Ginny and John Stimpson were fortunate when they discovered an early 1900s home on the bay in Fairhope, Alabama.
According to Ginny, who spearheaded and supervised the renovation herself, the location provides a lakeside living experience with the added bonus of being just a 45-minute boat ride from the ocean. The renovation aimed to maintain authenticity without adding extra rooms. The outcome is a delightful waterside cottage of the perfect size (2,300 square feet) for Ginny, John, and their three sons. However, the space falls short when hosting guests, prompting Ginny to address the issue by converting the property’s robust standalone garage.
Before.
Mindful of adhering to the existing structure’s limitations, Ginny devised an intelligent plan: 70% of the garage’s 480 square feet would be allocated to a guesthouse, while the remaining 30% would serve as storage. Continue reading to discover how she revitalized the building.
After.
Although the structure had appealing proportions, it needed to shed its unmistakable garage appearance. Ginny initiated the transformation by replacing the original front door with salvaged French doors from the main house. The entry gained visual interest through decorative brackets crowned with a panel of wood and metal roofing. A pair of secondhand lanterns flanking the doorway contributed to a distinctive entrance. Finally, a fresh coat of glossy, gray-green paint (Farrow & Ball’s Down Pipe, No. 26) enhanced the exterior’s character.
