Visiting the Cottage Between the Cellars

What happens when food lovers fall for a cottage? Marika and Jirka, a married couple and authors of the Kitchen Story blog, dreamed of their own cottage for a long time. So when they discovered the ideal spot in South Moravia, they transformed it into their second home. A place where they will always love to return and which you can also rent. Welcome to Chalupa mezi sklepy (Cottage Among the Cellars).

WHAT DID YOU DREAM ABOUT ON YOUR FIRST NIGHT AT THE COTTAGE?

I must admit that the first night at the cottage was in the midst of the biggest hustle and finishing touches, so we slept like logs, and no dreams occurred.

A cozy bedroom adorned with Quiet Jungle, Afternoon Storm, Jane's Weekend bedding, and a Fair Play sheet. The tone-on-tone bathroom houses our collection of soft Playful Cotton towels.

WHAT DO YOU THINK EVERYONE SHOULD HAVE AT HOME?

A place or corner where they feel good. Whether it's an armchair, a study, or a comfortable bed.

DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE SPOT HERE?

I most enjoy spending time in the kitchen, which is part of the large living space. And when I want to "hide," I run a hot bath.

HOW DOES YOUR HOME SMELL? AND HOW DOES IT SOUND?

For us, it's definitely children's laughter and the smell of freshly baked bundt cake or cookies.

The spacious kitchen invites shared cooking or a cup of tea in the comfort of an armchair and a Woven Monocolour throw.

WHAT MAKES A HOME?

Home is about safety and coziness. It's hard to describe, but it's more about a feeling than a place. And also having people you love around you.

AND IS THERE ANYTHING, IN YOUR OPINION, THAT MAKES EVERY SPACE COZIER?

In my opinion, every space is made cozier by fabrics, so I recommend adding curtains, decorative pillows, rugs, and throws to the interior.

WHERE DO YOU LOOK FOR INTERIOR INSPIRATION?

Definitely Pinterest, it's an endless source of inspiration. But when creating our Cottage Between Cellars, we contacted interior designers Adéla Lipár Kudrnová and Petra Stein for collaboration, and it was the best decision we could have made.

The second room upstairs is dominated by white Daily Notes bedding, the cream Flat White collection, and terracotta Grandma's House pillows.

IF YOUR HOUSE WERE TO CATCH FIRE, WHAT THREE MATERIAL POSSESSIONS WOULD YOU SAVE?

Definitely photo albums, which I paste in the old-fashioned way. They contain our memories and important moments. And then nothing else comes to mind, I'm not a materialistic person.

DO YOU HAVE ANY FAVORITE RITUALS?

Almost every evening we light candles, and in winter, the fireplace. During dinner together, we talk about what happened to us that day. I love it when the family gathers around a set table.

The warmth of a burning fireplace and shared moments at a large table. Moments of happiness that Marika values most.

WHAT DO YOU ALWAYS BRING FROM HOME TO THE COTTAGE?

We always bring food for the first day because we don't want to go to the shop right after arriving. Otherwise, the cottage is equipped so we don't need to bring anything extra.

AND WHAT WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO TAKE HOME FROM THE COTTAGE?

It would be the fireplace; it brings such warmth to the home. When we were building the cottage, we knew that a fireplace would definitely be a part of it.

The large living space with a window overlooking the garden encourages gatherings, feasting, and relaxation with loved ones.

YOUR MOST BEAUTIFUL MOMENT AT THE COTTAGE SO FAR?

When our four-year-old son told us that he really liked it here and wanted to pack all his toys and our cat Pepina and move them from Prague to the cottage. It was touching and also confirmation that we had created a place where people would feel good.

AND WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO HERE?

We look forward to people renting the cottage and feeling at home here. We created everything to the best of our ability and wanted to create a cozy place where not only we would love to return.