The Cottage Book [Paperback]

Richard Sexton (Author, Photographer)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 1998

Small space? No problem - big style on a small scale awaits at every turn in The Cottage Book. Islands of pastoral bliss nestled in the urban landscape, the cottages of the San Francisco Bay Area have an aesthetic all their own, but one that works well just about anywhere. Richard Sexton's classic book in these irrestible hideaways is now back in stock featuring a new cover. In these colorful pages we visit timeless rustic retreats by Bernard Maybeck, chic city homes on a small scale, flower-strewn cottages tucked into sunny nooks, house-boat cottages, and a number of "shacks" turned upscale simple. A successful case for small is beautiful, here is ample inspiration for creating comfort and style when spaces is a a premium - including lots of great ideas for apartment dwellers.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Robin Williams and Sally Field lived the dream of many in the movie Mrs. Doubtfire--residing in a Queen Anne cottage in San Francisco. Richard Sexton, who himself lives in a small hillside cottage overlooking the city by the bay, has translated his passion for these quaint, rustic, and informal dwellings into a volume of captivating color images. You can live the cottage life vicariously through Sexton; his photographs have an almost three-dimensional feel that gives you the sense of being there. Picturing yourself having lunch on the deck of a houseboat shown in these pages is a breeze, for he is a master of lighting and mood. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

This book is a compendium of articles about aspects of cottage ownership. The articles are gleaned from sources such as Organic Gardening , Harrow smith , and the Canadian Toy Testing Council. A wide variety of subject matter is covered, from maintaining an outboard motor to planting blueberries. While the majority of library patrons may not own a vacation cottage, the material will appeal to campers and do-it-yourselfers. However, the book attempts to cover too much ground--most libraries already have separate sources which provide adequate information about these areas. Only the largest public libraries or those with a particular interest in cottages will want to purchase this book. (Photos and index not seen.)-- Jonathan Hershey, Akron-Summit Cty. P.L., Ohio
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 120 pages
• Publisher: Chronicle Books (September 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 081182232X
• ISBN-13: 978-0811822329
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 9.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,902,573 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A mini-vacation between two hard covers., April 13, 1998

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Cottage Book (Hardcover)

An informative, enjoyable, aesthetically pleasing book about the cottages and cottage styles of San Francisco. The first chapter tells the story of how San Francisco cottages developed, and then specific cottages are showcased. Many views are of the exteriors, but some include interior photos with the homeowners' stories and quotes. Many individual cottages and styles are shown, providing variety and a feast for the eye. This book is a great "get-away" when you can't actually get away, and leads to very pleasant daydreaming.

28 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The classic book on San Francisco Bay Area cottages, September 2, 1998

By 

Marilyn Domer - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Cottage Book (Paperback)

I am a native San Franciscan living in a middle-of-the-block cottage in what the author calls "that quirky San Francisco tradition of a back yard house." With the assistance of Sally B. Woodbridge's excellent historical introduction, Richard Sexton describes our San Francisco Bay Area cottages perfectly. The superb photographs complement quotes from some of the owners regarding what they think about their cottages: "Living in a cottage is somewhat like living on a ship. One learns to be very selective about possessions. The trade-off is the uniqueness of the living experience." And "Finding your cottage is like Goldilocks finding the chair that is just right. It wraps around you in cozy fashion and all seems right with the world." I've given copies of this book to friends who live elsewhere because it captures not only the joy of living in one of these cottages but helps all of us, no matter where we live, gain a better sense of home.

44 of 52 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars An extremely boring little book, December 5, 2000

By 

Merilee Pinkerton (southern Missouri) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Cottage Book (Paperback)

I read about this book in an amazon customer review that was attached to another book, so I got this. Mistake! Iwas hoping to get some ideas and inspiration, but all I found here was a lineup of depressing little homes. And mostly in beiges and brown. I couldn't wait to escape from the pages of this book. Also, the book's title suggests that this will be about cottages, in general, but it's about San Francisco area cottages.If you want cottage-style decorating, this is not the book for you. It won't help you much if you want to build a new cottage either. it's more like a little term paper on one region's homes.