Something a Little Different: Fairy Houses
Miniature abodes crafted for otherworldly creatures capture the imagination
Well, this is certainly something a little different than what you are used to seeing on Houzz, but after walking through a fairy house neighborhood (what my grandfather always called "the deep, dark forest"), I felt compelled to share this unique architecture with you. Nestled into the moss, atop rocks, below the spruce tree branches, habitats for otherworldly creatures abound. You just have to know where to look for them. Fairy houses started as a tradition on the islands of Maine, but their popularity has spread to many other regions.
Thanks to Sookie Stackhouse, fairies are in, witches are yesterday's news, and werewolves are out until another movie where Taylor Lautner appears gratuitously shirtless opens in theaters (November 18!). So let's check out how these chic fairies are living.
Thanks to Sookie Stackhouse, fairies are in, witches are yesterday's news, and werewolves are out until another movie where Taylor Lautner appears gratuitously shirtless opens in theaters (November 18!). So let's check out how these chic fairies are living.
A twig log cabin structure, birch roof, and bluestone pebble path give this fairy cabin a rustic chic look.
A circle of mussel shells atop a stump make a good meeting spot. They may even inspire you to get out the old glue gun and make a mussel shell wreath.
It's fun to look through the forest and see that various architects have added their own fairy houses to the neighborhood. This one likes to keep to a strictly sticks-and-stones material palette.
I think the elements may have removed this fairy house's roof, but it still makes a good spot for some fairy glamping.
It's also fun to see how these homes fare from the beginning of summer to end. This June-built house transformed into this pretty assemblage by late August.
Another home with a birch roof and stick walls uses shells to make its yard more inviting. It's fairy curb appeal.
This little lean-to has water views and is nestled near the spot where the forest meets the rocky coast. The day after Hurricane Irene, the roofline's changed a bit, but overall, this fairy house held up pretty well!
The most prime of fairy real estate, this beachfront fairy shack is for fairy moguls only.
20 Spectacular Beach Houses
20 Spectacular Beach Houses
Look closer; it even uses a fine china shard that washed ashore to create a fancy roof detail. I picture the fairy equivalent of Matthew McConaughey living here with his fairy surfboard collection and eschewing deodorant.
Fairy Houses of the Maine Coast by Maureen Heffernan
This new book from Down East Publishers takes fairy houses to the next level, using simple examples like we've seen above as inspiration for more elaborate homes.
One Morning in Maine by Robert McCloskey
This is one of my favorite books in the world; it captured my imagination as a child and still causes wonder with its beautiful illustrations and story.
More:
A Postcard from Maine
The Maine House
Update that Beachy Style!
More:
A Postcard from Maine
The Maine House
Update that Beachy Style!