The Story
There’s something magical about the charm of an old home, and buying a cottage built in 1914 in downtown Reno, NV, was nothing short of an adventure. Nestled in the heart of Reno’s historical downtown district, this century-old property offered a unique blend of character, history, and potential. From its quaint architectural details, like the original woodwork, to its location within walking distance of the vibrant city center, the cottage felt like a hidden gem waiting to be rediscovered. Of course, purchasing a home of this age came with its challenges—two roofs??? But the opportunity to preserve a piece of Reno’s history while creating a cozy, comfortable space was too exciting to pass up. This little cottage, with its rich past and timeless charm, is now ready to begin a new chapter, blending the old with the new in the heart of the Biggest Little City in the World.
A Cottage Full of Laughter: Naming Each Room
When I purchased the cottage, I decided to make it unique by giving each room a silly, descriptive name. It wasn’t just about labeling spaces; it was about adding a sense of humor and personality. The first room, "The Green Room", named for the original mint green walls, has evolved to become "The Game Room" where you can relax and watch a game or play one of the many games provided. The first bedroom, "The Space Room," was named after its black ceiling, which featured glow-in-the-dark stars, moons, and planet stickers. Another room, "The Tiny Room," is just that, but oh so much more! It's become my favorite room because it's cozy. These quirky names not only brought me joy, but they also became conversation starters for anyone visiting. Every time I say, “It's in the Tiny Room,” it reminds me that the cottage is more than just walls—it’s a place that for more than a century, has been filled with memories, personality, and laughter.
Cottage Renovation Journey
What started on March 5th, 2025, became a nearly five-month whirlwind of renovation that largely wrapped up by July 20th, 2025. Living onsite throughout the project, I balanced my day job with hands-on restoration work each night.
The cottage underwent a complete transformation, inside and out. Major interior overhauls included the removal and replacement of both roofs (who knew a second one might be hiding!), a full exterior paint job, and a complete bathroom remodel. I also added a much-needed half-bath, installed all-new flooring throughout, and gave the entire interior a fresh look with priming and painting. For modern comfort, I installed central heating and air conditioning and replaced all appliances, including the water heater.
Outside, the changes were just as significant. The property now features new fencing, an updated irrigation system, fresh landscaping, and a new gravel and decorative rock installation to complete the look.
