Having driven up and down Rte 259 endless times, you may have noticed an unassuming little cottage along the river on the outskirts of Broadway, that looked like it had been vacant for some time. Recently, there has been some major renovating going on! What was once an older small home in need of updating, but with a great location along the river, is now a bright log cabin with a whole new look!
Wayne Billhimer has been renovated homes for several years, now a “self employed rehabber.”. Having retired as a game warden last year, he is now filling his free time by rebuilding and renovating homes. Along with assistant Raoul, his wife, Molly, and adorable little 20 month old daughter, Caroline, this has become a family affair. He has been working on this particular little house for about a year.
The outside of the house alone is now brightened up with a new log exterior. Wanting the log cabin look, Wayne went with the more expensive tongue and groove siding for the exterior. The interior was gutted, rebuilt from the floor up, and extended out back. There was old drywall, but no insulation, so Wayne had to redo that. The subfloor needed to be totally replaced, the floor was sagging to the dirt below. They built a new floor from the foundation up.
It has gone from a simple 500-600 square foot A frame with 1 bedroom /1 bath/utility room to 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, a kitchen/eating area, living room, and a utility room with washer and dryer.
Wayne says,” For the first time, instead of selling, I’m going to rent it out for others to enjoy, see how it works out and kind of test it. People will enjoy coming here to Broadway, being on the North Fork of the Shenandoah River, and being close to the town.”
The house is hooked to the original hand dug well, to meet all the new water demands. There is newly planted grass, painted foundation and porch, plus a driveway and parking area.
The main bedroom in the addition looks out on the river, with a log bed, and sliding barn doors. The sparkling new kitchen has hickory cabinets. The main bathroom is the original size, but totally renovated and beautiful. The second room could be for kid or adults, with two small beds, and the third has a full sized bed. The colors, flooring, and overall design, of the interior could easily fit in any design magazine.
The back of the house has a small covered deck, with back door entry. There is a barbeque on the deck. In addition, the old shed/cellar out back is totally redone. It had a basement, filled with canning jars, typical of what was done years ago. The new finished building is 8’x10’, with a food truck window, with hydraulics, customized to fit in the window. It opens out onto the seating area of the deck facing the river. There is a pull- out couch, a small fridge, and that large deck overlooking the river. There is seating along the railing. The couple left as many shade trees as they could. It is peaceful and beautiful.
Down by the river, Wayne created a natural table with the trunk of a recently downed tree. He put seating around it with tractor seats on logs.
Wayne commented, “We typically remodel and sell, but this one was hard to let go. I can have it where my family can enjoy it as well, when it is not rented out.
Wayne will supply kayaks and a canoe. Bring your own fishing poles!
Molly has started the process of putting in on airbnb. Molly said first you have to list the basic amenities, then upload photos. She is working on it! Judging by the comments from friends and on social media, people can’t wait!
