Published: April 23, 2008 10:37 am         

Sadie’s Cottage: Millikans’ labor of love to be featured in home and garden tour

Scott and Holly Millikan are opening their home and garden for the Attala Historical Society’s Spring Tour of Home and Gardens on May 3, 1-4 p.m.

“Sadie’s Cottage,” is named for the couple’s fondness of their cat, Sadie Hawkins, which was abandoned and took up residence at the 205 Goodman Street home.

Built in 1941 for Catherine Foster, the home has been occupied by several families since her death. The Millikans bought the home in 2005 and began the renovation, which has resulted in the cottage style home furnished with an eclectic mix of English cottage and French country style pieces.

An English country atmosphere is evident in the foyer and continues in the living room. The living room’s focal point is the fireplace mantel with its distressed finish.

The dining room is furnished with the furniture, which belonged to her great-grandparents, Holly and Willie Sue Landrum. Dessert and cake plates are arranged around a mirror and on another wall of the dining room.

The kitchen was completely redesigned. Cabinets with ceramic hardware, have a distressed and glazed look. A bamboo island affords extra work space.

In the adjoining breakfast room, the tabletop was created with fabric imprinted with birds and bamboo. A crackle finish adds an unusual touch. The bamboo and birds are repeated on a screen across a corner of the breakfast nook.

Down the hallway, hangs a series of lighthouse drawings, favorites of Scott, which he bought in Maine. Another wall features pictures of Charleston, S.C. buildings by artist Tommy Johnston.

The guest room furnishings include a bed and armoire, which were made by Mrs. Millikans father, Bernard Landrum. Walls are papered in green with a bird pattern and pink is dominant in the comforter.

The den is attractive with its walls of grasscloth. The room affords an atmosphere for relaxing and television viewing – and for using the computer at a built-in desk.

The side porch has been reconstructed with a new floor and railing. A covered breezeway connects the porch to the garage.

Flagstone pathways have been added to enhance the feeling of a cottage garden as you enter through double gates. The patio of salvaged brick, which also cover the former concrete walkway and steps.

Termed a “work in progress”, flowerbeds have been established along the fence at the back of the garden. A fountain adds to the attractiveness of the area. A number of blooming plants add splashes of color throughout the garden.