After living in cities worldwide, the owners of this architectural residence in the woods traded in their wild urban landscape to reside in wilds of a different kind. The couple still dwells in urban sophistication—their panoramic view home showcasing the sharp geometry and wide-open angles created by architect D’Arcy Jones—but they now share space with elk, deer and bear, and don snowshoes, hiking boots and skis to get around.

A beautiful, contemporary residence that’s a serene study in black and white, this architect-designed home anchors a tight clearing in the woods of British Columbia’s Selkirk Mountains. Located on seven forested acres outside the hip university town of Nelson, it’s the back-to-nature dream home of a couple who gave up city life for a place in the woods.

The low EMF cabin rental in Canada was designed in collaboration with architect D’Arcy Jones. Its angular volumes cut a strong figure in a tightly wooded clearing, and the property’s dark pitched roof line is tucked under an evergreen canopy. The modern chalet is clad in a soft, velvety black exterior, and contrasting interior volumes are sheer, geometric and pristine white, featuring polished concrete floors, generous banks of windows, and design accents in deep charcoal to black tones. An open-plan living/dining/kitchen room features a cathedral ceiling, contemporary woodburning stove and panoramic forest views. Three bedrooms are simply furnished in cozy contemporary styling, and a glass library, meditation room and master bath-with-a-view up the residence’s creative architectural ante.

A long deck extends along one side of the home, and hammocks hide in the trees in woods that surrounds the house. Guests will enjoy the ultra-low EMF infrared sauna, and hiking and snowshoeing trails begin at the front door, leading into the woods where game trails wend through the trees, and elk, deer, small wildlife and the occasional bear roam.

AROUND

A veritable house in the woods, this tranquil, modern cabin rental in Canada is tucked into a berm on seven private acres outside of Nelson, BC. Nestled in the Selkirk Mountains on the Western arm of Kootenay Lake, Nelson has long been regarded as one of the region’s coolest “hippie” towns, a laid-back, outdoor-living oasis also known as “The Queen City" for its historical streetcar and over 350 restored buildings dating from the silver rush days. Located on the lakefront, it offers abundant watersports possibilities and excellent fishing. Dozens of mountain biking and cycling trails make Nelson a popular spot in summertime, and winter sports lovers flock to the town for powder days at Whitewater Resort. The town’s most popular city hike is the climb to Pulpit Rock, and hikers, more serious trekkers, snowshoers and mountaineers will find trails throughout the surrounding mountains. 

Restaurants, groceries, and all necessary services are available in Nelson, a town that also showcases artisan shops and studios, and independent boutiques and small businesses. Road trippers and lovers of the scenic routes shouldn’t miss the international Selkirk Loop, a photogenic route that winds around the area in both Canada and the USA.

LOCATION

Nelson, Kootenays, British Columbia, Canada. Nearest airports: Castelagar; Spokane

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Year round, depending on activities sought