A small timber cabin can be an ideal option for a getaway spot. If you are looking for a place to get away from the city, but aren’t in the mood for a huge, rustic cottage, then a small cabin may be the answer. It can be an affordable way to live close to your family, while still having a little bit of space to yourself.
Woodnest Cabin in Norway
Woodnest in Norway offers a modern treehouse retreat on the edge of the Hardangerfjord. The architecture aims to let guests appreciate the natural rhythms of the forest and the experience of dwelling in a tree. Its cabins are designed by Norwegian architectural firm Helen & Hard.
Each cabin has a kitchen, a living room and a small bathroom. Each cabin features two bedrooms that can sleep up to four people.
Woodnest is located outside Odda, Norway. Visitors can hike for about twenty minutes to reach the cabin. Once there, they can use the bathroom or shower. There is also Wi-Fi, hot water, and a fridge.
The interior of the treehouses is open and airy, and centered around a central fir tree. The radial pattern of the ceiling hints at the structural framework of glu-laminated timber ribs. In the center of the interior is a raised platform with a double bed.
Kjartan and Sally Aano, along with their daughter Lily, have a passion for treehouses. They first built a treehouse before getting married. They still love the way that treehouses make them feel.
When it comes to booking, you can contact Woodnest via its website. To reserve a treehouse, you can pay about $2800 Norwegian Krone ($316 USD) per night. You can then pick a date and time for your stay.
The cabins are accessed through a small wooden bridge. Once inside, you can enjoy the panoramic views of the Hardanger fjord. Guests can relax on the terrace or enjoy a fire in the wood-burning stove.
Woodnest is a family-run business. Its aim is to create authentic treehouses, using sustainable building materials and non-toxic products.
Cheryl Cabin by Pin-Up Houses
The Cheryl Cabin is a 100-square-foot cottage aimed at the casual builder. It has a low cost of construction. With a few tools and a little sweat equity, anyone can build their own cabin. The best part is that it celebrates the great outdoors.
There are many other versions of this small house slash cottage on the market. Pin-Up Houses offers a few variations, all of which are customizable to the whim of the homebuilder. In the words of Joshua Woodsman, the founder and architect of the brand, “The plans are not only affordable, they also come with an easy-to-follow step-by-step DIY guide.”
One of the more impressive achievements is the name of the company. Although its a relative newcomer, the company has already launched a handful of successful projects. Aside from the Cheryl, it also makes a splash with the Bala Bunkie, a 100-square-foot abode that costs about $12,000 to $21,000 depending on your finish level.
For a complete list of what’s in a jar, try the company’s website. You’ll find several other miniature houses and cottages ranging from the modest to the grandiose. So if you’re looking to spruce up your backyard, or your abode, take a gander at the Cheryl, the Bala Bunkie and other offerings at Pin-Up Houses. The company is a one-stop shop for your tiny house needs. Whether you’re a budding do-it-yourselfer, or a seasoned pro, you’ll find all of the tools and materials you need to build the home of your dreams. Plus, you’ll get the satisfaction of knowing you’re building something of quality, while saving the earth at the same time. Taking the time to build your own tiny home will prove to be the best investment you can make, especially if you’re in the market for a vacation home.
Hobbitat Spaces in Maryland
If you are a fan of the small house movement, you might want to consider building a tiny home from Hobbitat. This small company is the offspring of a 30 year veteran in the custom home industry. One of their projects, the Blue Moon Rising, is a 15 acre compound near Deep Creek Lake in Garrett county, Maryland, where you can find the aforementioned hobbit and his crew. The most compelling part of the experience is the burgeoning community of tinkerers and tinkerer enthusiasts.
In short, Hobbitat is the go-to destination for all things small home related. From buying and selling, to custom designing and building, the Hobbitt crew can handle your project from conception to completion. Whether you are looking for a small one bedroom cottage or a spacious two story estate, the Hobbitt staff will take care of you. Located in the Oakland sands, Hobbitat is just a few miles from Baltimore. And while you are at it, you may want to check out the surrounding communities, as there are plenty of other tiny house enthusiast communities aplenty.
Aside from being a small business, the Hobbitts are a family affair. Owners Bill and Sue Thomas have a knack for bringing the entire construction process indoors. They’ve also done their share of home improvement and restoration, and can handle just about anything on your list. As with most small companies, the business hours are flexible, and they are happy to accommodate your busy schedule. So, whether you’re looking for a little respite from the city or the thrill of the hunt, the Hobbitts might be just the ticket. Just make sure you don’t leave your keys!
Kogelberg Cabins in South Africa
The Kogelberg Mountains are located along the eastern edge of Cape Town. They are protected by the Hottentots-Holland mountain range and offer a peaceful retreat outside of the city. This area is considered a natural wonder, and is home to an abundance of fynbos.
The Kogelberg Nature Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is considered the heart of the Cape Floral Kingdom. Aside from being a popular tourist destination, it also contains some of the most diverse plant species in the world. There are over a thousand species of plants in the reserve.
The cabins are designed to blend into their surroundings and use sustainable off-grid technologies. They are built from pine wood and feature insulation wall panels, weather-resistant solar geyser systems, and pergolas. These features ensure that the cabins maintain an environment of natural cross-ventilation.
During the cooler months, the central wood-burning stove keeps the cabins warm. Plants on the roof provide shading throughout the property. Additionally, the gabion walls cool the area through thermal massing.
Guests of the Kogelberg Cabins can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, canoeing, and whitewater kayaking.
Kogelberg accommodation is available in three old timber cabins. It is only an hour’s drive from Cape Town. Other nearby towns include Kleinmond and Oudebosch.
The lodges are self-catering and have a warm and romantic atmosphere. Visitors can experience the unique landscape of the area and explore its ancient San rock paintings. Some of the cabins even have private hot tubs.
The new self-catering tourist facilities are environmentally friendly and feature a chemical-free swimming pool. Each cabin has a kitchen, no-flush loos, and composting toilets.
Mabel Lake Cabin on a budget
The Mabel Lake cabin may be tiny, but it packs a punch. If you’re a fan of hiking, biking, and water sports, this is the perfect place to unwind. You can even rent a boat if you’re feeling adventurous. There are several amenities to keep you occupied, from golf to horseshoes. A little research can help you find the best deals on a rental property. It’s also easy to find a hotel or B&B in the area.
While you’re at it, you might as well get a bit of shopping done. This is a great time to stock up on some local wares. You’ll have to ration the purchases, though. For instance, if you’re planning on buying a new set of golf clubs, you’ll probably want to hold onto your current set of clubs for awhile. Plus, you’ll get some nice mileage out of them.
As a burgeoning foodie, you’ll also want to take a look at the local wineries. If you’re looking for a more laid back atmosphere, you might consider renting a cabin. These are available on a short-term or longer term basis. Just make sure you book early. With all of this in mind, you’ll have a memorable getaway for less. Depending on your budget and expectations, you can get a luxury apartment, a quaint cottage, or a full-service resort. Some even have pool tables, tennis courts, or outdoor barbecues.
Lastly, you might want to keep an eye out for a Mabel Lake rental. Located about an hour northeast of Vernon, BC, the area is home to more than 100 lakes. During your vacation, you’ll have a chance to do some fishing, sightsee, or merely relax.