Welcome back friends! Today, I’ll take you on the North House Lodge #54 home tour. Our Vermont Guest House, or vacation rental / blogger project house. Like I mentioned in last week’s Home Tour of the North House #52 side, our 1835 guest house was originally built as a shop on Main Street and converted into a duplex in 1894 when it was moved to Pleasant Street a block away. My vision for the North House Lodge is to create an atmosphere that feels warm and inviting for guests. A place that becomes part of the experience of staying in New England instead of just a hotel or plain vacation rental. We’ve also added a new Vermont rental, just down the street, The Mill Place is coming together beautifully!
Both sides of the North House Lodge have the same layout. I tackled most of the remodeling on this side during one long trip last year, arriving in August and not leaving until mid December. Hubby and I traveled back and forth, we weathered a hurricane and a few other crazy events over those months. Without a doubt, this was harder to do but the results were spectacular.
I love how it’s come together. I still have work to do though. Like the #52 side home tour, this place is packed with DIY projects. Most, I haven’t written about yet and will this fall. I’ll add links to the ones I have shared and point out the ones I will share soon. I’ll update this post with links to the projects as I share them as well.
DIY Engineer Print Large Welcome Sign
Because it was already a vacation rental, both sides of the North House came furnished. I donated about 80% of what was here. The house was over-stuffed with dated and mismatched furniture. I shopped the one thrift store our town has often, built some things and did a lot of Internet ordering to furnish it.
I changed out the light over the table and yes, built this table 🙂 You’ll see a tutorial soon! Both places got all new appliances and wine refrigerators. I was lucky and caught a good sale. Yep, that’s a six-burner stove. Had to have it for both sides!
There’s a full bath off of the kitchen on both sides. This one used to have red rose wallpaper. Trimming out the walls in wood tiles that I built using pallet wood, was a much better fit. I designed the vanity as well. Isn’t it gorgeous?
How to Make a Pallet Wood Wall
I can’t wait to share these tutorials with you guys!
The driveway is just outside the kitchen door. Just like the other side, it’s the door people use the most to enter the house.
Every Vermont home needs a coatrack. A place to hang your coat, sit and take off your boots. Ours is nestled in the entryway and cozy by the fireplace.
Modern Rustic DIY Vintage Hook Coatrack
My goal has always been to stage the houses for each season. I want guests to arrive to a warm, comfortable and well designed retreat. Right now, everything is decked out in fall decor. It’s lovely.
I gave this fireplace a complete makeover. The German Smear/Schmear on the top is a heavier application than what I shared on the third floor loft. I love how it turned out on the fireplace!
This three-legged desk was a family piece. When my sister brought it to me I had no idea where I’d put it. It’s perfectly paired with the Cowhide Chair Makeover project I tackled. My DIY Repurposed Picture Frame Wall Shelves were a huge hit on the blog last year.
Another popular project that’s only partially in view, is my Repurposed Metal and Wood Side Table. It’s the little table that holds the lamp in between the sofa and the arm chair on the left.
This living area is the same layout as next door, but smaller.
The steps and staircase have been completely redone.
Yep, this side also had maroon and dark pink carpet…everywhere! All three floors. We replaced a lot of the wood floors in both sides. Unfortunately, the original wood planks were too damaged to use except in a few areas. I added an awesome carpet runner on the stairs and I love how it turned out.
DIY Industrial Style TV Media Stand with Wheels
Just up the stairs is another bath. This one is large. I love that the washer and dryer fit on the second floor, it’s a lot more convenient. I haven’t done any work in here yet, other than a fresh coat of paint. But, I’m sure that will change over time 🙂
Just like in the #52 side, I added quality bedding. Fluffy pillows, layers of comforters duvets and down were all must haves.
All of the bedrooms are named and themed in The North House Lodge, this is the Farm Room.
You may remember when I shared this Blue Painted Dresser Makeover last year. It was originally sunshine yellow and in another room. It fit’s perfect in here, don’t you think so?
Another favorite feature in this room that I don’t have a picture of is the big, deep walk-in closet. I was able to keep the original floors and they are painted a gorgeous colonial blue.
I mixed the artwork in this room. With a few favorite modern pieces and a classic VT country scene in oil that I found at a local antique store in a nearby town.
We have a fabulous New England small town with great antique shopping and prices nearby!
Just around the corner is the Cabin Room. This room was completely remodeled. It was originally one large room and the door to the third floor was in the bedroom. How awkward is that?
I love this hallway and wall, I designed it and the door. You’ll hear more about that later too.
This room is the Cabin Room. It’s lodgey like the #52 side.
But it still has its own personality.
The shelf and hanging clothes bar were made using a live edge slab of wood.
On to the third floor, the Loft. There are three twin beds up here.
I designed and finished the third floor banisters in both houses. Added the stair runners myself too.
The brick chimney is original. I added the faux brick wall and have a detailed tutorial and video on how to do a DIY German Smear/ Schmear Technique. I made two blanket ladders for the North House, one hangs on the chimney in this room.
These floors are also original. I shared a good tutorial on How to Paint Wood Floors and have lots of original photos of this room before in it (think faded pink carpet).
I used as much of the furniture that came with the house as I could. Resources are scare out here, even Walmart is a 70 mile round trip drive.
This vintage folding bench got a makeover and fits perfectly as a nightstand between the twin beds.
Our place is located in the town of Ludlow, just a mile from Okemo ski mountain. We have everything from couples stay here to two families where one rents one side and the other rents the other. This side sleeps seven, next door, eight.
It’s listed on VRBO if you’d like more information.
Do you love it? Pin my home tour of the North House Lodge #54 and share it on Facebook!
So friends, what do you think? Do you like my North House Lodge tour #54? Just like next door, I look at these pictures and think back on all the projects, hours and preparation that have gone into transforming them into a place I can be proud to have people come visit and stay at.
Leave me a note in the comment section!
Carol says
Hi Wendi,
Could you tell me the dimensions of the beautiful fireplace pictured above (North House #54)? I’d like to put an electric fireplace with a traditional surround on a 5 ft wall but am wondering if 5ft is too narrow. We have windows on either side of that wall so I cannot extend past it. It’s always difficult to tell true size from a picture, but seeing your fireplace gives me hope.
Thanks so much.
Carol
Wendi Wachtel says
Hi Carol,
I’d be happy to give you the dimensions. I’ll be back in VT next week and can send them then. I don’t think a 5 ft wall is too narrow. This is a smallsih fireplace that I upgraded by adding the faux brickwork to the top of and then changed the finish. If yopu’re OK in waiting a week I’ll send it then.
Bliss says
I think both sides turned out great. Who wouldnt want to stay in either side for a comfy vacation!
Wendi says
Thank you so much! It’s been a lot of fun finishing out both sides, especially since I can take creative liberties and do things I may not want to live with in my own home! Thanks so much for your sweet note and visit!
Ann says
This is beautiful and I noticed the Okemo sign. We are in Manchester VT. We are neighbors I’d luv to invite you to share it with us at Wall to Wall DIY Wednesda,which runs thru Mondays. Pinned. Best. Ann
Wendi says
Hi Ann! I sent you an email, would love getting together for coffee or lunch sometime 🙂 I love all your sun filled rooms from your photos, how beautiful your home looks! Thanks so much for your note and visit!
Alyson says
It is beautiful! You have put your heart and soul into this place. So creative and one of the most beautiful places in Ludlow!
Wendi Wachtel says
Thank you Alyson. That means a lot. I definitely want it to be a place for guests to feel at home!
Jenny says
You have created a haven for your guest. I love all the rustic touches and the wood. What a beautiful place to vacation. Thanks for sharing at Merry Monday
Wendi says
Hi Jenny and thank you! I’m so proud of all the work I’ve accomplished at the North House over the past few years. Staging it for the seasons is like decorating for guests and not having to do the rest of the work to entertain them! LOL It’s really fun!
Kirstin Troyer says
I love it. Makes me want to go to Vermont. What a perfect setups for family gatherings.
Wendi says
Hi Kirstin and thank you so much! Yes, it’s a wonderful spot for a family get together. We had all of our kids, siblings, their spouses and more here this summer and t was a perfect set up for a large group. I’ll cherish those memories forever. I hope you get to VT one day! Thanks so much for your visit and note!
Jane says
Wendi
I truly understand all the loving labor you put into 52 & 54. You transformed this duplex with beauty, taste and functionality. Knowing the property prior I appreciate all you have done. Anyone would love to be a guest for in the North House Lodge. It is well thought out and welcoming! Nice work!!!
Wendi says
Hi Jane! Wow, thank you so much for your very sweet note! Yes, the property ha come such a long way in two years. It’s been a labor of love. Ludlow and the area have become so special to us. It’s nice to have a place to come home to we love as well as a place that guests can feel at home in too. Again, thanks for your note! Hope you are well!
susan says
I can’t even imagine how much hard work you’ve put into these lovely homes! In spite of it all, I bet it was fun! They are wonderful but I think I like #52 best !
Wendi says
Hi Susan and thank you so much! Yes, it was both hard and at the same time a wonderful journey and experience. I learned so much over the past few years, tackled projects I wouldn’t have had the confidence to tackle before and gained confidence. I’m so glad to hear you like the #52 side. The 54 side is very popular and usually gets a lot more attention. Thanks so much for your visit and sweet note!
MaryJean says
I love both your lodges! I’m from Western NY and we are accustomed to snow. I dread the winter that will soon be here. Although I love staying in a lodge that is so cozy and warm like your houses. I’m not a skier so I always say my winter sport is sitting by a fire and watching the snow fall outside. Looking forward to your tutorials!
Wendi says
Hi Mary Jean and thank you so much! I love the snow, but that’s because I don’t have to live in it all winter 🙂 I’m excited to share the work we’ve done here over that last two years. The projects were some of my favorite work! Thanks so much for your sweet note and visit!
Linda Ball says
You’ve done a great job! So much work and creativity!
Wendi says
Hi Linda and thank you so very much! Yes, it’s been a ton of work over the past few years and I’ve loved every minute of it…well, almost all of it 🙂 Having a place where I can do whatever my imagination comes up with is incredible. Thanks so much for your very nice note!
Jody says
You can’t see me but I am bowing down to you. You have made each side so great. I love the fireplace. You are such a lucky girl. With such a great imagination. I am so proud of you.
Wendi says
Hi Jody! What a lovely thing to say! I’ve had the best time working on this place, it’s been hard and fun at the same time. I love that fireplace now too. Wait until you see what it used to look like. You wouldn’t recognize it. Thank you so much!