The Full Story

Reclaimed Ruby

This project, nicknamed "Ruby" is a first for Reed Alan. Although we have done countless remodels and additions, this one, with its remote wilderness location, relentless weather (sub zero temps or flies & mosquitos), has been an exciting challenge to meld the old and the new.

Updating and modernizing while keeping the integrity of the traditional solid hand built structure.

Combining contradicting styles and designs, high technology with century old construction methods and materials.

And honoring the place and people who came before us here, we see it as sacred ground.

Anyone who visits gets the energy of a lifetime of years, we've managed to create a space with the feeling of a hundred years of good times at the lake, and now she will last at least a hundred more.

Origin Story

Ruby was one of two cabins hand built in the early 1930's by two brothers who wanted a retreat to find peace and quiet in the wilderness. Only accessible via boat for her first 20+ years, she was very well built and through 9 decades the property saw many storms, beautiful sunsets and adventurous fishermen (women and children) pass through her banging screen door.

Time passed, the world changed, Ruby didn't.

She sat sound in her tranquil spot near the edge of the lake until the current owner was set to demolish her for his new Reed Alan home. We made a deal to move her to a vacant lot, and let the games begin...

Many have questioned our sanity, but we never faltered from our vision. We have transformed Ruby into a modern haven. Using green practices with smart technology upgrades and reclaimed materials, she has gotten a custom facelift for her near one hundredth birthday. We updated and upgraded for modern year round living, while honoring the spirit and craftsmanship of the original design.

Vision

Our vision for Ruby has never waivered. We vowed to honor the original vision of the first builders of this charming little structure while we meticulously redesigned every inch of her 352 sf footprint.

New electrical and plumbing, foundation and roof, windows and doors. We added on 220sf, a 4 season dining porch, and observation deck for star and aurora gazing. All these enhancements made her into a functional year round home and may have changed her look, but her essence, of a cozy retreat for peace and quiet in the natural beauty of the wilderness has not changed.