Scott and Debra Update a Classic Muskoka Cabin For the First Time in Decades

It’s hard to nab property in this area of Muskoka, where plenty of celebrities now cottage. And you can see why, what with this beautiful view. Scott and Debra made sure the entire family and any potential renters can make the most of this idyllic spot with an updated deck, see-through glass railings, and plenty of outdoor seating for lazy summer days.

Inside, Scott and Debra stuck with neutral colours in order to maximize the cottage’s original charm. They put up new, low-maintenance walls and gave the high ceilings a fresh coat of paint for a bright and airy feel. Some new furniture pieces and a few photos bring it all together for a chill and welcoming vibe.

While the cabin features an open-concept feel, Scott and Debra designed this galley kitchen to maximize space and add a few updated finishes that will appeal to renters. The updated cabinets are fresh and inviting, the black trim feels cozy but modern, and the double sink is handy for owners and renters alike.

In the living room, Scott and Debra sourced an electric fireplace for additional warmth and coziness (because what’s a cottage without a fireplace?). Then they created a feature wall for interest with stones and built-in shelves, and decked it out with minimalist but thought-out design pieces.

Small cabins can have big dining energy too with circular tables, which take up less space but encourage people to gather around for a meal. Debra and Scott designated this corner of the cabin as the dining room, complete with a hutch for storage and an on-theme chandelier.

One of the best features of this cabin is the covered porch, which extends the rental space through to the fall and gives these homeowners even more rental potential. There’s a dining table to seat even more guests, plus a cozy sitting space where you can watch the sun rise or set over that gorgeous lake.

Scott and Debra also reconfigured the bedrooms with updated walls and layouts in order to maximize sleeping potential throughout. The simple black-and-white décor is universal and practical for the changing seasons, while small finishes, like the nightstand and photos, add instant comfort and charm.

Before the renovation, the bathroom was a small and tired space that hadn’t been updated… well, ever. Thanks to a new vanity, mirror, toilet and large shower, the space feels fresh and inviting — two positives when it comes to a bathroom you plan on renting out. Pops of black continue the design theme from the rest of the cabin, and a couple additional baskets under the vanity add even more practicality and storage.

If you want your rental to get noticed, you need to include notable features renters won’t find in other listings. Enter this old school hot tub, which heats up by fire and easily fills with lake water for a relaxing, lakeside soak. It’s the perfect example of what can happen when new meets old, and it adds a ton of value to this cabin rental.

By keeping some of the original features but updating this cabin in the places that really matter, Scott and Debra added a ton of rental potential to this family cabin. Now, the family can enjoy the cottage when they want but still rent it out for a whopping $650 a night.