![\"BWCA](\"https:\/\/11loons.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2013\/07\/BWCA-small2012-09-05-08-39-56.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nWhile it was only 240 square feet, Kerry assured us that it was strong and ready for remodeling. \u00a0Starting almost from scratch, we had the chance to really create just what we wanted on a site with excellent views. The first step was to move the cabin aside and build a new foundation that would lift it off the ground so we could expand it. \u00a0While the crews worked on the ground, we drew up plans for the remodel. \u00a0Those plans went through about 30 iterations between Kerry, John Davis who would build the new cabin, and ourselves. \u00a0We got a lot out of their experience with both construction and what makes a good cabin. \u00a0And they put up with our somewhat unusual ideas and desire to fit a lot of features into a small space.<\/p>\n Clearly it had to be in good shape to survive being moved about and lifted up. \u00a0The next step was to remove the roof and front wall. \u00a0The remaining three walls form the back half of the main part of the cabin. \u00a0When you are in the bedrooms or bathrooms, then you are in the old cabin.<\/p>\n Next the walls were extended forward to form the main room which contains the kitchen, kitchen table, and built-in daybed.<\/p>\n At this point the cabin has doubled in size to 480 square feet. \u00a0Then the roof went on and the three season room was added bringing it to 640 square feet.<\/p>\n John Davis and his crew were racing to get the entire structure framed in before it got below 20 degrees. \u00a0But they were still working outside with snow on the ground and icicles on the roof. \u00a0Once it was framed in, they could work inside with a heater.<\/p>\n Now the studs went up and we started to see if 2 bedrooms and 1.5 baths were going to work.<\/p>\n And eventually, through a lot of bad weather, both the interior and exterior took shape.<\/p>\n Then it was on to outfitting the cabin with cabinets, fixtures, appliances, and the built-in beds, daybed, and benches. \u00a0It was a hectic process that went through the end of June, 2013. \u00a0We didn’t see the cabin between September, 2012 and July, 2013. \u00a0Working remotely required us to completely trust John and Kerry and the final result is truly a collaboration between us and them. \u00a0Sandy Davis stepped in and let us know what we would need to get the cabin outfitted and ready to rent.<\/p>\n Finally, on July 2, 2013 we got to Ely to see the final result and were just estatic with how it turned out. \u00a0We spent a week setting it up, making runs from Ely to Virginia, MN to shop at Menards and Target, down to a final all-nighter spent putting up pictures, making sure everything worked (we had to run the heater on a hot July night), and at the last minute putting on the kitchen drawer pulls.<\/p>\n Then we did a final cleaning and took the pictures you can see in the galleries.<\/p>\n So what makes it our dream cabin? \u00a0It has two bedrooms with full beds because many of our camping trips are with another couple. \u00a0It has lots of extra sleeping space and 1.5 baths for trips with groups of our nieces, nephews, and the next generation. \u00a0It has a tub to get really clean after a long camping trip. \u00a0And it has lots of windows to keep us connected to the outdoors even when inside. \u00a0Even with all of those features, the cabin feels roomy and flows well.<\/p>\n Our only regret is that the mural had to be covered up with the new siding. \u00a0But we have a plan to bring it back in miniature.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" This spot on White Iron Lake began as Forest Gate Resort and then became Outdoor Adventure Canoe Outfitter for 40 years. \u00a0We first came to this property for the canoe outfitting and returned almost yearly for long canoe trips into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. \u00a0During that time we \u2026 Continue reading
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