Preserving a Piece of History
Nestled on the picturesque shores of Lake Michigan, Rosa Vander Kolk’s cottage, The Rosabelle, has been a cherished family retreat since 1960. Originally built by Vander Kolk’s mother-in-law, this quaint 700-square-foot cottage was a summer haven for her three sons, who spent their childhood summers swimming, playing, and making lifelong memories by the lake.
After decades of use and the passing of time, the cottage was in danger of falling into disrepair. The small, aging structure was not only too cramped to accommodate Vander Kolk’s growing family, but it was also precariously close to the edge of the bluff. It became clear that the only way to preserve the Rosabelle and its history was to rebuild, but how could the Vanderkolk’s maintain the cottage’s legacy while adapting it to modern needs?
A Story of Family and Tradition
For Rosa and her husband John, the decision to tear down and rebuild the cottage wasn’t taken lightly. “The cottage belonged to my husband’s mother,” she shared. “Every summer, they would come out here when school was out and stay until September. The boys grew up here; they had friends here and experienced a whole different cottage life. She passed away a few years ago, and my children loved the cottage, so they really wanted us to keep it in the family.”
The Vander Kolk’s envisioned a future where their children and grandchildren could continue to enjoy the Rosabelle for generations to come. To achieve this, they decided to rebuild the cottage, expanding it from its original size while respecting its history.
Transforming a Dream into Reality
The rebuilding process was both a challenge and a joy for the Vander Kolks. With a small lot to work with, they had to be creative with their design. “We drew up our plans because we’re on such a small lot, and we didn’t have a lot of options,” Rosa explained. “We couldn’t build it too big; we could only go 50 feet.”
The layout has changed significantly, but one of the most striking differences is the relocation of the cottage away from the bluff, creating a spacious yard and two decks that the family now cherishes. The result is a beautifully reimagined cottage that retains the spirit of the original Rosabelle while providing ample space and modern amenities for the whole family.
A Modern Twist on a Classic Space
One of the standout features of the new Rosabelle is its deck, a space that Rosa and her family spend countless hours enjoying. The decision to replace the old, splintered wooden deck was an easy one, and Rosa knew exactly what she wanted. “We always wanted a beautiful deck. This was the time to do it. I did my research and found that the product we used is one of the best, and it will last forever with no maintenance.”
The deck, featuring Deckorators Contemporary Cable Rail, was designed with both aesthetics and functionality in mind. “We really liked the look of the cable railing because it didn’t obscure the view. So that’s what we decided to go with, and we’re really happy we did. We think it looks great.”
A Legacy for Future Generations
The Vander Kolks' hope that the cottage will continue to be a place of joy and togetherness for many generations to come. “This is a place where they can come out, hang out, play games, cook great food, and just enjoy each other. I hope my grandkids will be able to use this cottage and do the same for their families. It’s a real gift from John’s mom to us.”
The new Rosabelle is a testament to the Vander Kolk family’s commitment to preserving their history while embracing the future. With its thoughtful design, durable materials, and beautiful deck, the cottage is ready to host countless more summers of laughter, games, and family togetherness.
