Product Description

Cabins are simple, sometimes primitive structures, but the heart of each cabin - a treasury of feelings, sensations, and memories of family and friends - makes them special. The Cabin presents 37 inspiring examples, showing how people are building, reclaiming, transforming, or buying this basic form of American residential architecture for a chance at the good life. The book includes 248 color photos and 50 color illustrations, site plans, floor plans, and covers the four basic styles: rustic, traditional, transformed, and modern. In the process it celebrates the possibilities and pleasures of cabins as both shelter and a way of life.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #16540 in Books
• Published on: 2003-03
• Released on: 2003-04-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 256 pages

From Library Journal
These two books are fine additions to the literature of architecture and building from Taunton Press, best known for the magazines Fine Woodworking and Fine Homebuilding. In an introduction and six chapters, Obolensky, who collaborated with Sarah Susanka on The Not So Large House, presents 52 garages, from basic to elaborate. Various styles and purposes are illustrated, including workshops, hobby shops, living spaces, and parking spaces. The extraordinary photography that accompanies the precise text brings the glory of the "Garage Mahal" to life. The result is whimsical in tone yet serious in design and execution detail. Architect Mulfinger and writer/editor Davis accomplish much the same for the cabin. In four chapters "Rustic," "Transformed," "Traditional," and "Modern" they present 36 cabins from across the United States. In addition to exterior and interior photographs, colored renderings of site plans are included where needed. The authors also emphasize the importance of mood and environment. While this book is a bit more serious than Garage, the joy in the discovery of great design operates strongly here as well. These extraordinarily well-produced books are enthusiastically recommended, particularly in communities strong in second-home construction. Alex Hartmann, Williamsport, PA
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
The broad spectrum of cabins showcased here, from a one-room rustic to an all-glass Wisconsin aerie, is almost seductive enough to surrender to country-wilderness living. Mulfinger and Davis have done an exemplary job of building the emotional case for cabins--beautiful settings, simple shelter, and at-home feelings. More than 30 basic (and not-so-basic) homes are documented, with photographs, overhead blueprints, and sidebars about specific intricacies. Watch out, Abraham Lincoln, for the new generation of "gimme shelter." Barbara Jacobs
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Review
"Hark back to the basics and discover 37 unique cabins across the country.... All are so inviting, you'll want to grab the marshmallows and head to the woods."

Customer Reviews

Not as complete as I'd hoped
This lovely dream book is just that. It's a dreamy look at cabins, which is great, but I had hoped it would go further in writing about the details of each home. There is very little information about the homes in this book, so the authors obviously considered it just a pretty picture book. Which it is. For my money, though, I wanted a little more. What I wanted but DID NOT GET was more information on choosing a cabin location, on having a new cabin designed and built, on remodeling an older cabin, and so forth. I wanted the pretty pictures as well as some information I could use. In researching second home books, the one I recommend is called simply SECOND HOME, and it not only works as a dream book but is chockful of informational tidbits that we are using as we plan our own retreat.

Wonderful!
I already have my heart set on 3 or 4 of the cabins from the book! I was looking for something that depicted simple dwellings, not necessary for a weekend or vacation home, but potentially for a year-round residence. Some of the cabins in the book fit the bill very well and the others give many options for every kind of taste, lifestyle goal, and toterance for "roughing it." The descriptions, photos, and details were delightful and informative. I received the book on Thursday and had it completely read by Saturday and am now going back to study!

Inspirational...
The word "inspiration" in the title says it all. This book of true cabins - all are under 1200 sqft, not the 3000 sqft ones you see in some books- is full of ideas for all types of cabins. From rustic to modern, the text and beautiful color pictures convey ideas for "the simple life" focusing on efficiency, relaxing and connecting with the outdoors and family. Truly recommended for anyone building or buying a cabin.