Design & DIY

Basement renovator brings the outhouse experience inside

There’s something inherently North American about a rickety old wooden outhouse, replete with cobwebs, 15-year-old magazines, and of course a crescent moon-shaped hole cut in the door.

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The outhouse has long been a critical cottage component, as many of the isolated lakes where the cabins were built didn’t have infrastructure for plumbing. The solution was to dig a hole, built a simple shack, and install a toilet seat. Nowadays, even some of the more rustic cottages have basic septic tanks installed, along with running water and electricity.

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But along the way have we lost some of the magic? Sure, it’s a pain to wander out into the night every time you have to go to the washroom, but the outhouse as a fixture is pretty iconic. A modern bathroom just doesn’t have the same charm.

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Along came a clever renovator who decided to enjoy the best of both worlds. He lovingly crafted a classic outhouse out of wood and nails, even including a functioning toilet to replace the rather smelly alternative.

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Even details such as humorous outhouse-themed decorations were added to enhance that signature charm.

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We at Cottage Life think this is a great start, but how about an indoor lake, or maybe a nice fire pit?