Christmas at The Tranquil Cottage

Nestled in the North Georgia mountains, this European-inspired cottage feels like it has stood for centuries. Filled with antiques, heirloom touches, and the glow of holiday magic.

- WRITTEN BY KELLY MCMASTER I STYLED AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY WENDY DURNWALD

After raising five children,

Wendy Durnwald and her husband Jeff realized it was time for a change. Their sprawling family home had served its purpose, but the couple no longer needed all that space. “We listed it almost on a whim,” Wendy recalls, “and it sold the very first day—completely furnished and decorated, and even over asking price.”

That left the pair—along with their six small dogs—without a house or furniture. Rather than rushing into the next chapter, they embraced an adventure. “We bought a motorhome and traveled for two years,” she says. “It was the perfect way to visit our kids, who are scattered all over the country.”

Wendy and her husband found this majestic Nutcracker on a trip to Heidelberg, Germany.

HIDDEN TREASURE. When the Durnwalds drove down the road to follow a “For Sale by Owner’ sign they had no idea they would find this stunning property surrounded by nature and wildlife. They made an offer the same day and their new story began to unfold.

Eventually, the couple found themselves drawn to Dahlonega, Georgia, a picturesque town affectionately known as "Christmas Town." Land there was scarce, until one day Wendy noticed a For Sale by Owner sign along a quiet dirt road. "We didn't even know what was for sale," she laughs. "A car? A tractor? A house? So, we drove up the dirt driveway and much to our surprise and delight, we found the most beautiful piece of property-4½ acres with views of the Appalachian Mountains. I knew instantly this was it."

Wendy's Five Must-Haves for a Cottage Christmas

Here are Wendy's favorite ways to bring timeless Christmas charm to any home.