These Mini Japanese Cabins Are A Book Lovers Paradise

Think compact spaces only exist in the city? One upstate structure is bringing a “make it work” feeling to the New York forest. Part-guest house, part-library, and all original, this is one book you won’t want to judge by its cover.

While many people choose upstate New York as an escape from the confined spaces of the city, one local man is merging urban sensibility with country living. With Hemmelig Rom, Norwegian for “Secret Room,” photographer Jason Koxvold has created your dream reading nook. Inspired by Norwegian and Japanese design, as well as Koxvold’s childhood memories of visiting his grandfather’s family farm, this 320-square-foot cabin is part-guesthouse and part-library. Fittingly, this bibliophile’s paradise boasts an engrossing story of its own.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BOO9XX_DSaD/

Before Hemmelig Rom earned internet fame and captivated imaginations around the world, it was a (surprisingly practical) idea. Like many homeowners, Koxvold wanted to install an area on his property specifically designated for guests. A lover and creator of art himself, the visionary quickly realized the greater potential of this would-be guesthouse and set out to create a live-in library. Employing recycled materials and the help of architecture firm Studio Padron, Koxvold would follow in his grandfather’s footsteps.

Lucky visitors of Hemmelig Rom would do well to remember the old saying, “don’t judge a book by its cover.” The structure’s all-black, angular exterior gives way to a bright and welcoming cabin environment, complete with honey-blonde wood, a floor-to-ceiling window featuring forest views, and a wood-burning stove. The space, which houses a bed and desk for guests’ convenience, specializes in compact living, country style.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BOO9PgvjBPl/

Koxvold’s creation even manages to accommodate built-in (literally) entertainment. Upon entering the cabin, guests are greeted by floor-to-ceiling Lincoln Log-style shelves housing Koxvold’s personal collection of more than 1,000 books. The volumes, which cover genres from photography to military policy, are enhanced by handwritten messages tucked between their pages by former readers. It’s the perfect place to curl up with a good book (or a thousand of them); if you wanted to spend your entire upstate adventure here, that could be our little hemmelig, we mean, secret.

https://www.instagram.com/p/xsYbLfyRiU/?hl=en&taken-by=kox

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.