Every nail, brushstroke, and unexpected twist brings us closer to creating a Poconos cabin rental space where special memories will be made.
When you’re in the midst of a major cabin rental renovation, surprises are inevitable. Some are exciting, like seeing a space transform before your eyes, while others remind you why flexibility is key. Today’s visit to the cabin brought a little bit of both, and we’re thrilled to share the progress—and a few hiccups—with you.
Deck Repairs: A Timely Decision
Even though we’re in the heart of winter, we decided it was time to tackle the second-story deck off the loft bedrooms. The sagging corner of the deck had been on our radar, and while it might have been tempting to wait until spring, the safety of our family and future guests took priority. We knew the deck needed attention now, especially since family members would likely want to enjoy the view from the second-story deck this winter.
This morning, the deck was leveled, and we began the process of bringing it up to code. The old horizontal railings—easily climbable by small children—are being replaced with vertical ones. When the team removed the railing posts, they uncovered something we hadn’t anticipated: the front-facing wood was rotted, breaking apart in brittle pieces.
While replacing the rim joists wasn’t part of the original plan, we’re glad we caught the issue now. It’s always better to address structural concerns head-on rather than risk long-term damage. Knowing the deck will be both safe and beautiful for our guests gives us peace of mind, even if the repair timeline shifted a bit.
Inside the Cabin: A Bright New Beginning
Once the deck inspection was done, we were eager to step inside. We’ve been trying to give the painters space to work, but today, we couldn’t resist taking a closer look at their progress.
The first thing that struck us was how bright the cabin feels now. The painted wood paneling has completely transformed the vibe of the interior. It’s incredible how a fresh coat of paint can breathe new life into a space.
In the kitchen, the cabinets are being installed with new hardware. Watching the doors go on was such a satisfying moment. There are still a few touch-ups needed, but the transformation is already jaw-dropping.
Upstairs, the loft bedrooms are almost finished, and painting has begun in the main floor bedroom. As we walked through each room, we couldn’t help but envision the finished product. We’re confident it’s a space you’ll love just as much as we do.
Appliance Delays: Patience is a Virtue
While we were riding the high of seeing the cabin’s progress, we hit a small snag. We’ve been eagerly awaiting the arrival of our kitchen appliances, scheduled to come on Monday. But as luck would have it, we received a voicemail while at the cabin informing us of a delay.
The shipment, originally ordered on Black Friday, is now postponed due to manufacturer issues. Home Depot let us know they’ll follow up in the next 24-48 hours to reschedule delivery. While this news was disappointing, it’s a reminder that some things are simply out of our control. All we can do now is wait and hope the delay isn’t too long.
Looking Ahead
Despite the appliance hiccup, today’s visit left us feeling optimistic. The painters are making fantastic progress and expect to wrap up next week. With the kitchen cabinets coming together and the deck repairs underway, the cabin is evolving into a space that feels warm, welcoming, and safe for everyone who visits.
We’re also getting ready for the next big step: the arrival of butcher block countertops. Once we pick them up next week, we’ll begin the process of sanding and applying polyurethane to ensure they’re perfect for installation. It’s a hands-on project we’re excited to tackle, knowing it will add so much character to the kitchen.
A Heartfelt Thank You
As we reflect on today’s progress, we want to take a moment to thank you for following along on this journey. Each step, from unexpected repairs to the finishing touches, is bringing us closer to welcoming you to the cabin.
We’re wishing you a Happy New Year filled with health, joy, and prosperity. Here’s to fresh beginnings and the exciting adventures that await in 2025!
Stay tuned for more updates—we can’t wait to share the final reveal with you. In the meantime, check out the photos below to see the transformation in action!
