Lake Retreat Haven: from miners’ retreat to lakeside luxury.
A humble 1950s fishing cabin, taken to the studs and rebuilt around a single detail: handcrafted copper cabinet pulls.
- Before
- 1950s miners’ fishing cabin
- Scope
- Down to the studs
- Signature
- Copper, from pulls to sinks
- After
- Lakeside Airbnb
An Airbnb destination.
What began as a humble 1950s fishing cabin once used by miners has become one of my favorite transformations. The spark of inspiration came from a single detail: custom copper cabinet pulls handcrafted by Duluth Copper Co. in Minnesota. From those pulls, the entire design took shape, weaving warm copper accents throughout the home.
Down to the studs.
We took the cabin down to the studs, making way for all-new electrical and plumbing. I reconfigured the walls to create a spacious master suite and a bathroom that finally felt like it belonged to grown-ups, not just kids. The bathroom became a cozy luxury retreat with a double teak vanity, hammered copper sinks, and custom tilework. Heated floors were the finishing touch that made it feel indulgent even on the coldest mornings.
The master suite, though compact, feels surprisingly generous thanks to a custom-made king captain’s bed and floating nightstands, both handcrafted by a local Ravensdale artisan. Every element was chosen to blend warmth, functionality, and character.
The heart of the home.
The kitchen is the heart of the home, with semi-custom cabinetry, those striking copper pulls, quartz countertops, and premium Café by Design appliances. I added a touchless faucet and a large farmhouse copper sink to bring both beauty and practicality to the space.
Opened to the lake.
To make the most of the lakefront setting, we replaced the original windows with a 10-foot sliding glass door, opening the home to the outdoors. A cedar deck, privacy screens crafted from corrugated metal, and a saltwater spa completed the vision, turning this once-humble cabin into a tiny luxury retreat.
Now featured on Airbnb, it’s often booked solid by guests looking for a unique lakeside escape. Every time I see new visitors arrive, I’m reminded of the journey this little cabin has taken, and the joy of seeing it loved all over again.
This place is amazing! Beautiful house and lake. Kayaks and spa were perfect!
The view of the lake is breathtakingly beautiful. The home is clean and lovely, the neighborhood quiet and serene. A truly lovely place.
Our stay at Lake Retreat Haven was nothing short of magical. From the moment we arrived the home felt like a breath of fresh air: cozy, clean and thoughtfully arranged, and surrounded by nature’s beauty.
More of the retreat.
Let’s walk your house.
The consultation is free and there is no obligation attached to it. Worst case, you find out you do not need to do anything.