Perched on a mountain slope, this bright, open-plan cabin boasts panoramic views of the Patagonian countryside. But it's the playful interior that we really love. This striking newly-built cabin near San Martín de los Andes in Patagonia was created by interior designer Sandra Dominguez Pazos and her husband, journalist Nicolás Falcioni. For Pazos and Falcioni, it's a dream brought to life - and it's easy to see why.

The inspiration for the home was simple: the view that surrounds it. The wide-open, rolling landscape almost follows you inside. Each of the cabin's windows is located to make the most of the views across the rolling landscapes of Chapelco and Vega Maipu - and you certainly can't escape from them.

Nor would you want to. Day or night. Its stone terrace, they say, is the perfect place to enjoy a magnificent Patagonian sunset. Binoculars are even provided for eagle sightings, meteor showers, or simply watching the moon travel across the sky. 

But what makes this cabin truly unique is the character of the interior. The house is the owner's residence when it's not rented out, and it's the lived-in, personal touches that make it so appealing. Clean lines with splashes of vibrant color, flooded with abundant natural light, give the cabin a bright, airy and unpretentious feel.

The playful details - from garlands, snow shoes and hippy hats on the walls to boldly-striped chairs and curtains - speak to the character (and sense of humor) of the owners. There are enough striking design elements to impress us, but there's also more than enough whimsy to take the edge off - making it laid-back and fun.

Structurally, the cabin is open-plan - a ground floor with living, dining and kitchen spaces, plus a mezzanine level with two beds. Floor-to-ceiling windows at the front of the house flood both levels with light, and it's easy to imagine star-gazing from the comfort of the mezzanine bedroom.

Pazos and Falcioni have a small child. As a result, this is a very child-friendly cabin, with plenty of outdoor space for running around. Just watch your step on the pathways. It's built on a steep incline. 

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

The house can sleep five on a queen-sized bed, a single bed, and additional pull-out double sofa bed in the living room. There is a fully-stocked modern kitchen (appliances as well as basic supplies), as well as a BBQ. 

In winter, visitors can make the most of a wood stove, and supplemental heating is provided in the cooler winter months. In order to conserve energy, there is no air conditioning, but the 16-inch expanded stryofoam panel walls keep the house consistently cool in the summer, and windows are double-paned. Extra layers are recommended for cool weather.

AROUND

The owners provide a handmade Local’s Guide on arrival, with information about local sights and outdoor activities, as well as San Martín de los Andes restaurants, cafes, wineries and shops.

Located in the Neuquén Province of Argentina, San Martín is a quiet town in a spectacular setting, on Lago Lácar and adjacent to the Parque Nacional Lanín. In winter, local destination Cherro Chapelco is very popular with skiers. In summer, the cabin is an ideal location for the outdoor enthusiast - with hiking trails and mountain biking trails very close by. Boat rides on the lake are a must.

LOCATION

The house is 10 minutes or 7km away from the town of San Martín de los Andes, via paved and mountain roads. The nearest airport is in San Martín de los Andes.