Hi there, it looks like a lovely unit, but I would be reluctant to attempt to rework it. There is rather more to it than perhaps first meets the eye - it looks as though the side panels are, in fact, five separate piece, at least 3 of which (top and bottom frame pieces and centre panel) would need modified, and it would involve rather more than just sawing a small section out!. So you have to multiply that twice, then modify the base, top and any internal shelves. Then you would have to possibly refinish (varnish/oil or whatever) and tidy any newly reworked edges. Oh, and I can't quite see if the top is wood or stone - if the latter, then that has another set of challenges!

The reality is that you would need a really high quality carpenter to do a job like this well, and s/he would need a decent amount of time to do it properly. So if you look at the typical daily rate for someone like that - near me, that could be £200-£250 - and factor in at least 1 day, then I am not sure it is something I could justify.

If you love the style (and it is a beautiful piece!), why not have a look at Stonearth who do some similar products in beautiful solid woods who might have something in better dimensions? Then you might be able to return or sell on the unit.

Or if you really love it, well - 4 inches isn't really that much, is it??