Building The Love Shack

Its been a while since I answered some emails and I think we best be getting back to that.

Question 1) You mentioned you were in your fourth season. Now that you have owned a cottage for four years and are still doing construction, would you buy an old cottage again to renovate it?

Now there is a question I have asked myself a few times.

When we were looking for a cottage, I had this dream place in mind. Somewhere quiet that I could go away to. A place to write and draw. Walk by the water and view sunsets.

So far, I have had hardly any walks by the water. Very little writing has been done and the only drawing I have done is the designs of the cottage. But, I have seen the best in some people. Learned so much about myself and husband. Have shared some very nice moments and wonderful conversations and most of all learned what I can do.

This cottage has made me step out of the box. Think differently and given me a wonderful sense of accomplishment.  So with all the troubles and work, yes. The long walks and the writing are now starting to come.

Question 2) If there was one piece of advice that you would give someone who was going to buy what would that be?

Water, water, water. Check to see if you have working water. Where does it come from? Check the lines to it. Where it is going and how much of it stands on your property. Is it drinkable? How do you get more and how do you get rid of the dirty water? Do you have use and entrance to the big body of water you got your cottage by? Are the pipes up to code? How old is your holding tank and cistern? Are you on a well? Who delivers and removes water in your area? Is your pump newer or older? Can you get parts for it?

Water has been our biggest problem, expense, and set back. We appreciate turning on the tap and the wonderful water appears and disappears down the drain. The toilet flushes.  The dishes can get washed and the sacred shower is lovely.

After starting out without knowing anything about cottage water and spending close to $14,000 on water. We learned nothing functions without having water. On that note, I say, water, water, water.

Question 3) You mentioned in a blog a few weeks ago that Cottage Country was hard to break into. Why?

Cottage Country is an old community. Many cottages have been owned for many generations and passed on from one generation to the next. The children and grandchildren have grown up together and are very close-knit.  In some areas, they don’t come up for sale very often.

They have set their own rules and have a way things have been done for years. New people and changes are hard for some people to accept.

There are over one hundred cottages in our area. I would say that we know after three full years of being there, maybe ten of the homes. Each season we learn more people’s names and get more visitors.

When we walk the dogs, people will always stop us. Pet the dogs and introduce themselves. Most cottagers are nice people who come up to relax. But you won’t find that you get a lot of invites when you first move in. They like to see what you are about and see you around a while before they reach out to you.

If you are new, give it time. You will build relationships. These relationships will become important to you. They are not only companionship but a great resource of information. Cottagers also watch over each other and each other’s homes.

I would best describe it as being the new kid in a small town. Everyone is curious about you, but you haven’t been around, so they don’t know what to think about you.

And just like a small town, they have lots of time to sit and watch. Oh ya, and gossip. Be careful what you tell them, I have heard some really interesting things about myself. Where it comes from, I have no idea. On the other side of that, I have heard lots of interesting things about others. Take both with a grain of salt.

 

As always, I thank you for your question and I ask that you keep them coming. It’s your interaction that keeps blogging interesting and enjoyable for me.

Lacie