Our new lake-front restoration project! August 4, 2014
Hello!
Having grown up in Northern California, we spent summers at Lake Tahoe, thanks to our parents. In fact, since I could drive as a teenager, I would alternate weeks at home and at the cabin, with my dear younger sister and brother.
I had two jobs. Feeding my younger sibs and getting a tan. I had Hamburger Helper figured out. Getting the tan was more time consuming!
The old cabin, built in the 40’s was bullet proof! It took every possible form of abuse for the forty years it was in our family, before we tore it down and built the Taj Mahal, with my dad’s help.
The re-build happened shortly after my mom passed away and it gave all of us something to focus on. It was an especially great diversion for my dad and he enjoyed many good times there, before he passed away three years ago.
Fast forward to the present and it’s the five siblings, trying to share and maintain this place, that was supposed to be a family gathering spot. Even though my parents had the best intentions, the five of us are still trying to figure out how to share our toys. It’s much more challenging than you’d think.
The family home has turned into a time-share, with each of us having our assigned weeks, while trying to figure out who fixes the broken window or replaces the napkins. It should be simple, but it’s not.
So, Mr. Wonderful and I gathered up our spare change. We looked under every sofa cushion and came up with just enough to buy a lake side fixer.
It’s a wonderful home, built in the late 50’s, that is structurally sound and was last updated in the early 80’s. You remember the 80’s? Yeah, me too!
We absolutely love being near the water. Every day, no matter what the weather, it’s a beautiful view.
I’ll wait to share the interior with you. This is a before and after paradise!
If I am ever out of before and after furniture projects at the shop to share with you, there is a life time supply of before an after’s to share with you from Tahoe!
We call the place “B, B, B & B”, (Barbara and Bob’s Bed & Breakfast), because we will be renting the place out frequently, once restored to its full potential! Take note: If you need a home, that sleeps about ten, with 3 fireplaces, 3 baths, across the street from the beach, with water toys and a buoy, we’ll be talking!
I know, I know. Life was full of so much free time after opening the shop! We needed more to do! Stay tuned, as we do our thing!
How nice and with water views. Seems a lot of families have trouble after the parents are gone. Looking forward to before and afters.
Thanks, Kim! You seem to have a great relationship with your sister. Maybe smaller families are better at the transition. Who knows! I’m liking the changes at your place!! Take care.
Barbara, I am sooooo excited for you. You voice sings even in writing when you mention Lake Tahoe. Looking forward to watching the renovations happen because I know they will be spectacular. I, too, come from a family of 6 and understand what you are saying. It’s hard and this is a perfect solution!
Thanks, Barbara! 6, huh? You know what I’m talking about! Let’s teach some painting classes in the front yard together!
Oh, this is terrific! Sounds like it’s the perfect spot…with a lot less hassle! It’ll be fun following along on your journey! The Lake Tahoe area is so beautiful…I was there many, many years ago for just a short time. Wishing you all the best with “B. B. B. and B.”! 😉
Thank you Donnamae! So wish you were closer! We could remove wallpaper together! 🙂
I’m love with the name! B,B,B&B! Love this post.
Sign us up!! Haha!! Okay I know it’s not ready, but I’m certain it’s going to look beautiful! I was just telling my husband that next year we need to start the LT tradition for Luna. I did research cabins for this year but most of the nice lakefront’s are booked up. So I’m definitely looking fwd to BBB&B! I need to get in to the store and buy stuff so the restoration goes quicker! Lots of luck with the beautiful new property!
Great to hear from you, Lendy! Luna must be getting to be a big girl! Don’t be a stranger! 🙂
How awesome…what a gorgeous view. This is very exciting!
Thanks, Mary Ann! So many choices and projects to complete! Trying to just take it one room at a time!
Congratulations Barbara & Bob…what a charming house and beautiful view. I know you will do all of your “magic” to make it an inviting home! Vassios family might be your first customer?! :):):)
Family & Friends discount right???? lol
You bet, Lisa! The friends and family discount is all yours! Cross your fingers that it turns out like I hope! Thanks for your sweet note!
It’s beautiful Barbara!
Thanks, Linda! Lots to do, but we’re up for the challenge!
Oh I am so happy that you and Mr Wonderful found enough change under those cushions to buy a lake house of your own…I know how special the lake is to you…so when you get it done, put my name on the list for the BBB&B…we are traveling that way in October, but I do not think you would be ready by then 🙂
Congrats and I am sure you are looking forward to working your magic on the house!!
Thanks, Shirley! You are certainly welcome to be our guests in October, but it will be a work in progress…which is fine. October is a great time of year to go just about anywhere! (I see that you’ve bought the entire stock of ironstone in PA!!, Darn it! 🙂
Congratulations! It’s gorgeous. West shore or ?? Really excited for you. Aren’t you going to miss fighting with the sibs?” Ha ha.
Hey Debbie, It’s over in the Homewood area, on Hurricane Bay. Once you overlook the orange shag carpet, it’s really a great spot! Hope Abby is doing better!
Congrats on your new vacation home. Growing up in Carmichael I spent many summers at Lake Tahoe too. Since moving to the southern part of California we don’t get to Tahoe as often as we used too but your new fixer-up looks familiar. I can’t wait to see what you do with the place.
Traci
Good to hear from your, Traci! Thanks for your good wishes and stay tuned!
Congratulations on your new place! I love the name … So clever! I think I’ve driven past that home many times ! It’s a beautiful spot ! Can’t wait to see it ! Add me to your renters list ! Available next summer??
Hugs!
K
You’ve got it Keven! We have lots to do, before then, but it’s all cosmetic, so that’s good. Stay tuned for updates!