EXCLUSIVE: ‘Maine Cabin Masters’ Stars Reveal ‘Campy’ Makeover of Old Cabin Turned into Dream Lakefront Home

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EXCLUSIVE: ‘Maine Cabin Masters’ Stars Reveal ‘Campy’ Makeover of Old Cabin Turned into Dream Lakefront Home

Home renovations can easily go off the rails if the design theme isn’t done with purpose, so when the stars of the Magnolia Network hit “Maine Cabin Masters” were tasked with “camping” a lakeside property—they had to proceed with extra caution to make sure the charming abode didn’t turn into a complete train wreck.

The builder Chase Morrilland his sister Ashley Morrill-Eldridge with her husband, Ryan Eldridgebrought back dozens of cabin crew to the Pine Tree State during their hit series, which began its 12th season in December.

The trio also renovated their family vacation home in the Italian countryside in the spinoff series, “Maine Cabin Masters: Building Italy,” where they succeeded in a challenge to build outside of their country and country.

But all that experience couldn’t prepare the stars of “Maine Cabin Master” for their latest challenge: Instead of modernizing an aging cabin, they’re asked to work on what appears to be a newly renovated residence to bring it back to its original roots.

Located on the waterfront of Threemile Pond in South China, ME, the secluded cabin is located about twelve miles northeast of Augusta, ME, the state capital.

Builder Chase Morrill, along with his sister, Ashley Morrill-Eldridge, her husband, Ryan Eldridge, and the rest of the “Maine Cabin Masters” crew are tasked with building the biggest cabin ever in Season 12 of the Magnolia Network hit show. (Magnolia Network)

Located on the waterfront of Threemile Lake in South China, ME, the secluded cabin is about twelve miles northeast of Augusta, the state capital. — Located on the waterfront of Threemile Pond in South China, ME, the secluded cabin is located twelve miles northeast of Augusta, the state capital. (Magnolia Network)

The owners of the cabin, who bought the property with money earned by a close family member, are concerned about the lack of an outdoor deck and other recent modern improvements, such as a central outdoor sail. — The owners of the cabin, who bought the property with money earned by a close family member, are concerned about the lack of a floor and other modern improvements, such as a neutral exterior. (Magnolia Network)

Homeowners, Larisa again Michael Skeensthey bought the property using money they inherited from Larissa’s father, who was the editor of “Model Roadrailer” magazine and a respected figure in the model railroad community.

According to Larissa and Michael, the renovated multi-story lakeside home was originally one of many small shacks on the camp that the previous owner expanded over time.

With its lake view, large yard, and border of mature trees, the cabin naturally has many desirable features to support the couple’s vision of a vacation home where they can spend quality time with their children.

However, the couple has a problem with the lack of a deck and other recent improvements, such as the exterior siding. They asked Chase, Ashley, and Ryan to fix those structural elements and give the entire style a camp-inspired makeover.

In an exclusive clip from the next episode, titled “Campify This House,” the “Maine Cabin Masters” experts conclude that they’ve fixed up the place, including a sad design installation they made in honor of Larissa’s late father.

Before revealing the changes to Larissa and Michael, the “Maine Cabin Masters” team is seen working hard to clean and set up the cabin.

While one group cleans a natural-colored wide plank floor, others spread a green-patterned outdoor rug on the deck, hang an animal skull above one yellow ski, and place a potted plant on a vertical indoor shelf.

Before revealing the changes, the “Maine Cabin Masters” team is seen working hard to clean and set up the cabin. (Magnolia Network)

An outdoor rug with a green pattern is spread over the deck. (Magnolia Network)

An animal skull hangs on the outside wall above a single yellow ski. (Magnolia Network)

On a vertical indoor shelf, a live potted plant is placed next to a green lamp base and a back seat. (Magnolia Network)

The green leaves of the plant play well against the green lamp base near the back seat.

“It’s the last week at Skeens camp, and we’re getting things ready,” Ashley said. “You know, they really wanted us to take over the place and make it feel like a camp, and that’s exactly what we did.”

While decorating room after room, the staff shows off the new traditional camp beauty of the home.

With the siding removed, the exterior walls are now painted a deep brown with forest green trim and hardware.

Inside, natural-colored pine boards cover most of the walls. Some are placed horizontally, while others are vertical. The same wood tone appears on the bed headboards and footboards. The repeated use of the same wooden material is a deliberate decision to create the desired camp environment.

Ashley explains: “The first thing you see when you walk in that door is the pine, and that’s what makes it feel like a camp.

Muted greens and blues dominate the nature-inspired color palette used to select wardrobe accessories, which also include a playful nod to camping culture.

The new traditional camp aesthetic of the home uses natural colored knotty pine boards that are installed horizontally and vertically throughout the living area. — The new traditional camp aesthetic of the home uses natural colored knotty pine boards that are installed horizontally and vertically throughout the living space. (Magnolia Network)

A nod to traditional camp includes a side table topped with a bunch of badminton rackets in a vase. — A nod to camping culture includes an accessible side table with a bunch of badminton rackets in a vase. (Magnolia Network)

Pops of color and fun patterns are in the collection of fun kitchen towels that hang prominently on the kitchen wall. — Pops of color and fun patterns are present in a collection of fun kitchen towels that hang prominently on the kitchen wall. (Magnolia Network)

A small, open nook uses beanbag chairs, throw pillows, and ottomans to create a casual hangout spot. (Magnolia Network)

Many of the rooms were furnished using a large portion of the couple's existing collection. — Many of the rooms were furnished using a large portion of the couple’s existing collection. (Magnolia Network)

A side table is accessorized with a bunch of badminton rackets in a vase.

The kitchen, which is also covered in pine, incorporates pops of color and fun patterns by using a collection of fun dish towels that hang prominently on the wall. The built-in cabinets above and below the suite of stainless steel appliances appear to have been freshly painted, helping to offset the dark frame of the kitchen.

A pair of racquets hung on the wall inside a small open space where bean bag chairs, throw pillows, and a rattle became her hangout.

As Ashley hangs a neutral piece of art framed in the same wood tone, a natural-colored wood nightstand is visible in one of the bedrooms, serving as a preview of other private rooms furnished using much of the couple’s existing collection.

“They had all the furniture, too, which is great camping furniture so being able to use that and add that really helped my team, and then we added our little touches to really set it up,” Ashley explained.

Playing on the camp theme also meant installing lamps with bases in the shape of trees with climbing bears in one room, while in another, the lamp bases are fish.

Animal references continue to throw pillows with owls and hummingbirds, and the wilderness lifestyle is enhanced by a basket of blankets and pillows placed next to the outdoor living area.

Playing on the camp theme also meant installing lamps with bases shaped like trees with climbing bears and some fish. — Playing on the camp theme also meant installing lamps with bases in the shape of trees with climbing bears and others in the shape of fish. (Magnolia Network)

Animal references continued on the throw pillows, some featuring owls and hummingbirds. — Animal references continue on the throw pillows, and some feature owls and hummingbirds. (Magnolia Network)

The desert lifestyle was also supported by a basket of throw clothes and cushions placed beside the outdoor seating area. — The wilderness lifestyle was also enhanced by a basket of throw blankets and cushions placed alongside the outdoor seating area. (Magnolia Network)

Ashley marveled in the kitchen paying tribute to another of the owners' late father: a working model train. — Ashley marveled in the kitchen paying tribute to another of the owners’ late father: a working model train. (Magnolia Network)

The little train above the fridge is just the right vehicle to bring big vibes to camp. (Magnolia Network)

Ashley predicts her customers will be “happy,” especially when they see the amazing surprise she’s created in the kitchen. Before the official unveiling, Ashley tells Chase a joke that reveals the details of the custom design.

“Chase, do you know why the elephant refused to ride the train? There was no room for its trunk,” Ashley teased as she and Chase explored a thoughtful touch that pays tribute to Larissa’s late father: a working model train.

Coming out of the tunnel above the refrigerator and running on a track on a shelf full of spices, the mini trailer is the perfect vehicle to bring big vibes to the camp.

“Okay, just keep her there until they get there and then finally, ‘Ta-da,'” Ashley ordered as she prepared to usher Larissa and Michael.

“Good, we will not meet them,” he said. “I’m ready.”

“Maine Cabin Masters” airs Mondays at 9pm on the Magnolia Network and airs the next day on discovery+ and HBO Max.

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