After more than a decade of escaping the bustle of Illinois to vacation at their rustic log cabin in Wisconsin, the homeowners of “The Cabin” found themselves at a turning point. With careers in Chicago winding down, the family made the life-changing decision to relocate full-time to the scenic Wisconsin lake property they had grown to love. But their beloved old cabin—charming as it was—needed some serious updates to become a true forever home.
The original structure was full of character but lacked modern comforts. Dirt under the floorboards, no attached garage, and limited closet storage space made year-round living impractical. Yet, the spirit of the place—the history, the beauty of the land, the memories made—was irreplaceable. They didn’t want to start from scratch. They wanted to build around what they loved.
Designing the Dream
Inspired by both their Midwest roots and time spent out west in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, they envisioned a home that would blend rustic charm with modern livability—a place to gather and entertain. The goal: preserve the heart of the original cabin (including the mature trees on the land) while weaving in new elements inspired by western living in Wyoming and reflections of their lifestyle and tastes. The family wanted a 100-year home—timeless, warm, and welcoming, and a house that would feel just as right in the 1920s as it would in the 2120s.
They worked with an architect, Architectural Development Services (ADS), to draw up plans that included key lifestyle features: a first-floor master suite and guest suite, an attached garage, ample closet space, and cozy gathering spaces for friends and family. Their dream also included some personal touches: a spacious kitchen with a single large sink, hidden dropdown screens in the great room, a fire pit on the patio, a drying bar in the laundry room, and what they affectionately call “beefy materials”—oversized wood elements and finishes that let the craftsmanship speak for itself.
Finding the Right Builder
Friends who had recently finished a project with Colby first introduced them to the Colby Construction team. “We can’t say enough great things about Colby Construction,” they say. “The people at Colby make the difference. They really listened to us and made every effort to do what we were looking for. They didn’t just make our desires happen: they did it with a smile on their face!”
Colby’s dedication shone through from the very beginning. When their well froze during the early days of the build (while the family was living in the boathouse, no less), their project manager at the time, Paul, came out personally to help. After Paul retired, Andrew stepped in as project manager and proved to be, in their words, “an absolute star.” No matter what came up in the project, the team at Colby Construction was able to deftly manage it.
A Display of Craftsmanship
Early on, nature set the tone. The heavily wooded property required careful planning to preserve its most majestic trees. Rather than clear-cutting, the Colby team went above and beyond to position the home within the landscape. “They saved all of the big, grand trees,” the homeowners said. “It was important to us, and they made it happen.”
Beyond the logistics, the build itself presented an opportunity for craftsmanship. “This is the first time we’ve built a true log cabin,” the Colby team shared. “That alone presented challenges—but it turned out beautifully. We love doing unique projects with great clients.”
The materials used were anything but standard, and Bill from Collaborative Design was instrumental in using them to achieve the “feel” of the home. He worked alongside the Colby team throughout the entire project. The home features Montana logs and stone, which give it an authentic, weighty presence. Custom hand-forged iron strapping and railings, created locally, are found on the staircase and even the front door. A local artisan also crafted the custom iron range hood and fireplace screens, while Wisconsin stone forms the great room’s stunning custom mantel and hearth.
The screen porch showcases an elegant stone radius arch which houses custom retractable phantom screens, hidden from view when not in use. Even the cabinetry tells a story—real birch wood cabinet door panels adorn the second-floor coffee bar, adding warmth and texture. Many elements were hand-distressed on site, while the lime plaster walls, mixed with straw, add a vintage, time-worn feel that ties everything together.
“Every square inch is custom,” the homeowners said. “Every nuance had some craftsman working on it. The Colby carpenters were spectacular—amazing and kind, they showed up on time and worked their butts off.”
And while it’s easy to get swept up in the aesthetics, staying within budget was never off the table. “Props to Colby for being respectful of the budget and fitting our requests within it,” they shared.
Come on in! A comfortable gathering space for friends & family
While it’s impossible for them to pick a favorite spot, the great room, screen porch, and kitchen top the list for the homeowners. Each space flows effortlessly into the next, inviting barefoot summer guests in from the lake and cozy gatherings by the fire in the winter. “We entertain a lot of company here, so we wanted this home to feel warm and welcoming and comfortable to all who enter,” the homeowners said.
The end result is more than a home—it’s a lasting tribute to intention, care, and heart.
Thinking about building your own custom lake home?
Their advice: find a team who listens, cares, and puts in the effort. In their case, that was Colby Construction. “They were so, so awesome to work with.”
View all the imagery from The Cabin here.
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