Loading the slideshow
The slideshow requires script be turned on to function.
Next up
Garden shed to backyard retreatA garden designer turned an old toolshed into an inspiring space.
How a dance hall became a houseSee how a 100-year-old building became a minimalist retreat.
Adobe reimagined in Santa FeHomeowner pumps $2 million into renovating small 80-year-old home.
Home office gets a promotionAn underused workstation becomes organized, functional and stylish.
Garden makeover: Before and afterThis East Hampton yard is transformed from plain to colorful.
Tahoe cabin makeoverThis rundown A-frame rental home gets an upgrade.
From rundown to livable in 6 monthsSee how this couple transformed a condemned house into a comfortable home.
Rooms go from basic to beautifulGet budget-friendly ideas to transform a room in your house.
360-degree farmhouse makeoverThis hodgepodge of a home gets a unified exterior look.
© Laurey Glenn
© Laurey Glenn
© Laurey Glenn
© Laurey Glenn
© Laurey Glenn
© Laurey Glenn
© Laurey Glenn
© Laurey Glenn
© Laurey Glenn
© Laurey Glenn
© Laurey Glenn
© Laurey Glenn
FIND YOUR DREAM HOME OR APARTMENT
must-see on msn
-
High performance pedal power
Tooltip Information:
High performance pedal powerVideo by:Description: High-performance pedal power: Opel RAD e ((c) General Motors)Rating:Views:
-
7 ways to repurpose a bridesmaid dress
Tooltip Information:
7 ways to repurpose a bridesmaid dressVideo by:Description: Bold Bridesmaid Bouquet at Wedding ((C) Jessica Key/E+/Getty Images)Rating:Views:
-
Best fictional cars of all time
Tooltip Information:
Best fictional cars of all timeVideo by:Description: Best fictional cars ((C) Nerdology)Rating:Views:
-
Top car repairs for fuel efficiency
Tooltip Information:
Top car repairs for fuel efficiencyVideo by:Description: Best auto repairs to increase mpg ((C) Robert Bosch LLC)Rating:Views:
It would be nice to retire on a lake or small river. Just like the quiteness of the lake all day..
Lakeside cabin makeover
By Sandra S. Soria of Southern Living
A serene location
When Tom and Kathy Cotney purchased their lakeside cottage at the foot of the Appalachian Mountains three years ago, they knew it would take some work to get the feel they were looking for.
"If you could have seen it then, it was all kinds of nasty," Kathy Cotney says, laughing. "The first-floor bath was outdoors."
But the 2,500-square-foot house did have an enviable setting on the edge of Lake Burton, the largest of six lakes created by Georgia Power along the Tallulah River. Lake Burton is known for its great boathouses, and the Cotneys set out to make theirs a special family retreat.
- Southern Living: 60 porches and patios
- Video: Boat showoff fail
 | Design center Get ideas for your home with our inspirational rooms and direct access to real products. Click here to begin exploring. |
Lakeside cabin makeover
Deck with a view
Lake Burton's water is clear and fresh, filled from the mountains above.
"The house sits at the end of the road, down a long, private lane," Kathy Cotney says, "so our dogs can run around without getting into much trouble."
- Video: Inside a waterfront mansion
- Pinterest users: Check out MSN Real Estate's boards
- On our blog, 'Listed': Survey: Outdoor living space is important
Lakeside cabin makeover
Outdoor kitchen
To better enjoy the view from their deck, Tom and Kathy Cotney added an outdoor kitchen for grilling and entertaining. Son Trey and bulldog Henry hang out near the outdoor kitchen when dad fires up the grill.
- Bing Cube: Explore outdoor kitchens
- MSN Living: Cool 'green' homes that float
Lakeside cabin makeover
Spacious dock
Casual groups of chairs all around Tom and Kathy Cotney's cabin offer inviting spots to relax by the lake.
"When you’re up at the lake, you actually see your children," Kathy Cotney says. "It’s a great place to reconnect with family."
- Bing Cube: View more lakefront homes
- On our blog, 'Listed': Homeowners still remodeling, rather than moving
Lakeside cabin makeover
Shower bucket
An outdoor shower station is right off the dock for cleaning up after a long day of boating. With a cut galvanized bucket hung over a shower head, this outdoor shower is as clever as it is convenient.
- Southern Living: 60 porches and patios
- Video: Boat showoff fail
| Design center Get ideas for your home with our inspirational rooms and direct access to real products. Click here to begin exploring. |
Lakeside cabin makeover
Living room
The Cotneys wanted both a lake cottage and a mountain cabin. With the help of designer Margaret Bosbyshell, they came up with a comfortable hybrid of charming architectural elements and classic Adirondack-style furniture. Dark wicker, black finishes and rich fabrics look silhouetted against the crisp white backdrop.
- Video: Inside a waterfront mansion
- Pinterest users: Check out MSN Real Estate's boards
- On our blog, 'Listed': Survey: Outdoor living space is important
Lakeside cabin makeover
Kitchen: Before
"The interior was dark when we bought it," Tom Cotney says. "When we started to lighten it up, it began to feel so much larger."
- Bing Cube: Explore outdoor kitchens
- MSN Living: Cool 'green' homes that float
Lakeside cabin makeover
Kitchen: After
The kitchen is in the same location, but rearranged and updated. The Cotneys also replaced windows and added French doors that open to screened porches.
- Bing Cube: View more lakefront homes
- On our blog, 'Listed': Homeowners still remodeling, rather than moving
Lakeside cabin makeover
Dining area
Kitchen-and-bath designer Craig Kettles was able to rearrange the hardworking kitchen on one end of the main living space, leaving ample room for a full-size dining table. The Cotneys gather at the farm-style table for casual meals.
- Southern Living: 60 porches and patios
- Video: Boat showoff fail
| Design center Get ideas for your home with our inspirational rooms and direct access to real products. Click here to begin exploring. |
Lakeside cabin makeover
Reading nook
Designer Craig Kettles helped to make use of every inch. Under the stairwell, he designed a reading nook.
- Video: Inside a waterfront mansion
- Pinterest users: Check out MSN Real Estate's boards
- On our blog, 'Listed': Survey: Outdoor living space is important
Lakeside cabin makeover
Handrail cleat
Keeping true to their lakeside location, the Cotneys used a cleat at the end of the fun and inexpensive rope handrail.
- Bing Cube: Explore outdoor kitchens
- MSN Living: Cool 'green' homes that float
Lakeside cabin makeover
Bunk room
Designer Craig Kettles was able to innovate and turn a small upstairs room into a bunk room to fit more guests.
- Southern Living: 60 porches and patios
- Video: Boat showoff fail
| Design center Get ideas for your home with our inspirational rooms and direct access to real products. Click here to begin exploring. |
more from Southern Living
