Who We Are
The Story of Our Cottage
We’re Isaac and Laura—a husband-and-wife team (with our four kids jumping in when they’re interested) who share a love for bringing old house charm back to life. After years of watching Zillow and dreaming, we finally found an older home full of character on several acres—big enough for our family of six and in need of some serious TLC. We made our best offer the day it was listed, but it was passed over for a higher bid. Laura was heartbroken. Then, six weeks later, we got a second chance. The original buyers backed out, and the sellers accepted our offer without relisting.
The house had been sitting for a while, and it took us three months of hard work just to make it livable. Since then, we’ve been pouring our hearts (and weekends) into transforming it into the cozy cottage of our dreams. Laura started sharing reels on Instagram for accountability and motivation, and along the way, we’ve found an incredible community of the kindest people on the internet, who inspire and encourage us daily. This is our fixer-upper journey—full of sawdust, slow progress, and the simple joy of creating something beautiful.
More About Our Family
Our story began in 2016 through the magic of the internet. We were both single parents healing from the heartbreak of past marriages, leaning into our Christian faith and hoping to rebuild something lasting. Though we lived five hours apart, we quickly discovered deep common ground—including roots in the same hometown, located right between us.
After a year of weekend drives and growing connection, we married in 2017 and moved back to our hometown to start our life together. We blended our three children into one family and welcomed our youngest son in 2018, completing our family of six.
In 202, we became a certified foster family. Since then, we've welcomed nine foster children into our home and provided respite care as needed. Though challenging, this work has been deeply meaningful, and we’re always open to sharing our journey with others considering it.
Life is full—between work, school, church, and activities for kids of all ages, there’s rarely a quiet moment. But DIY is our shared space to recharge and reconnect. Whether building furniture, renovating rooms, or gardening, creating together strengthens our bond and brings us joy.
We love including our kids in projects, teaching them skills and sharing moments that remind us why we do what we do. Ours is a busy, imperfect, grace-filled life—rooted in faith and built with love, one day at a time.
Meet Laura
Laura, the middle of three children, was raised in a home grounded in faith, family, and kindness. Surrounded by a close-knit extended family, she developed a deep love for learning, creativity, and adventure. From a young age, she was curious about the world—drawn to travel, culture, and the beauty in everyday differences.
At 10, Laura set her sights on becoming a dental hygienist. She followed that dream, earning her degree and building a career she loves. Since 2011, she’s combined technical skill with warmth and compassion to care for patients and families.
Creativity runs in Laura’s blood. Inspired by her grandfathers—both craftsmen—she discovered a passion for DIY after buying her first home in 2012. Influenced by Western European architecture and cottagecore charm, she brings heart and vision to every project. Whether she’s restoring a vintage cabinet or reimagining a space, her eye for character and meaningful beauty shines through.
Outside of work and DIY, Laura finds joy and strength at the gym with her workout community—but always puts family first. Her enthusiasm, creativity, and love for people are the heartbeat of every project at The Avery Cottage.
Meet Isaac
Isaac, the fourth of nine siblings, grew up in a range of Christian communities—from traditional to fringe. Homeschooled until 13, his learning shifted to hands-on experiences. Fascinated by technology, he apprenticed at a computer shop, launching a lifelong passion for problem-solving. At 14, he left home and spent four years living with the Amish, gaining a lasting appreciation for hard work and craftsmanship.
After returning as an adult, Isaac worked in construction until a back injury encouraged him to pursue another career path. Beginning as a draftsman, he explored the world of architectural engineering before ultimately pursuing a degree in computer science. For the past 15 years, he’s thrived in the software industry and now serves as VP of Engineering at a New York fintech firm.
Amid a full life of work, parenting, and foster care, DIY projects provide him peace and purpose. He especially enjoys helping Laura bring her creative visions to life.