Cottage Sunset

Even though the house has been completely transformed, the view hasn't changed - it's as beautiful as ever!

Cottage Renovation: New Entry & Laundry Room

As a part of the addition to the house a front foyer was added, which includes a generously sized coat closet, a nook for a desk, and a large utility closet that houses a washer and dryer. No more venturing down to the basement to do the laundry. One of the best features of this area is the multi-colored slate flooring and bright, sunny windows.

Cottage Renovation: Before & After

New Pier

One of the most crucial elements of the house is finally back in place. Now there is plenty of parking available in the garage and on the water.

Exterior Color Palette

There has been a lot of positive feedback on the exterior color palette, especially the red window cladding. The moss green siding allows the house to blend into its wooded setting, while the red windows provide some pop. The new Craftsman style brackets also provide visual interest and character.

Cottage Renovation: New Kitchen

The new kitchen is bright and open, with new stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and cabinets that run to the ceiling. The Cherry hardwood flooring is a nice upgrade from the crusty old linoleum floor.

Bedroom Before & After

New Wrap Around Deck

The new deck was just installed and it looks great!

Contruction Pics

Cottage Renovation: Original Interior

These are a few photos of the original interior. Although the kitchen layout was functional, a bank of cabinets completely obstructed the view of the water.

The bedrooms had limited storage, and the lake-side bedroom had just one small window facing the the water.

Here is a view of the old dinette area with the family room behind it (that's me, taking notes). These photos give you an idea of how much natural light floods in when the sun sets.

Cottage Renovation: Sunset

This picture of the sunset was taken before the project began. Notice the lack of a pier...the boat is tied to what is left of the old pier supports, not very practical.

Cottage Renovation: Original Bathroom

Technically, the old cottage had a second bathroom for guests! The old outhouse was buried behind some vines behind the old garage.

Cottage Renovation: Original Exterior

I have been working on an ambitious addition and renovation project for the past few months. I am converting an old waterfront home along the Fox River & Tichigan Lake waterway in Waterford into a more spacious and modern Cottage Hideaway. Here are some "before" photos of the front and back of the house:

The original home was built in 1940 without much regard for it's amazing setting. The house enjoys one of the best spots on the water - a spectacular west-facing view of the Fox River. The sunsets are gorgeous, and the waterway stretches on for miles. Unlike many waterfront homes, it doesn't look out at any other homes across the water - just trees, water and sky.

But in spite of the great location, the windows in the original home were small and awkward. The cabinetry obstructed the view of the water from the kitchen, and there wasn't a patio, deck or even a pier to enjoy outside. The property included a small one-car garage, but it was in such disrepair that the garage door could no longer be opened.

So the goal for this renovation is to open up the house to take full advantage of the beautiful view. We will also add a second bathroom, more closet space, and bring the laundry out of the basement to the first floor. Lastly, a new two car garage with storage space, will be built in place of the old, falling-down one car garage.