Ep 11. Catskill Mountain Home

Vacation House for Free is a show that features home renovation expert and master carpenter, Matt Blashaw, as he helps families fulfill their dream of owning a vacation home. In every episode, Blashaw guides homeowners through the process of finding and purchasing a vacation home, and then helps them renovate and transform it into a dreamy retreat.

In season 2 episode 11, Blashaw takes on the renovation of a stunning Catskill Mountain home for a couple whose dream is to own a getaway property where they can unwind and enjoy the great outdoors. The couple, James and Andrea, are looking for a home that is spacious, comfortable, and provides easy access to the mountains, rivers, lakes, and trails that the region is famous for.

At the beginning of the episode, Blashaw meets James and Andrea at their current home and listens to their vision for the Catskill Mountain home. They want a home that blends with the natural elements of the area, has plenty of space for their extended family, and allows them to make the most of the outdoor recreation opportunities. Blashaw is excited to help them achieve their dream and begins his search for the perfect home.

Blashaw takes the couple on a tour of three different properties in the Catskill Mountain region. The first property, a mid-century modern home, has a lot of potential but needs serious updating. The second property, a charming cottage, is set on a gorgeous piece of property but is too small for their family's needs. The third property, a sprawling ranch-style home with a beautiful yard and spectacular views, is the one that captures James and Andrea's hearts.

Once the couple settle on the home, Blashaw sets to work on the renovation plans. The goal is to maintain the home's mid-century charm while bringing the space up-to-date and creating an open floor plan that enhances the views of the mountains.

Blashaw takes on the challenge of designing an open concept living area that incorporates the kitchen, dining, and living rooms. To achieve this, he knocks down walls and adds steel beams to support the structure. He takes advantage of the natural light that pours into the home by installing large windows and glass doors that provide stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

In addition to the common areas, Blashaw remodels three bedrooms and two bathrooms to create an inviting retreat that maximizes space and comfort. He adds touches such as an inviting fireplace to create a cozy ambiance and a home office that offers solitude and focus.

Blashaw also helps the couple with exterior upgrades, including the addition of a fire pit, a large patio with outdoor seating, and attractive landscaping features to create an outdoor oasis that blends with the natural beauty of the Catskills.

As always, Blashaw keeps the budget in mind as he works on the renovation, enabling the couple to save money while still achieving their dream home. Despite some unexpected issues along the way, Matt Blashaw and his team complete the renovation on time, earning the appreciation and admiration of the owners, who are thrilled with their new Catskill Mountain home.

In the end, words cannot describe the incredible transformation that Matt Blashaw brings to the Catskill Mountain home. The episode is a testament to his exceptional talent, the joy of vacation home ownership, and the incredible beauty of the Catskills. It is a must-watch for anyone looking to renovate or purchase a vacation home.