An Outdoors-Loving Couple Build a Dreamy Retreat in a Pristine Pacific Northwest Forest
At Saltwater Farm, a rural retreat on San Juan Island, five cabins surround a home that serves as communal gathering point.
At Saltwater Farm, a rural retreat on San Juan Island, five cabins surround a home that serves as communal gathering point.
It was a lifelong dream for couple Merriss Waters and Andrew Fleming to live in a cabin nestled into a forest on an island, far removed from the hustle and bustle of the city. They recently brought this dream to life at Saltwater Farm, a boutique retreat designed by RAD LAB on the shores of Washington’s San Juan Island.
Saltwater Farm is located just outside the small town of Friday Harbor, which has a population of less than 2,500. "San Juan Island has a beautiful valley populated with farms, and it’s supported by a tourism- and agriculture-driven economy," says designer Taylor Bode. "It was seen by Andrew and Merriss as the perfect place to bring their farm vision to life."
Darren Bradley
"The couple wanted to slow their lives down so that they could enjoy the great outdoors while raising their two young children," says Taylor Bode, a designer at RAD LAB. "They envisioned a rustic yet modern boutique inn with a main house that would serve as both their permanent home and a communal gathering space, with cabins dispersed throughout the surrounding forest."
Five cabins are located in the pine forest surrounding the main house. "The design for both the main house and cabins at Saltwater Farm resulted from studying traditional Pacific Northwest cabins and refining that vernacular language with one of Scandinavian minimalism," says designer Taylor Bode.
Darren Bradley
Saltwater Farm is located just off the coast of Washington State, on a 162-acre property a short walk from the ferry landing just outside the quaint town of Friday Harbor. Here, Merriss and Andrew have realized their dream of small-town living, raising animals, and running a space where guests can connect with nature.
The clients—Dr. Merriss Waters, a veterinarian, and Dr. Andrew Fleming, a clinical child psychologist—had a lifelong dream to live in a pristine, pastoral setting in the Pacific Northwest. "They live an active lifestyle and enjoy exploring the islands," says architect Taylor Bode. "Their hobbies include mountain biking, trail running, farming, and cooking for friends and family." In addition to an event space in an existing barn and cabin rentals, Saltwater Farm is home to productive gardens and a variety of animals.
Darren Bradley
See the full story on Dwell.com: An Outdoors-Loving Couple Build a Dreamy Retreat in a Pristine Pacific Northwest Forest
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