Leading the entire architectural medley are the principles of Gesamtkunstwerk, an artistic concept literally meaning ‘total work of art’. Architects applying this concept design every single aspect of the building. From corner to corner, their ideas play out to create a harmoniously unified living experience where all components relate meaningfully to each other. Achieving exactly that, Catskill Barn’s textures, tones and temper as a space remind us that we are indeed miles away from home, encouraging reflection and rest.

Composed of five interconnected modular cabins with two wall sized doors dividing the central public spaces, the home holds the best of both worlds. When closed, the smaller more intimate space reminds us that downsizing is what makes log cabins special – the cozyness that can only be achieved with sizes less grand. However, grandiosity is not at all lost when nature makes its way inside thanks to the crystal clear, wide reaching windows that gently emphasis the surrounding beauty of the rugged Catskills landscape.

Needless to say, the heart of a log cabin is its fireplace and this is one that we’d contend as less fireplace and more indoor bonfire. A round fire pit with a ceramic suspended smoke canopy and which resembles the trunk of a forest tree couldn’t be more appropriate to the founding ideals of this holiday space. Sometimes you can judge a book by its cover and in this case, the aesthetics of the home, from the shape and dimension of its spaces right down to key features like the fireplace are really what carries the designs’ authenticity forward.

Inside and outside, this home is indeed a sight to be seen. Boldness and personality truly marks the identity of this sculptural marvel, capturing the joys of a weekend away from the chaos of daily life with a suitably luxurious and comfortable interior to match. Too bad there isn’t one closer to est hq – we’d be headed there every weekend.