From Bachelor Pad to Cozy Cottage: The Big Rental Update
Let’s clarify a few things…
Before we dive in, I want to take a moment to clear up any confusion about what’s been going on around here. Honestly, it’s a lot for us to keep track of, so I completely understand if you’re feeling a bit lost!
When Billy and I got married last June, we each owned our own homes. Then, in December, we bought our first home together. So yes, if you’re doing the math, that’s three homes we’re juggling right now—each one with its own set of projects.
My house was already pretty much done and just the way I wanted it, but it’s two hours away from Billy’s place and our new home (which I’ve started calling the ‘ABC House’ for Ashley, Billy, and Chloe—so that’s what I’ll stick with in this post!). Even though my house was mostly finished, we still had a few little tweaks and a lot of yard work to tackle to get it ready for the market. We just listed it last week, and we’re hopeful someone will love it as much as I have.
The ABC House, on the other hand, needs a lot of work to make it truly ours. We’ve barely had time to start transforming it because we’ve been so focused on the other projects! We’ve begun working on the primary bathroom and have plans for the primary bedroom, but we haven’t officially completed a single room yet. There’s plenty of content coming though, so if you’re curious about our progress, make sure you’re following along on Instagram and checking in here on the blog. We’ve got tons of exciting updates headed your way!
Which brings us to the real star of today’s post: Billy’s house. Since it’s so close to the ABC House, we decided to try our hands at running a short-term rental. Let me tell you—it has been a wild ride!
A Rental House Update
Billy’s house was in desperate need of an update. It’s in a great spot, right by the river and golf course, but let’s just say she’s seen a lot of years and very few updates. And while Billy always kept it clean and tidy, it was definitely a bachelor pad vibe—no feminine touch, no real cozy factor. But that’s all changed now!
We’ve completely transformed the space. We painted every single room. Billy took on the massive project of ripping out the old shower and installing a brand-new one. I even gave the kitchen countertops a fresh coat of paint! We’ve truly left no stone unturned in bringing this home into 2025.
We’re embracing the river and golf course location with our decor, but the real vibe is cozy, modern cottage—and I’m so proud of how it’s turning out. The best part? We did it all on a budget. Sure, we had to pay full price for paint and supplies, and that shower install was no small feat. But every single piece of furniture, every cozy element, every bit of personality was sourced secondhand. I’ve been thrifting, scouring Facebook Marketplace, and hunting down hidden gems to make this space both beautiful and affordable—and it’s been such a fun challenge!
What’s Next?
Coming up on the blog, I’ll be sharing tips on how to find those hidden gems at the thrift store, how to navigate the madness of Facebook Marketplace, and a full before-and-after breakdown of each room in the rental—budget included! There’s so much goodness coming your way, and I’m so grateful you’re following along.
Before you go, leave me a comment below and tell me what you’re most excited to see. I’d love to hear what you’re looking forward to!
