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COVER STORY | Lake Life: Mom & Daughter Duo Creates Summer Adventures for So Many



Summer Getaway Unveiled in Delavan, Wisconsin

Picture this: Delavan Lake, where the vibes are laid-back, the sun's rays dance on the water, and memories are made to last a lifetime. Meet Kelli and Kailey, the dynamic mother-daughter duo behind The Cottages on Delevan Lake consisting of two freshly spruced-up cottages that scream classic lake charm with a modern twist, and other rehab properties. Their two cozy rental cottages are just a stone's throw from each other on prime spots along the lake. Each exudes character with unique touches and characteristics to help make you and your guests enjoy the "lake life".


Kelli's been there, done that – from a bustling career in buying to settling down full-time by Delavan Lake after countless summers spent there with her family. Remodeling homes became her passion project, leading to the creation of these lakeside gems that radiate tranquility and comfort.


Kailey, the brains behind the bookings and the lifeblood of the cottages, juggles her gig at an E-commerce agency with a love for country tunes, jet-setting adventures, and a knack for snagging the best accommodations. When the weekend hits, she's out on the water, soaking up the sun, tunes blaring, and good times rolling with family and friends. So, join this dynamic duo for a summer escapade at Delavan Lake, where every splash brings a new story and every sunset whispers of endless fun.



Lake Life: A Tale of Family, Tradition, and Lakeside Hospitality


For Kelli, the call of the lake resonates deep in her family history, tracing back to the late 1800s when her grandparents acquired the Willow Point cottage (pictured in blue) – a cherished retreat that witnessed love stories unfold and memories etched in time. The legacy continued as Kelli and her husband embarked on a transformative journey in 2016, breathing new life into the worn-down cottage, igniting a spark that kindled their passion for crafting lakeside escapes.


Kailey's wanderlust spirit and knack for creating unforgettable experiences found a home within the walls of the renovated cottage, sparking the idea to share their lakeside paradise with fellow adventurers. What began as a whimsical idea in 2018 blossomed into a flourishing venture, with each property exuding unique charm and storytelling elements that set them apart in the realm of Lake Delavan rentals.


Diving into the selection process, Kelli and Kailey seek out the "ugly ducklings" – homes yearning for revival and rejuvenation, each possessing a distinct allure in their location, historical significance, or layout. As the duo breathes new life into these homes, a narrative unfolds within each space, adorned with memorabilia and artifacts that pay homage to the rich history of the properties and the enchanting allure of Delavan Lake.



Beyond the mere confines of hospitality, Kelli and Kailey strive to create sustainable havens that echo their eco-conscious values, sourcing second-hand treasures and upcycled decor to infuse each home with character and sustainability at its core. Their commitment to offering seamless, memorable experiences extends to every guest, from milestone celebrations to celebrity encounters and commercial shoots that add a touch of magic to each stay.


Navigating the dynamic real estate and rental landscape as a mother-daughter duo presents its own set of challenges, yet the bond they share fuels their dedication to standing out in a competitive market. Embracing innovation, personalized service, and community partnerships, they carve a path that transcends mere accommodation, offering guests a tapestry of experiences that celebrate the essence of lakeside living.


For families seeking a slice of lakeside bliss, Kelli and Kailey offer a simple piece of advice: linger longer, explore off-season wonders, and immerse yourself in the tapestry of experiences awaiting at their lakeside abodes. With each stay, a story unfolds, echoing the harmony of tradition, hospitality, and the timeless allure of Lake Delavan.



Just For Fun: Get to Know Kelli & Kailey in their Own Words


We asked this dynamic real estate duo a few fun questions to help our readers get to know them...here’s what they shared:


What’s your favorite part about living near a lake, and how do you spend your downtime?

There is something magical about living near the lake, it gives a feeling of tranquility and community. Everyone, either visiting for the weekend or a local, love the area! In our downtime, we love being out on our boat, spending an evening with friends at the Delavan Lake Yacht Club or Inn Between, or visiting our favorite small business and local farmers markets.


Can you share a funny or heartwarming story from one of your remodeling projects?

When we were renovating our Indian Trail cottage in September of 2018, we had to pull up all the flooring and relevel the home. When pulling up the flooring in the kitchen we found an old, unground ice box. They would use this as their refrigerator to keep their food cold. It always blows my mind when doing renovations to discover how people used to live and how far we’ve come. Being able to bring these old homes back to life (and into the 21st century) brings me great joy when I know most people see old homes and usually tear them down, instead I look at these cottages as a puzzle I need to solve.


If you could host a day on the lake with any three people, living or deceased, who would they be and why?

Kelli: I would love to host my late grandmother, late father because they have all lived in our Willow point cottage. I think they would appreciate how we kept the integrity and character of the cottage. Also, I think they would be impressed with how the area has changed since they were growing up on the lake.


Kailey: I would love to host Andy Cohen. He seems like a pretty busy guy who would like a tranquil, lakeside retreat.


Do you have a personal motto or a quote that inspires you?

One man's trash is another womans treasure.



If your life were a movie or TV show, what genre would it be, and who would play you?

Any show on Magnolia Network. My husband and I would be Chip and Joanne for sure.


What’s the one thing you can’t live without when you’re working on a project?

My talented team of local contractors. When they say it takes a village (or a small town like Delavan) it really does when completing these projects. I am lucky enough to have a husband who does a lot of the heavy lifting when it comes to the renovations and build outs. Also, we always work with a talented carpenter, Erik Folkers, amazing designer, Andy Thone and talented friend with great taste Peggy Graves. Without my crew I could not do these projects on my own!


To Learn More or to Rent One of these Beautiful Cottages, Visit Online Today

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