The owners desired to build a backyard cottage (detached accessory dwelling unit D.A.D.U.) on their property to create an “away space” from their existing house. Both are avid gardeners and a garage adjacent to the living area allows for the storage of gardening tools and equipment. Several large rain barrels incorporated into the project allow for the collection of runoff from the roof for later use in the garden during the dry season. In the immediate future the new living area will function as a guest space. The new space has kitchen facilities, a bathroom, main level living space and a sleeping loft. The structure is designed to fit in with the traditional Craftsman style of the existing house on the lot.