Back in 1991, Ann and Doug McMillan walked into what appeared to be a no-frills, knotty-pine-paneled cabin from the 1950s. Then they saw the stainless-steel countertops and backsplash in the kitchen. "The kitchen drawers were even lined with steel," recalled Doug. "The cabin was one of a kind."
And ahead of its time. The McMillans found out that the cabin's original owner, George Marzolf Sr., was the engineer who invented deep-drawn stainless steel. He installed the no-seam, smoothed-edge steel on his kitchen countertops, a look that previewed today's modern kitchen applications.
Even the dock on the St. Croix River was stainless steel, "which got really hot in the sun," said Doug. The couple were charmed by the unique features — and tranquil setting — of the Marzolfs' rustic summer place near Hudson, Wis.
White pines towered over the property, which boasted 220 feet of sandy shoreline along the river. It faced west with spectacular sunsets over St. Mary's Point.
On the flip side, the basement had water damage, and the interiors were wedged inside a 1950s time capsule, and would require extensive updating. "But it was a fine solid box we could work with," said Doug.
Ann fell for the rushing river below big picture windows inside the cabin. "The pines framed an enchanting view of the river," she said. "It spoke to us."
The couple bought the property and turned the 1,500-square-foot, two-bedroom cabin into their own summer getaway home, only 20 miles from their St. Paul Colonial. First they built a big wraparound deck to expand living space and create an outdoor spot for relaxing under the pines. Later, they added two small dormers in the unfinished attic to turn it into a fun sleeping loft for their four kids.
Other cosmetic improvements included replacing eyesore acoustic ceiling tile with pine beadboard, and worn linoleum floors with maple. "We wanted to bring warmth, and update the inside with natural materials," said Doug.