The Cottage Under the Big Pines

Susan Southam allows readers to look through the window of 'Foxgloves Spires'-her former home of 30 years, located in rural Australia-and into the lushly romantic and soul-filled interior within. The Cottage Under the Big Pines tells the nostalgic love story between Southam and her restored century-old timber cottage in a collection of essay-like chapters, themed around seasons and colours and supported by an abundance of photographs. Southam's writing is heartfelt, emotional and honest; her photographs capture the spirit of her home with its astonishingly beautiful garden, as well as the details of her colour schemes, decoration and furnishings. The Cottage Under the Big Pines provides inspiration and information for readers to apply, but above all it opens our eyes to the humble details of our immediate environment that enrich our everyday lives.