How Scott McGillivray Turns a Dungeon-Like Cottage Into a Four-Season Vacation Playground

Along with family members, Cassandra purchased a Wasaga Beach property with high hopes of vacation home rental potential, but the results fell way short of their expectations. While the property is perfectly situated on a private beach, the home’s interior was gloomy, cramped and frighteningly outdated. To turn things around, Cassandra and partner Kelsey took the lead to see if the investment could be salvaged — with Scott's help and an $85,000 renovation budget. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/scotts-vacation-house-rules/photos/malibu-beach-living-meets-west-lake-with-scotts-vacation-house-rules-1938498/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Malibu Beach Living Meets West Lake With Scott’s Vacation House Rules</a>

Before Scott starts a vacation house renovation, he uses his first rule, <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/scotts-vacation-house-rules/photos/scott-mcgillivrays-rules-for-a-successful-vacation-rental-property-1938457/#currentSlide=1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">“Do Your Research,”</a> to assess the market potential. While many beach houses can only attract renters in the sunny season, Scott saw unique potential to create a four-season retreat. Nestled in one of the best short-term vacation rental markets in the country, the cottage's location is perfect for beachgoers, mountain bikers and hikers in the summer — while nearby hills attract skiers in colder months. Because three-bedrooms in the area rent for about $250 per night, the income opportunity was low-hanging fruit with the right upgrades. This dungeon-like foyer was a must-change space. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/real-estate/photos/6-questions-to-answer-before-buying-a-vacation-home-1052843/#" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">6 Questions to Answer Before Buying a Vacation Home</a>

In order to save this vacation home, Scott’s third rule, <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/scotts-vacation-house-rules/photos/scott-mcgillivrays-rules-for-a-successful-vacation-rental-property-1938457/#currentSlide=2" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">“Plan Your Design,”</a> was key. With the help of designer Debra Salmoni, the team played up the property’s incredible lakefront views and year-round appeal. To start, Debra painted the dark and cramped foyer a bright white to add a light, clean feel. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/paint/photos/choose-perfect-white-paint-1931442/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">10 Tips to Help You Choose the Perfect Shade of White Paint for Your Room</a>

To showcase the vacation home’s four-season charm, the team came up with a sporty theme so that they could market the cottage to renters as a year-round home base for outdoor adventure. Inside, Debra incorporated antique sports to add character and highlight the theme. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/real-estate/blog/10-things-to-know-about-your-rental-before-cold-weather-hits-1910736/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Scott McGillivray’s 10 Things to Know About Your Rental Before Cold Weather Hits</a>

Renters on vacation need room to comfortably prepare their meals, so the cramped kitchen layout (with no counter space beside the oven) wasn’t ideal. To make the space more functional for guests, Scott built a wrap-around kitchen and a comfy banquette dining area. Debra added cozy character with <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/backsplash-tile-cabinetry-top-kitchen-trends-2020-1931289/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">distinctive graphic-patterned ceramic tiles</a>. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/use-reclaimed-wood-kitchen-design-1938970/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">10 Ways to Use Reclaimed Wood in Your Kitchen Design</a>

Because the beach house only had one bathroom, it was important that it be a stunning one. To make the bathroom more appealing to renters, the team removed the ugly patterned wallpaper and replaced it with <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/bathrooms/photos/ways-to-incorporate-wood-in-bathroom-1920101/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">cedar plank walls</a> and a white subway-tiled shower for serious spa-like vibes. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/scott-mcgillivray/photos/scott-mcgillivray-best-bathrooms-1905735/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Scott McGillivray's 17 Best Bathroom Designs</a>

While the all-season activity theme and the incredible lakefront location gave the cottage an instant competitive advantage on the rental market, Scott used his third rule, <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/scotts-vacation-house-rules/photos/scott-mcgillivrays-rules-for-a-successful-vacation-rental-property-1938457/#currentSlide=3" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">“Get Noticed,”</a> to help ensure the beach house doesn’t get overlooked. Attention-grabbing, theme-enhancing features help vacation homes stand out when people are scrolling. So, to add curb appeal and a clean look, he refreshed the exterior with cream-coloured <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/renovations/blog/vinyl-brick-wood-siding-scott-mcgillivray-house-exterior-1918997/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">siding</a> — which he accentuated with bright blue and red canoes for a touch of whimsy and sporty charm. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/outdoors/photos/exterior-upgrades-that-save-money-1918558/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">9 Exterior Upgrades That Will Save (or Make) You Money</a>

The private beach is the biggest draw for the property, and key to getting the vacation house noticed. To give renters that incredible outdoor experience, Scott removed the rickety, oddly-shaped decks and replaced them with a stunning new balcony that would allow renters to enjoy the view any day of the year. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/outdoors/blog/5-backyard-upgrades-that-will-provide-the-best-return-on-your-investment-1917934/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">5 Backyard Upgrades That Will Provide the Best Return on Your Investment</a>

Adding unique details enhances your vacation home’s theme and help it stand out in online listings. Because of the cottage’s proximity to local ski hills, Scott repurposed an old chairlift into a novel front bench. Instead of converting it himself, however, he enlisted Cassandra and Kelsey to help. By using Scott’s fourth rule, <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/scotts-vacation-house-rules/photos/scott-mcgillivrays-rules-for-a-successful-vacation-rental-property-1938457/#currentSlide=4" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">“Roll Up Your Sleeves,”</a> and taking on part of the job, Cassandra and Kelsey helped cut down on costs while feeling more involved in their project. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/real-estate/photos/this-stunning-20m-whistler-estate-is-the-ski-chalet-of-your-dreams-1896453/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">A New Record! Whistler Ski Chalet of Your Dreams Sells for $17.5M</a>

As Scott’s final rule, <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/scotts-vacation-house-rules/photos/scott-mcgillivrays-rules-for-a-successful-vacation-rental-property-1938457/#currentSlide=5" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">“Be Your Guest,”</a> shows, addressing details that give renters a better experience means more positive reviews — and more bookings. Because the bedrooms were on the smaller side, Scott and Debra found ways to make them feel more spacious and luxe. To start, Scott removed excess built-in storage and replaced it with smaller dressers — short-term renters don’t need a lot of closet space, and they’ll appreciate the extra room. For an element of on-theme fun and excitement, Debra decorated each bedroom to a different concept: winter, sports and garden. <br><br>Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/scotts-vacation-house-rules/photos/scott-mcgillivray-transforms-a-run-down-cottage-into-a-pet-friendly-rental-paradise-1938558/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Scott McGillivray Transforms a Run-Down Cottage Into a Pet-Friendly Vacation Rental Paradise</a>