New Life for a Little Cottage

A loving restoration

By Steve Johnson

Published: July 1, 2008

Photo by Cabin Life Staff

When cottages or cabins start to show some wear, and the sags, creaks, groans and drafts overwhelm the owner, the popular custom of late is to tear them to the ground and build big – taking away both the original structure and charm. James and Mary Krook saw things differently.

After decades of creating family memories at their small gray cabin, the vote for preservation easily beat out the wrecking ball. “Once it’s gone, you can’t replace the charm,” said Mary. “We wanted to save it for the grandkids, have a place for guests to stay, and preserve the history of the cabin.”

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