Nestled in the Californian hills, a small cottage affectionately nicknamed ‘The Shack’ has undergone a remarkable transformation. Feldman Architecture teamed up with its owners, photographer Catherine Wagner and designer Loretta Gargan, to create a rustic contemporary home that blends the charm of the original cottage with modern comforts. The result is a serene escape from city life, where every detail, from the landscape to the interiors, has been thoughtfully designed to highlight mountain views and natural beauty.
A Cottage and Its New Addition
The remodel combines the original cottage with a new two-storey addition clad in board and batten siding in a natural stain. This choice mirrors the rare old growth redwood siding of the original home, allowing the old and new sections to feel harmonious while introducing contemporary style.
Landscaped Backyard Oasis
The backyard has been carefully designed for relaxation. A raised lounge area nestled among the trees offers a private retreat, while an outdoor dining patio provides a space for entertaining. The narrow, long swimming pool is lined by a patio that stretches its entire length, creating a sleek, functional outdoor area.
Garage with a Green Roof
From the backyard, the new garage is visible, echoing the addition’s board and batten siding. Its green roof adds both sustainability and charm, integrating the structure into the natural surroundings without feeling intrusive.
Wooden Walkways and Connection
A small wooden walkway links the pool and spa, making movement across the backyard effortless. This thoughtful touch highlights the careful consideration of the outdoor design and ensures that functionality complements style.
Preserving the Original Fireplace
The Sonoma stone fireplace, a key feature of the original cottage, remains a focal point of the home. Its exterior is visible from the backyard, providing both warmth and character to the outdoor and indoor spaces.
Indoor-Outdoor Living
A large sliding glass door opens the living room to the outdoors, creating a fluid connection between interior and exterior spaces. This design enhances the sense of space and brings the beauty of the backyard into everyday living.
Kitchen and Dining
The opening between the living room and kitchen connects the original cottage to the new addition. The kitchen, carefully designed down to the last detail like a ship’s galley, maximizes functionality within a small footprint. Adjacent to the kitchen, the dining area takes advantage of the Sonoma stone fireplace and views of the trees through the sliding door.
Interior Woods and Ceilings
Revealing the original Douglas Fir ceilings inspired the use of reclaimed local woods for the mantel, floors, and interior doors. These materials add warmth and complement the scenic views of Mount Baldy and the garden beyond.
Minimalist Staircase
A minimalist grey steel staircase leads from the living room to the upper floor, maintaining clean lines and emphasizing the light-filled open spaces of the home.
Primary Bedroom and Ensuite
The primary bedroom features a wall of windows that frame sweeping views of Mount Baldy. A small built-in closet adds discreet storage without cluttering the space. The ensuite bathroom is integrated seamlessly, staying bright with light porcelain tiles and a white vanity, creating a serene retreat that complements the warm tones of the bedroom.
The Shack is a an example of how a modest cottage can be transformed into a stylish, functional retreat. By honoring the original structure while introducing a contemporary addition, thoughtful landscaping, and carefully planned interiors, Feldman Architecture created a home that offers both comfort and a strong connection to nature.