Poacher’s Cabin, a secluded hideaway for two

What could be more romantic than a secluded cabin in the woods built for two? What if that little cabin was on its own lake, with a raft for paddling around? And what if it was within bicycling distance of picturesque stone villages and market towns? That describes Poacher’s Cabin, located in the Dordogne area of southwestern France. Poacher’s Cabin was until recently just a dilapidated old shack. A few years ago it came into the possession of a new owner who had it rebuilt into a comfortable off-grid vacation retreat.

Wood from the surrounding forest was used along with recycled materials to give Poacher’s Cabin an artfully rustic interior. On entering the small cabin from the front porch, the first thing likely to catch your eye is the sculptural staircase, fashioned from oak slabs fixed to twisting tree branches. The stairs lead up to a cozy attic bedroom with exposed beams and a skylight.

Across from the stairs is a small kitchen whose countertop was made from a thick slab of ash planed smooth. There is a gas stove for cooking plus an old wood cookstove for heating the cabin. A propane fridge was cleverly concealed within a glass-fronted cabinet. Hanging over the dining table is a tea light chandelier, handmade from repurposed yogurt jars, that casts a romantic glow over the room. There is also electric lighting throughout the cabin, powered by several solar panels on the porch roof. The walls are finished in a combination of beadboard paneling and lime plaster.

More large branches frame the doorway to the small bathroom at the back of the cabin, containing a shower and a composting toilet. Water for the shower is heated in a coil over the woodstove.

Lovebirds or singles wanting time to themselves can rent Poacher’s Cabin through Covert Cabin. Happy Valentine’s Day!

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Photographs courtesy of Covert Cabin.

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