Want to know what it looks like when two food lovers catch the ‘cottage’ fever? Husband and wife, Jirka and Marika (the couple behind the food blog Kitchen Story) dreamed of owning a cottage for ages. So, when they finally found the ideal place in South Moravia, they built their second home. Today, not only is it a spot they love to return to, but they’ve also opened it to you, as a rentable holiday cottage. Welcome to the cottage Cottage between the cellars!

WHAT DID YOU DREAM ABOUT ON THE FIRST NIGHT IN THE COTTAGE?

We spent our first night in the cottage when things were at their busiest during the final touches, so we were totally whacked out when we went to bed and slept without dreams.

WHAT SHOULD EVERY HOME HAVE?

A place or a corner where one feels good; no matter whether it be an armchair, a home office area or a comfy bed.

WHICH IS YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE IN THIS COTTAGE?

I love spending time in the kitchen (which is part of the large living area). And when I’m in need of a ‘hideout place’, I run myself a hot bath.

WHAT’S THE SMELL AND SOUND OF HOME?

For us, it’s definitely the sound of kids’ laughter and the smell of a freshly baked cake or biscuits.

WHAT MAKES A HOME?

Home is where one feels safe and cosy. It’s more about how one feels than about the place itself. And also, it’s about being surrounded by the people you love.

IS THERE ANYTHING THAT CAN MAKE A HOME LOOK COSIER?

I believe textiles help create cosiness, so I recommend adding drapes, cushion covers, carpets and blankets.

WHERE DO YOU LOOK FOR HOME INTERIOR DESIGN INSPO?

Definitely Pinterest, that’s a never-ending well of inspiration. But for our country Cottage between the cellars, we asked interior designers Adéla Lipár Kudrnová and Petra Stein to help out. And that was a great decision.

WHAT THREE MATERIAL THINGS WOULD YOU GRAB IF THIS PLACE WAS ON FIRE?

Definitely our photo albums. I still create the old-school photo stick-in albums. They’re filled with memories and important moments. I can’t think of anything else to grab, because I’m not materialistic.

DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE RITUAL?

Almost every evening, we light a candle and now, in the winter, we also light a fire in the wood-burning stove. We talk about the day while eating dinner together. I love it when the family gets together around a large table.

WHAT DO YOU BRING FROM HOME TO YOUR COTTAGE EVERY TIME?

We always bring food for the first day, because we don’t want to have to go shopping on arriving. Otherwise, the cottage is so well-equipped that we don’t have to bring much at all.

AND WHAT, ON THE OTHER HAND, WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO TAKE HOME FROM THE COTTAGE?

It would be the wood-burning stove; it’s the warmth of home. When we were building the cottage, we knew it would have to include a log burner.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST BEAUTIFUL MOMENT AT THE COTTAGE TO DATE?

When our four-year-old son said he liked this place and would like to bring all his toys and our cat Pepina from Prague to the cottage. It was a touching moment and also confirmed we had created a place in which people would feel good.

AND WHAT DO YOU LOOK FORWARD TO THE MOST?

We look forward to people renting out the cottage and feeling like home in it. We designed everything as best we could and wanted to create a cosy place which people would love to revisit.

WHEN DO YOU FEEL THE HAPPIEST AT YOUR COTTAGE?

When it’s full of people; no matter whether they’re family or friends.

QUICK FIRE QUIZ FOR MARIKA

Do you prefer vintage or modern design items?

A little from both.

Which do you prefer in bed, reading a book or watching Netflix?

Watching Netflix. I fall asleep one page into the book when reading in bed. :-)

Are you an early bird or a night owl?

Since motherhood, I’m an early bird.

Which do you prefer, a long soak in the bath or a quick shower?

Usually, I take a quick shower, but when I need to wind down, I like a long soak in the bath.

Do you prefer one pillow or a cascade of pillows?

One pillow is by far enough for me.

Would you rather a pillow fight or building a duvet hideout?

I’m more into building duvet hideouts, but the boys more often choose a pillow fight.

PRODUCTS CITED

White Striped Daily Notes Bed Linen

Cream Flat White Pillowcase

Brick Red Grandma's House Pillowcase

White Quiet Jungle Bedsheet

White Quiet Jungle Bed Linen

Grey-Blue Afternoon Storm Pillowcase

Green-Grey Jane's Weekend Pillowcase

Light Grey Fair Play Bedsheet

Woven Monocolour Cushion Cover

Woven Monocolour Throw Blanket

Light Blue Playful Cotton Towels

White Playful Cotton Towels

Brown Gentle Organic Towels

Brick Red Gentle Organic Towels