2.5 years and we are finally done! We gutted this little cottage down to the studs and gave it a full makeover. What started as a humble fixer-upper at School Section Lake quickly became a labor of love, filled with weekend projects, countless trips to the hardware store, and a lot of learning along the way. From replacing outdated wiring and plumbing to installing brand new insulation, drywall, and flooring, every inch of “The Little Blue Cottage” has been touched with care and purpose. The original charm of this retreat was something we wanted to preserve, so we kept the cozy layout and added modern comforts while embracing a simple, coastal-inspired design.

The transformation wasn’t just cosmetic—it was a complete reimagining of how we wanted to use and enjoy the space. We opened up the main living area to create better flow and natural light, updated the kitchen with Amish built cabinetry and custom quartz counters. We added a huge 400sqft Trax deck perfect for morning coffee or an evening cookout. Outside, we gave the exterior a fresh coat of its signature blue paint, added native landscaping. This renovation tested our patience at times, but standing here now, looking out over the water, we know every late night and hard decision was worth it.