Writer’s Haven
A treat for those of you who are writers and prefer a little bit of solitude and nature to stir your imagination. This is a writers retreat.
Located on San Juan Island, Washington, the intention was to pull the writer into the solace and hum of nature and leave behind all distraction.
The cabin is glass walled with wooden slats that are raised by a hydraulic system. The slats can be pulled up at night, or raised for security when the occupant is away.
Then there is a 180 degree swivel fireplace that warms you on the shutter deck outside or heats you up cozily on the inside.
The minimalist finish and furnishing is simple and basic to keep you focused on that Pulitzer prize novel or blog! And a wide screen, flat screen, big screen, (I scream), TV set is anathema and deliciously absent in this particular setting.
Sublime.
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Amish Simplicity
I am a big fan of Amish simplicity. A self reliant community for whom everyone from the very young to the very old has a role. Their days are run at the speed of nature – getting up and retiring with the sun and communicating face to face with one another unimpeded by technology or enforced work distance.
Because everyone has a role and are engaged and busy, they are unlikely to turn to drugs and drink to solve boredom issues, or waste time vying to be part of some pointless clique.
They are lucky enough to know where their food comes from and exactly what is in it. No hyperactive children there!
They have low to no rates of depression and any problems are spread amongst the whole community diluting it’s strength.
And who would have thought that Amish simplicity would be rocked by frou frou designers who then spend inordinate amounts of money to achieve a similar inexpensive, rustic look?
I know they are not perfect, but there are some elements of their lifestyle that those of us occasionally left breathless by a new revelation of the depth of human cruelty and windswept at the haste of the very young to ‘grow up’ in all the wrong ways, would do well to even consider re-adopting for our own communities. Not least self respect, work ethic, wide eyed interest and wide eyed innocence.
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A Stable Home
David Kohn has built a one level airy space from a 19th century stable block. The setting is open plan with windowed walls giving a generous view of the garden.
Simple.
Open plan.
Whitewashed walls.
Open hearth.
Lovely.
Rustic Elegance
This beautiful, single storey home in Sweden overlooks the ocean. The house is built in a H-shape which protects the exposed courtyard and creates a warm intimacy. The simple rustic feel is created by the use of natural materials, steel, untreated pine wood and concrete.
Simple. Rustic. Raw. Beautiful.
