In the small town of Lubiatowo in Northern Poland, six cabins known as Szumilas (“Summer Houses”) make up a holiday retreat. Owners Magda and Chris, both energetic 30-year-olds, sought a change of pace from city life. Inspired by their own travels—especially hostel experiences—and an appreciation of the great outdoors, they decided to invest their savings in building a series of holiday homes with nature at the forefront.

They reached out to Raca Architekci to make their dream a reality. The small, two-story structures are designed with natural materials that harmonize with their surroundings.

The gabled form of each house is clad with larch wood and topped with a black metal roof and chimney. Punched window openings, recessed deeply in the facade, add a contemporary twist to the traditional cabin.

An exterior deck forms the entry to the house, extending the living space and providing a platform for gathering with friends and family. Further blurring the lines between inside and out, the doors can be opened wide to increase the living room area.

Natural materials extend inward with exposed wood beams, plywood accents, and wood-paneled walls. The mostly white-and-gray color palette is accented with shades of green that draw from the surrounding forests.

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Merely 474 square feet, the homes seem surprisingly spacious. The ground floor includes a kitchen area, large bathroom, and living room, complete with a sleeper sofa and wood-burning fireplace.

Wood stairs lead to two bedrooms upstairs, each with its own framed view of the surrounding landscape. Scandinavian style is evident throughout. Clean, simple lines blend with contemporary furnishings, light fixtures, and custom-built pieces by Raca Architekci.

Available to rent for full weeks at a time, these charming holiday homes start at 350 Polish zlotys per night.

Project Credits:

Interior Design: Raca Architekci

Owner: Domki Szumilas