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A Multigenerational Family’s Cabin Retreat, Unchanged by Time

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A Multigenerational Family’s Cabin Retreat, Unchanged by Time

September 1, 2023

This week we’re revisiting some of the most popular summer stories from the archives. Here’s one:

This is, hands down, the most romantic story I’ve ever heard involving a house.

In the 1960s, Chessa Osburn’s maternal grandparents bought property on an island in Howe Sound, near Vancouver. They hired a young architect, fresh out of graduate school and himself a summer resident on the island (his parents owned a vacation home there, too), to design a small cabin for them. As they expected, he created a perfect waterfront retreat. Less expected, but welcome nonetheless: He and their daughter fell in love.

Chessa, co-founder of Twenty One Tonnes, one of our favorite boutiques in Vancouver (see her house tour here), is the product of their love. She grew up summering on the island, surrounded by cousins and aunts and uncles from both sides of her family, in this simple but breathtaking coastal cabin designed by her father and owned by her mother’s parents.

Today, the off-the-grid charmer continues to be her family’s happy place. “My entire extended family uses this home. My grandparents have passed away, and it’s now shared between my mother’s and her siblings’ families,” says Chessa, now married with two young children. “In the summer, we rope-swing off the lower deck into the ocean and swim off the stone quay, set the crab traps and hope for Dungeness for dinner, follow the small deer trails that crisscross the island through the forest. In the fall, we chop wood and restock the woodpiles, hunt for chanterelle mushrooms, and spend lots of time cooking and eating.”

Magical, right? Just like the story of how this home came to be.

Let’s take a peek around.

Photography by Gillian Stevens.

the entrance to the cedar clad home. it&#8\2\17;s situated on a cliff, with 17
Above: The entrance to the cedar-clad home. It’s situated on a cliff, with the water just below. At high tide, the house feels as if it’s hovering over the water, says Chessa. Her father designed the structure to blend into the landscape.
the entire cabin is just under 900 square feet but feels airy thanks to plentif 18
Above: The entire cabin is just under 900 square feet but feels airy thanks to plentiful and large windows that face the water.
the wicker set in the living area is &#8\2\20;actually all from when my gra 19
Above: The wicker set in the living area is “actually all from when my grandparents decorated the place in the 1970s!” says Chessa. Everything was kept simple and neutral to allow the views to take center stage.
the lower floor is open plan. here&#8\2\17;s the view from the kitchen into 20
Above: The lower floor is open-plan. Here’s the view from the kitchen into the dining area; the living room is just beyond, down a few steps. The pitched ceiling is made up of tongue-in-groove cedar planks.
chessa&#8\2\17;s father&#8\2\17;s design still feels fresh today. steps 21
Above: Chessa’s father’s design still feels fresh today. Steps here lead to an outdoor sitting area to the left, while the back door in the kitchen leads to another, larger deck. Above the cabinets are mementos from her grandmother, who was born and raised in El Salvador, and grandfather’s travels together.
formica has never looked so appealing. the cabin originally had no electricity, 22
Above: Formica has never looked so appealing. The cabin originally had no electricity, but now thanks to solar paneling, it gets just enough for a bit of light at night.
chessa osburn vancouver cabin gillian stevens steps
Above: Chessa’s kids play on the bleacher-style steps across from the dining table, just as she and her brother used to as children. The baskets are from Twenty One Tonnes.
upstairs is a bathroom, sleep loft, and bedroom, outfitted with more &#8\2\ 24
Above: Upstairs is a bathroom, sleep loft, and bedroom, outfitted with more ’70s-era wicker beauties.
the simple sleep loft. 25
Above: The simple sleep loft.
a tranquil covered outdoor space. note the large windows that offer views into  26
Above: A tranquil covered outdoor space. Note the large windows that offer views into the kitchen.
the house enjoys four outdoor spaces: in front of the entrance, behind the hous 27
Above: The house enjoys four outdoor spaces: in front of the entrance, behind the house (as pictured in the photo prior), this large deck (pictured here), and another, smaller one down by the water in front of the house (see below).
chessa&#8\2\17;s husband, steve sims, an environmental consultant, and thei 28
Above: Chessa’s husband, Steve Sims, an environmental consultant, and their daughter at the lowest deck.

For more coastal homes we love, see:

N.B.: This post originally ran on October 14, 2019 and has been updated.

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Frequently asked questions

Where is the Chessa Osburn cabin located?

The Chessa Osburn cabin is located in the area of Vancouver, Canada.

What is the purpose of the cabin?

The cabin serves as a summer home for Chessa Osburn.

Who owns the cabin?

The cabin is owned by Chessa Osburn.

Is the Chessa Osburn cabin available for rent?

No, the cabin is not available for rent.

How can I visit the Chessa Osburn cabin?

Since the cabin is not available for rent, visiting the property is not possible unless you have prior permission from Chessa Osburn.

Are there any notable features of the cabin?

The cabin features a unique design, blending modern and rustic elements, and provides an idyllic retreat surrounded by nature.

Is there electricity and running water in the cabin?

Yes, the cabin is equipped with electricity and running water.

Can I find more information or photos of the cabin?

Yes, you can find more information and photos of the Chessa Osburn cabin on the Remodelista website at the following link: [https://www.remodelista.com/posts/chessa-osburn-cabin-summer-home-vancouver/]

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