Dwell’s Top 10 Cabins of 2018
Contemporary, cozy, and oh-so charming—these woodsy homes prove cabin fever can indeed be a very good thing.
If you ask us, there are very few things in this world that can compare to an idyllic cabin retreat. Whether perched beside a tranquil lake or nestled deep in the heart of an alpine forest, these sensational modern shelters offer the perfect excuse to go off the grid for a bit and reconnect with Mother Nature.
While we adored all of the countless cabins we featured during 2018, below are the top 10 that resonated with our readers most. From enchanting, off-grid cabins that look straight out of a fairy tale to acclaimed architect Jim Olson's first project in 1959 that has evolved into his own extraordinary family oasis, get ready for an alluring dose of cabin fever.
10. Tiny, Off-the-Grid Cabins Near Joshua Tree
Surrounded by boulders and twisted yuccas, these two cabins in the Mojave Desert stand like Monopoly houses, with their steel siding weathered to a tawny finish. But behind the simple gabled forms lies a complex network that enables them to operate wholly off the grid.
Photo: Sam Frost
A dated property in the mountains of Big Bear, California, is upgraded to highlight its stunning A-frame design.
Photo by Alex Zarour
Designer and builder Jacob Witzling’s handcrafted cabins have a dreamy, fantastical quality that makes them truly one-of-a-kind.
Courtesty of Sara Underwood
Nestled at the base of a dramatic rocky butte, a tiny cabin in the woods of Washington blurs the distinction between indoors and out.
Photo: Eirik Johnson
Available for as low as $55,000, the Artist Bothy is a multipurpose, prefab hut designed to promote a creative spark in residents.
Johnny Barrington
Designed to capture the character of traditional wooden cabins within a contemporary framework, this family residence in Fairplay, Colorado, is comprised of two volumes linked by an outdoor deck.
Photo: David Lauer Photography
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Cabin Porn: Inspiration for Your Quiet Place Somewhere
Rural escapes for those yearning for a simpler existence, by the creators of the wildly popular Tumblr Cabin Porn. Created by a group of friends who preserve 55 acres of hidden forest in Upstate New York, Cabin Porn began as a scrapbook to collect inspiration for their building projects. As the collection grew, the site attracted a following, which is now a huge and obsessive audience. The site features photos of the most remarkable handmade homes in the backcountry of America and all over the world. It has had over 10 million unique visitors, with 350,000 followers on Tumblr. Now Zach Klein, the creator of the site (and a co-founder of Vimeo) goes further into the most alluring images from the site and new getaways, including more interior photography and how-to advice for setting up a quiet place somewhere. With their idyllic settings, unique architecture and cozy interiors, the Cabin Porn photographs are an invitation to slow down, take a deep breath, and feel the beauty and serenity that nature and simple construction can create.
ShopThis elevated prefab cabin in the Chilean Andes has a buffer zone that helps protect it against harsh climatic conditions.
Courtesy of Felipe Lagos
First built in 1959 as acclaimed architect Jim Olson's first project, this modest bunkhouse in the woods grew into an extraordinary family retreat.
Kevin Scott
This voluminous cabin in Austin, Quebec, has a sharply pitched roof and a bright and lofty interior that strikes surprising contrast to its austere, angular exterior.
Courtesy of Félix Michaud
A young Finnish designer bypasses building permits by creating an affordable tiny home under 100 square feet.
Courtesy of Robin Falck
Related Reading: 7 Unbelievable Rustic Cabin Makeovers
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