When is a garage not a garage? When it’s been converted into a cabin. Hence the term “garabin.” As utilitarian as the idea might sound, some of these conversions can be quite charming.
Every now and then families build garages before they even break ground for their cabin or lake home. Typically it happens when they’ve decided to spend their weekends up north in a camper or RV while they save for something more permanent. Meanwhile, they want storage. When their plans change, one option is to convert the garage into a garabin.
Some conversions are total makeovers—four-season insulation and heating, full plumbing and electricity, and garage door openings that have been filled in and replaced with “normal” doors and windows. The only visible clue to these cabins’ humble garage origins is that they perfectly match the footprint of a two, three, or four-car garage.
Other conversions retain one or more of their original garage-door openings. With gigantic floor-to-ceiling screen windows, their owners can enjoy a great indoor-outdoor summertime cabin experience. Then, when they pack up and head home on Sunday night, they can roll down the garage doors, lock the other doors, and feel confident their garabin will be safe and secure until they return.
Ironically, many garabin owners end up building a garage or pole barn so they’ll have more storage up at the cabin. And later, if they eventually build a larger cabin or lake home on the same lot, they can always use their garabin as a guest cabin.
By the way… I just happen to be listing this lovely garabin cabin on Catherine Lake in Solon Springs. It comes with a large pole building, 2.94 wooded acres, a great view of Catherine Lake, and a whopping 750’ of peninsular frontage—all of it level sand shoreline that’s perfect for swimming. To learn more, and to see more photos of this charming garabin and its beachfront, please visit Catherine Lake Garabin. Jean Hedren, Edina Realty.
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$119,900 |
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| 11564 Steinhilpert Solon Springs, WI 54873 |
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| Bedrooms: | 1 | Sq. Feet: | 768 | |||
| Bathrooms: | 1 | Year Built: | 1999 | |||
| MLS#: RANWW889843 | ||||||
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| Beautiful, private 2.94 acre setting on a point with spectacular lake and wildlife views. Gentle elevation to sandy beach shoreline. Perfect swimming spot and great fishing too. Cabin is a converted garage very well maintained. New 40×30 pole building with plenty of storage. There is a level building site for a future home or cabin. Strategic location in Barnes lakes and recreation area; close to many lakes, trails, and hunting land. Turnkey. Half hour to Hayward, 1 hour to Superior/Duluth. |
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