Out Of The Valley – Rupert McKelvie’s Idyllic Cabin Getaway in Devon

This quiet tiny cabin can be found among the woods of Devon in England. The cabin has been created by designer-maker Rupert McKelvie, who established a small company called Out of the Valley. Out of the Valley functions as a workshop dedicated to the creation of sustainable, off-the-grid, aesthetically pleasing cabins.

McKelvie was trained as a classical wood boat builder, but went on to study 3D design and sustainability at Falmouth University. Combining his practical experience with his education, he worked in London as a product and furniture designer before making the move to the countryside to start Out of the Valley.

The cabin itself is a solar-powered retreat set on the banks of the River Teign. It overlooks a former farm field that slopes gently down to the river, and the surrounding forestry forms part of the National Trust Woodland. The exterior features a black corrugated roof, while the walls have been finished in a Japanese technique called shou sugi ban – the charring of timber to make it weatherproof.

The interior is quaint and almost church-like. The open plan space is partitioned loosely by the timber frame, and the entire roof structure – ridge beam, rafters and cruck – have all been left exposed, dousing the interior with fairy-tale charm.

The right-hand-side of the cabin is dedicated to the sleeping area and bathroom. The mid-section contains the kitchen, and the left-hand-side is dedicated to the living and dining room. To keep the cabin warm on cold winter nights, there’s a rather modest wood-burning stove (adding yet more character).

All of the furniture pieces and built-ins have been designed by McKelvie, and are made from oak and ask. The front entrance also features a small deck that’s furnished with Net Chairs by Mark Product, a company based in nearby Cornwall. The overall effect is that of an idyllic other-worldly getaway. If you’d like to check it out for yourself, the cabin can be rented for £130 – £160 ($193 – $238) depending on the season.

For more cabins check out Vega Cottage, found in the Norwegian Archipelago. Or, Woody35, another modest Norwegian cabin designed by Marianne Borge. See all cabins.

Via Gardenista
Photos: Out Of The Valley