THE CONDUCTOR'S COTTAGE
San Luis Obispo
Project: A family of five adult siblings hired me to completely restore this historic railroad cottage that had been sitting abandoned for decades.
Dream: A bright, modern 1 bedroom home for short term stays, with a classic exterior to honor the 1894 year of construction.
Challenges: Strict city compliance with the Historic Building codes made this project daunting, and limited any exterior changes to those that kept the building looking original.
ReImagined: A new foundation was the beginning, then moving the kitchen to the front and bedroom to the rear away from the street. Stripped to the studs, every system was replaced, bathroom enlarged and what you have now is a gorgeous brand new house inside the historic original. Period details like the deck and porch rails, picture moldings and porcelain hex mosaic tile in the bathroom ensured that this little gem kept the original era alive.
We removed the "modern" lowered ceiling to reveal a glorious 12'!
By using the tall ceilings, there is an abundance of storage (with step-stool), and all the mod cons.
With a nod to the period but all of the modern conveniences (inc washer/dryer).
...with door th the deck
