How one couple turned a run-down Georgia lake house, cottage, cabin into the makeover retreat of their dreams.

Photo: Laurey Glenn, Styling: Matthew Gleason

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 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 know for its great boathouses, and the Cotney's set out to make theirs a special family retreat.

Photo: Laurey Glenn, Styling: Matthew Gleason

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,” says Kathy, “so our dogs can run around without getting into much trouble.”

Photo: Laurey Glenn, Styling: Matthew Gleason

Outdoor Kitchen

To better enjoy the view from their deck, the Cotney's added an outdoor kitchen to grill and entertain. Son Trey and bulldog Henry hang out near the outdoor kitchen when dad fires up the grill.

Photo: Laurey Glenn, Styling: Matthew Gleason

Spacious Dock

Casual groups of chairs all around the Cotney cabin offer inviting spots to relax by the lake.

“When you’re up at the lake, you actually see your children," says Kathy. "It’s a great place to reconnect with family."

Photo: Laurey Glenn, Styling: Matthew Gleason

Shower Bucket

An outdoor shower station is right off the dock to clean off after a long day of boating. With a cut galvanized bucket hung over a showerhead, this outdoor shower is just as clever as it is convenient.

Photo: Laurey Glenn, Styling: Matthew Gleason

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.

Photo: Laurey Glenn, Styling: Matthew Gleason

Kitchen: Before

“The interior was dark when we bought it,” Tom says. “When we started to lighten it up, it began to feel so much larger!"

Photo: Laurey Glenn, Styling: Matthew Gleason

Kitchen: After

The kitchen is in the same location but rearranged and updated. They also replaced windows and added French doors that open to screened porches.

Photo: Laurey Glenn, Styling: Matthew Gleason

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.

Photo: Laurey Glenn, Styling: Matthew Gleason

Reading Nook

Kettles helped to make use of every inch. Under the stairwell, he designed a reading nook.

Photo: Laurey Glenn, Styling: Matthew Gleason

Handrail Cleat

Keeping true to their lakeside location, the Cotneys used a cleat at the end of the fun and inexpensive rope handrail.

Photo: Laurey Glenn, Styling: Matthew Gleason

Bunk Room

Kettles was able to innovate and turn a small upstairs room into a bunk room to fit more guests.

Lakeside Cabin Makeover

A Serene Location

Deck with a View

Outdoor Kitchen

Spacious Dock

Shower Bucket

Living Room

Kitchen: Before

Kitchen: After

Dining Area

Reading Nook

Handrail Cleat

Bunk Room