JULY | AUGUST 2019 157Susan and Billy extended the living space to the exterior
with a covered porch with hanging swings crafted by Ham-
mMade Furniture. Their two labs, Gus and Ellie, enjoy nap-
ping peacefully on the swings. The couple used rusted tin
for the outdoor cabinets with poured concrete countertops
and light fixtures made from oxidized buckets discovered
in the barn. “My husband has the construction skills, and
I have the ‘vision,’” laughs Susan. “He claims my ‘visions’
give him a backache!”
Billy lovingly nicknamed Susan “The Lazy Cajun” due to
her roots in Louisiana and her love of resting on the porch
swings counting the clouds. They renamed the house with
the same moniker since one can easily find a porch and
rocking chair when exiting every door.
Over the last six years, the cabin has been refurbished
and had additions. “Together we’ve cut wood, stained lum-
ber, sanded, and built every single space and laughed all
the way through this great experience,” Susan notes.
At the end of each project, she promises it will be the
last, but they both laugh knowing the truth. The couple
hosted their own barn wedding five years ago and has en-
tertained many small family weddings and rehearsal din-
ners since. Having spent their time building the cabin to-
gether and making their home unique, inviting, and warm,
the couple feels like they are always on vacation.
“This space in the country,” Susan says, “is more peace-
ful than any place we could ever travel.” MABOVE AND BELOW: A claw foot tub from the 1950s rests in the
middle of the master bathroom. The wooden shower door houses
an antique water faucet as a door handle, a gift from the couple’s
hunting neighbors. The bathroom sink from the 1950s is installed in
an antique buffet piece from Louisiana that Susan inherited from
her grandmother. “I cherish each inherited piece with much love
and the fondest memories,” she smiles.