The wooden home that is perfect for quiet family life

The main attraction of any countryside home is its proximity to nature, and this house is no exception. Leafy trees may not border its walls, but it is situated in the rolling hillside, surrounded by distant forests and fields. 

Respect for nature has also been incorporated into the design of the home. The extended roof shields a wood-paneled terrace, which connects the living room of the home with the great outdoors. The garden blends into the leafy surrounds, and various potted plants create a seamless transition between civilisation and wilderness.

Wooden paneling is the defining feature of this rustic home. However, don't be fooled—this simple and comfortable home may seem to hearken back to countryside homes of the past, but its gaze is fixed firmly on the future. Eco-friendly materials have been used to construct the home, and there are a host of green gadgets inside.

Despite looking like a glorified log cabin, this house is also remarkably secure. The walls are tall and reinforced, and the windows are hard to access. Don't think for a second that this means the house is dark inside, though—each window is carefully positioned to ensure that the maximum amount of light floods into each room.

Let's go back to that stunning terrace for a second—it deserves another look! Classic patio furniture provides the owners with a darling al fresco dinner spot, while terracotta plant pots add an air of rustic authenticity to this outdoor dining room. 

The home is defined by its open plan arrangement, which allows family members to move and communicate freely within the airy, bright living spaces. The living room blends seamlessly into the indoor dining space, which is tastefully decorated with classic dark wood furniture and contemporary lighting fixtures.

This space is also designed to stay cool during long hot summers. The tile flooring is chic and easy to clean, while the white walls and large windows allow fresh air and light to circulate throughout the home.

The kitchen occupies a lot of space on the ground floor, so it needs to be delineated a little more firmly. A large kitchen island separates the cooking space from the dining area, and provides a multifunctional place to prepare the daily meals and to take a freshly-brewed coffee in the morning.

Although the rest of the house is strictly off-limits to the public, we are allowed to give you a sneaky peek at the design of the home. 

These drawings show how the house was cleverly conceptualised and constructed—could this provide you with the inspiration you need to design your own country retreat?

The ground floor of the home is mostly open plan, allowing free movement throughout the social areas of the home. A small study can be easily transformed into a guest bedroom, and a tiny easy-access bathroom is located at the back of the home—very convenient for guests with mobility issues.

Two spacious bedrooms are located on the first floor, along with a luxurious walk-in wardrobe. Most of the space, however, is left open and free, which lets the residents peer down over the bannister to the dining table below.

Tucked away underneath the home, the basement has been converted into a safe for both utility and decadence. A roomy garage stows the family cars away out of sight. There#s a pantry, a laundry room, and an extra storage space for unused furniture, but best of all is the sauna room… can you imagine anything more luxurious?!

Moving to the countryside might feel like an impossible dream, but this modest house shows that it's more of a possibility than you might think. With a little budget and a lot of creativity, you can build an affordable house in the woodlands that is perfect for family life.

If you liked this article, check out: A European style home for two lucky newlyweds.