Saving a Piece of HistoryCottage Living September 2008

Saving a Piece of History
Cottage Living September 2008

Cabin "AFTER" - Jump below for the "BEFORE"

When Joanna Pace-Brackett and David Brackett bought their dream cabin in Indiana, they knew it needed lots of work but they loved its historical charm. What they didn't realize is that every contractor consulted would insist it needed to be completely torn down.

Jump down to see how they defied demolition - BEFORE photos included! - and restored the quaint home...

Cabin "BEFORE"

This "Michigan log" cabin was built along the Michigan-Indiana border in the 1930s. Like many of old vacation homes, the rooms were small and dark, there was plenty of wood paneling, and "everything down to the rotting floor needed replacing." Joanna and David found a kindred soul in Chicago interior designer, Bob Klingel, who helped them save and revitalize the existing structure and original details.

Painting the wood paneling white instantly opened up the rooms.

Rearranging an awkward staircase allowed for a second floor master suite & bath.

One of Joanna and David's priorities was saving the stone fireplace and chimney, which happened to be separating itself from the house. For more dramatic BEFORE and AFTERs, check out Cottage Living's online bonus article on the renovation.

Photos: Cottage Living (Thanks, Rex!)

Comments (9)

This would be my dream house on a lake...

posted by LilyC on September 25th 2008 at 6:15am
view LilyC's profile

that is STUNNING!

posted by sdnyc on September 25th 2008 at 6:18am
view sdnyc's profile

Wow, looks pretty big before, did they remove the skylights? good idea.

posted by DahliaCactus on September 25th 2008 at 6:18am
view DahliaCactus's profile

WOW! what a lovely place to live!

posted by thiscozyskull on September 25th 2008 at 6:33am
view thiscozyskull's profile

that is gorgeous! i am so jealous!

posted by lizziepeony on September 25th 2008 at 6:36am
view lizziepeony's profile

white paint heals all wounds...

posted by Pistachio on September 25th 2008 at 10:54am
view Pistachio's profile

That is my dream house

posted by HereOrOverThere on September 25th 2008 at 3:22pm
view HereOrOverThere's profile

I LOVE this house! I am especially interested in knowing the brand and color of the roof shingles - it would be perfect on my barn-style home. Please tell me how I can get this info without leaving my e-mail address here. Thanks so much.

posted by Gailee on August 4th 2009 at 7:32am
view Gailee's profile

Like the previous commenter I'm wondering if the homeowners of the Indiana log cabin ever read this page? If so would be interested in information re: the wrought-iron cage chandelier hanging over your breakfast nook. Love it. Where did you find?

posted by katyrose on August 18th 2009 at 8:49am
view katyrose's profile