This lil stone cottage isn’t too far from my house.
In an area that’s comprised mostly of post-war housing with little variation, this little cottage and its plain white wood door stand out. Around here, any door without a storm or screen door stands out.
I apologize for the blur, but in my defense, the morning sun was unholy bright and Sadie was pulling me toward the squirrels.
Decades ago, in what seems like another lifetime, I delivered pizza to this house and got to see the inside. It was candlelit and cozy, with its stone hearth, stained glass windows, and choppy wood floors. There were books and plants in abundance. The cottage was so feminine and dreamy — throws and pillows and lace strewn about. I could only stare and “Wow.” I told the owner how much I loved it. She thanked me and told me she bought it after her divorce. She said it was her Divorced Woman’s Castle. She said she lived alone and she could do whatever she wanted.
I knew exactly what she meant, and I’ve never forgotten her home or her words. She was, for ten to fifteen minutes on a cold winter’s night, one of the warmest, most authentic, captivating women I ever encountered.
That other lifetime ago, and for many years after, the lawn was impeccably kept. Flowers and herbs surrounded the cottage, and potted plants spilled from every man made surface outside. Every time I drove by, I thought of her and wished her well. She left a real impression on me.
It’s still a lovely home, but there’s no sign of her there. No sign of her green thumb or her joie de vivre. She would never have chosen a plain white door, pretty as this one may be.
#ThursdayDoors is an inspired post series run by Norm Frampton. If you like interesting doors, visit his site and check out what people are sharing today.
joeyfullystated 
I love stone buildings and, although the door is plain, the sculpted-like arch gives it a beautiful character. Thanks for sharing your personal conneciton with the building. On so many occasions when I take a picture of a door, I wish I could just take a look inside. I think this cottage is best the way you hold it in your memory.
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Stone buildings in Indiana are as ubiquitous as pork tenderloins. Pretty common but loved none the less. Lovely door.
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Agree, but not here in Lawrence. Not at all.
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What Lawrence doesn’t have pork tenderloin?
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LOL We do, at Culver’s on the fort! I had one Tuesday 😀
But we don’t have ubiquitous stone houses over here in the L.
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Oh…I see, Now that is a shame. Have you been to Audrey’s at the Fort?
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Nope, cause it’s brekkie, and we seldom do breakfast out. Is it yummy? Should we aim to try it?
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They serve lunchie,as well. Or at least they did when Pat and I went; and I thought their fish was pretty darn good.
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I felt oddly depressed toward the end of the story…
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Thank you. I do too, because I wonder what happened to her, and I wish the new owner made it so charming again…
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Wondered the same thing…
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A sweet tribute to the lady that once was ☺ Amazing how a simple door can hold such a story.
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What a great story. Sad to see such a beautiful place unkept and a bit of her lost along with it.
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Love it! Great story!
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What a wonderful tribute to her. It’s very meaningful to know that even after all these years you have such a vivid memory of her and her home. She sounds like a terrific woman.
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I think we married women should be able to rent a Divorced Woman’s Castle for a few days just to see what it would be like. Though I’m PERFECTLY happy in my married couple house, of course, your homage just made it sound so appealing. A lovely memory and the blurred image kind of goes with your gauzy remembrance.
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I know exactly what you mean, same as she did, same as I feel. That freedom of having a space without compromise is still as appealing as she said it was. We see so often a bachelor pad or a man cave…but an escape into sheer femininity has its appeal as well.
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What a shame that the new owners didn’t keep the Castle as it should be. Sad end to a lovely story,
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What a gorgeous door. When I see it, I can imagine it as a setting for a story. One of witchcraft maybe?…
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Mmhm, the sort with faeries, of course.
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This is my favorite so far! The inside sounds wonderful too. Could be my dream house!
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A lovely, thoughtful tribute. Cute cottage too.
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Someone should totally buy that for me. I’d move to live in that house!
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I hate seeing places that I somewhat knew the former owner and how they kept the place looking nice and then one day you drive by and see dandelions and overgrown brush everywhere and can’t help but wonder what happened to the previous owner.
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What a lovely story attached to that house and door. I’m also curious about the fate of that lovely lady.
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A wonderful story well told, and a lovely door as well. Amazing how we can have an effect on others often without even realizing it 😁
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Love this little tale. Would make a great film. Coming of age story. Have you ever thought of making movies? 🙂
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Haha, no, have you?
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No, never made a movie. Sometimes my life feels like a movie, but I don’t get paid to act. It’s like a never ending internship 🙂
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I know, right? I get that. ❤
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I’d be drawn to that dwelling, that door as well. I love catching glimpses into other peoples’ lives.
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Lovely cottage. Lovely door. Lovely womas. Lovely post, Joey.
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Thanks 🙂
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I meant ‘woman’ of course and not ‘womas’ 😊
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Joey, I love stories behind the doors so your post was “made for me!!” I am divorced 3 times and feel even my little apartment is a “palace!” I especially like how this woman had an abundance of plants and a green thumb. I love her “joie de vivre” in pillows, comfort and beauty shown in her warm, captivating personality. Hope she continues to have a happy single life until the end of her days, wherever she may be. Joey, so glad you featured this door and story of what was behind the door, along with how her passion showed in her gardens on the outside of her home. I also notice a large evergreen with branches hanging down.
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Outside of downtown, Indianapolis is pretty much filled with big, old trees. This time of year, the way the trees are two to three times the height of houses really stands out!
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This is so cool, both the idea of it and the reality.
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If this isn’t a true story, don’t tell me. I want to imagine this happened, that this woman found her castle and peace. Even if she fades away in the telling, she was the bones of the telling. And that’s what makes the story beautiful.
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It’s a true story.
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What a great story to go with your photo! I often think it would be so much fun to get into houses that I think look intriguing.
janet
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Lovely door story Joey – now I’m wondering what the Divorced Lady would have done with it ! 🙂
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The door may be plain but the story behind it warms the heart. 🙂
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