Transforming a 1970s Cabin into a Riverside Oasis
Have you ever dreamed of owning a cozy little cottage by the river – a peaceful retreat where you can escape the stresses of everyday life? For my husband Kent and I, that dream became a reality when we stumbled upon an opportunity to purchase a charming (albeit outdated) A-frame cabin in Aberdeen, UK.
It all started when we noticed a mustard yellow cottage sitting right next door to my parents’ riverside home. The owner hardly ever used it, and when he passed away, we knew we had to jump on the chance to make it our own. In February 2011, we closed the deal and became the proud new owners of this 1970s time capsule.
Tackling the Transformation
As soon as we set foot inside, we knew we had our work cut out for us. Wall-to-wall red shag carpet, paneled walls, and dated gold furniture – this place was a prime example of the retro charm (and challenges) that come with an older property. But with my handy father-in-law’s expertise, a lot of elbow grease, and an unwavering vision, Kent and I were determined to transform this mustard-colored cabin into the relaxing riverside retreat of our dreams.
“The ink was hardly dry on the papers and we were already in there renovating the place,” my mom likes to tease. No joking – this was an extreme makeover from start to finish!
For the next 4-5 months, we spent nearly every weekend up north, tackling one project after another. My dad, a retired engineer and all-around handyman, put in 8 hours a day, even when we weren’t there. Meanwhile, my mom stepped in as the chief caregiver for our infant son, C1, and kept us well-fed throughout the renovation process.
It was a true family affair, and we couldn’t have accomplished half as much without their incredible support. From gutting the bathroom to overhauling the kitchen, we dove headfirst into this massive DIY undertaking, determined to bring our vision to life.
Embracing the Retro Charm
Of course, not everything needed a complete overhaul. Some of the cabin’s original features – like the vintage cowboy light fixtures in the bedrooms – had a quirky charm that we just couldn’t bear to part with. Instead of replacing them, we opted to keep one and incorporate it into the boys’ room, balancing it out with modern ceiling fans for better airflow.
And while the red shag carpet had to go (good riddance!), we actually managed to salvage the original comforters in the upstairs bedroom, giving them a fresh new look with a few washes. The fishing-themed bedding added the perfect rustic touch to the boys’ cozy quarters.
“That lamp may look familiar to you,” I chuckle, nodding towards the “old man and the sea” fixture in the corner. “It was a gift to the previous owner, and we just didn’t have the heart to get rid of it.”
Blending Old and New
One of the biggest challenges we faced was finding the right balance between preserving the cabin’s vintage character and incorporating modern updates. Take the kitchen, for example – we completely gutted the space, replacing the tiny, poorly-lit area with sleek new appliances, a stunning river rock backsplash, and a massive island that serves as both a prep station and an entertaining hub.
But we made sure to pay homage to the past by using the same large, neutral-toned tiles throughout the kitchen, dining room, and bathroom. Not only did this help tie the spaces together visually, but it also provided the perfect canvas for hiding inevitable dirt and mud tracked in by our rambunctious boys and four-legged friends.
“The river rock backsplash is really eye-catching and one of the first things people comment on when they walk in,” Kent proudly shares. “It was a bit of a labor-intensive project, but the end result was worth it.”
Another tricky area was the open staircase leading up to the loft. With our youngest son just starting to walk, we knew we had to find a way to make this precarious setup safe for little ones. After months of brainstorming, we came up with a clever solution – sawing off the edge of the stairs and installing adjustable balusters and an additional 4×4 board to create a proper railing.
Embracing the Great Outdoors
Of course, no cottage makeover would be complete without some upgrades to the outdoor living spaces. On the back of the cabin, we have a large deck that overlooks the serene river, and we knew we had to make it as safe and functional as the interior.
By moving the boards and adding a top rail, we were able to keep our little ones secure without obstructing the breathtaking view. We also installed wire mesh around the sides, taking inspiration from a wildlife preserve we visited in Florida. It’s a simple yet effective solution that’s been the envy of our neighbors.
“So many of our neighbors have admired it,” I share. “In fact, the neighbor on the other side of my parents used the same stuff when he re-did his deck a few years ago.”
As we stand on the deck, taking in the gentle flow of the river and the lush, verdant landscape, it’s hard to believe this was once a dated, neglected cabin. But through our tireless efforts and a whole lot of love, Kent and I have transformed this 1970s time capsule into a relaxing riverside oasis – a true home away from home that we’re proud to call our own.
The Journey Continues
Of course, our cottage makeover journey doesn’t end here. We have some exciting new additions in the works for the fall, and we can’t wait to share our plans with you. Be sure to visit our website or follow us on social media to stay up-to-date on all the latest updates and transformations.
So if you’re dreaming of your own relaxing retreat, take heart – with a little elbow grease, a lot of creativity, and the support of loved ones, anything is possible. Who knows, maybe your own cottage makeover adventure is just around the corner!
