A look down from a loft of the Alibi Cabin, a secured log cabin available for short term rental in Kensington. (Photo by Stephanie Ujhelyi)

KENSINGTON — Nothing tests the real strength of a marriage like a home renovation.

If you ask Emily Kerwood, she will tell you that she and husband Chris didn’t have to think twice when attaching a moniker to their secluded cabin in the woods.

For two years, the cabin served as an “Alibi” for the Kerwoods, who had to explain their inability to attend an event or work extra. That’s because the Lake County couple spent the majority of available time restoring their “Alibi,” in Columbiana County –75 miles south of their home.

Kerwood, a realtor, had been looking for a while for the perfect log cabin to convert into a short-term rental opportunity when she learned about the Kensington property.

Encompassing 17 acres of real estate with a great deal of woods, the Kerwoods bought the personal residence in 2023 and redid the majority of the log cabin, which now sleeps up to eight guests.

This meant redoing both staircases, one which leads from the main floor to a loft which they converted into the structure’s master bedroom as well as the one leading to the basement and more sleeping rooms, one golf-themed with a queen bed and the second sports-themed with two twin beds.

She noted that the couple did the majority of the work, which took them a little longer than expected.

Kerwood explained that her husband is a mechanical engineer and a bit of a perfectionist.

That might have delayed completion; however, it shows in the final details.

In addition to its rustic but elegant charm, which can be seen throughout the three-bedroom cabin, the Kerwoods added an in-ground pool, which opens in early May; an on-site laundry area; a hot tub good for those cold winter days; and a fire pit to their introductory real estate offering.

Those 17 acres now feature walking trails, which allows guests to enjoy the scenery, and a former attached garage was converted to a game room.

The couple started accepting bookings through AirBNB and Vrbo in July for their special version of tranquility — complete with Wifi access.

Kerwood admits that she also enjoys her quiet time down at the cabin, coming down whenever she gets the chance.

She has maintenance and cleaning help on retainer, as the Kerwoods cannot always get down as often as they wish to get away from the hustle and bustle of the Cleveland metropolitan area.

The rental is handicapped accessible. No pets are permitted

Kerwood said the Alibi project didn’t discourage the couple from acquiring and converting future short-term rentals, as she acknowledged the hard work was worth it after seeing the final product.

For information on the Alibi Cabin, which is located at 11376 Ridgeway Road, call 440-823-3264 or visit listings on AirBNB or Vrbo.

sujhelyi@mojonews.com