High Peaks Aframe

03/10/2024

After —> before. This has to be one of my favorite views in the cabin. The natural light, the fresh wood, the fan that I can’t wait to use this summer… it all makes me feel so calm and happy, and I can’t wait for you to experience it. What about you? What do you love about this view?

05/15/2023

Being a dog mom to Asher is the best feeling in the world, especially when I see how happy he is here running through the woods, smelling all the smells, hiking up mountains, laying on deck taking in the fresh air, and joining in on the neighborhood barkathons with the other dogs who live nearby. Seeing how much he loves this little cabin of ours makes us love it that much more, and we can’t wait for you and your pups to experience it. Happy Mother’s Day to all the fellow dog moms out there! 🐾
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04/22/2023

Apparently, you can’t add photos to a post once it’s been published, so here’s another one of us and our charlie brown christmas tree 🎄
ok! back to work, springtime, and cabin content 🌸
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04/21/2023

Apparently you can’t add photos to a post once it’s been published, so here’s another one of us and our charlie brown christmas tree 🎄
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04/21/2023

I know it’s finally spring, but these are too good not to post, and it’s about time we reintroduce ourselves anyway ✨

We’re Tina, Anthony, & Asher. We’re both from upstate NY and met when Ant was a groomsman in my brother’s wedding, but we went our separate ways and didn’t get together until years later when we were both home for the holidays. We’ve traveled the world, hiked, camped, gotten lost in nature and in our minds, gone to countless concerts, bought and sold properties, and have been building a pretty good life ever since. We work to live — not the other way around.

About two years ago, we bought this cabin and started working on it little by little. We’re lucky in that Ant’s a tradesman, so we’re able to do everything ourselves without hiring out, and I’m a copy editor and web designer, so I get to do all the online stuff. But I’m not going to lie and say it’s been easy. This sh*t is hard! Add a rescue pup to the mix and it gets even harder. We wouldn’t have it any other way though; we both love to work with our hands and be creative, and Asher is the best dog who has brought us so much happiness, love, laughter, and purpose 🐾

After two years and lots of work on the not-so-pretty stuff, we’re finally making visual progress and are starting to see our interior vision come to life: laidback luxury with hints of old and new and lots of natural elements — all between work, not a lot of sleep, tons of tug-of-war, fetch, and training.

Anyway, we hope that our cabin speaks to who we are in a way you’ll love, and that all the extra effort and details make it that much more comfortable and unique. We can’t wait to share it with you (and your pups) when it’s said and done.

Now enough about us. What’s your story? What interests you? Why do you follow our cabin? 🎤

📸Dawn Honsky Photography

03/31/2023

watching over the cabin is one of Asher’s favorite things to do 🐾 if your pup loves to be outside, then they’re in luck because we have not one, but two decks for them to lay their paws on while they stare into the woods and watch the world go by. our pup loves it and we think yours will too 🌲

03/02/2023

Anthony jokes that I’m the queen of doing everything twice; he’s not wrong. It’s mainly because I’m still learning to trust my gut. Take these lights for example; I loved them from the start but second guessed my decision and ended up going with a cheaper option (shown in the third photo). While the cheaper option is beautiful, I haven’t been able to shake the feeling that it isn’t us or what I want for our cabin. So, here we are with new exterior lighting… again. I promise to listen to my gut from now on ✨
What about you? Do you ever struggle making decisions?
Local folks: We’re selling the exterior sconce in the last photo. We have three small sconces, two large (garage), and a matching lamp post fixture. DM if interested

02/01/2023

Finally! I know these aren’t aesthetically pleasing photos but this is the turning point we’ve been waiting for as we can now start the interior cosmetic updates and really bring our little cabin to life. It’s been a long two years of what may not look like much, but we:

✔️ Painted the entire cabin
✔️ Replaced the roof
✔️ Rebuilt and stained the front porch
✔️ Rewired all of the electrical
✔️ Custom built duct work and installed new HVAC
✔️ Regraded the backyard
✔️ Poured concrete to support the hot tub
✔️ Re-supported the interior walls
✔️ Installed new exterior lighting
✔️ Refinished the front and back doors
✔️ Refinished Adirondack chairs and benches

The list goes on. When you buy a house from the 1960s, there’s a lot of behind-the-scenes work that needs to get done to ensure it’s safe and comfortable before the fun and pretty cosmetic updates can happen. It’s been a long time coming, but we’re so glad to be onto the next stage of this renovation and can’t wait to bring our vision to life, see this place transform, and share it all with you. Interior updates start now!

01/19/2023

Meet Asher! … The newest (and probably the cutest) host of High Peaks Aframe 🐾 He’s already gotten his paws dirty, has jumped (literally) right into the renovations, and is ready to show off just how pet friendly and paw-tastic our little cabin will be! You read that correctly … your pups are officially welcome to join you when you book a stay at our A. I mean, how could we say no to a face like this?

12/28/2022

We’re cold and tired as we wait for the propane company to arrive, but it’s nothing that hot coffee can’t fix ☕️
This is a big turning point this winter! We’ll finally be able to keep the cabin warm while we work instead of having to unfreeze everything when the temperature drops. Next up… spray foam!

10/06/2022

There are so many things left unfinished … for now. I know you’re all waiting for interior progress pics — trust us, so are we — but we’re at a standstill until the spray foam and gas companies can come. Until then, enjoy these pretty fall photos of the exterior, and we’ll enjoy open walls, never ending dust, exposed pipes, and everything else that comes with being mid-renovation

06/23/2022

Swipe —> before

We finally said bye bye blue! We know it was charming, but now the cabin feels updated with that laidback luxury vibe we’ve been going for. Plus, the new color allows the patina underside of the A to pop… which we love!
We still have to figure out a color for the screen door, so drop your suggestions in the comments!

05/13/2022

Easy like Sunday morning ☀️🫖 It may technically be Friday, but everyday feels like Sunday here at the A. Especially when we get to sleep in, sip our favorite tea, and run on cabin-time. We promise we’re getting some renovations done too, don’t you worry!

05/05/2022

It’s been a long and windy road (just like the one to our cabin) but our logo is finally here! Laidback luxury at its finest. That’s how our A will make you feel and we think this captures that perfectly. Don’t you agree?

04/12/2022

Spring is here! 🌸 And that means we can finally finish the front porch! The snow came too quickly last fall and we ran out of time. Whoops. We can’t wait until this porch is done. It’s the perfect spot to sip your morning coffee or tea while lounging in our custom-made Adirondack chairs 🪑You’ll even get to spot some deer, too!
P.S. Did you know this is one of two decks we’ll have? The back deck is on our checklist for this summer, and it will have an outdoor dining area, complete with a fire pit and special surprise 😉

03/23/2022

The warmer days need to get here soon, so we can finish the exterior of the cabin! Here’s what’s next:

✔️ Paint trim and front door

✔️ Install new windows

✔️ Hang string lights

✔️ Stain front deck

✔️ Build and stain back deck

✔️ Plant shrubs and landscaping

✔️ A whole lotta other stuff

It’s going to be a busy spring and summer! What’s on your list?

03/07/2022

Patiently waiting for spring 🌸
Yesterday was a tease at 60 degrees! It felt like a whole new world. The sun was shining, birds were chirping, the snow was melting, our garage was flooding … that’s a story and project for another day 🙃 As much as we love winter, it’s safe to say we’re ready for spring, so we can get back to working outside 🛠
How about you? Are you holding onto winter or are you ready for the season to change? Tell us below!

01/24/2022

My love for aframe cabins grew even stronger this past week. I explored the town of Packwood, WA and was surrounded by aframes so unique and special that I couldn’t help but smile and take a picture at each! Packwood is a cute little town right outside of Mt Rainier National Park, and I’d be lying if I said I didn’t fall in love with it. It took me a little while to figure out why it felt so comfortable to me and then I realized it’s just like home! From the quaint main road with a handful of restaurants, to the mountains, ski resort, and charming cabins, it’s the PNW version of Jay and Wilmington. No wonder I loved it! I’m sure all of you would too.
Here are some aframe stays if you’re ever in the area:

aframe

01/10/2022

We decided not to exchange gifts this year because of all the expenses at the aframe but Anthony had another idea in mind. He taught himself to weld metal and created this perfect little replica of our cabin ✨ I was in awe and couldn’t have been more excited when I opened it! It’s things like this that we’ll love and remember for a lifetime.
Have you ever received a gift you’ll cherish forever? Tell us below.

12/13/2021

This will eventually be a king bedroom complete with its very own… actually, we’ll keep that part a surprise 🎉 For now, it’s the perfect spot for some pilates and yoga ✨
Any idea what we’re adding? Comment below with your guess.

11/15/2021

📸 Picture this: You’re lounging on the over-stuffed sofa with a glass of wine, coffee, whiskey, or whatever your drink of choice may be, staying cozy by the fire, and watching your favorite show, reading a book, playing a game, or listening to a record. Sounds pretty perfect, right? That’s our plan for this half of the living area. Like if you agree.
This corner faces the soon-to-be new fireplace. It will have a four-person sofa, coffee table, blankets, dimmable lights, and entertainment within arms reach.

11/08/2021

📸 Picture this: fresh paint, a new sconce, flower pots, and a locally handmade bench for two. Perfect for sipping your morning coffee with your partner among the pine trees, while listening to the birds sing. After all, we are (or will be) a romantic getaway.
What would you like to see? Tell us below.

11/01/2021

We’re ready for some cozy nights by the fire outside with a warm cup of Irish coffee, surrounded by the snow and stillness that winter brings ❄️🪵 What are some of your favorite things to do in the winter? Comment to let us know.

10/15/2021

📸Picture this: The warm morning sun shining in, new floors with a soft area rug beneath your toes, new drapes swaying with the breeze, a comfy sofa with cozy blankets, a place to hang your coat, a quaint bench to rest while you take your shoes on and off, a small dining table filled with coffee, eggs, and pancakes … what more could you ask for?
Pssst… interior renovations will begin soon! Stay tuned.

10/12/2021

👋🏻 We’re Tina & Tony and a few months ago, we started this account to share our experience renovating this a-frame. Now that summer has passed and renovations are underway, we wanted to take some time to introduce the story behind our little cabin. Here it goes...
They say everything happens for a reason. We weren’t planning on buying a cabin — we weren’t even looking. But one morning when I couldn’t sleep during a trip to Lake Placid, I decided to open Zillow — just to see. Little did I know, I would find this a-frame. I knew we had to see it. And the moment we drove up to this snow-covered chalet, we knew we had to have it. We’ve visited countless cabins and always said, “Maybe one day.” Well, that “one day” became our truth, sooner rather than later. Timing is everything, right?
As we sort through all of our feelings of excitement, nervousness, and being overwhelmed, I think about something a good friend reminded me of recently. She said, “I can feel your energy shift. It feels like something is sparked again and maybe tied to the dreams you shared with me about owning a bed and breakfast long ago.” I think she’s right. I forgot about that dream.
Tony has flipped a bunch of houses in Upstate NY long before we got together, but has always wanted a vacation rental, while having a secluded escape of his own, as well. But, the timing and resources were never right... until now. We’re both from upstate and grew up exploring the Adirondack Mountains, so our love for the outdoors and cabins in the woods has always been prominent. That’s why we fell in love with this place. And, that’s why we knew this was it.
I truly believe this was the reason we were in Lake Placid that snowy weekend. And now that it’s ours, we can’t wait to bring it back to life and share it with travelers alike.
What about you? What’s your story? Is there a reason you’re following us? Tell us below. We’d love to get to know you.

10/12/2021

10/04/2021

Fall is here and while we love the cool air and changing leaves, it means winter is right around the corner. We’re in a race against time to wrap up some major projects before the snow comes, so we’ve had to pause, shift focus, and reprioritize. We’ve accepted that we may not be able to completely finish the exterior before the weather breaks and that’s okay. It’s more important to focus on installing our new heating system, so we can be toasty and comfortable this winter, while we begin interior renovations. Everything takes so much longer than you originally think it would, so we’re a little discouraged. But hey, that’s the name of the game, right?
Are there any projects you’re trying to wrap up before the snow comes? Comment below to share.

09/26/2021

Swipe —> After
From dark and dreary to light and airy — what a difference a new skylight can make!
We knew we wanted to add a skylight to this bedroom, but the quote was a little outrageous. I was about to let it go when Anthony said he was confident he could do it, while replacing the roof. His confidence paid off! It not only saved us a ton of $$ but it totally transformed the room. I’m very grateful 😊
Still to do in this bedroom:
✔️Add trim to skylight
✔️Replace carpet
✔️Add curtains
✔️Add new lighting
✔️Spruce up the closet
✔️Add furniture
Is there anything else you can think of? Tell us below.

09/14/2021

Swipe → Before
I’m still in awe that Anthony and his two buddies took this project on. There were three layers of shingles to rip off, rotten wood, moss, wind lift, carpenter ants … you name it and it was there. Combine those with the angle, height, and constant up and down the ladder, words can’t describe how grueling this was for them — both mentally and physically. I’m forever grateful and impressed by their willingness to put in the work and by their capabilities. Thank you Anthony, Jarod, and Biker. This is something we won’t forget!

08/30/2021

If this doesn’t shout 1960s kitchen vibes, then I don’t know what does. What do you think? Should we keep the counter top or upgrade to something new? Comment to let us know.