Transformation is in the details—every step brings us closer to crafting the perfect getaway for our guests.
This morning, I made a trip to the cabin to catch up on all the progress—and let me tell you, it was a whirlwind of activity! It feels like every corner of the cabin is being touched with care, and it’s exciting to see everything coming together for our guests.
The first stop was with Nate from Keystone Resurfacing. He’s the hero of the day, transforming our dated pink tub and tiles into a gleaming, modern white. No more 1970s vibes here! The process takes two days, but the result is well worth the wait—offering a crisp, clean look for a truly relaxing soak. (I’ll post pics next week).
When I arrived, the cabin was bustling. Eddie and Steve from EZ Does It All were there, wrapping up some final details. They installed the last of the door trim and baseboards and tackled a vent hole in the kitchen that served no purpose—just an eyesore. Now, it’s patched with drywall, leaving the kitchen looking better without the gaping hole.
Painting, Patience, and a Touch of History
Dave from Pro Painting was also on-site, working his magic in the loft’s three bedrooms. Painting over the existing artwork on the walls turned out to be more challenging than expected. The thick lines from tape and remnants of the original art required extra sanding, spackling, and layers of paint to create a smooth, fresh finish. But the effort is paying off—the bedrooms are looking fantastic, and they’ll be ready for your arrival in the Spring. Curious to see what the bedrooms looked like when we first took over the cabin? Click here to find out!
The upstairs bathroom is also getting a much-needed facelift. Most of the wallpaper is gone, making way for Nate’s tub resurfacing. If you’ve ever seen avocado-green bathtubs from older homes, you’ll know why we’re thrilled about this update! Meanwhile, the wallpaper removal process has begun in the main-level bathroom, as shown in the photo below.
While the pros worked on the big tasks, I contributed in small ways—removing old cabinet hardware and drapery hooks. In the process, I stumbled upon a surprise: a kitchen drawer with a sliding tin cover that opened into a tin-lined box labeled “bread box.” It’s a charming piece of history we’re excited to preserve.
Upgrades for Comfort and Convenience
Behind the scenes, the cabin is also getting some essential functional upgrades. Electrical wires were pulled into the crawl space for a pump, and soon, we’ll be installing a new pressure tank and water filtration system. This includes a water softener to ensure our guests enjoy soft, clean water during their stay.
This update builds on the first improvement we made when we purchased the cabin: installing a French drain to keep moisture away from the foundation. These updates may not be as glamorous as fresh paint, but they make a world of difference in creating a comfortable and well-maintained space.
Looking Ahead
By next week, the painters aim to finish, and I can’t wait to share the photos with you! One of the design choices I’m especially excited about is the railing and balusters. We finally made the decision to paint them – which will elevate the cabin’s look, and we can’t wait to reveal it in the new year.
The bedroom closets are also getting a makeover, and the trim received a third coat of white paint, which made a big difference. Next week, I’ll be back to pick up butcher block countertops for the kitchen. I’ll be sanding and applying polyurethane myself to get them ready for installation. The stainless-steel appliances arrive in January, marking the final big purchase before spring.
A Labor of Love
Every update we make is with you, our guests, in mind. From the bright, updated bathrooms to the cozy bedrooms, we’re creating a space where you can relax and feel at home.
We can’t wait to welcome you to our Poconos cabin and share all the work we’ve poured into it. Stay tuned for more updates as we bring this vision to life—and thank you for being part of this journey with us!