Rural STR

Seen here from the south, Villa van Vijven’s orange facade is meant to mimic the tiled rooftops of Holland’s country buildings, while the building’s horizontal pull echoes the flat landscape. The second-floor living rooms look out on the 4,200-square-foot communal garden, one of only two shared spaces in the whole community. Bob Krone, Koos Sweringa, and Marianne Schram stroll the grounds.

"The roof, covered in vegetation from the forest floor, helps maintain the clearing's authentic appearance and integrates the building into its environment,

The two chairs in the feed room are family heirlooms that first belonged to Kelli’s grandfather. He had them in what he called his rest space, which referred to the small cabin on their family’s farm in Burleson County, Texas.

Proximity to her animals is not just a logistical requirement for Kelli—it’s also one of the joys of her new home. “One of my favorite horses is in that stall right below my bed,” says Kelli. “I can see him coming in the early morning hours to have a bite to eat or whatever, which is really sweet.”

The steel roofing is from Hamilton in Southern Ontario. The doors were reclaimed from a local hotel. The windows are from a Mississauga company. The trim and cabinetry is milled from oak trees that they cut down to build the driveway. “It’s as local as it gets,” says Liz.

The shower features Fireclay Tile in Blue Satin—a pop of pastel amidst the otherwise earthy palette.

The new addition and old building were clad in the same red timber for a cohesive look.

The little red cabin is a nod to the classic summer cottage of Sweden.

Floor plan of Shed/House by John Redington

Though the house's design was inspired by old sheds and barns, its glass walls give the home a contemporary feel and fill the interior with light, even on cloudy days.

Built on a shale ridge with a 35-foot drop-off, Scott and Julie Pelletier’s house in Maine comprises a succession of simple gables.

Family members have their own areas in the mudroom. Each is equipped with a hanging basket and a repurposed teak shower mat.