Nesslin Lake is a year-round recreational area in Northern Saskatchewan that offers fishing, hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. The hamlet has only twenty small cabins on a narrow strip of land between two lakes, Swede Lake and Nesslin Lake, and I am fortunate to have parents who own one. The original cabin was a labour of love built by my parents, myself, my brother and a few of the other cabin owners in the late 90’s.

This complex renovation has involved countless conversations over many years about the potential of adding three additions to the small stick-frame cabin. The additions include a new double-height dining room adjacent to a covered porch facing the water, a new dormer for an upper-level bathroom with a clawfoot tub, and a garage with two bedrooms and a balcony above. It was essential to increase natural views, so large windows have been added on the front and back sides of the cabin where there are no neighbors. In addition, the cabin has decks on all sides, allowing occupants to choose sun or shade throughout the day.