Welcome to the ninety-second post in the series
"Living Large in Small Spaces".
When I first discovered this lovely cottage located on a Lake Superior island, the description placed it at 1,100 sq ft. Later I saw another article that noted it is 1,500 sq ft, which is larger than the homes I typically share. Whatever its measurements, this is still a modest retreat not only in size and budget, but also in interior decor compared to many others being built today. And yet, its beauty has not been diminished in the least. This, I believe, warrants it being included in this series. I think you'll enjoy touring it.
The owner is a semi-retired physician who spent her childhood summers at a rustic Maine cottage. Those were happy times for her, and she wanted to create a vacation home that encapsulated those memories.
In keeping with her desire for a rustic interior, rigid foam insulation was applied to the exterior of the house -- a very energy efficient method -- allowing interior studs to be exposed.
The combination of oak cabinets and metal-front units from Ikea set a casual tone in the kitchen. Counters around the perimeter are plastic laminate. The vintage range from the owner's garage and shelves across the windows add particular charm to the kitchen. Blue ceilings are a New England tradition.
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A translucent white stain was applied to wall studs and sheathing to keep the interior from looking too yellow.
The cottage has one bathroom, located on the main floor. To the left of the commode is a walk-in shower.
Although the loft is small, it doesn't seem cramped. No doubt the white surfaces, natural light, and the fact that the railing leaves it open to the main floor contributes to the feeling of spaciousness.
The floor surrounding the carpet is painted plywood. A delightful window seat doubles as a bed.
The second bedroom sits under the roof dormer, and is furnished with a brass bed inherited from the owner's grandmother.
Note the shingled wall, which makes the porch look like an addition to the house. A successful effort at making the cottage seem like it has existed for generations.
The home and outbuildings are situated on 9 acres. Construction of the barn preceded the residence, allowing for a staging area and a secure place for tool storage as the cottage was being built. A solar array on the roof (which can be seen in the lead photo) provides enough electricity to power the house.
This unpretentious cottage is inviting and homey. I love it!
You can see more of this home, including floor plans in the Houzz article here.
Architect: Albertsson Hansen Architecture
Join me next Saturday for another post
in the special series
Living Large in Small Spaces
in the special series
Living Large in Small Spaces
I can just imagine sleeping in that bedroom with the yellow bedspread and all those windows. Summer breezes coming through the open windows, lighting bugs flickering through the night sky and then waking to that view. Heaven :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a great place. The owner did a wonderful job of pulling things together. It looks new-old. Perfect! Hubby and I rented a cottage on Madeline Island a few years back and we loved it. I think it is one of the most restful places I have ever been. I totally relaxed there and read for three days straight.
ReplyDeleteAnother great little place. xo Diana
It is lovely-- but this is small?? ;-)
ReplyDeleteI do love that bedroom view. Can you imagine waking up there?
The bedrooms are pretty basic, and the home has one tiny bath. So in that sense it's small. It's still about twice the size of our cottage, though. So, to me it's pretty big. :)
DeleteIn comparison to the average home in the US it is small. I love it. It is very homey.
ReplyDeleteCarla in Kansas
In comparison to the average home in the US it is small. I love it. It is very homey.
ReplyDeleteCarla in Kansas
Love it Nancy. Very pretty views and the rooms are so cozy.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Kris
Oh Nancy, what a glorious cottage, done well with midwest sensibilities. Overlooking the lake, good materials and sleek edges make for a cozy yet open space. I agree; that loft looks spacious! Happy Sunday my dear!
ReplyDeleteI would spend a lot of time on the porch. Great space, I can see lots of family and friends all gathered there without being crowded.
ReplyDeleteThe loft spaces are so charming. My husband would love this one, too...right up his alley!
ReplyDeleteHi Nancy, Wow this is a cottage that has great charm and looks like it lives large or appears larger in photos. Uncluttered to the eye and very inviting retreat.
ReplyDeleteThat is gorgeous. I love coming here and seeing what you share. I am in love with smaller homes and spaces.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for these kind words. I'm partial to smaller homes and spaces myself. :)
DeleteIt is pretty. I love the brightness of the rooms...not sure about the exposed walls...they look undone to me! It is different though and inviting to stay for a visit.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful!
ReplyDeleteI love the cottage and the view on the nature from the window. I'd love to steal the Windsor chair in the living room. I've been looking for one...
ReplyDeleteHi Nancy,
ReplyDeleteI live in Wisconsin and have visited Madeline Island a couple of times. My sister and I had our 2015 Sister's Weekend on the island.
A fun tour for me.
Carla
I love all the windows, truly a beauty and a gem hidden away in the woods! I love the light and white, and the new/old feel to the place would be so relaxing. Love the gorgeous fireplace, the open spacious kitchen, and the reading nook upstairs. Of course, their sweet animals added to the charm of it all! Lovely all around, thank you for sharing :)
ReplyDeleteThat is very cute! It looks very spacious and inviting for a small place. My husband and I spent one of our Anniversaries on Madaline Island. This brought back good memories.
ReplyDeleteLoving all the white and that blue ceiling is Amazing!!
ReplyDeleteI could live there :)
ReplyDeleteI think I could to. The word "island" always appeals to me. :)
DeleteThis is a cottage within a few hours of us, so I know where it's located. I could certainly spend my summer whiling away the hours in this rustic and modern retreat! Thanks for sharing, Nancy!
ReplyDeleteInteresting to see a blue ceiling in a kitchen. I like that. The views are great.
ReplyDeleteHappy Valentines Day Nancy - Hope you and your sweetie had a great day.
We did. Hugs to you.
DeleteThe shingled porch reminds me of a beach cottage we rented every summer when I was young in Myrtle Beach. I loved the brown shingled porch, which was a sleeping porch that my father and uncle claimed. It was the perfect place to take a good book after a morning at the beach. But the windows in this cottage's upstairs bedroom would be like sleeping in a tree house, pleasant dreams every night.
ReplyDeleteInteresting, charming, warm . . .
ReplyDeleteI kind of like the open stud look of this home . . .
It fits perfectly . . .
I enjoyed the differences, and for sure,
the new ideas . . .