Thom’s second daughter, Chandler, was the inspiration behind this work. This work and Evening at Merritt’s Cottage started Thom’s theme of painting English cottages. His girls love doll houses and Thom said, “Lately, on my travels, I’ve been on the lookout for cottages that would make perfect dream dollhouses for my girls. How little Chandler would love to have a real miniature version of this delightful, flower-bedecked hutch complete with blooming garden in her playroom.” Like most little girls, she loves fancy, frilly things, and this hidden little house seems to be a confection of gingerbread and spun sugar. Starting as a tribute to his daughters, one of Thom’s most well known subject matters are cottages.
