I’ve made some changes to my plan for where guests will stay at my Build & Breakfast since I first told you about my big plans. The Covid 19 Pandemic has certainly slowed down the process of renovating the workshop space. Also, I don’t yet know when I’ll feel it’s smart and safe to open up and start holding classes. I’m not getting impatient about the timeline because everyone’s health and safety is my main concern right now.
I’m just going with the flow and working on what I can while I wait for products, materials, people…and clarity on the situation. In the meantime, I’ve continued to design (and design and design) the upstairs, guest suite/living portion of the B&B. I literally drew up 54 more configurations. This is the one I settled on as the best use of space for guest suites AND our own temporary living space while I renovate our house.
Temporarily, the top, left room would be Wes and my room, which is why it has a larger closet. Once we were ready to move back to the house, I’d move the door to the hallway and it would be a normal guest suite. The room in the center is a craft room with an office across from the stairs. It’s a really functional plan and I’m sure it would have been an amazing place to hang out! However, a couple months ago I realized that building a big gourmet kitchen huge living room up there AND in the main house didn’t make any sense.
What makes sense is to build a g as a part of the Guest Wing as part of the main house addition. It makes so much sense because I was planning on adding guest rooms to our main house addition anyway and now I’m not using up my limited finances to build duplicates of…pretty much everything!
Existing House
So here’s the main house as it exists today. I’ve found out some interesting things in the last year about this house. Apparently, there was a secret door that led to a cellar! Supposedly that got filled in because it was collapsing (but Madison is convinced we’re going to find some hidden mysteries eventually). Perhaps we’ll find some when I get to the point where I renovate this space. For now, it’s going to stay as it is. I promised Wes he wouldn’t have to LIVE through another renovation so I’m not doing anything to this space until the addition is built. Then I’ll gut and redo this space.
Guest-Wing Addition
The following picture is the house as I will eventually make it, WITH the addition of the Guest Wing. The guest suites will all be above the new garage, pantry, guest entry… The guest entry door will be keyed along with each guest suite, pretty much like a hotel. The door from the guest entry to the house will also be keyed so our house is only open to guests — when we want it to be. Muahahahaha.
Upstairs
As like before, I designed and configured this space about 100 different ways. This, for now, is what I have decided is the best configuration to provide a comfy, homey, luxurious experience for guests. Which is absolutely what I want to provide.
My plan provides a community coffee bar and laundry closet in addition to five guest suites. One guest suite will be a bunk room. The only item I’m still vacillating on is the bunk room configuration. The bunk room will provide 4-6 beds AND a place for occupants of this room to have their own place to hang out. (I’m imagining a group of friends or family that all want to visit together.)
Option 1
The below option allows the bunks to be in an area that can be closed off from the rest of the room. That way some people can sleep while other’s stay up and watch tv or chat. This option could accommodate 4 beds, spaciously or I could add another set of bunks to create a U shape with 6 bunks.
Option 2
This next option has 6 bunks out in the open with sofas, chair, beanbags, etc. set up around the room. I can picture this setup and it would LOOK super cool (the blogger aspect of me is always analyzing how things will look in photos). However, it’s not as functional because if one person wanted to go to sleep, everyone would have to comply or try to be quiet. That, of course, would be very difficult and I can only imagine what kind of drama might follow in the days to come.
Six people in one party is A LOT of people. DO I NEED a bunk room with 6 beds? Or is 4 plenty and I would never need more? These are the things that keep me up at night, imaging. It makes no difference in cost or work -at this point in development. What I don’t want is to build it one way and then WISH I would have done it differently! SO weigh in and let me know if you can imagine ever wanting to book a 6 bunk suite with friends. And IF you do, which configuration would you rather stay in? OK? Thanks!
Wheelchair bound guests
I don’t know if I’ll have a wheelchair bound guest who wants to come to the B&B, but I’m going to do my best to make it an option. Because I’m not able to modify most of the major power tool bases, (table saw, shaper, jointer, planer…) I would need to customize a session for that person, depending on what they wanted to learn. BUT I think we could work together to figure something out and I’m absolutely willing to try.
3000 sq/ft Studio and Event Center
You might be wondering what I plan to do with the upstairs 3000 sq/ft of my giant building, now that I’m not building guest suites. Well, let me show-and-tell you!
“Event Space”
I know a lot of people don’t want to renovate their house but they would love to build a little something to take home so the large, open space in the front of the building is going to be a BIG classroom kinda room.
Wheelchair Ramp and Bathroom
The back side of this building being partially below grade is what caused some of my drainage issues, but it’s also what will hopefully allow me to make this upper floor, wheelchair accessible. We’re hoping to build a wheelchair ramp and adding a door on the back. Also why I’ve designed one of the bathrooms accessible for a wheelchair.
Kitchen and Laundry
I’ll add a catering kitchen and pantry because who wants to attend an event without food? Not me (probably). Also in the plan is a small laundry center for linens and whatever washing might be associated to the crafting that goes on.
Studio
Also, you remember the craft room I built in my last house? I’m going to build a new one! In the last year since we put all our stuff in storage, I can’t tell you the number of times I needed to sew something (or paint, cut out, print, etc)! This studio/craft room will be large enough that I can set it up as an additional “class space”, in case I decide to do a CRAFT WEEK at the B&B sometimes. (I think I do!)
Office
The room you see labeled as a “podcast room” is most likely going to be my office. I didn’t plan my office in my house addition because it’s more convenient for me to have it here. Probably most importantly because there are no dogs barking at every leaf that falls outside which makes it REALLY hard to do voice overs, have a phone or video call, OR do any kind of filming or recording! SO that’s where my office needs to be.
Alternative option
I’m 97% sure I WON’T do this alternative plan but I had to draw up an option for TV- just for the heck of it. About 1 1/2 year ago when Julie and I were talking to (yet another) production company about “creating a tv show us and what we do” (that will 99.999% NEVER happen), we suggested that my B&B would be a great spot for a building competition show. So when I think about the logistics of what I imagine that show would be like, I consider we might need some kind of convenient accommodation for it.
Since I drew it up (dozens of times) I figured I might as well share it, even though I’ll 99.999% build the first option. I have 100 things to finish on the main floor of the workshop before I worry about the upstairs over there anyway.
The guest wing addition of the house is going to start as soon as the draftsman and I finish going back and forth on change requests and he gives me the completed construction plans! We’re on our second round of changes. I’ve drawn up the floor-plan but I needed someone to take those and design what the house is going to look like from the outside. I have zero experience changing the outside of a house like I’m about to do. I’ve renovated the inside of 8 houses but never built from nothing or added on before. As soon as I have the final construction plans I’ll start getting quotes and submitting for permits! I’m excited to get started on this but have 100 things to keep working on in the workshop too. And keep working on those in between and around the addition work. Thankfully Julie LIKES GC’ing so I don’t have to take everything on myself. Between the two of us, we’ll come up with something amazing. I just know it!
I know this is A LOT of information! Don’t forget to tell me what you think about the bunk room. 4 or 6 bunks? Why? Separated or in the room? Why? And anything else you think I should consider. Thanks in advance!
Devlyn says
I would go with the 4 bunk option. 6 people would be a lot of people to share one bathroom – we did this at camp and it was *terrible*. You can get away with 4 people sharing one bathroom. Separated is always a good idea, due to sleep schedules, of course. It would be easy enough to make a shallow bunk room where the bunks are similar to a Japanese capsule hotel style, so less “standard bunk beds” and something that would be more comfortable for adults (taller space, lighting, cubby areas). Being a tall person, I tend to shy away from bunk beds because I often can’t sit upright in them, but if they’re built with adults in mind, there’s so many cool things you can do to make them welcoming.
Sandra says
Thanks so much for the feedback, Devlyn. I am certainly going to build the bunks with adults in mind — and with taller persons in mind (Since Wes is 6’5 and Madison is 5’11, I’m used to building for tall people. LOL
America says
Had the exact same reaction to the bathroom situation. I’d do the four and if it is a bigger group they can rent the room across the hall and still all gather in the common area of the bunk room. You could also make it a sleeper couch in the common area if someone REALLY wants to cram 6 in there.
Sandra says
LOL “if someone REALLY wants to cram 6 in there”. Agreed. I think 4 is the winning combination.
Jencey says
Oh how I love ❤️ your ideas and plans. Like you I change my mind and come up with 10 more ideas.
I think you should do built in try bunks in the first option. You get the party option if needed and quiet for those that need rest.
I think this would be a good compromise and you can do a bolt in drawer on the bottom of the bunks for each person to store their stuff.
Cubbies in the bathroom for toilet trees and the like.
I think no matter what the b&b, event craft room will be epic!!! Want to help me design mine??
I have too many ideas and I really need a plan lol. Alas, I think if I do what’s in my head my husband will make one hell of a face as my last idea/dream was to turn all 4 basement windows into regressed, move our gym area, kids play room and my craft area/guest bed and storage completely around. I should mention our basement is unfinished and we use furniture/racking and an old play gate to separate the spaces.
Anyway, I’m so looking forward to your ideas and seriously this property you found is utterly epic! A cellar with a secret door 🚪 sheesh…I’m with Madison what else will you find?!?!?
Sandra says
LOL Your description of how you currently use your basement and plans for how to rearrange it — and the face your husband made. So good! I’m considering a service of the B&B to be a “focus on your plan” kind of thing. We design your project and learn how to build what you need to build when you get back home to bring it to fruition. So in that case, you bet I can help you! (Eventually! lol)
Jencey says
Sweet!!! Looking forward to it!!!!
Leslie says
I can’t believe I am so excited about a renovation that isn’t even my own! And, I desperately want to come and take a class when you open, so I can see it IRL.
Anyway, regarding the bunks, I find it hard to think that 6 grown adults would want to actually bunk together (snoring, anyone???), but 4 girlfriends doing a weekend together sounds a little bit more likely, and maybe they wouldn’t mind a little snoring, particularly if it was preceded by several glasses of wine? Also, I’m just thinking that at my age (almost 60), I wouldn’t be anxious to be in a top bunk. But, also at my age, I can probably afford the price of a single occupancy room (ah, the benefits of age!)
This all looks incredibly exciting and so well thought out. I hope it all goes relatively smoothly.
Sandra says
LOL Oh so true. Age has its pros and cons! I think 4 bunks is most likely what would be most accommodating. Being from a large family, I can see how I might like to have all 6 sisters, or even some cousins in one room. However, sleeping with that many in one space and sharing one bathroom? Probably not.
Kirsten T says
I would do 4 bunks with separate sitting area. Although the big area would be cool I think separate spaces appeal to a larger crowd! Not as much at night but I’m thinking mornings, I’m an early riser and hate ha omg to tiptoe around to ale everyone else up
Sandra says
So far it looks unanimous. 6 people to one room is too many! I am not a morning person so I totally get it. Separating sleeping are from hangout area for the win.
PJ Lainis says
A lot to take it…and it makes my head spin so I can’ only imagine how you feel. Only one thing on all the plans stood out as a problem….on the guest wing with the master suite and secondary bedroom…that person who occupies the secondary bedroom has to go out the entrance and through the carport and enter the bathroom to get to the laundry….very inconvenient. I would move that bedroom door to the other end of the wall (leaving a nice space on those two walls for the bed) and then cut an entrance to the laundry in the short wall.
Sandra says
I might be confused about what you’re seeing and referring to. The main house (as it currently exists) has the master bedroom and another bedroom. We’re getting rid of that second bedroom altogether. So there will only be the one, wheelchair friendly bath/bed on the main floor of the existing house + the 5 suites upstairs in the addition.
I’ve planned a whole separate addition on the other side of the “existing house” that is the “Master Wing” but I didn’t even introduce that to y’all in this post. Like you said, it was already a lot to take in.
Clara Ochoa says
I quite often leave the sawdust home and run away to chase hot air balloons. In fact I just got home last night from a four day adventure with five other people. Due to a booking mistake I ended up with a separate room (darn it) from the others. When we were not off doing balloon stuff we shared their space for comunal meals and hanging out. Balloon people get up very early to do their thing, so separate sleeping space is ideal to accommodate the nappers the early bed timers and the partiers. We always travel in groups of six or more, we’re all friends and we’re tight, but we never all share the same sleeping space. As we travel together often, we have learned to stagger bathroom time. To be able to sneak away for a little snooze or whatever is always nice so having that space separate is ideal and is a must.
Sandra says
I’m so intrigued now by hot air balloon chasing. I think I want to come along one of these times!
Lynne says
Plans look great, thanks for sharing! How about 4 bunks and make the sofa a sleeper?
Sandra says
I was thinking about just that last night! It would negate the whole separated sleeping quarters if someone was sleeping on the sofa, but it could be there – just in case.
Dianne says
Are there no windows in the kitchen/living area of the main house or am I blind and do not
see see them ?
Sandra says
I just didn’t worry about the little details.
Jenn says
As a crafter, when I go to quilt or scrapbook retreat, we have a lot of stuff. If it is a quilt retreat that stuff can get heavy (think sewing machines). You might want to keep that in mind in regards to the stairways. I cringe when I book a retreat and have to carry my stuff up and down the stairs. Especially when they are narrow stairs and someone wants to pass you. Not sure what kind of events you are thinking for the upstairs but you might want to consider the moving in and out.
Secondly, at retreat we never get rooms with more then 4 people. Six would be just too many.
Sandra says
Thanks for the input. I don’t anticipate anyone bringing anything other than their suitcase with clothes to their suites. Supplies for the crafting or building would go to the workshop space. I will definitely push the stairs to be wider. That’s a good thought.
Carrie says
How will the second floor be made accessible to guests, such as someone in a wheelchair? Sorry if I overlooked the solution (I did reread the post and look for it!)?
I’m not an expert on disability access with regards to workshops/power tools, but I work in accommodations for students in higher education, if I can be of assistance with creative problem solving, please let me know! Can also point you towards some architecture guidelines for creating accessible spaces for the suite and other areas!
Sandra says
There were plans for a main floor guest suite…but all the plans have changed now. 2020/Covid was a wrecking ball – kinda.
Krystian says
I really liked your home improving ideas but i think you should take some accesibility isues into consideration. Rooms for 6 people seem to much for me but if that is what you think it would work for your home i`m fine with that.
thanks for sharing with us