We escape to an exciting new alpine stay in Thredbo Village, NSW, epitomising a calm and contemplative cabin experience.
The Eastern was conceived by Sydney-based photographer Monique Easton, combining her love of skiing and design with the desire to create a highlands escape. First launching with the stylish Oak Apartment we explored a few years ago on est, Monique has added the Cedar Cabin to The Eastern name; now a pair of design-focused AirBnBs in Thredbo Village.
The 40sqm Cedar Cabin is a collaboration between Monique and designer Nicholas Gurney. Reflecting Nordic and Japanese design sensibilities, this reworked boutique stay provides opportunity to take things slow in the snow.
The Cedar Cabin is part of ‘Riverside’ designed by Darryl Jackson Robin Dyke, located to the west of Thredbo’s central ski village. Perched above Thredbo river with views to Mount Kosciuszko, the Cedar Cabin is a contemporary interior refurbishment of the Darryl Jackson Robin Dyke structure. Monique engaged designer Nicholas Gurney for the modular redesign, to create a winter getaway for the region’s design discerning clientele.
It was essential the interior be strongly connected to the architecture. Nicholas achieved this by introducing stained oak as a consistent theme throughout, in addition to a strong black steel motif to differentiate the cabin from the light and bright Oak Apartment. Characterised by custom streamlined joinery, the Cedar Cabin captures the charm of lofty, vaulted ceilings, exposed timbers and a Japanese-inspired Onsen.
Nicholas’ intervention took shape through low-tech insertions that included replacing the L-shaped kitchen with a ‘dry’ utility wall and a ‘wet’ kitchen island with stools. In the bathroom, the Onsen-inspired bath is lined in glazed Japanese ceramics and the walls in polished cement sheeting with underfloor heating; an ideal spot to unwind after being on the slopes. A blackened steel shroud echoes the folded steel detail in the kitchen and loft credenza. We couldn’t think of a better place to rest our head than in the loft bedroom, with a bespoke bed and cosy InBed linen.
The open-plan cabin interior is ideal for a couple’s stay but because of its modular design, has the capability to sleep four. In keeping with Nicholas’ minimalist approach, clever storage solutions conceal the clothing rails behind timber beams and a murphy bed is concealed under the loft stairs. The window seat is also able to accommodate a fifth guest.
The Cedar Cabin supports local design through locally made lighting, tap ware and sinks. Quality of design is also upheld by Fisher & Paykel appliances, Tongue and Groove flooring topped with an Armadillo&Co. rug, together with Danish furniture and lighting from HAY and MENU and Brodware bathroom fixtures.
For stays beyond the ski season, this compact cabin is perfect for a couple’s weekend away hiking, mountain bike riding or a group getaway to a local festival. But immersing oneself in the Thredbo locale at the Cedar Cabin can be as simple as sitting back and enjoying the stillness of the snow-capped surrounds.
What a beautiful cabin! The tonal grey hues really compliment the warm timber structure. In particular I love the linear pendant over the kitchen island bench. Would you mind letting me know where this is from?