Two years ago, while wandering the aisles at the annual Good Sam Show in San Jose, California, I spotted the most darling house I had ever seen. It was this 1/4 scale house by Debbie Young. I was not at all familiar with 1/4 scale, but instantly knew I had to have this house, as I had never seen a craftsman era house before. I thought it was such a wonderful change from my constant diet of Edwardian and Victorian, that I swallowed hard, took a couple of deep breaths, and said, "1/4 scale... how hard could it be, right I'll take it???

I had just unknowingly found my hobby. I do miniatures as my full time job. However when I want to do something fun, I still want to be in my studio doing miniatures. However, I discovered that 1/4 scale is the perfect project to take on during a quiet weekend. It's instant gratification. You can start and FINISH one of these projects in a matter of days, instead of months or years. I have to add that Debbie Young's kits are just fabulous. The bungalow was just the first of several. Her instructions are easy and clear, her attention to detail is remarkable, particularly in this small scale, and her kit are as complete as you could ever wish for, including even the landscaping materials. Her darling furniture kits are each designed for the specific house that they are shown with, and always are very faithful to the period and architecture of the structure.

One of the things I love about this house is that it is detailed EVERYWHERE. The front is darling with its' wonderful brickwork, elevated porch, and highly detailed windows and doors, but look at the cute brickwork and trellis on this side.

Not to be outdone, the opposite side is just as darling with its brick chimney and landscaping. The kit included the lawn, low shrubbery and plants beneath the front window. I made the hollyhocks from a kit, and the tree and wheelbarrow with leaves were purchased at a show.

The interior features four rooms, and loads of craftsman details, such as the divider between the living room and the kitchen, and the built-in bookcases on both sides of the living room. The fireplace is also highly detailed with an inset alcove flanked by a wood mantle. Don't you love those real hardwood floors??? They were laid a plank at a time! The exterior stucco finish, and the wonderful shingles with all their texture are so realistic!

Here's a close up of the living room. Books were purchased on ebay. The tiny turned table and stone vase at front left are by Jeff Spera. The potted plant is by Signe Alvarstein, from the Netherlands, who makes the most exquisite 1/4 scale flowers I've ever seen.

The kitchen is darling with it's two tone cabinetry, deep country sink and awesome stove. Debbie uses a combination of wood and cast resin in her furniture kits, which are all super easy to assemble, and have tons of detailing.

Upstairs, tucked beneath the eaves is the bedroom. The headboard is a craftsman style with built in cabinetry. The chair in the corner is a William Morris style. There is a craftsman book case below the window that is rather hard to see and a chest of drawers. At the foot of the bed is a really cool trunk.

The bathroom is right next door and is really spacious! Wish I had this much room in my bathroom!!! The tub, sink and toilet were cast in resin, and the small chest and mirror are from wood. Have you noticed the wonderful wallpapering through the house? They are also included in the kit! Well, that concludes your tour! Thanks for visiting! Use the back button to return to the My Miniatures Page.