Tucked away in the quiet woods of Upstate New York, you’ll find the Hemmelig Rom, a cozy cabin equipped with its own private library.
A bookworm’s dream come true, the secluded space—whose name translates to “secret room” in Norwegian—was designed by Studio Padron in collaboration with Smith Design Office as a gorgeous guesthouse for a nearby vacation home. The delightful dwelling comes furnished with everything you need to leaf through a good book: a big, fluffy bed, snug armchair, and, of course, a wall-to-wall selection of reading material. A charming wood-burning stove heats the 200-square-meter space, so you’ll always be nice and toasty no matter the weather.
While the inside is warm and welcoming, the exterior is modern and minimalist. The box-like structure features plain walls obstructed only by two large windows and the front door. Painted entirely black, it “strikes a strong figure in the landscape, creating an enigmatic presence in the winter terrain” while simultaneously echoing the trees that surround it. With its sleek design and stark color choice, the contemporary cottage is a unique and surprising forest find.
If Hemmelig Rom’s obvious creature comforts and appealing aesthetic weren’t enticing enough, the tiny reading retreat also promotes sustainable construction: the logs that comprise it derive from the oak trees that were cleared to make room for the main house, “preserving and transforming a material that would otherwise have become construction waste.”
With its modern approach to design and construction, cozy amenities, and ideal setting, guests are sure to live happily ever after in this picture-perfect hideaway.
