Bordered by the water on three sides, this peninsula on South Carolina’s Lake Keowee, might be the perfect place to build a summer retreat. Inspired by childhood memories, owner Kay Stanley’s dream of building a place that echoed her grandparent’s cabin came together by combining antique flair with innovative modern design. Touring this cottage is like taking a trip back in time, but with all of today’s modern conveniences. And, like all stylish architecture, it’s filled with reclaimed and repurposed materials, which add some authentic history to the cottage’s charm.
Set on a narrow peninsula in Lake Keowee, just outside of Greenville, sits this cottage inspired by days long past. The Stanleys had a dream to build a cabin reminiscent of a family lake house from a hundred years ago. Kay grew up visiting her grandparent’s cottage and wanted to recreate her happy childhood memories.
Using repurposed materials and antique finds, the Stanleys were able to seamlessly meld old and new. The kitchen design was inspired by some key historic furniture finds—the bar stools and overhead pendant lamp fixtures originated in an old French factory. The stools run along a 12-foot-long breakfast bar, which is the perfect place for generations of family to break bread.
The kitchen stays true to the charm of the early 1900s: there's the corner sink with its skirt, the iron kettles in a row, the porcelain-filled hutch, and the repurposed oil lamp. And tucked away in a nook is a heartpine icebox that opens to reveal a sub-zero refrigerator. Hiding modern day appliances behind rustic cupboards is a brilliant way to enjoy modern-day luxuries without losing any charm.
With windows on all three sides, the dining room has stunning views and is completely flooded with natural sunlight. The goal of the room is to feel more like a sunroom or adjacent porch, so the chosen furniture is indoor/outdoor wicker. The chandelier was inspired by old-style lanterns and was built out of flea market finds.
While the master bedroom comes with beautiful high ceilings and a curtained bed, this guest room is the most charming. It’s a room designed to make everyone feel at home, regardless of age. Kay chose a woven rug reminiscent of those from her childhood and filled the space with textured fabrics, wicker, books, and unique wooden furniture pieces.
Although a bathroom is usually the one room where modernity is most welcomed, the Stanleys were able to maintain the old-fashioned theme by adding items with an antique-inspired design. The best part about having a new cupboard that looks old? It’s much sturdier and longer lasting. The ceramic sinks ensure that everyone has plenty of personal space.
Even though the dining room feels like an enclosed porch, that didn’t stop the Stanleys from building one of those as well. No cottage is complete without a cozy spot for reading on a rainy day. The hardwood floors, wicker furniture and stone fireplace create a strong desire to curl up with a good book.
