, outdoor speakers, under eave lighting, with plans of an outdoor BBQ - Texas style to be installed later.

Still under construction and before painting, check out the attention to the cabinet storage detail. The small, narrow vertical cabinets near the door are for storing the outdoor folding chairs!

Below the corner kitchen, under construction, just had the granite installed.

The lower counter is the desk.

The ceiling tin is set in rough sawn cedar timbers and indirect with

indirecting lighting creates the perfect night time ambiance.

The Murphy bed makes this a perfect getaway with ample built in cabinets. Check out the pull out table top - a perfect way to save on space. The built in wardrobes were installed on both sides of the bed. Another clever space saver is the headboard storage !

Below is the Murphy Bed closed in the cousin's coach house,

-which is painted a different color.

I just love the local art on the wall and the convenience of the storage for bed linens and pillows.

The kitchen may be tiny but the tall cabinets and perfect design make this a power house of convenience for food prep or simply brewing the coffee. The kitchen is complete with a microwave, undercounter fridge/freezer. Not shown, is a window with a beautiful stain glass from a local artisan, I have to come back to get a photo of the stain glass.

The built in desk has internet connection and XM stereo surround sound.

This little coach house has it all.

The bathroom …. a stacked washer/dryer and cabinets everywhere holdall the linens, there is even a clothes hamper.

The bath sink has the same beautiful granite found in the kitchen.

Ken and Sabrina did an amazing job and there is so much more to see on these little McMansion's. Currently there is a renter who is enjoying the coach house. As soon as they leave Ken promises that we can get more photo's which I promise to share.

Moving Walls

2010-01-03T22:02:00.000-06:00

Yes, that is right, moving walls! This coach house uses every square inch, sometimes twice when you consider that some of the walls move! The ingenious idea and credit of the moving walls is given to Phil and Vicky of Homer Michigan.

This coach house is cool. From the outside it looks like all the other 12'x20' sheds. What's amazing is their coach house interior which Phil cleverly designed and built. Vicky is the the lucky one with the spa bathtub!

Phil explained their coach house was creating with two goals, a spa for a very lucky Vicky! But also to serve as a garage during the summer months where their cute red car is guided indoors by means of chalk lines, two additional sets of eyes, removal of coach house doors and mirrors on the car allowing it to slip in with with only 2” to spare. Amazing - it fits!

However when the car is back outside Vicky has a charmer of a coach house, large enough to serve Thanksgiving dinner inside for a large crowd of friends with plenty of room to spare.

Let's start the tour! You will never believe the moving walls

Check out the full wall of cabinets -- the burgundy cover is Vicky's spa tub.

Now look closely, below, the four cabinets open provide a full

spa on the left, the commode, bathroom sink &

mini kitchen and the washer dryer.

What more does a person need!

Starting with the spa and shower, below. Phil added the tiled flowers,

a nice touch since gardening is Vicky's favorite hobby!

Here is the fun part, the doors to the right of the spa are closed --

but watch what happens!

The commode doors are pulled forward and extend, providing plenty of room.

Oh, the toilet stays put -- only the walls move forward.

Another view of the extended bathroom.

The bathroom sink / mini kitchen cabinet is truly maximizing space.

Again, the cabinet is pulled forward to bring out each component -- Watch!

Okay, the sink remains inside, but the vanity is moved into

place covering the microwave

THEN! the sink can be pulled forward.

Perfect for brushing teeth and putting on makeup.

But wait, there still still more!

Two steps to the right and all the dirty

clothes can be popped into the washer - dryer.

Turning around and facing the front of the coach house is the movable kitchen island and comfy chairs for tv viewing or simply relaxing. Retirement is great!

Talking with Phil and Vicky is like taking Mike Rhodes (our developer) tour, they explained how they were one of the first to purchase their lot when Retama Village was still a cabbage patch and the sales office was down at the Palapa. Their decision to purchase was made when they heard Mikes vision for this development and enjoyed a cool beverage and watching the Rio Grande River flow pass. Sounds like a nice deal to me!

Vicky and Phil retired in 2006 and purchased their RV and a truck right after Vicky's retirement with ideas of touring the country, however when Phil listened to Mike's presentation, met his other new neighbors who were also considering purchasing, it was obvious that Retama would become their winter home and they would become Winter Texans.

Retama Village's coach houses are individually unique, but Vicky and Phil's is one of a kind, hat's off to a job well done!

The first 12 x 20 Blog - Gail and Bonnie Quinn

2009-12-07T21:43:00.000-06:00

I've been told the hardest part of blogging is simply getting started and creating this new blog is no exception. Yesterday, Sunday was a picture perfect day, 75degrees, beautiful blue skies, a light breeze and everyone in Retama Village was out for a stroll. It seemed perfect timing to get the ball rolling on this blog!

I stopped by Gail and Bonnie Quinn and they graciously allowed me to start the 12x20 blog with their coach house. My last visit to their coach house it was still a work in progress, but I must say that now that its finish Gail and Bonnie did an excellent job. Bonnie tried to create an outdoor oasis with a twist of hotel luxury thrown in. Luxury it is -- their attention to the details make this coach house wonderful.

They have been full timing for four years and wanted to get away from the standard RV beige. Bonnie always wanted a lot of color and color she did! The beautiful terra cotta-red and gold blend beautifully with the solid maple cabinets that Gail had custom built by the local cabinet maker. The hours of hand rubbing the tung oil on the cabinets makes them simply beautiful.

Bonnie wanted the coach house to have a relaxing atmosphere where they can come outside and relax. The TV sits on an interior wall and by opening up the big french doors allows them to view the 'ball games' while sitting outside. What Winter Texans wouldn't be happy sitting outside and enjoying the Rio Grande Valley's great winter while sipping a cold beer or margarita!

The kitchenette also has the hand rubbed maple cabinetry, a sink, microwave and the under-counter fridge and freezer provides all the conveniences. The freezer actually fits into their fifth-wheel basement and fits their traveling lifestyle.

The backsplash is tiled with the same pattern as the tiled floors. This is the first time I've seen this design in a coach house and its very flattering and actually makes the room feel larger.
There is plenty of room for guests to stay for a night or two, there is a hideabed tucked in the couch, and with the full bathroom -- its literally a home away from home.

Gail made sure all the small important details were taken care of. He wired one set of switches 4-way, so they can be turned on from either the french doors or the side door, or from outside -- very clever. He also put a hose bib on the outside of the coach house for easy access. I wish we had thought of that feature.

The bathroom has all the amenities and plenty of space to enjoy a good hot shower. Put all of this together and Gail and Bonnie's grand kids will definitely be staying a lot longer!.

If you have a chance to visit with Bonnie and Gail make sure you ask them about their pictures -- when they auctioned the contents of their house one picture in particular remained. Ask Gail the story. He who laughs last, laughs best ..... and, well, we know that enjoys a good Gail laugh!

The change from a storage shed to a coach house is a long process, every square inch must be accounted for, but the end results are truly amazing. It's hard to imagine that a 12 x 20' storage shed can become so much more.

Thanks Bonnie and Gail for letting us see close up your wonderful coach house.

Happy Holidays!

The Beginning of "It's Only A Shed"

2009-11-28T21:55:00.000-06:00

Everyday throughout Retama Village one can hear the owners discussing the next improvement that will be made to their Casita or coach house. The interiors, as you will begin to see, are simply amazing works of art, craftmanship and creativity. No two casita's are alike other than they all measure 12' x 20'.

Some casita's are simply made, with drywalled walls and a bathroom with toilet. Others have tiled flloors, mini kitchenettes with granite countertops, microwaves, stoves and refrigerators.

Enjoy the visit with us as we meet the neighbors and learn more about their decisions to transform their storage SHED something far different!