Deep within an ancient Devon forest, a small, rustic wooden house has been built. It’s called The Nook and is part of The Hideaways estate. Thirty acres of private meadows and woods surround this secluded retreat. Deer, foxes, and buzzards share this territory with passing travelers. The cabin embraces simple comfort, a far cry from the traditional English cottage style. Raw wood, weathered leather, and natural materials make up its warm color palette.

A living room featuring raw wood and woven materials


The cozy living room occupies the center of the house, opening onto the kitchen on one side and the semi-enclosed bedroom area on the other. The cognac-colored leather sofa is warmed by the wood-burning stove that takes center stage in the room. A small bench made of light wood and rattan serves as a coffee table.

Raw wood shelves provide storage for books, games, and hiking gear. The combination of dark wood, leather, and rattan creates the atmosphere of a Nordic retreat.

A dark kitchen and its dining area


The kitchen of this rustic wooden house features anthracite cabinet fronts that contrast with the warmth of the surrounding wood. Its light brick-style tile backsplash adds texture to the wall. The solid wood countertop runs along the black cabinets. A bar made of reclaimed pine faces the window, allowing you to enjoy meals while taking in the view. This contrast between dark furniture and light wood is reminiscent of contemporary Scandinavian chalets. The choice of a functional kitchen is perfect for the simple spirit of the space.

A raised bedroom


The bed sits on a wooden platform that overlooks the living room slightly. This position offers a direct view of the window and the forest as soon as you wake up. A light-colored wicker headboard adorns the wall behind the pillows. The bedding is chosen in shades of gray and khaki that complement the living room’s color palette. A built-in walk-in closet provides practical storage. This bedroom embraces simplicity with natural materials and neutral tones. It evokes the feel of a boat cabin or a mountain retreat.

A bathroom clad in Portuguese cork


The bathroom is covered with cork imported from Portugal. This warm, textured material replaces the traditional tile found in bathrooms. The choice of cork truly sets this wooden home apart. It adds a sensory dimension to this bathroom and makes it feel very warm.

A terrace equipped with a sauna and a Nordic bath


The wooden terrace stretches along the length of the house and opens onto the forest. Its gray outdoor seating area welcomes residents around a small coffee table. A cabin housing the sauna is located at the far end of this terrace. A Nordic bath is tucked away right next to it, shielded from view by a wooden fence. Pendant lights line the terrace and create a soft ambiance at dusk. This outdoor extension naturally extends the home’s interior design aesthetic. It transforms the space into a true oasis of well-being in the heart of nature.

Our take on this design


This home features a consistent aesthetic from the living room all the way to the terrace. The dark wood might seem austere. But the large floor-to-ceiling windows that let in plenty of light avoid this pitfall. Rattan, leather, and cork each add a different texture to the space. The choice of Portuguese cork in the bathroom is also interesting for its originality. Overall, this decor succeeds in creating a warm and welcoming space that remains modern.

What inspiration can we take away for our cabins?


This small wooden house aesthetic resonates directly with current trends. Other countries have seen similar retreats spring up in recent years. All over the world people share this same taste for raw materials and compact spaces. The success of treehouses and tiny houses everywhere is clear proof of this. The Nook could thus inspire homeowners who are renovating barns or forest cabins in their own regions.

Devon, unspoiled countryside in Southwestern England


Devon stretches between the wild moors and the rugged coastline of southwestern England. This rural region moves at a leisurely pace, far from the hustle and bustle of big cities. Green hills roll as far as the eye can see, hiding secluded hamlets. Residents have been running family farms and tending to ancient woodlands for generations. Local wildlife thrives near the homes, taking advantage of this tranquility.

Deer cross the clearings at dusk, and birds of prey circle above the trees. The cabin’s dark siding blends in with the surrounding tree trunks and foliage. This unobtrusive approach is essential in such a well-preserved region. The Nook exemplifies a strong trend in rural housing: the simple, sensory retreat. The Devon region offers a natural setting that enhances this design.

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living room small wooden house in Devon The NookShare on Pinterest




living room small wooden house in Devon The NookShare on Pinterest


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This small, rustic wooden house for two in Devon is available for rent through Airbnb