I've written about cottage conversions before, but it is a popular move for empty-nesters when they downsize. I always find it interesting because they are all different.

These cottages start with a simple floor plan and through the years it may be modified with the intention of improvement, but it doesn't always end up that way. Many of these 'improvements' we have to un-remodel and get down to basics.

PROBLEM

This lake cottage in Howell had its own uniqueness. The 'front' door (A), facing the street was one way into the house and a side door (B) offered a secondary entry. There was an upstairs (C) with two small bedrooms (D), and a stair (E) to a small crude partial basement, possibly used as a tornado shelter. A modest bedroom (F) is on the street side, across the hall from the only bathroom (G). The U-shaped kitchen (H) is open to the living/dining room (I), but over the range. A utility closet (J) houses the furnace and an instaneous water heater. These homeowners were not empty-nesters, they had two small children. This was, however, a vacation cottage that had been in the family for decades and they wanted to expand and update it to use during most of the summer. The clients’ first desire was to add a large master bedroom and bath to the upstairs and they understood it would require an addition. They also wanted more living space and storage. With the children, they wanted a play space so they decided to add a full basement to the addition and finish it off nicely. These people were also looking to make the home appear more interesting from the street. SOLUTION

The only way we could add was off to the side, so we expanded out 16' (K). This afforded a new room with a view, and more of a den/dining room (L). This addition was idea to add the master bedroom space above (not shown), and a new full basement (also not shown). The new kitchen (M) was placed in the former bedroom (F). This gives the cook a quick view of who is arriving. We converted the bedroom closet into a great pantry (N) The stair was reworked to add a landing (O) and a nice way from the kitchen to the new basement. Changing the stair also enabled us to put a guest bedroom (P) where the old kitchen (H) was. The bedroom still has good access to the bathroom (Q), which didn't change. We put a second door in the bedroom for more flow. It was necessary to add an entry (S) by bumping out 6' at the front. It includes a large coat closet and a corner porch (T) which is covered. The living/dining room (I) didn't change, except the addition of new French doors (U) out to a new deck (V). We have maximized the exposure to the lake view. Marcia Lyon is a professional remodeling designer and freelance writer, producing projects locally and several other areas across the U.S. and Canada. Her new book on remodeling design, “The Essential Planner for Home Remodeling,” is available at www.creatingspaces.net. You may contact her at Marcia@creatingspaces.net or 515-991-8880.