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Deep in the Angeles National Forest in the San Gabriel Mountains, this stone-clad cabin was originally built as part of the U.S. Forest Service’s program to promote responsible land use. Spanning just 600 square feet, the historic retreat was reimagined over three years by Los Angeles-based Commune Design, whose principals drew from a rich mix of references, including Swedish and French chalets, Japanese minimalism, and Shaker craftsmanship.
The design intent centered entirely on utility and function, with every inch of space optimized for weekend escapes. What makes this project truly remarkable is that all materials and furnishings had to be transported down a narrow canyon path by pack mule or hand-built wheelbarrow.
Exterior
Above: The exterior remains unchanged, other than a new front door and fresh paint in Farrow & Ball Studio Green. The solid white oak Dutch door was custom-made, with a bronze doorknob cast directly from a rock taken from the nearby stream.
Living Room
Above: The intimate living room showcases the cabin’s original stone walls and the warm, layered aesthetic Commune is known for, blending vintage textiles, handcrafted objects, and natural materials. The focal point of this space, the fireplace, was built around a massive granite river boulder. The walls are limewashed.
Above: In the corner of the living room is a vintage Bruno Mathsson lounge chair. The ottoman is by Nickey Kehoe.
Details & Furnishings
Above: Commune commissioned an artisan to build a gingko marquetry armoire, constructed from redwood reclaimed from the cabin interior. Every object tells a story, from the old-fashioned crank phone connecting the house to neighboring cabins to the handcrafted one-of-a-kind pieces made specifically for this retreat.
Kitchen & Dining
Above: A ceiling light from Robert Long Lighting hovers over the dining nook.
Above: Concrete floors run through the kitchen, and all walls inside are coated with limewash. Finger joinery turns the kitchen cabinets into art, while a pojagi sink skirt is by Adam Pogue.
What We Love About This Home
This tiny cabin packs an extraordinary amount of soul into just 600 square feet. Commune Design’s mastery lies in how effortlessly they blend global design influences — Swedish, French, Japanese, and Shaker — into a space that feels completely of its place, perched along a boulder-lined stream in the Angeles National Forest. The craftsmanship is exceptional throughout, from the custom marquetry armoire to the hand-cast bronze doorknob. This is off-the-grid living at its most refined.
Tell Us: Which detail in this stunning San Gabriel Mountains cabin captivates you most: the custom marquetry armoire, the cozy sleep loft, or the handcrafted Dutch door? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Note: Check out a couple of other amazing home tours that we have highlighted here on One Kindesign in the state of California: Mountain cabin with summer camp vibe offers escape in the California Sierras and Summer camp inspired cabin immersed in a majestic grove of Redwoods.
Sleep Loft
Above: A ladder from the kitchen leads to the sleep loft, which features a ceiling covered in grass cloth by Astek, a vintage Swedish flat-weave rug, and a basket by Dax Savage.
PHOTOGRAPHER Stephen Kent Johnson
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