Compact cabin near Smith Rock
Welcome to our van-life inspired compact cabin situated in the heart of Central Oregon with views of the Central Cascades, the perfect retreat for fellow outdoor enthusiasts. Crafted by former van-dwellers, our space is a testament to the art of intimate living.
We have a deep appreciation for simplicity, functionality, and the charm of compact living. Our cabin is designed to provide a unique and adventurous experience, with close proximity to all of your outdoor objectives.
Humble Beginnings
What started as a simple shed turned into something more. Using log rounds from previous winters’ wood pile, we built a rolling system to move the entire structure across the property, aiming for a spot with perfect views of the Central Cascades.
With a floor jack, we lifted the building onto the logs, hooked it up to the van, and inched it forward. Every few feet, we’d stop, leapfrog the logs, and keep it moving. Slow, “dirtbaggy”, and surprisingly effective.
After a lot of careful repositioning, we set the cabin exactly where we wanted it, framed by big skies and mountain views. Totally worth the effort.
Instead of a traditional foundation, we hand-selected boulders from around the property. Each one was moved the hard way - dragged by hand with a sling and a plastic sled, then set, leveled and anchored to support the to-be compact cabin.
The Inspiration
Before the cabin, there was the van. We bought a retired HVAC rig and converted it into a simple camper, nothing fancy, just functional. It’s taken us across the country 10+ times, serving as a reliable home on wheels. Living out of that space shaped how we think about comfort, efficiency, and what you actually need. A lot of that mindset carried directly into building this cabin.
Exploring Grampy’s “biggest regret”. It’s a hand built 24’x24’ fishing cabin that he constructed along a lake at his farm in Massachusetts. It now houses a few old beer cans and serves as a scratching post for the cows. I can’t help but see a perfect tiny house here too..
Reset & Rebuild
We stripped it down completely, removing the roof, the siding, interior walls, down to the bones. From there, we rebuilt it right: new sheathing, proper insulation, and a structure ready for all seasons.
A new roof went on, a deck took shape out front, and the entrance got a full redesign. We reframed the doorway and installed repurposed exterior doors.
Before building inside, we mapped everything out with blue painter’s tape and a mock table. It was a simple way to feel the layout and make sure every inch worked.
Once the layout felt right, we ran wiring and started dialing in the essentials, including a compact composting toilet that could fit the tiny bathroom footprint.
Designed & Sourced with Intention
A lot of the materials came secondhand and locally sourced from Habitat for Humanity ReStore, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace. It kept costs down and gave the space a little more character.
The build stretched across most of the summer of 2023… partly because it was a big project, but mostly because I couldn’t say no to whitewater rafting trips, weekends of climbing in the sunshine and camping along the way.
