My Vintage Home, The RedAgape Vintage Styled Guesthouse
an old map and a wall of vintage plates feature in this guest room
Amanda and her husband enjoyed a magical weekend away in Millthorpe almost two years ago. They saw a little cottage for sale with a red door. They rang the real estate agent on the spot to see if there was any chance of seeing inside. As luck would have it he met them 15 mins later to show them through. What they thought was a little cottage turned out to be a large inviting newly renovated home. It was perfect. They were in love. And so was born their guesthouse, decorated in gorgeous vintage pieces, RedAgape.
Here is the story about what happened next, from Amanda at RedAgape.
We usually aren’t so spontaneous, but we’d had a few rough years that made us realise life is short and happiness is key. After some negotiating our offer was accepted. I started a blog called Junkyard Candy to document my search for pieces to furnish the house. I started at local secondhand stores, but it wasn’t long before I was scouring ebay, roadside pickups, garage sales and antique stores. Not only were the pieces well constructed and considerably cheaper than new, they had more character which was particularly necessary when furnishing the original front rooms of the house. As a bonus, it felt good to know that I was reducing landfill by reusing, revamping or upcycling old items. Some items were used in the condition I found them and others needed some decoupage or a bit of paint.
Retro coffee table sourced at a local secondhand store
After 6months or so I was finished furnishing the house. I’m really proud of the guesthouse. Obviously items like beds, towels and linen were all purchased new, but the older items not only saved me money, they’ve saved the earth a little and add character and charm to the house. The house itself is the perfect marriage of old and new and now it’s interiors tell the same story. Guests that have stayed at the house really seem to enjoy exploring each room, as they are quite varied and full of interesting items.
Side tables and lamps for loft guest room sourced from garage sales and secondhand stores
With the house all ready for guests I changed the blog and house name to RedAgape. I thought guests might be skeptical about the quality of the house if I retained ‘junkyard’ in the name. Named after my children’s initials (RED) and the Greek word for unconditional love (agape), RedAgape was born. RedAgape blog now focuses on crafts, vintage finds, guesthouse updates and a little on my life.
Vintage ladders are used for extra towel hanging space in both bathrooms
The bird guest room has vintage cupboards and dresser, plus decor items like an old type writer and french advertising prints
The parlour walls are adorned with vintage items – old prints, a convex mirror and old butterfly coasters. the first aid kit is contained in the old telephone box near the door in the picture.
items that didn’t make the cut weren’t wasted. This coffee table made from railway sleepers is a fav at my own home.
What an absolutely gorgeous place to stay! Definitely on my list. Thanks for sharing Amanda.
Helen xx
The blue paint in the parlor is beautiful, what brand is it? Such a beautiful decoration job though, I can’t wait for mine to be finished
Paul – the paint colour is Dulux harpoon. I bought a few sample pots, but this was my fav. I’m so happy with how it turned out. 🙂