Excellent NYTimes article on backyard cottages

This NYTimes article about a retiree who builds a Finish “mokki” or backyard cottage so he’ll have some personal space is fantastic. It contains so many truths about marriage, personal space and love. The most honest part of the piece is a discussion of personal space and the writer reveals that his wife, when they had young kids, would lock herself in the bathroom to have some alone time to read (and her children could communicate with her via written note pushed under the locked door). Sweetly, decades later, his wife still goes into the bathroom to read. Can’t we all understand this need for alone time, for personal space? And, over the years with tiny apartments or too many roommates, I too have turned to the bathroom for privacy on the phone, as a refuge when I need alone time. Still, a backyard cottage beats the bathroom any day.

I’m still on a zen kick, as it where, and love how simple these spaces are. I found a couple of more:

(last image via )

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5 Responses to “Excellent NYTimes article on backyard cottages”

1. T
   February 21st, 2008 21:12
   1

   That’s it! I’m building a mokki on the terrace. I’ll let you know when it’s done.

   T

2. Camilla
   February 25th, 2008 18:16
   2

   I loved this article — no surprise that you picked it up. A mokki is such a wonderful, charming idea.

3. all things bright and beautiful
   February 29th, 2008 01:24
   3

   Abbey this house exterior is gorgeous ! The flowers also do great things for it - oh the power of a garden

4. Abbey
   March 2nd, 2008 23:46
   4

   ATBB — I agree! I’m still aching for a get-away!

5. Silver Vixen
   May 27th, 2008 08:50
   5

   This is SO true. I too have resorted to the bathtub, preferably full of bubbles, for privacy. Now I have a room at the top of the stairs. Nirvana!

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