Visit a Victorian Fairy-Tale Retreat in the Woods
Renovated Cabin is Ultra-Feminine Getaway
Between career stops at a lifestyle magazine and now at a major home furnishings retailer, and owning a 1915 bungalow whose repair situation was once described as akin to playing Wack-A-Mole, I've spent a lot of time considering home design ideas. Sometimes I'm surprised by the things that capture my attention.
Between career stops at a lifestyle magazine and now at a major home furnishings... More »
Not everyone looks at an isolated hunting cabin in the woods and thinks "dream house." But Sandra Foster has vision to spare, combined with exceptional resourcefulness and determination. Her ultra-feminine cabin in upstate New York is on the same 14 acres as the 1971 mobile home she shares with her husband and their dogs, separated by a stream and an uphill climb.
She renovated the cabin herself, turning it into a retreat that looks like a fugitive wing of a fairy-tale Victorian mansion. It was truly a labor of love, using mostly vintage or salvaged materials combined with a few bargain finds.
She renovated the cabin herself, turning it into a retreat that looks like a fugitive wing of a fairy-tale Victorian mansion. It was truly a labor of love, using mostly vintage or salvaged materials combined with a few bargain finds.
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The cabin is 9 by 14 feet. Here, Foster stands on the front porch, which is supported by three vintage columns topped with gingerbread trim she cut herself. "I use [the cabin] to get away from it all—ringing cell phones, email, my husband’s man cave," Foster says. "I create art and decorations for it when I'm there, groom my two Maltese dogs, take pictures for my blog, garden, read, eat ice cream, nap."
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Though the cabin doesn't currently have a kitchen or bathroom, Foster says she hopes it will someday. It has electricity, which provides heat and powers the vintage chandelier. She installed shelves for the built-ins behind the couch, then added salvaged doors and filled the cabinets with her collection of Limoges china.
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| Foster says she doesn't entertain at the cabin very often. "I have little get-togethers there, but it’s not popular," she says. "Crossing the stream and hiking up is difficult for some. The bathroom is your choice of fallen logs in 14 acres of woods. People think twice." Private Comment
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When asked why everything in the cabin is white, Foster says, "I love it. It’s relaxing, pure, feminine, light, clean, sophisticated and dainty."
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| The cabin includes a sleeping loft, accessed by a ladder. "I installed batts of insulation, then used an electric stapler to attach Tyvek to the rafters," Foster says, describing the tented ceiling. "I started from the bottom up. It got easier the higher I went, because I could just slide the batts into the Tyvek 'pockets.' Then, I attached a bolt of Walmart lace with the electric stapler along the rafters. Bada bing." Private Comment
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"I wanted a tented ceiling because it's ultra feminine. It’s also infinitely easier to do than measuring and fitting wood or tin in a dormer that small. I can stand up only in the center," says Foster. White tissue-paper garlands along the side of the loft call to mind an elaborately frosted wedding cake.
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| The idea for a dreamy Victorian retreat "originated the first time I walked up to the old hunting cabin the evening we found it," Foster says. "The proportions have a vertical emphasis, like Victorian architecture. That's my favorite style. I've kept a scrapbook of all the pretty houses I've ever seen, and this cottage incorporates their best features. The fact it's inaccessible by car didn’t hurt, either!" Private Comment
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"When I sold my first home, I kept only the things that resonated with me," Foster says. "My first home was large, and if I found free furniture on the side of the road that 'would do' after I painted it, I grabbed it, just to fill an empty house. I jettisoned all that in a moving sale. If it doesn’t completely delight me, it doesn’t come in the door."
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Comments
kcastle129 says:
I love it!! You are very lucky to have such a wonderful retreat!
17 months ago ·
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myhouzzisyourhouzz says:
Decorated on the verge of becoming kindling! Silly. Just silly.
17 months ago ·
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What a lovely little getaway spot. I could see spending hours there with a wonderful book or a stash of my favorite magazines. Thanks for sharing this sweet cabin. Enjoyed the interview very much.
17 months ago ·
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paular says:
i enjoy the shabby chic over the top quality, depite the fact i am a strict modernist. My eight year old daughter, who is all frills, lace and pick, says it looks "scary" like "someone used to live there and just left"
17 months ago ·
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mcdeb says:
I think your get away is very charming. I do wonder how you keep it so clean, especially with its location and the dogs. If it had a bathroom and kitchen and would want to live there.
17 months ago ·
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poppet says:
It's very interesting to see the variety of tastes featured on Houzz. I hope she is very careful with all the candles.
17 months ago ·
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pvaillette says:
I absolutely adore this concept. It's every little girls dream, realized as an adult. I'd kill for a retreat like that. How charming!
17 months ago ·
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georgetownsandi says:
Lovely! an outhouse would make this spot crowded because of its beauty :D
17 months ago ·
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vishakha says:
from the outside; it looks cute... from the inside, i thought it was overdone. such a small space needs space.
17 months ago ·
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waterlover says:
I adore this wonderful , ultra feminine retreat!
Although may not be everyone's taste, the most important thing is the woman who created this loves it.
Thank you for sharing your photos.
Although may not be everyone's taste, the most important thing is the woman who created this loves it.
Thank you for sharing your photos.
17 months ago ·
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Lisa's Creative Designs says:
what an awesome little getaway! I would LOVE to have a space like that to retreat to. If there was a bathroom my family would never see me!
17 months ago ·
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kate skouros says:
no. this is a child's playhouse. it represents to me a person so far removed from reality it is, as others have said, scary.
17 months ago ·
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nwbecca says:
It's interesting to read the negative comments from adults (leaving out the 8 year old.) :) "Scary", "silly" etc. I think this is just a getaway with precisely ZERO compromise. Most of us live in an environment that make compromises for others--be it guests, spouses, etc. This is purely her fantasy, amplified. Isn't this exactly the same idea as a "man cave"---the most intricate of which usually resemble a 12 year old boy's fantasy. I'm fairly certain the mental states of those who escape to them aren't questioned.
I can see the place just not being your style, but verging into "she's batty" territory is kinda weird in itself.
I can see the place just not being your style, but verging into "she's batty" territory is kinda weird in itself.
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wilmapal says:
I agree with nwbecca. I wonder what my dream house would look like.
17 months ago ·
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Alan Brookman says:
What's up with all the white? True Victorian decoration used lots of deep colors, and thus I wouldn't characterize this as "Victorian". It's time someone coined a term for this fantasy of Victorian decoration. Thoughts, anyone?
17 months ago ·
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Sandra has created an oasis for herself, she was not trying to please everyone else. This is merely an escape for her. I find it lovely, charming, and dreamy. I respect her imagination and determination. Imagine carrying all that white fabric over the river and through the woods all without a toilet!
Hats of to you Sandra!
Hats of to you Sandra!
17 months ago ·
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chaulzie massie says:
Precious! Dreamy! Ultimate relaxation!
Many have had negative comments...why? it may not be your taste, but so what! Grow up!
Many have had negative comments...why? it may not be your taste, but so what! Grow up!
17 months ago ·
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carolynmaryaiken says:
I think this is a very romantic,feminine retreat. I admire Sandy's creative vision and ambition. I love visiting her beautiful blog also.
Carolyn
Carolyn
17 months ago ·
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girlofthehollow says:
Thank you, thank you, thank you, for transforming the cabin, decorating it, and sharing it with ME. Can't wait to see the completion of the other cabin you are doing!
17 months ago ·
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luckykats says:
Meh....not my style, but if she loves it then that's all that matters. She lives there (sort of), I don't.
17 months ago ·
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mlholeman says:
I love this! It is the antithesis of many of the ultra-modern ideas on houzz that I don't bother to look at. I appreciate the variety, and if there's something I don't like, I usually just pass it by--without feeling the need to leave rude comments.
17 months ago ·
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prema says:
Such a charming retreat....wish i had one too!
But, Sandra be careful with the candles...especially with so much of the lovely drapery.
And, for those leaving nasty comments, I don't think it's even necessary.
If the style is not your cup of tea, just ignore....besides, isn't' style subjective?
But, Sandra be careful with the candles...especially with so much of the lovely drapery.
And, for those leaving nasty comments, I don't think it's even necessary.
If the style is not your cup of tea, just ignore....besides, isn't' style subjective?
17 months ago ·
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Alison Aves says:
I think the people who are commenting that Sandra created this place for herself and herself alone are hitting the nail right on the head, and that is exactly why I love her retreat (and loved getting to interview her for this). The fact that it's left of center is what makes it so cool. And I cannot possibly find fault with someone who dreams up an idea like this, finds ways to do it on a small budget -- and then actually implements it with the sweat off her own back!
17 months ago ·
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deaberry says:
I saw this in the New York Times a few months ago, and I remember it well. Nwbecca's comment about how this space represents "no compromises" is so insightful. I like my home, I like it a lot, but there have been so many compromises: husband, resale value, pets. This woman is an inspiration to me.
17 months ago ·
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gknee says:
I simply love this cabin. I don't care what all the negative comments say, this is a beautiful, peaceful spot, a place to retreat to when one is fed up with all the crap in the world. Why does everything have to have rhyme and reason, take it for what it is, splendid!
15 months ago ·
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Gry Kristiansen says:
A fantastic cabin! Very different from my Norwegian cabin but I liked it indeed! A peaceful place in the wood with a stream nearby and I guess you can hear the birds singing. Lovely! I wouldn`t think twice beeing invited to visit this beautiful place, a bathroom or not!
13 months ago ·
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kenyaschmidt says:
Yes, she did create the cabin for herself alone, but when you post the pictures of it on a decor site, you're going to get feedback from people - good and bad. You can't be selective about what feedback you prefer, negative or positive. Just as some people are on the extreme side of the positive ("this must be what heaven looks like", etc) you have the other side of the extreme ("this reminds me of a horror movie", etc).
Even though the cabin was created for her alone, the photos were posted here to share with everyone and get feedback, comments. If the negative comments hurt feelings, then the photos shouldn't be posted publicly on a decor site where people WILL and DO give feedback.
Even though the cabin was created for her alone, the photos were posted here to share with everyone and get feedback, comments. If the negative comments hurt feelings, then the photos shouldn't be posted publicly on a decor site where people WILL and DO give feedback.
12 months ago ·
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cottageglen says:
geez people are mean..say something nice dont say anything at all. i love it
10 months ago ·
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marciareese says:
I find it beautiful! I also admire your determination to create your own soul temple. I dream of it..just never do it ! That's why I enjoy Houzz...it keeps the dream going!
4 months ago ·
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rentram51 says:
Wouldn't the world be a totally boring place, if everyone like the same design schemes? That's why I look at design magazines, websites, etc...it's just nice to
see different settings. It's just a picture for heaven sakes; it's not personal.
see different settings. It's just a picture for heaven sakes; it's not personal.
4 months ago ·
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bskendrick says:
Well - looks like the tissue paper garland and candles were a bad idea. This tiny dream hideaway burnt to the forest floor in Nov. of 2011.
http://thewomenseye.com/2011/12/15/guest-blog-sandy-foster-star-of-wonder-star-of-night/#more-17401
http://thewomenseye.com/2011/12/15/guest-blog-sandy-foster-star-of-wonder-star-of-night/#more-17401
4 months ago ·
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Sharon Nisly says:
Actually, after reading the article posted above, it wasn't this little cabin that burnt down, but a cabin she was building to live in. It sounds like she would love to expand this cabin but simply doesn't have the money to put in a septic system or build the additions need to make it a place to live....The poor dear has had quite a rough past year in her life. I wish her the best as she picks up the pieces of her life.
4 months ago ·
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meggietye says:
Well I think this space is wonderful and I think she is just lovely for sharing it with all of us! I can see spending many happy hours with my sketch pad in her wonderful getaway..followed by a light lunch, a magazine and a snooze.
4 months ago ·
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luvscout says:
nwbecca, I agree with you 100%. I don't understand the cruel comments. People used to call little buildings like this garden follies when they are close to the house. It think it's darling.
4 months ago ·
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lizflower3 says:
Could not agree more....please keep your negative comments to yourself. If you don't like it, move on. This is this lovely lady's vision and she has been kind enough to share it.
4 months ago ·
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luvscout says:
Happy to see the positive comments. I hope sharing these pictures with us wasn't too traumatic for Sandra. Thank you Sandra.
4 months ago ·
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briarrose9968 says:
I love this cabin. It is absolutely stunning. I am shocked at the comments made by people about it. When someone posts photos of something this special to them, and something they obviously put their heart and soul in to, and it means something to them, they are sharing it with the rest of the world to enjoy. I can not understand comments that are in any way a put down on someone's hard work. How would you feel to read such negative comments about something you were putting out there to share. I feel like comments are meant to be positive, if you don't like something...why bother commenting at all. I think that is so mean to do, especially some of these comments-they are down right insulting- all based on some beautiful photos. I couldn't believe it. I was totally shocked by people on here, anyone that said something mean should be ashamed of themselves. It is an amazing use of space. I love that someone made something out of basically nothing, it's a piece of art. I love that it is a retreat from the techno world that has made everyone so anti-social. To be surrounded by nothing but nature...how can it get any better than that?
3 months ago ·
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