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Project posted by Lisa Sauvé

Scoutpost

View 30 Photos
Location
Alanson, Michigan
Year
1880
Structure
House (Single Residence)
Style
Farmhouse

Rental for 14 Guests

$450 / night
Check Availability
Floor lamps and a big nelson bubble lamp bring light throughout the big living area. A four food diameter thrifted coffee table (previously from a kindergarten) is great for playing games.
Floor lamps and a big nelson bubble lamp bring light throughout the big living area. A four food diameter thrifted coffee table (previously from a kindergarten) is great for playing games.
The twin bed frames were originally bunkbeds that were cut. A simple mattress frame with wheels slides under as a perfect fit for a custom trundle bed. The blue wood paneling acts as a continuous headboard, anchoring all the beds against the wall.
The twin bed frames were originally bunkbeds that were cut. A simple mattress frame with wheels slides under as a perfect fit for a custom trundle bed. The blue wood paneling acts as a continuous headboard, anchoring all the beds against the wall.
Removing some shelves and painting it white helps the coffee station feel more integrated in the space with the breakfast nook. Electricity needed to be brought to the shelving to power the appliances. A large picture window look out to the barn with new light fixture.
Removing some shelves and painting it white helps the coffee station feel more integrated in the space with the breakfast nook. Electricity needed to be brought to the shelving to power the appliances. A large picture window look out to the barn with new light fixture.
Entry with stained glass and original wood floors. A weathered American flag was found in the basement and hung on display.
Entry with stained glass and original wood floors. A weathered American flag was found in the basement and hung on display.
Cabinet doors were removed from most of the upper cabinets and painted white. For guests this makes it easier to see what is stocked when using an unfamiliar space.
Cabinet doors were removed from most of the upper cabinets and painted white. For guests this makes it easier to see what is stocked when using an unfamiliar space.
A wood stool with tools on hooks and a basket of birch wood keeps the cabin warm along with a modern furnace in the basement. A small stool made from a log off-cut and hairpin legs functions as both a place to chop down larger logs and sit while stoking the fire.
A wood stool with tools on hooks and a basket of birch wood keeps the cabin warm along with a modern furnace in the basement. A small stool made from a log off-cut and hairpin legs functions as both a place to chop down larger logs and sit while stoking the fire.
An office area in the open loft area with a collection of classic games and vintage books found at the property.
An office area in the open loft area with a collection of classic games and vintage books found at the property.
Bath station with salts and candle with cart of toiletries.
Bath station with salts and candle with cart of toiletries.
Front of 1880s cabin in summer with garden.
Front of 1880s cabin in summer with garden.
Floor plans
Floor plans
Site and Area map of amenities and nearby northern towns
Site and Area map of amenities and nearby northern towns
Living room with collection of existing and refurbished furniture from previous owners and new/vintage pieces added to the space.
Living room with collection of existing and refurbished furniture from previous owners and new/vintage pieces added to the space.
Upstairs washroom. Block painted wood paneling brightens up the space. A new vanity, mirror, and light give a modern touch.
Upstairs washroom. Block painted wood paneling brightens up the space. A new vanity, mirror, and light give a modern touch.
The "lookout loft" has 2 trundle beds and a queen bed in an open area upstairs.
The "lookout loft" has 2 trundle beds and a queen bed in an open area upstairs.
North facing bedroom painted sage green with queen bed and full size futon.
North facing bedroom painted sage green with queen bed and full size futon.
Bunkhouse decorated with vintage posters and painting found in the barn on the property.
Bunkhouse decorated with vintage posters and painting found in the barn on the property.
Dining room with updated lighting and restored wood chairs. A feeding trough from the barn was refurbished into a drink station.
Dining room with updated lighting and restored wood chairs. A feeding trough from the barn was refurbished into a drink station.
Wall art of old arrows found in the barn.
Wall art of old arrows found in the barn.
Marble sink and clawfoot tub refreshed with sea salt blue-green paint color throughout.
Marble sink and clawfoot tub refreshed with sea salt blue-green paint color throughout.
Southern light in upstairs bedroom with low vaulted ceilings. Floyd platform bed used for low clearance and modern look.
Southern light in upstairs bedroom with low vaulted ceilings. Floyd platform bed used for low clearance and modern look.

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Details

Square Feet
2200
Lot Size
10 acres
Bedrooms
4
Full Baths
2
Smart Home Tech
Google Home

Credits

From Lisa Sauvé

Purchased by 4 friends, 3 of which are architects who work together. The unique Northern Michigan property was too good to pass up with 10 acres including a small vineyard, prairie, paths, native gardens, porch, fire pit, spring fed stream and original CCC constructed dam. The 1884 log cabin includes 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a sleeping loft, and porch with space for relaxing and gathering. Additionally 2 bunkhouses with outhouse and a barn with potting shed sit north of the house.

The house was purchased fully furnished from 2 sisters and their husbands, continuing the legacy of couples owning the property. The house was filled with 20 years worth of antiquing and collecting an eclectic mix of furniture and decor. Planned as a vacation rental, it is important to utilize the space effectively to comfortably host as many guests as possible. Integrating trundle beds, a futon couch, and folding crib expand the sleeping options without committing space in the the scenario the house isn't at full capacity.

Modern updates like Andrew Neyer's Mobile Light, DWR Nelson Bubble pendant, and Floyd platform bed and dining table provide clean lines in contrast to the rustic charm of the old log cabin. A updated design mixes cozy furniture you can sink into like the 3 full size couches and thrifted durable pieces like the coffee table and dining chairs. Bringing in decor from the teams personal style along with several finds from the house and barn left behind by the previous owners, the aesthetic is something similar to a mid-century Wes Anderson.

The renovation was a balance of reduction, updates, and utilization. The biggest update was the upstairs washroom which got a full new vanity, mirror, and lighting, including new plumbing fixtures in the shower and sink. The block painting gives a fresh and bright feel in a simple move. Similarly, the kitchen did away with many cabinet doors and a fresh coat of paint provided continuity to the 4 different types of wood and paneling that were added to the space through the years. Simple but necessary updates like replacing the carpet, a fresh coat of exterior window paint, and grounding outlets ensure this cabin will be ready for a long future.