Daughter Wendy grew up loving the water, and the family became known as the “Phantoms” because they were seen less and less around their city home.
After their daughter went off to college, the Galaskas decided to return to the lake full time. Even Wendy wanted to call the log house “home.” But before they could return, the Galaskas extensively renovated the residence.

They replaced all the single-pane windows with more energy efficient ones. “Half the windows didn’t worK due to 20 years of nonuse, and some were painted shut,” Richard says.

They added a front door. With the help of their builders, Brooks and Linda Carswell of Grist Mill Country Homes, this turned out to be more than a door. It became an entryway, an intimate dining area, and a connection between the new garage and the home.

As it turned out, the garage would also have a stairway that led to a loft living area the Carswells suggested the Galaskas build above the garage. This area would be for their daughter, Wendy.
Both the entryway and living area were custom built on site by the Carswells. Richards credits them with giving him and his family a deeper appreciation of family and home.

“ We could not picture through our eyes what Brooks and Linda see when they envision a home. They showed us not only respect for our home but also a respect for the things we normally dealt with and never realized the importance in them,” Richard says. “I think the Carswells have shown us...a greater depth and sense of satisfaction and appreciation of our home. It has helped us to become more family centered. To see two grown people love a home as much as they did made us realize ‘Hey, maybe there is something to it.’”

Back to Success Stories