Extract from Retreats for the Soul by Sara Bird and Dan Duchars of the CONTENTed Nest, published by Ryland Peters & Small (£25) Photography by Dan Duchars © Ryland Peters & Small
See Inside these Stylish A-Frame Cabins Perfect for a Retreat on the North York Moors
Tired of city commuting, Sophie and Rich Vermont decided to shake things up with a country move and career change. They have now created two idyllic A-frame cabins on their Yorkshire farm for all to enjoy
From à la mode to mucking in, Sophie and Rich left behind their jobs in the fashion industry and took on a farm on the edge of the North York Moors. Bowled over by the beauty of the setting, the couple have turned it into a one-of-a-kind guest retreat. It provides all the mindful benefits of living in the wild and some of the best views across the heart of Yorkshire.
Creating places to stay that would be out of the ordinary was a priority for the couple. For inspiration, they looked to the classic A-frame houses that can be found throughout the Great Lakes region of North America.
They then teamed up with the specialist company Life Space Cabins, which provided detailed technical drawings, and hired a couple of skilled joiners to bring their vision to life. The accommodation now on offer at West Cawthorne Farm includes two identical A-frame cabins, one of which is shown here. It was built from simple materials: black corrugated steel for the roof, aged Siberian larch for the external cladding and plywood panels for the interior walls. There is a kitchen and bathroom to the rear of the cabin, a living space at the front and a bedroom on the mezzanine level. The Vermonts’ considered planning and the makers’ careful craftsmanship can be seen in the construction, right down to the smallest details. The finished structure stands out among the traditional stone farm buildings like a bold black shard rising up out of the landscape.
The A-frame design is all about outlining the view outside, so it is a perfect fit for the countryside setting. Natural light filters in through the huge glass windows, which offer expansive vistas over the surrounding fields. As part of their commitment to rewilding and conservation, Sophie and Rich have planted hundreds of trees and created a wildflower meadow, so there is now an abundant natural habitat for animals, insects and birds.
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The A-frame design is all about outlining the view outside, so it is a perfect fit for the countryside setting. Natural light filters in through the huge glass windows, which offer expansive vistas over the surrounding fields. As part of their commitment to rewilding and conservation, Sophie and Rich have planted hundreds of trees and created a wildflower meadow, so there is now an abundant natural habitat for animals, insects and birds.
From waking up in the mezzanine bed to snuggling up on the sofa at night, guests can observe and engage with the outside world throughout the day. There is always something to delight in this ever-changing panorama.
Inside the cabin, neutral and natural tones predominate so as not to detract from the view. The look is modern rustic with an infusion of minimal Scandinavian style. The plywood panelling, which was chosen as a pared-back and inexpensive alternative to solid timber, has been treated with Osmo’s wax oil in Raw Transparent for a durable, high-end finish. For contrast, the kitchen cabinetry has been coated with black paint in a flat matt finish. Rough- hewn planks salvaged from barn repairs have been repurposed as shelves, while the smart black highlights lend a contemporary edge.
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Most of the furniture has been built in to make the best use of the distinctive triangular space. Bespoke joinery of this kind is well suited to unusually shaped rooms and can be surprisingly budget-friendly. Life’s luxuries come in the form of ceramics from Home Barn, organic cotton bedding from Rise & Fall, uplifting toiletries from Plum & Ashby and mineral bath salts made by Seagrown, a local company committed to sustainably grown seaweed. Ikea rugs made from biodegradable and recyclable jute provide warmth underfoot and echo the colours on the walls. All these natural materials create a sense of harmony with the outside world.
The couple have also taken care of any weather worries that come with the changing seasons. Even in winter, there is warmth and comfort aplenty inside with sufficient insulation and heating. And when temperatures allow, there is a sunken bathtub on the deck, where guests can watch the wildlife while relaxing in hot water.
Sophie and Rich have created a luxurious and unique retreat, which brings a modern slice of country life to their farm. The cabins represent a vision of cool combined with comfort, which they have been able to share, enjoy and experience with others.
