This tiny island cottage is the perfect writer’s retreat

This small house was designed by Olson Kundig Architects for a writer who wanted a distraction-free retreat. Built on a 10-acre lot on San Jan Island in Puget Sound, Washington, this 500-square-foot cabin is a great place to remove yourself from the hustle of the city and think.

The space has a minimalistic design to keep it as free from clutter as possible. There is a basic desk for writing, a couch for moments of relaxation, and a single chair to sit in and enjoy the view. Along with natural light, a small woodstove helps keeps the space cozy and bright. The stove can even be turned around to send heat out through the sliding doors and onto the deck.

The floor, ceiling, and few walls are all made from natural wood and make all the edges of the space clean and basic—except for a strip of blackened steel floor that cuts through the middle of the cabin. Built-in shelves and cupboards provide a place for any necessary knick-knacks, while still keeping them organized and out of the way.

In keeping with the focused environment, even the bed is tucked away during the day. It folds down in the style of a Murphy bed when it's time for a sleep. On the other side of the wall is a bathroom and a kitchenette, providing all the amenities necessary for a weekend of inspired writing.

Although the exterior walls are made of glass, when the cottage is not in use, the surrounding decks fold up using a hydraulic pulley system to secure the tiny retreat. When the wooden slat shutters are down, they become the adjacent outdoor space, shaded by the overhanging roof, which also keeps the rain from pattering loudly on the windows.

The 10-foot-tall floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding doors found on three sides of the cabin are the perfect way to maximize the natural light and welcome the amazing view. The writer wanted to feel connected with the landscape and be a part of nature. The simple surroundings are meant to help the writer stay focused.