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Cabin Culture

Cabin Culture

By: Janice Smith
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Janice, cabin owner and AirBNB Superhost for 9+ years, speaks with cabin lovers, dwellers, builders, designers, and creators in the cabin community to find out what drives their passion for adventure, escape and sense of place.

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Episodes
  • Conversation Through Hospitality l Looking Glass Lodge
    Oct 9 2025

    Today we're welcoming Rick and Lindsay from the south coast of the UK, who created Looking Glass Lodge—a stunning example of how cabin culture translates across different countries and landscapes. What makes their story particularly compelling is that they didn't set out to become cabin hosts at all. When Rick's father retired from managing a nature reserve, Rick and Lindsay inherited a piece of woodland that had been lovingly cultivated over thirty years, and they faced a choice: how do you maintain and preserve this special place while also sharing it with others?

    Their solution was to create a cabin so thoughtfully designed that it feels like a natural extension of the forest itself. Working with architect Michael Kendrick, they spent two and a half years designing a structure that sits at just the right angle in a natural clearing, maximizing the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces without disrupting the ecosystem his parents had spent decades nurturing.

    What struck me most about their approach is how they've flipped the typical cabin business model. Rather than extracting profit from the land, all income from Looking Glass Lodge goes directly back into maintaining the woodland and nature preserve. They're essentially using hospitality as a conservation tool, giving people the opportunity to experience this special place while ensuring it remains protected for future generations.

    We'll explore their philosophy of "selling nothing"—how they've intentionally avoided adding hot tubs, barbecues, and other typical cabin amenities because they discovered their guests just want to disconnect completely. We'll dive into their design philosophy, from sourcing unique Scandinavian furniture to the biophilic design principles that help guests feel truly immersed in nature, and why they believe maintaining a seamless connection between cabin and woodland is what makes a cabin truly special.

    Whether you're interested in sustainable cabin business models, designing with minimal environmental impact, or just want to hear about a place where doing absolutely nothing is the main attraction, this conversation offers a different perspective on what cabin culture can be.

    Instagram: @lookingglasslodge

    Cozy Rock Contact Info

    Instagram: @cozyrockcabin

    Cozy Rock Cabin: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311027
    Cozy Camp Sebec: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311051
    Cozy Rock Website: http://www.staycozycabin.com

    YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_FgMwAgvORd1IwlH1nlC9g

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    52 mins
  • Soulful Spaces | Jessie Lane Interiors
    Oct 1 2025

    Today we're welcoming Jessie Lane, an interior designer based in Los Angeles who created what might be the most unique cabin interior I've ever seen. During the pandemic, Jessie and her husband purchased a log cabin in North Carolina sight unseen—a decision that launched a three-year design journey that would challenge everything you think you know about cabin interiors.

    Jessie describes herself as someone who loves novelty and wants spaces to transport people, which explains why her approach to this traditional log cabin was anything but traditional. What started as plans for a Big Sur-inspired 70s aesthetic evolved into something she calls "fairy tale meets Art Nouveau"—complete with stained glass windows, rich wallpapers applied directly alongside massive logs, and custom furniture pieces she invented specifically for the space.

    This isn't just a cabin makeover story—it's a masterclass in creative problem-solving and trusting your artistic instincts. Jessie walks us through her discovery that working with logs means embracing richness rather than fighting it, why cream walls felt "unfinished" next to the natural wood, and how a failed stained glass installation in the kitchen hood led to an even better solution that became the centerpiece of the space.

    We explore the philosophy behind her design choices, from incorporating meaningful family heirlooms like her grandmother's clock to creating custom pieces like the Shasha sofa that transforms from seating to a proper guest bed. Jessie also opens up about the emotional challenges of the creative process, the frustration that's actually a necessary part of innovation, and why she believes interior design is ultimately about creating "soulful spaces for your story."

    Whether you're struggling with how to design around existing wood elements, curious about mixing traditional and modern pieces, or wondering how to trust your creative instincts when everyone says it won't work, this conversation offers both practical advice and philosophical permission to create something truly unique.

    Instagram: @jessielaneinteriors

    Website

    Architectural Digest Feature


    Cozy Rock Contact Info

    Instagram: @cozyrockcabin

    Cozy Rock Cabin: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311027
    Cozy Camp Sebec: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311051
    Cozy Rock Website: http://www.staycozycabin.com

    YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_FgMwAgvORd1IwlH1nlC9g

    Show More Show Less
    51 mins
  • The Social Media Pivot | Taylor Hildreth
    Sep 24 2025

    On today’s episode we're doing something a little different—this is less traditional cabin content and more behind-the-scenes business and social media strategy. But, if you’re anything like me, who is currently facing social media dilemmas as we expand our to a new property, then this might be just what you need to hear. In this episode I’m chatting with Taylor Hildreth, a social media expert who documented her A-frame cabin build from foundation to launch, growing from zero to 30,000 followers before opening for guests. She successfully transitioned from a single-property Instagram account to a broader Minnesota travel brand with over 130,000 followers.

    This conversation tackles a challenge many cabin owners face, including myself: what happens when you expand beyond one property? Do you start fresh accounts or rebrand your existing one? Taylor shares the real challenges of pivoting a 30,000-follower account, including the year-long growth stall, behind-the-scenes criticism, and why she decided it was worth losing followers to build the brand she actually wanted.

    We dive into practical strategies for managing this transition and explore the psychology of social media growth—why consistency matters more than perfect content, how to build authentic engagement, and the trap of viral content that attracts the wrong audience for your business goals.

    Whether you're just starting to document your first build, managing multiple property accounts, or considering a major rebrand, this conversation offers practical strategies from someone who's successfully navigated these transitions.

    Instagram: @taytakesatrip and @hilhausaframe

    Website: https://taytakesatrip.com

    Booking Site: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/48902510?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAadc1tYNll7gGebLwk9m3pF8XFXuf_5RjbuX1bOfUilSQxGCVTCPVX5Md3rEdQ_aem_21yw2a8iFbIUZK3yFpesKg&source_impression_id=p3_1758675105_P32oaS6dryvDviZk

    Instagram: @cozyrockcabin

    Cozy Rock Cabin: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311027
    Cozy Camp Sebec: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311051
    Cozy Rock Website: http://www.staycozycabin.com

    YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_FgMwAgvORd1IwlH1nlC9g

    Show More Show Less
    44 mins
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