I arrive at the cabin slightly before dusk. There is a good cord and a half of wood stacked by the back door of the porch. I unload my suitcase and grocery bags out from the car. The entrance opens to the mudroom where I take off my shoes. I carry my groceries through the laundry room to the kitchen, and put away my purchases.
I take time to admire the golden knotty pine walls and the hardwood floors of the cabin. The dark blues and greens of the color theme give it a natural feel.
The kitchen is spacious, and open to the living room. A powder room is off to the side. There is an island in the center for prep, and bar stools that fit under it. There is a double stacked oven on the wall, and a stove top on the marble counter. It has a standing side by side fridge and freezer. An attached pantry holds the dried herbs, spices, and preserves that I love to make and use.
The living room has a large fireplace, and opens to a balcony overlooking the lake. Large, overstuffed cushions make up the sofa, loveseat, and two chairs. They are set to make the fireplace the focal point of the room. A coffee and end tables give it a warm, welcome feel. There is a quilt rack displaying the flannel quilts that my grandmother and I sewed together.
A wide staircase leads upstairs to a communal area that is lined with bookshelves. Books, board games, movies, and video games fill the shelves. There is a TV, game consoles, and comfy chairs. There are doors that open to a master bedroom, two bedrooms, and a linen closet. The master bedroom has its own bath, while the two bedrooms share one that opens to both rooms.
I take my suitcase upstairs. The master bedroom has two walk-in closets and its own bathroom. I hang up my clothes, and put my folded ones away. The room is dominated by a king size bed. The bedding is a heavy flannel of Black Watch Dress plaid. A small stone fireplace adds warmth to the room. I light a fire, place the fireplace cover, then head into the bathroom.
The master bath is a mixture of natural wood and earth-neutral colored stone. It has a warm relaxing feel to it. Potted herbs break up the neutrality, lending a fresh, herbal scent to the room. Double sinks grace the counter. There is a whirlpool tub sunk into a marble dais. A large waterfall shower is enclosed in glass. I put my toiletries away, grab a towel, and head outside to the balcony.
The balcony overlooks the lake. There are stairs and rails that lead down to the shore. I lay the towel down in the grass. I strip my clothes off, set them on the towel, and wade into the water. It is slightly cool. My skin shivers before I force myself under the water, acclimating myself to its temperature. I glide through the water without a purpose, just relishing the feel of it against my skin.