Realizing a Life-Long Dream.
Realizing a Life-Long Dream
It has been a life-long dream to design and build my own cabin, and I am thrilled to share it with you. Though originally from Canada, I went to college in southern Utah and completely fell in love with the magnificent scenery—the way the light hits those red cliffs at sunrise, the smell of pine in the crisp mountain air, the sense of peace that settles over everything. When I was looking for land to build my dream cabin, I searched for years before finding the perfect secluded plot nestled among the ponderosa pine and gorgeous red rock.
A bit about the cabin decor—you have to check out the penny floor in the master bathroom suite. I laid every single penny myself over countless hours, and if you can guess how many pennies there are, you stay for free! It's become a favorite challenge for guests.
I have a deep respect for the Native Americans of this land and have had the privilege of working with tribes in Utah while getting my PhD. Through that work, I learned much about the rich tapestry of cultures that have called this region home for thousands of years—the Paiute, Ute, Navajo, and others who understood how to live in harmony with this stunning but challenging landscape. You'll find subtle nods to their beautiful history and culture throughout the cabin, thoughtfully placed to honor their legacy and the sacred ground we're fortunate enough to enjoy.
My father is from New Zealand, and you'll notice the tribal influence of the Māori and Pacific islands woven throughout some of the decor as well. These pieces hold special meaning to me—they're not just decorations, but connections to my heritage and my father's homeland. Each item tells a story and connects the cabin to my family's journey across oceans and continents. I hope they add a unique warmth to your stay and maybe spark a bit of curiosity about the cultures they represent. There's something powerful about bringing together the indigenous artistry of two very different parts of the world under one roof, and I love that this cabin has become a place where those traditions can coexist and be celebrated.
With a Little Help from my Brothers
My brothers, experienced contractors in Montana who've built everything from mountain lodges to custom homes, not only guided me through the entire design process of the cabin but also came down to help me build the walk-in cedar sauna by hand. We sourced the aromatic cedar from the Canadian Rockies—a nod to our roots and a way to bring a piece of home into this Utah sanctuary. When you step inside and feel the warmth envelop you, you're experiencing not just a beautifully built space, but something created with genuine care, expertise, and brotherly collaboration. The cedar's natural oils release the most wonderful fragrance when heated—it instantly reminds me of the pine forests back home in Canada.
And an Excellent Contractor
I had the most amazing contractor—someone who has since become a dear family friend. From our very first meeting, his honesty stood out. He never just said "yes" to keep me happy; instead, he worked with me to find creative alternatives when my tastes stretched beyond my budget, like the rebar staircase that saved me thousands while capturing my vision perfectly. Beyond his integrity, he has an excellent artistic design eye that helped elevate the cabin in ways I never imagined. This is a true family business in the best sense—originally his father's company, he now runs it alongside his brother, sons, and nephews, serving this community for over 50 years. He knows the area, has cultivated strong relationships with subcontractors, and brings a level of care to his work that comes from genuine pride in what he does. I feel incredibly fortunate to have worked with him building my dream!
