Single mom Becky was starting to think about her future. Years ago, she and her two sons upgraded their waterfront home for a bigger house but kept the second property as a vacation home. With her two boys getting older, however, Becky was looking to create an income opportunity for herself. Unfortunately, she wasn’t able to keep up with all of the needed repairs.
So, Becky called in Scott McGillivray, designer Debra Salmoni, and the Scott’s Vacation House Rules team. See how they converted this former family home into a Riverside Retreat with a cabana, fishing amenities and a fire pit.
Don’t miss new episodes of Scott’s Vacation House Rules, Mondays at 10 p.m. ET/PT on HGTV Canada. Stream Live or On-Demand with STACKTV. Try it free today!
A Former Family Home
Years ago, this kitchen would have been considered a great family space. Today though, the dark finishes and wood paneling suck up light and bring the room down. Much like the rest of the house, it required a serious update, along with some finishing touches to appeal to vacationers looking for a cozy but amenity-filled rental spot.
Related: Scott McGillivray and Debra Salmoni Wrangle the Ultimate Ranch Rental
White, Bright and Full of Light
New floors, fresh paint, and updated appliances go a long way in this new kitchen, which makes use of the existing layout. Now, the space feels open and flows to and from the rest of the house, creating an airy feel. Renters will appreciate the open concept, which allows guests to cook and mingle. Add in a couple of chairs at the island and a subtle backsplash to fit the Riverside theme, and this is definitely a retreat-like kitchen.
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A Warm Welcome
At the front of the house, Scott and Debra transformed what Becky and her sons referred to as “the warm room” into a warm welcome. They added a small seating area for guests to hang out in and an office space for those who need to work a little during their vacay. Off to the side they also created a mud room with a pulldown bed where a bedroom once stood. Then, they replaced the previous French door with modern sliding barn doors instead.
Related: Scott McGillivray Creates the Perfect Victorian Venue for Weddings
A Cool Place to Dine
Meanwhile, the back of the house featured this space, which the family referred to as “the cold room.” Why? Because it was so cold it actually cooled down the rest of the house. Not long after, Scott and Debra got their hands on the space and fixed some of the home’s structural issues. Now this room is a much-needed dining space with plenty of seating where renters can enjoy a good meal together and take in the views from multiple windows.
A True Fishing Retreat
Having updated and upgraded amenities inside a rental is essential, but so is a great outdoor space. Now, this fishing retreat features both, thanks to the new backyard. It’s got a beautiful firepit area for grilling up whatever catch of the day renters bring home, along with a cabana to serve refreshments after a quick dip in the river. Add in a great outdoor living area for relaxing and dining al fresco, and this is a rental that Becky should be able to utilize for a second income for years to come.
Don’t miss new episodes of Scott’s Vacation House Rules, Mondays at 10 p.m. ET/PT on HGTV Canada. Stream Live or On-Demand with STACKTV. Try it free today!
