WINONA RETREAT HAUS

Winona, Minnesota
After my oldest children left for college, I found myself reimagining both my home and my future. In a relatively short period of time and on a modest budget, I transformed my historic home into two private living spaces, including a five-star short-term rental designed to feel welcoming, restorative, and comfortable in every season.

My goal was to create an experience that offered the comfort of home while remaining intentionally simple to manage and maintain. Because I was balancing full-time work alongside hosting, the space needed to be beautiful, highly functional, and easy to clean and reset between guests. Working carefully with the home's original character, I selected natural linens, simple furnishings, warm lighting, and durable, practical amenities that created a sense of ease for both guests and host alike.

The project became an exercise in resourcefulness, hospitality, and thoughtful space planning. Within just a few months, the rental was welcoming guests and providing an additional stream of income during a season of transition. More than anything, it reinforced my belief that meaningful transformation does not require a large budget or extensive renovation. Sometimes a clear vision, thoughtful choices, and genuine care for the people who will use a space are enough to create something memorable.