This cabin in the Hocking Hills region of Ohio is exactly what we love – a deeply personal dwelling designed thoughtfully with lots of original details. Let's start with the exterior. A cabin in the woods is always a winner for us, but the sleek wooden design of the Carpenter's Cabin sets it apart. 

Named for the owner's father, who was a carpenter, it's a home that took shape like a piece of wood being turned in his hands. Built over four floors, with a custom steel staircase linking them, it's a striking space. Start at the bottom for the living quarters with their inspired conversation pit, a sunken three-sided sofa facing a large TV (in case the conversation dries up). The bedrooms occupy the next two levels, and up top there's a room called the Perch, reached by ladder. Outside there's a firepit and a hot tub, as well as 32 acres of pine forest and trails to explore.

Most importantly, though, this cabin for rent in Ohio is a personal passion project, built by a local family who dreamed of building somewhere rural to escape to with the kids and grandkids. It's filled with furniture made by local artists, and its eco credentials are pretty impressive too (see below).

Each of the bedrooms has its own character. On the lower level is the first of two bunk rooms, with a full bed over another full bed, plus a media room and doors to the patio and hot tub. On the second floor, the main bedroom has a platform canopy bed with a pine-tree mural as its headboard, and sliders that lead to the second-story deck. Just across the hall is the other bunk room, which has one twin over one full bed. Next up is the loft suite with queen bed, a vaulted ceiling and its own fully screened deck (no bugs!), and the fifth sleeping area is in the loft library, which has a cozy twin alcove bed with great views. Up at the very top is the Perch with a round saucer bed that's ideal for lounging, and a round window overlooking the forest.

There are three decks, all of which have great views of the forest. The front deck is the place for coffee and saying hello to the deer who stop by every morning for breakfast. The third story deck, accessed via the loft suite, has two organic hammock chairs that are perfect for just hanging or reading a book.

And if you really must work, there's a dedicated workspace in the loft library.

ECO CREDENTIALS

The owners of this cabin for rent in Ohio are very committed to sustainability, and the house has a list of green features too long to list here. But here's a sample. Side walls are made from recycled newspapers, reclaimed barn wood is used throughout, kitchen cabinets are recycled wood lined with recycled water bottles, and landscaping is almost non-existent, in order to maintain the natural environment. Towels are made from organic eucalyptus and Turkish cotton, sheets are organic bamboo with French linen duvet covers and shams, and organic body products are provided

AROUND

The cabin sits in the middle of 32 acres of secluded, historic pine forest, but it's only five minutes from Laurelville where guests can head for pizza, homemade donuts, and apple cider. The town is considered the gateway to Hocking Hills State Park, a wonderful destination for lovers of the great outdoors, with its 25 miles of hiking trails, dramatic rock formations, waterfalls and recessed caves. 

Activities in the region include ziplining, canopy tours, canoeing, biking, fishing and horseback riding. Don't miss the John Glenn Astronomy Park, which was inspired by an increasingly hard-to-see night sky. Hocking Hills is one of the few areas left in Ohio where the night sky can be seen in a near pristine state, and this is a great place to take advantage of that.

LOCATION

Laurelville, Hocking Hills, Ohio, US. Nearest airports: Rickenbacker (37 miles), Port Columbus International (52 miles).

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Spring to fall for best weather, but winters are fun too.