Deep in an ancient forest located on Puget Sound you’ll find the Cabin at Longbranch, a project that has evolved considerably over the course of almost half a century and multiple remodels. Originally built by 18-year-old Jim Olson as a 14-square-foot bunk house in 1959, the Cabin at Longbranch was always intentionally subdued in color and texture to let the luscious surroundings shine in contrast to the house. The cabin has morphed into a sprawling weekend getaway and retreat, but the focus on nature remains the same. Sliding doors, windows, a domed skylight over the bed and mature trees that grow through parts of the structure enforce this purpose and make sure you’re connected to nature at all times. And rather than covering up previous additions and remodels, Olson purposely reused and integrated existing structures, which creates a sort of architectural history as you move from room to room. We can’t imagine working on a project for five decades, but if you told us it would look like this we’d commit in a heartbeat.
PARTNER
Huckberry’s Essential Holiday Gift Guide
Unzip your coat and have some mulled wine on the house—you’ve arrived at your final gifting destination: The Holiday Gift Guide. It’s like your friendly neighborhood one-stop holiday shop, except instead of balsa wood ornaments, ours is packed with thoughtful gifts for everyone on your list. Future heirlooms, small-but-significant stocking stuffers, and gear for getting out there (or staying in)—are all right here. There’s no music playing in the background though, so you’ll just have to hum Bing Crosby while you click around instead.
