They turned a useless shed into an all-purpose cottage

Sunset, July, 1990

Serving at least three purposes, this tiny cottage on the shore of Seattle's Lake Washington has come a long way. Before being remodeled, the 1950s-vintage structure had slipped into disuse and disrepair. Now, it's a guest house, a getaway for owners Eva and Ron Sher (who live in the house uphill), and a lakeside storage locker and changing chamber.

Architect Peter Womble saved the original roof and walls but gutted the interior. The newly opened cathedral ceiling, enlarged picture windows, and French doors create a spacious feeling that belies the cottage's 500 square feet. Outside the French doors, a 5- by 15-foot lakeside deck adds to the living space.

The hideaway's bathroom is accessible from outside, so swimmers can get to the shower without going through the living area. A 5- by 6-foot sauna and a generous whirlpool bath turn the bathroom into a mini-spa.

The Shers wanted an out-of-sight, out-of-mind storage space for windsurfing sails and masts, other water-sports gear, and a lawn mower. The architect obliged by attaching a 16-foot-long storage compartment to the back of the building.