The Cottage was designed and built by Joyce Ward and Martin Thommes. Joyce has been a practicing Architect in Ashland since 1976. Since 1990 she has incorporated Feng Shui Consultations in her practice, dealing with the analysis and placement of energies in living environments. Martin is currently active in the Ashland Rowing Club, and a Student of Metaphysics, after spending 23 years in a Catholic monastery and 20 years as a practicing Psychologist. Devon, their daughter, is teaching at Geo. Mason University, after retiring as the Cottage housekeeper, and sometime babysitter for Cottage guests.