Saturday, September 27, 2008

The Empire Mines - Part 3 -The Bourn Cottage

I wasn't able to take as many photos inside the cottage as I would have liked. There were either other visitors in front of my camera, or a docent pushing us along on the tour. It was one of the disadvantages of being there on Miner's Picnic Day!

I have a few, at least, that will give you an idea of the rustic elegance the Bourns enjoyed in their cottage.

On the last Empire Mine Post I explained that I wasn't able to get a good photo of the front door of the cottage. Luckily, I found one on the Empire Mine website, HERE. The door itself isn't remarkable, although there is a very pretty leaded glass window. But take a look at the brick work! It make a very impressive entrance! And if you scroll down on this page, you'll see a photo of the Bourns "clubhouse". Now that is some rec room!

This picture is of a beauutiful mahogany sideboard in the dining room. You can also see the redwood walls which are typical throughhout the cottage. At the right side of the photo, through the leaded glass french doors, you get a glimpse of the screened porch.





Next, is the housekeeper's (Katie) sitting room. She lived at the cottage full time, choosing to leave the Bourn's San Francisco mansion, beacuse the cottage had electricity & the SF home did not! Her bedroom is through the door at the back of the room and not included on the tour.




Here is the only photo I was able to get of Katie's kitchen. The wood-burning stove was her pride & joy, and quite the modern marvel for it's day. It also cost a small fortune. The Bourns treated Katie very well. The chopping block is also original. I hope Katie wasn't as tall as this docent...leaning over that block would be a killer!




This is a view from the kitchen into the butler's pantry and on into the dining room. (Those blue willow dishes aren't vintage.




This last picture from the cottage is taken looking out one of the kitchen windows to the small yard where the kichen garden was planted.




The tour did not include the "upstairs" rooms, so we didn't get to see any of the bedrooms or the bath. I'd love to see them sometime, even if they aren't furnished. I'm also going to visit again and try to get more photos of the interior.

Next time, the gardens!

Enjoy! Chris

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3 comments:

  1. Good morning, Chris! I would love to visit the cottage myself! I can't wait to see the gardens.

    Have a great weekend! It's been raining non-stop here since yesterday and it's kinda warm.

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  2. That sideboard is.......incredible!
    Can you imagine the craftsmen that built it?
    Love the stove -- it's gorgeous, too.
    You're gonna think I'm crazy, but I think I'd be most comfortable in Miss Katie's room! It's so charming.
    You went on the neatest field trip and you're so sweet to share with us. Next time, get your hubby to create a diversion so you can sneak upstairs to get a peek! ;*)
    Blessings,
    Julie

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