Okay, it's been awhile!

No, actually its been over a year since any updating has been done.  One can give 1,000 excuses, so there are none.

What did happen recently, I noticed that this little blog has had over 10,000+ page views.
Not entirely sure how that can happen when the blog has been dormant.

So, let's kick start the activity.  The Retama Villagers are sending in their photos of recent updates, their build's and other coach house developments. This summer, which officially starts today, the goal will be to add as many as I can.

In the meantime, I thought I would share some of the Retama Village Christmas decor that was done last November.  Our Villagers are very special, their donations ($$) made it all possible.

The courtyard fountain.

The fountain was so pretty and at night it became very special.

It was nearly 100o when we started assembling the fountain decor.  Vicky is still smiling!

Our Christmas decorating started in July with the selection of colors, and merging of many ideas.  Then in October we began putting the plan together.  We had hundred's of feel of garland, 30 wreaths and so  much more.

The fireplace - with peacock feathers and garland still allowed for TV viewing.

 A little story, original plans were to have pheasant feathers in the mantel, until we learned that the male pheasant only grow one beautiful plume a year .. hence the costs were $60 for a dozen feathers.  Never mind, we changed to plan B.

We think there were 1,000 ornaments, we think!

 It is so hard to see the detail on a Christmas tree, but this one was very special.

A table center piece.

More peacock feathers.  We scored when we purchased our feathers at an antique store in rural Illinois. Did I mention our grapevine came from Illinois, our pine cones came from Williamsburg VA.  Traveling in an RV does have it's benefits!

Our Christmas Open House

Our November 25th Club House Open House was the Grande viewing.  Complete with the Village carolers, 600+ handmade cookies, live music and a lot of people.

We hope that you will try to join us for the 2012 Christmas Open House.

Looking Up!

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

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

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

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

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!