Edwardian Cottage – A Retrospective

We first stepped into the old cottage on a blustery, chilly afternoon, inviting others to see what we had come to love so deeply. Many were visiting for the first time, and we felt both excitement and anticipation as we shared this unique place. Built in 1923, the cottage immediately stirred our imaginations—we found ourselves wondering about the families who once lived there, their daily lives, and the stories held within its walls. From the beginning, we knew we wanted children to experience that same sense of connection: to understand their roots, to see themselves as part of an ongoing story linking past, present, and future.

Although the building showed its age—creaky floors, peeling paint, and partially deconstructed spaces—we saw beyond it. We imagined a vibrant Nature School filled with light, creativity, and belonging: a studio for exploration, quiet corners for reflection, open spaces for play and gathering, and a kitchen where we could prepare food grown from the land. As we shared these ideas, it was powerful to see others begin to recognize the same potential. That shared vision gave us confidence that this dream could truly take shape.

The early days of sharing our vision with the community were both exciting and uncertain. When we opened our doors for the first time, we didn’t know what to expect—but the space quickly filled with energy, curiosity, and warmth. Families connected with us, asked questions, explored materials, and embraced the idea of a nature-based program. Soon after, when people began lining up to register, we felt a deep sense of gratitude and awe. What had started as a quiet dream was becoming something real, supported by a community.

As renovation and construction began, we committed to valuing the process as much as the outcome. Each stage—clearing the land, lifting the house, rebuilding the foundation—felt significant. Seeing the cottage raised and supported, temporarily vulnerable, reminded us of the care and balance needed in all growth. When it was finally placed back on solid ground, we felt a renewed sense of strength and possibility.

Throughout the restoration, we developed a deep appreciation for the people carrying out the work. Their attention to detail and respect for the building’s history mirrored our own values. They were not simply rebuilding a structure—they were forming a relationship with it, restoring its integrity piece by piece. This reflected what we hope children will learn: to care for their environment, to value what exists, and to build meaningful connections with the world around them.

Now, as the cottage continues to transform, we are mindful of honouring its past while creating space for new stories. We imagine it filled with children’s laughter, creativity, and discovery—a place where they can grow, explore, and feel a sense of belonging. This cottage is becoming more than just a building; it is our shared home for learning, community, and connection, rooted in history and alive with possibility.

A small glimpse into the cottage construction phase.

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