The couple purchased the cottage for $95,000. Eight and a half wooded acres
and a detached garage/barn were included. The renovation budget was 10K.

Even though the real estate market has considerably softened, many people still feel priced out. But check out this story from the NYTimes about a handy Williamsburg couple, Christina Salway and John Moskowitz, who bought and restored a 700-square-foot 1920s cottage in Sparrow Bush, NY. With little building experience, a small budget, and good taste, they navigated a complex DIY restoration. Read full article here.

Ms. Salway is a 26-year-old interior designer (click to check her site). Many of the pieces were acquired through Craigslist, thrift shops and yard sales, receiving free items from family and friends and finding things on the street. “You need a good eye,” Ms. Salway said, noting that treasures are often found in recycling bins and Dumpsters.

A vintage stove was bought on Craigslist. Two stools, a wood workbench
and an old wood locker were found on the street.

Artwork was also bought on Craigslist and at yard sales and thrift shops.
Old valises were stacked to make a hallway table.

If you’re interested in helping Bklyn’s environment and using your roof for something tasty like veggies, check out the green roofing workshop by Green It Yourself and Eco Brooklyn. They offer intensive and semi-intensive classes from $300 to $600.  For basic info, look into their free class on August 8th. Additionally, if you’re interested in green roofing as a profession, check out greenroof.org to learn about the industry and becoming accredited.