Taking a Break to Look at the Cottage

     We have had a few requests for pictures of our cottage remodel.  We are taking a break from our current project to paint some exteriors.  A few of you have asked for pictures of the transformation of my cottage in northern Michigan.  I need to go up north to access my journals for the timeline of events.  We have a habit of writing in a journal each and every time we go north, even if it's for a weekend to rake leaves.  We also make our guests and family write in the journal. 

The first wall

Brad's brother, Joel and our Pastor, Scott LeLaCheur lended a hand

Great room window

Our son Bj learned a lot on this job and is now an architect.

Pastor Scott is making sure the job is getting done correctly

Brad is teaching our son Max how to use a nail gun

Mike Moran, our electrical genious

Max is in the great room

Brad and I at our favorite spot

The finished cottage

Our labor of love started in Brad's head and moved to napkins at restaurants, notepads, and any blank paper laying around.  He would be drawing all the time. Initially, it was going to be a great room off the back and then a great room and loft.  Our cottage grew along with his dream.  I'm so glad I married a dreamer.  I remember when we started the project.  It seemed so daunting.  He said to me..."How do you eat an elephant...one bite at a time." I don't think I will ever eat elephant but I know what he meant.  At the time, it seemed to take forever.  He did the work mostly by himself and fit it in when he could between jobs.  We took a 900 square foot cottage and transformed it into a 2400 square foot cottage. The photos are of poor quality because they are 5 years old and scanned.  

Check Out the New Porch!

Can't wait until the stone and siding is installed

I know you've already seen this but I love this room!

Ready for the rear deck

We have a new porch.  After waiting for inspections, posts are in the holes, that were a bear to dig, and cemented.  The front gable and porch are up as well as the rear deck.  The front porch and gable change the entire look of the house.  Many have come by to comment, positively, I might add.  We are getting ready for siding.  I still haven't heard any suggestions about color from our followers. 

I See Changes Taking Place

Reverse gable covering porch

Window at the top of stairs

Rear/side view

Rear/side view

Side view of porch

Front

Getting ready for tomorrow's rain

Front

Window at the top of stairs, overlooking garage

New view out the front window

Rear window/closet

Side window

I do see major changes taking place in the last day or so.  The upstairs roof has shingles, the reverse gable is in place and 75% completed over the porch. The reverse gable overhangs are completed on the sides of the second level.  The studs are up for upstairs closet walls but not for the upstairs bathroom.  We are going to stone the top of the chimney and the bottom third of the house.  We would like to hear opinions regarding color for the hardie board siding and trim. We have some ideas but we'd love to hear yours!

Ready for Shingles

Top of the stairway, my son is texting on the roof

Rear window, bath will be in the right corner

Side window

Top of the stairs

Front window

Rear window

Front window

All the trim is done on the roof and we're ready for shingles.  The master suite continues to take shape.  There will be plenty of large windows for lots of light and cross ventilation. The shingles finally got delivered at the end of the day today. It was a little too windy by the time the shingles came to get any roofing done.  There's always tomorrow.