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, every design decision needed to be both beautiful and practical. I refinished the original hardwood floors after removing years of carpet, restored the bathroom with timeless tile, and carefully preserved the home's original doors, woodwork, and hardware—honoring the character that had been thoughtfully cared for across generations. Knowing I would eventually sell the home, I was intentional about where to invest, selecting improvements that enhanced both everyday experience and long-term value.

The furnishings and finishes reflected the same philosophy. Natural linens, simple furnishings, warm lighting, and durable materials created an environment that felt welcoming, functional, and easy to reset between guests.

The project became an exercise in resourcefulness, stewardship, 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 decisions, and genuine care for both a place and the people it serves are enough to create something memorable.