I can see in my mind how to transform the exterior of this little cottage, but I can not find a lot of photos to give you a visual of what I have going on in my head. First off, I love board and baton for your exterior choice! I actually do not mind the L-shaped exterior if there was a covered porch that ran from one end to the other giving the front some continuity. I like the porches I saw in Hawaii on the smaller plantation style homes you see along the road, but I just am not finding them so far. Here are a couple pictures I have found from Houzz. Good luck with your project!

Oh and a metal roof would look stunning and be a great choice for the location!

i love the idea of a metal roof

Definitely "L" the porch and be sure to screen one end section of it for a sleeping porch. I manage a cabin as a vacation rental property (www.cavecreekcabin.com,) so if you want to make the home pay its own way when you can't be there, I'd be happy to help.

Here are two more pictures I found. The first is because it is sweet and pretty. The second is the style of deck railings I think would really transform the exterior of your "mountain house".

love the second picture ..thats a greaet porch and a great roofing material

Thanks for the suggestions. Gave me some new ideas to consider.