Title: Couple Transforms Tiny Bolt-Together House in Catskills into Dream Retreat
In a story that seems straight out of a fairytale, Gemma and Nick Warren, a couple originally from England, stumbled upon a unique opportunity to own a piece of history in the Catskill Mountains of New York. Their journey from browsing real estate listings in Tulum, Mexico, to transforming a tiny Bolt-Together House in Delancey, N.Y., into their dream retreat is nothing short of inspiring.
The Warrens, who had been captivated by the charm of the Catskills for years, found a listing for a 192-square-foot cabin with no heating or toilet. Described by Mr. Warren as a “shack,” the house lacked modern amenities but sat on 6.8 acres of picturesque land with a creek flowing nearby.
Originally designed by architect Jeffrey Milstein and featured in Family Circle magazine in the 1970s, the Bolt-Together House was a DIY project that gained popularity for its simplicity and affordability. The Warrens saw the potential in this unique structure and decided to make it their own.
Despite facing challenges like a rejected bid and the complexities of adding modern comforts like insulation and a bathroom, the Warrens persevered. They invested in renovations, including a Cinderella toilet that incinerates waste, a new bathroom with a walk-in shower, an expanded kitchenette, and a larger sleeping platform on the mezzanine level.
Their efforts paid off, and the Bolt-Together House was transformed into a cozy retreat complete with Wi-Fi, a floating deck overlooking the creek, and a total cost of renovations estimated at $60,000.
Recently, the Warrens had the opportunity to show their transformed home to Jeffrey Milstein himself, who was impressed by their updates and the comfort of the space. He even joked about his girlfriend wanting to find similar Bolt-Together Houses around the country to photograph him in front of them.
The Warrens’ story is a testament to the power of vision, determination, and creativity in turning a humble structure into a dream home. Their journey from Tulum to the Catskills is a reminder that with passion and hard work, any space can be transformed into a place of beauty and comfort.
