Stewart’s Folly is more than just a Poconos Airbnb—it’s a labor of love, a tribute to family, and a gateway to the peace and beauty of the mountains. Stay tuned for more updates as we bring our vision to life!
This past week was about rolling up our sleeves and tackling the not-so-glamorous side of renovating our beloved Poconos Airbnb, Stewart’s Folly. After the painters wrapped up, we were met with a mess that needed immediate attention. It wasn’t the seamless experience we’d hoped for—paint splatters on the new floors, wall paint on moldings, brown smudges on white walls, and dust-covered sinks told us there was still work to be done. But as with every project in this labor of love, we’re embracing the challenges and finding satisfaction in the journey.
Room-by-Room Cleanup
Armed with brooms, mops, and plenty of elbow grease, we cleaned up the painters’ leftovers. It was hands-and-knees work—meticulous and tiring, but also rewarding. We swept away debris, scrubbed paint splatters, and started touching up the imperfections room by room. As much as we’d hoped the painters would leave things “perfect,” we’ve come to realize that perfection is subjective. And when it comes to making our cabin shine, we’re more than ready to roll up our sleeves and make it happen ourselves.
Plumbing Projects: Laying the Foundation for Comfort
This week also marked the start of a significant step forward—our plumbing upgrades. While these projects may not be glamorous, they’re essential for creating a reliable and comfortable retreat. The water pressure tank, filter, and softener system were installed. We’re also upgrading the kitchen and bathroom plumbing, replacing old hardware past its prime. These improvements might not be visible at first glance, but they’ll make a difference in the cabin’s functionality.
Kitchen Progress: Building the Heart of the Cabin
Excitement is building as the kitchen renovation inches closer to completion. This week began with anticipation for appliance deliveries, but as is often the case in projects like this, things didn’t go exactly as planned.
After several phone calls with Home Depot, we learned the fridge delivery had been rescheduled. While frustrating, it’s a bump in the road we’ve come to expect in a project of this scale. Thankfully, the stove, hood, and dishwasher arrived, so the kitchen began taking shape. Today, significant progress has been made in the kitchen renovation! We leveled the cabinets, installed the tile backsplash, and relocated an electrical outlet to accommodate the new tile. We’re eager to share the results but saving the full reveal for a later post.
The upstairs bathroom is getting some love, too, with new hardware for the tub on the way and another coat of paint on the trim. Each of these small projects adds up, transforming the cabin into a polished and inviting space. Bit by bit, we’re turning Stewart’s Folly into the retreat we envisioned—a place where nature meets comfort and every detail reflects the care we’ve poured into it.
Sealing the Countertops: A Labor of Love
On a brighter note, we were thrilled to receive the butcher block countertops. I spent part of the day sealing them with polyurethane to protect their natural beauty and ensure they’re ready to handle years of cooking and entertaining. It’s a careful process, but one that feels rewarding as the countertops transform before our eyes.
Painting, Plumbing, and Light Fixtures
While the plumbers continued their work on the new water pressure system, filtration, and softener, we tackled other tasks around the cabin. Paint touch-ups were the order of the day—bi-fold doors received their final coat, and we finished painting the railing balusters.
The light fixtures are now fully installed, adding a warm and inviting glow to each room. It’s amazing how such small details can make a space feel more complete and bring out the personality of the cabin.
A Sticky Situation: Painted-Shut Windows
As we worked on sealing the countertops, the fumes from the polyurethane made us eager to let in some fresh air. That’s when we discovered an unexpected hurdle—the painters had painted the windows shut! It’s another “to-do” on the ever-growing list, but we’re determined to get those windows working again. After all, what’s a cabin retreat without the ability to let in the crisp, fresh air of the Poconos?
Looking Ahead
Despite the challenges, every task we complete brings us closer to our vision for Stewart’s Folly. Tomorrow, we’ll head back to finish sealing the countertops and address the painted-shut windows. We’re also adding balusters to the railing to bring it up to code. There’s still work to be done, but the cabin is transforming into the perfect getaway, and we can’t wait to update the before and after pictures page!
With just a few weeks of work left, we can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Moving furniture and décor into the space will be the final step in bringing our vision to life. Every clean-up, installation, and adjustment is part of the journey, and we’re savoring each moment of progress.