A Sunroom Transformation: How Stained Glass Brought Light and Character to Our Cottage
One of the many features in the cottage that people love is the glass panel in the hallway. It not only allows some light into the space, but is also a beautiful piece of art.
When we bought Seaview Cottage it had a small sunroom at the rear of the house, which served as the only back door. The door opened straight into the lower hallway, leading directly to the stairs—a layout that was far from ideal. As part of our renovation, we decided to remove the old sunroom. It was clearly a makeshift addition, likely done without proper adherence to building regulations, and it didn't quite fit with our vision for the cottage. We replaced it with a larger, more functional sunroom and opened up the wall between the new sunroom and the original sitting room. This allowed more light to flood into the space, creating a brighter and more inviting area.
However, removing the old patio door left the hallway feeling darker than before. I didn’t want to install a new window directly into the sunroom, but I knew I needed to find a way to bring some light back into the hallway.
After some deliberation I decided that a stained-glass window might be the perfect solution—both functional and decorative. I began researching bespoke glass panels and came across Gail Steele www.halfamoon.co.uk. Intrigued by her work, I reached out to her in 2019, which was right in the middle of our renovation. I wanted the glass panel to reflect the cottage and its setting, so I sent Gail some photos of the property and the stunning views across to Arran. Inspired by these, she created a beautiful design that perfectly captured the essence of Seaview Cottage.
Gail involved me throughout the entire process, sending photos of different glass samples so I could choose my preferred colours. Despite having recently relocated from Glasgow to Ardersier, Inverness—a move that made logistics challenging—Gail offered to hand-deliver the finished panel to ensure it arrived safely. This gesture was especially appreciated given the fragile nature of the glass and the long journey to our cottage on the Isle of Bute.
Unfortunately, our renovation faced several delays, and it was a full year before the stained-glass panel was finally installed. A very stressful time, as we still had contractors working in and around the panel as it sat propped up in the unfinished sunroom. Even more frustrating was the fact that the entire project took another two years to complete, and throw in Covid, it all meant I had to wait quite some time to see the window in its final setting. But when I finally did, it was perfect.
Gail’s stained-glass panel truly is a true work of art. It looks stunning in the soft glow of evening lamplight, and during the day, when sunlight filters through, it fills the hallway with a delightful play of colours. The window has not only brought much-needed light into the space but has also added a unique and personal touch to our cottage that we’ll cherish for years to come.
