Cottage Makeover: Raising the Roof and Reclaiming Space
Before we get into an impressive house transformation from Erin, a quick note: Sherry recently shared a simple Easter DIY she made for Clara on Young House Life, and there’s a sneak peek below. Now, on to Erin’s inspiring renovation.
From 1938 Cottage to Modern Comfort
Erin and her partner bought a 1938 cottage near Lake Michigan, Wisconsin, in 2002 and fell in love with its charm. The house, however, had a couple of persistent problems: the bedrooms had very low headroom and the roof leaked. What began as a roof repair eventually turned into a full redesign of the roof and a much larger renovation. In short, they removed the top half of the house and rebuilt it a few feet higher to create comfortable, usable rooms upstairs.
Thoughtful Exterior Improvements
The backyard received a thoughtful update as well. A new deck was added, and they installed cable railings—a detail inspired by their sailing background, since cable railings resemble sailboat lifelines. Erin handled much of the hard landscaping herself: she laid the stone walkway to the detached garage, built small retaining walls around the garden, and designed and planted the landscape. She calls this the DIY project she’s most proud of.
Creating Space Upstairs
Before the renovation the second floor had two small bedrooms with steep, low ceilings. The renovation transformed that layout into two spacious bedrooms—one with a walk-in closet—and added a bathroom. Erin notes how much of a difference having a bathroom on the same floor as the bedroom made after living without one for eight years.
Smart Built-Ins and Finished Details
In the master bedroom, built-in cabinetry proved to be a brilliant decision. The custom built-ins, combined with a compact walk-in closet, provide so much storage that freestanding dressers are unnecessary. Erin installed bamboo flooring throughout and handled nearly all of the painting in the house herself. The exception was the living room’s cathedral ceiling—she wisely left that to professionals (and spared her neck).
A Tiny Bathroom with Big Function
The new upstairs bathroom measures just 8 by 8 feet, yet the layout includes a 5 by 3 foot shower and ample storage. Like the bedroom built-ins, the bathroom storage was a design Erin planned and had constructed to maximize the compact footprint. The hallway outside the bedrooms opens down to the living area and features a small gallery wall inspired by familiar home tours. Among the decorative details is a salvaged board found during demolition that reads “Put here July 11, 1938,” along with a bathroom door salvaged from Erin’s grandparents’ house—meaningful pieces that connect the renovation to the home’s past.
The Result: A Home Worth Staying In
Erin sums it up simply: after the renovation they couldn’t imagine loving their house more, and they’re certain this will be the only home they live in now. The thoughtful mix of structural change, smart storage solutions, and personal touches—like the salvaged board from 1938 and the bed-and-breakfast feel of the backyard—make the cottage both livable and deeply loved.
If you’re looking for renovation inspiration, Erin’s transformation shows how addressing fundamental problems—headroom, roof design, and functional bathrooms—can completely change how a home feels and functions. It’s a great example of how careful planning, selective DIY, and a respect for the home’s history can come together to create a space you never want to leave.