I don't think there can be any other way to start a Review of a Year here at the Beach Cottage than by reflecting on my Best Vintage Find Ever & joining up for Rhoda's Top 10 Projects of 2009 at her blog Southern Hospitality!
In September I came across a divine old Hungarian Sea Trunk at a garage sale (that caused the Beach Cottage Mailbox to get very full for fear I would cover her in white paint lol), I researched her history, cleaned her up and Mr BC and I spent ages figuring out a way we could keep her in the Sitting Room with us every night 
. You can read the full story here.
Looking back now, I think it was meant to be - it was a very unusual day the day I found her, in that no-one else was awake that Saturday morning at the Beach Cottage and I had snuck out early for a coffee and some treasure hunting…
and came back with a new member of the Beach Cottage Family…but I tell you I had to work on Mr BC to swing this one…including favours, ahem (If you're new 'round here you can read the full Makeover Post here)
It was quite a find for me, full of meaning and left me a bit emotional about the journey we've taken to move our family to the other side of the world and a better life.
Not only is she a great statement piece (I say that as if I know what I am talking about, I really don't, but it sounds good, *wink), her top is the perfect place to display treasures, flowers and things washed up from the sea.
I love how there are glimpses of her dark vintage patina with all the white, in the corner through the old doorway…
I don't know if I'll ever find anything like this again, one thing I do know, if I do, is there will be simply no hesitation about bringing one home, even if I have to lose a small child's bed to keep it!
Here's to amazing treasure, saving our planet and vintage lovin' in 2010!
You can watch an Episode of Beach Cottage TV
blogged for Southern Hospitality's Party, thanks Rhoda
as long as you don;t loose one of the children you are OK LOL
Happy new year!
wow…what an amazing journey for you both !!! love it.
Happy New Year, Dear One! I wish you the best for 2010!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia
Thanks for sharing the amazing fireworks display – how about all the fabulous WHITE ones for the grand finale!!!
Looking forward to following your new projects at the Beach Cottage this year.
Happy New Year Sarah – hope this is a great one for you and the family.
“saving our planet” indeed!! love your “find” AND blog!
happy new year!
erin
That truly is a special trunk. It has patina, character, and history!! And it looks perfectly at home in the beach cottage. Best wishes to you and your family in 2010, Sarah.
Amy
Hello friend! That is my favories story from the year back at Beach Cottage. It was meant to be. What a treasure! In so many ways. Glad it found a home in your charming abode!
Happy New year!
Leigh
Tales from Bloggeritaville
http://www.lbratina.blogspot.com
I was hoping that beauty would make the year’s best list. She’s such a sweet find!
Have a great day,
Gina
hello there – how symbolic that this is your fav piece. when I read your profile background bit I knew the feeling you have when you said on arrival in Aust you felt like you had arrived home …
For me that place is the south island of NZ … lived there for two years and should be back there within the next two all things crossed.
Have you done a post on your exit from the mother land and what you bought with you (besides the Mr BC and the babes) … if yes point me in the right direction.
Before we came to Burketown I exited some significant pieces from our lives and it was a challenge … I wonder how you managed that side of the big move … best le
Tried to leave a comment on your New Year’s post but couldn’t!
Happy New Year from our irish cottage to yours!
I saw the Sydney fireworks on the news and wondered if you would be there!!!
I’m in love with that trunk and the fact that you refer to the trunk as her/she.
Gosh, I just love historical treasures like that – they really do make me think of who the person was and why they decided to go to Australia. Did they have a good life in Australia – where are the descendants? and on and on and on!!
Isn’t it lovely when special things like this seem to just find you. Hope New Years was good for you and the family and 2010 kicks off fun new trends and new treasures to find.
I just came across your blog and wanted to stop by and say hi. We have just moved to Australia from the UK so I am really enjoying reading. Happy New Year!
Was truly a great find Sarah – lucky you.
May 2010 be filled with many more great finds too.
Happy New Year!!
Hugs ~ Kerryanne
Lucky girl! That trunk is fab!! Happy New Year. cheers, -susan
Hi Sarah,
I’ve been following your blog for a while (from Minnesota!) and enjoying the simplicity and beauty of your life, but your trunk story touches me on a more personal level. It’s an amazing story and I am glad you recognize the treasure you have. When I was just out of college (nearly 30 years ago), I was able to acquire a HUGE trunk from my grandfather’s garage. His best recollection was that it had come from his mother’s family when then had come to the U.S. from Hungary in the early 1900s. It has traveled with me to nearly half a dozen homes, waiting for me to find the right place for it – not an easy thing to do with LARGE trunks. Reading your post (and then going back to watch your video clip), I realize I must take the time now to honor my past and find that home for her this year!
Cyndi
I love that trunk–what a great and unusual piece! And I’m glad you didn’t paint it white. Ha. Here’s to many more creative adventures at the Beach Cottage in 2010!
YAY, Sarah! I just love that piece. You have truly found some treasures for your beach cottage this past year & it’s been fun to see the journey & transformations of them all. Thanks for being a friend! And yes, we are glad you didn’t paint it white.
Some things are just meant to stay the same.
Happy new year. May there be many more great finds in your future. And that trunk is beautiful and I am so happy you didn’t paint it white
Although I love all your other with touches.
Oh… I just love pieces with history! What a beautiful treasure!!
rue
It is a treasure, indeed. A very beautiful one that adds that spark of personality to any room it ends up in . I love it in your living room!!