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My Houzz: Serene Cabin Retreat Near Austin
Cedar aplenty, soothing colors and minimal furniture create a relaxing escape in the heart of Texas Hill Country
Austin based home tour contributor for Houzz; freelance photographer.
Austin based home tour contributor for Houzz; freelance photographer. More »
This cozy cedar cabin was originally built as a retreat for Melissa and Mike Wilson. When the opportunity arose for them to develop this 20-acre property outside Austin, Texas, they knew it was the perfect feast for their hungry imaginations. The creative couple first designed a simple and colorful space to escape to and work in. Now they share their oasis by renting out the space to others, and hope to build another vacation rental on their property soon.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: A vacation home for Melissa and Mike Wilson
Location: Austin, Texas
Size: 1,000 square feet; 2 bedrooms, 1.5 baths
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: A vacation home for Melissa and Mike Wilson
Location: Austin, Texas
Size: 1,000 square feet; 2 bedrooms, 1.5 baths
by Kara Mosher
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Minimal furniture invites guests to use the comfortable, alternative seating in the living room. A Costco memory foam beanbag is paired with a pillow for a makeshift cushioned seat.
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| When Melissa first moved to Austin, she stayed at the Hotel San Jose and fell in love with the relaxed, Zen design. "I've followed Liz Lambert's work and have stayed at all of her properties over the years," Melissa says. "Her work really inspired me. I wanted to keep the design clean and simple, uncluttered and with a few unique pieces to invite you in and bring down your heart rate a bit. I hope it does." |
by Kara Mosher
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Mike loves music, so the cabin's record player (tucked behind the ladder) is a necessary accompaniment to his impressive vinyl library. "I think it helps to set the tone for the space. We don't have a TV or phone so it is great to unplug, lie back, listen to great music and enjoy the warmth and solitude that the cabin brings," Melissa says.
Sconces: Manuel's on 5th Street (now closed)
Sconces: Manuel's on 5th Street (now closed)
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by Kara Mosher
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| Both the exterior and interior of the home are made of a local species of cedar wood. |
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| The couple has hosted everyone from wedding and honeymoon guests to authors needing a place to finish projects. The cabin has even been used by musicians working on albums and gearing up for tour — including bands during Austin City Limits and SXSW. |
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| Melissa put her own creative touch on decor pieces throughout the space, including this written reminder: "Speaking does not always improve upon silence." |
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The simple kitchen is outfitted with stainless steel appliances and custom cedar features. Both the countertops and bench are custom made.
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The couple loves spending time in the floor-to-ceiling cedar space and entertaining with friends. One of Melissa's favorite pieces is the dining table Mike designed; it sits against the wall with bench seating. "All you have to do is pull it away from the wall and you have space to have six people for dinner," she says.
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| The cabin's main bathroom has a vintage claw-foot tub. "A long soak in the tub is one of my favorite things I do to relax," Melissa says. "I make sure we keep relaxing bath salts on hand for all guests to use." |
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The limited color palette echoes the rest of the cabin's soothing design. Melissa used mainly green, giving the space energy and life.
Curtain: Cost Plus World Market
Curtain: Cost Plus World Market
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Melissa is a therapist and uses a spare bedroom for her own private counseling practice. She and Mike plan to keep the cabin as a vacation rental and hope to build another unique structure on the property in the next couple of years.
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| Upstairs, the second bedroom is in an open yet cozy loft space. A barrel nightstand contributes to the rural feel. Throw pillows, blankets, nightstand: Pier 1 Imports |
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| The downstairs bedroom windows fill the room with soft light, highlighting the colors of the room. Melissa made the pale rainbow mosaic-tiled art piece. Rug, bedding: Cost Plus World Market |
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| Melissa and Mike love that their cedar retreat is close to downtown but still feels a world away. They recognize that it's rare to find 20 acres in Austin and feel blessed to have this escape. "We are only 20 minutes away from beautiful Hamilton Pool, and down the street from The Salt Lick BBQ and Lady Bird Wildflower Center." |
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| The creative couple's ideas are not limited to their rural retreat — they also attend Burning Man each year. They brought the cedar swing set shown in this photo there in 2011. Two artists at Curious Customs made the lamp hanging from the swing set. |
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| Melissa snagged this birdhouse from a neighbor who had helped a woman with an amazing birdhouse collection clean out her home. "They were just going to be thrown away, so I was able to pick a few that I loved," she says. The weathered wooden picnic bench was salvaged from a local skating rink that had to get rid of some tables. "I love that it has so much character and many layers of paint," says Melissa. Houzz call: Do you have a country cabin? Show us your home. |
Ideabook updated on June 25, 2012.
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Your cabin looks so invitingly peaceful. One question - what kind of finish did you use on the wood