Tucked into a forested hillside on Whidbey Island, this modern farmhouse was designed with one clear purpose in mind: to bring a growing family together under one roof.
Seattle based mwworks created the Whidbey Island Farm Retreat as a contemporary residence that feels deeply connected to its rural surroundings. Rather than dominate the landscape, the home settles quietly into it. From its perch on a low rise, it looks out over chicken sheds, a weathered red barn, open cattle fields and a pond edged with cattails. Beyond that, forest stretches in every direction.
Out of respect for the turn of the century farm buildings already on the site, the house was carefully positioned so it would feel like a natural extension of the land’s history. A low wall of stacked natural stone organizes the structure and subtly marks the edge of a courtyard filled with native grasses and ferns. Rooms weave between mature cedar and fir trees, creating the sense that the forest was always part of the plan.
Architect Steve Mongillo describes the material approach simply. With naturally weathered woods, concrete, locally quarried stone walls, deep oak window jambs, soft plaster walls and black steel accents, the house aims to feel warm and rustic yet clean and open.
A Welcoming Entry Rooted in Function
Step inside and wood takes center stage. Different shapes and tones are layered throughout, creating an atmosphere that feels welcoming without being overly polished.
Just off the front door sits a practical mud room, complete with space to hang jackets and store shoes. It is the kind of thoughtful detail that makes sense in a home designed for multiple generations. Whether returning from fishing at the pond or helping with chores near the barn, there is a clear place to land before stepping further inside.
A Living Room Framed by Land and Stone
At the heart of the home is an open plan living room where a substantial stone fireplace with a concrete hearth anchors the space. The materials echo what can be seen outside, reinforcing the connection between interior and landscape.
Large sliding glass walls pull back to open the living room onto a covered deck. In warmer months, gatherings can easily spill outdoors for barbecues or long evenings overlooking the fields and pond. The flexibility was intentional. The house was designed to accommodate summer celebrations, quiet weekends and full holiday reunions alike.
A Kitchen Built for Gathering
On the opposite side of the living room sits a kitchen made for feeding a crowd. Two generous islands provide ample counter space, making it easy for several people to cook at once. Along one wall, cabinetry adds additional storage and houses the ovens, keeping the layout streamlined and functional.
Next to the kitchen, the dining area is defined by five minimalist pendant lights suspended above a wood table. It is simple and understated, allowing conversation, food and the surrounding views to take priority.
Bedrooms and Bathrooms Immersed in Nature
In one of the bedrooms, floor to ceiling windows frame uninterrupted views of the surrounding trees. Waking up here means waking up in the forest.
The bathroom continues the theme of natural light and warm materials. A large window brightens the shower, while a floating vanity with wood cabinetry complements the wood ceiling above. The effect is calm and cohesive, never straying far from the tones and textures of the landscape.
A Second Living Space and a Library in the Trees
Beyond the main living area is a secondary lounge defined by a dark wood wall. From here, there are views toward another structure that stands apart from the primary house.
This separate building houses a library and looks onto a courtyard filled with native shrubs and ferns. Surrounded by large Douglas Fir trees, it feels private yet still connected. The arrangement allows family members to gather together or retreat into quieter corners when needed.
Evenings by the Meadow
At the edge of the meadow, a fire pit overlooks the pond. It is easy to imagine stories shared here after long summer days, with the barn and fields fading into the background as dusk settles over the water.
Rooted in forest and farmland, this Whidbey Island farmhouse shows that contemporary design does not have to erase history. Instead, it can build upon it, offering a warm and durable setting for generations to come.