This Tiny, One-Room Cabin Is the Ultimate Artist's Escape

Photos by Ross Chapin

Ross Chapin took these images of a tiny retreat located on Whidbey Island in Washington. The one-room cabin, with a sink just outside the entryway, is only 96 square feet (8x12). All the wood for the place was sourced from downed trees, salvaged logs, or previous construction projects. The foundation is made of four pier blocks. To get the cabin to the site, a truck drove it to the property and set it down on the foundation.

It was designed and built by Kim Hoelting of Live Edge Woodworks. Kim speaks of the pressure release his small cabins provide: “They’re great small spaces, as home offices, guest cabins, writer’s escapes, or simply an area to have in your backyard to unburden domestic space.”

This particular cabin was built for a writer/artist as a retreat from the busyness of life. Inside, there is a writing desk along one wall that can flip up on hinges to use. The back wall has a built-in bed that also serves for seating, and it has storage drawers underneath. Nearby is a working full bathroom housed inside a barn.

In the field behind this cabin is an old racetrack for horses. It is no longer in use, but it definitely creates a beautiful and serene setting that is sure to inspire any artist.