Over the past year or two I’ve been endlessly seeking out, to the point of obsession, rustic wood cabins. You could even go so far as to say I have a serious case of cabin fever. In hindsight, it probably started around the time I began watching the TV series Yellowstone in 2019, and not long after the Virgin River series on Netflix.
Then on the plane over here in June last year, I watched the highly acclaimed movie, Land, with Robin Wright. It’s a brilliant film with spectacular cinematography set around an isolated log cabin in the rockies. And it completely fed into my desire for a wood cabin in the mountains.
Since then, my unrelenting cabin daydreaming has fully evolved into an outright obsession (and dream) to build a rustic wood cabin here in New Zealand. A somewhat modest, rustic and cozy timber weekender that’s filled with the heady mix of smoke, cedar and pine needles. Where deeply comfortable sofas surround the vigorous crackling of an open fire, encased in a large stone mantle. A generous veranda overlooking towering pine trees, with distant lake or valley views, and maybe even snow in the winter.
I’ve saved hundreds of cabin images as inspiration. Searches that have taken me from cabins in Wyoming and Montana, Ontario and Alberta, to Norway and Scotland too. Ironically, I thought there would be quite a few of these style of cabins here in NZ as they so perfectly suit the landscape and climate, particularly the rugged mountains here in Otago. So far, I haven’t really come across any, only contemporary cabins here it seems. If anyone has seen or knows of any here please let me know!
I’ve included just a small selection of some of my favourite cabins in this post, but it’s a good indication of what I hope ours might look like one day. What sets these cabins apart is their sheer sophistication. Traditional in nature but brimming with stylish furniture, custom cabinetry and beautiful fabrics that expertly soften the crude and primitive log walls. It’s this clever and harmonious balance that provides warmth and charm, whilst retaining the typical cabin vernacular.
When I first came across this incredibly charming and ultra chic cabin of architect James F Carter, it stopped me in my tracks. It’s rustic log exterior belies the beautifully refined interiors by Tammy Connor. I particular adore the kitchen which has such a lovely almost English cottage aesthetic, and so perfectly suits this cosy cabin.
The soft furnishings really elevate this place, and give it such softness and warmth, but I love how the palette is kept fairly neutral. Textured linens with hints of muted check is such a perfect cabin scheme.
This rustic and charming Wyoming cabin below belongs to photographer Lisa Flood, with interior design by Emily Janak. I first saw it when it was featured last year in House & Garden UK all dressed for Christmas it just looked so magical and I fell instantly in love. It has such a lovely authenticity about it with its heirloom and vintage pieces added into the mix.
Probably one of the most exciting finds in my cabin dream journey is that of Montana based architectural firm, Miller Roodell. Their work is off-the-charts extraordinary, and if ever there was a firm that totally encompassed my dream cabin, it’s Miller Roodell.
Of course I couldn’t do a cabin post without including one of my favourite furniture brans, Slettvoll. These images below are from one of their shoots at a cabin in Norefjell in Norway. It’s slightly more contemporary but gosh, I could happily cocoon here for quite some time!
This cabin below actually isn’t a small cabin, but rather a more substantial log house by The Jarvis Group in Idaho. However these two images showcase the style beautifully, and could easily fit perfectly into a smaller, cosier log cabin.
The bathroom below is particularly gorgeous, isn’t it?! I so love the oversized rustic planked walls juxtaposed with the delicate and ethereal cafe curtains.
And the cabin kitchen to end all cabin kitchens… this absolute beauty below designed by renowned Interior Designer, Suzanne Kasler, in this stunning Smoky Mountain retreat owned by Kreis & Sandy Beall. And it has my dream Lacanche range.
I believe this adorable cabin below is a guest house. I could happily pick it up and drop it right here in Otago.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this selection of cabins, and perhaps I have you dreaming of a little log hideaway like me?! If so you might like a previous post about our stay at Gibbston Valley which has contemporary style cabins that you can stay in.
Tell me, do you know of any gorgeous cabins I should know about?
I also have had this longing for the aesthetics and idea of a log cabin.
I all of a sudden have been addicted to watching YouTube cabin videos. Lots of them about solo rugged men building them, cooking over campfires and wood fireplaces. I especially like “My Self Reliance” guy.
Love that you share the same keen cabin interest, Evelyn! And I didn’t know there were videos like this on YouTube. I have seen the odd one on TV recently, called Where The Wild Men Are with Ben Fogle, which my husband told me about. I’m definitely going to check out your recommendation though now!