
Tucked right into a forested hillside on Whidbey Island, this contemporary farmhouse was designed with one clear goal in thoughts: to carry a rising household collectively beneath one roof.
Seattle primarily based mwworks created the Whidbey Island Farm Retreat as a up to date residence that feels deeply related to its rural environment. Quite than dominate the panorama, the house settles quietly into it. From its perch on a low rise, it seems to be out over hen sheds, a weathered purple barn, open cattle fields and a pond edged with cattails. Past that, forest stretches in each route.

Out of respect for the flip of the century farm buildings already on the positioning, the home was rigorously positioned so it could really feel like a pure extension of the land’s historical past. A low wall of stacked pure stone organizes the construction and subtly marks the sting of a courtyard stuffed with native grasses and ferns. Rooms weave between mature cedar and fir bushes, creating the sense that the forest was all the time a part of the plan.
Architect Steve Mongillo describes the fabric method merely. With naturally weathered woods, concrete, regionally quarried stone partitions, deep oak window jambs, smooth plaster partitions and black metal accents, the home goals to really feel heat and rustic but clear and open.


A Welcoming Entry Rooted in Operate
Step inside and wooden takes heart stage. Completely different shapes and tones are layered all through, creating an environment that feels welcoming with out being overly polished.
Simply off the entrance door sits a sensible mud room, full with area to hold jackets and retailer footwear. It’s the type of considerate element that is smart in a house designed for a number of generations. Whether or not coming back from fishing on the pond or serving to with chores close to the barn, there’s a clear place to land earlier than stepping additional inside.

A Dwelling Room Framed by Land and Stone
On the coronary heart of the house is an open plan lounge the place a considerable stone hearth with a concrete fireplace anchors the area. The supplies echo what might be seen exterior, reinforcing the connection between inside and panorama.
Massive sliding glass partitions pull again to open the lounge onto a coated deck. In hotter months, gatherings can simply spill open air for barbecues or lengthy evenings overlooking the fields and pond. The flexibleness was intentional. The home was designed to accommodate summer time celebrations, quiet weekends and full vacation reunions alike.




A Kitchen Constructed for Gathering
On the other aspect of the lounge sits a kitchen made for feeding a crowd. Two beneficiant islands present ample counter area, making it straightforward for a number of folks to cook dinner without delay. Alongside one wall, cabinetry provides further storage and homes the ovens, maintaining the structure streamlined and useful.


Subsequent to the kitchen, the eating space is outlined by 5 minimalist pendant lights suspended above a wooden desk. It’s easy and understated, permitting dialog, meals and the encircling views to take precedence.


Bedrooms and Loos Immersed in Nature
In one of many bedrooms, ground to ceiling home windows body uninterrupted views of the encircling bushes. Waking up right here means waking up within the forest.

The lavatory continues the theme of pure mild and heat supplies. A big window brightens the bathe, whereas a floating vainness with wooden cabinetry enhances the wooden ceiling above. The impact is calm and cohesive, by no means straying removed from the tones and textures of the panorama.

A Second Dwelling House and a Library within the Timber
Past the principle dwelling space is a secondary lounge outlined by a darkish wooden wall. From right here, there are views towards one other construction that stands other than the first home.


This separate constructing homes a library and appears onto a courtyard stuffed with native shrubs and ferns. Surrounded by massive Douglas Fir bushes, it feels personal but nonetheless related. The association permits members of the family to collect collectively or retreat into quieter corners when wanted.

Evenings by the Meadow
On the fringe of the meadow, a hearth pit overlooks the pond. It’s straightforward to think about tales shared right here after lengthy summer time days, with the barn and fields fading into the background as nightfall settles over the water.

Rooted in forest and farmland, this Whidbey Island farmhouse exhibits that up to date design doesn’t must erase historical past. As a substitute, it will possibly construct upon it, providing a heat and sturdy setting for generations to return.












