Icon - Arrow LeftAn icon we use to indicate a rightwards action. Icon - Arrow RightAn icon we use to indicate a leftwards action. Icon - External LinkAn icon we use to indicate a button link is external. Icon - MessageThe icon we use to represent an email action. Icon - Down ChevronUsed to indicate a dropdown. Icon - CloseUsed to indicate a close action. Icon - Dropdown ArrowUsed to indicate a dropdown. Icon - Location PinUsed to showcase a location on a map. Icon - Zoom OutUsed to indicate a zoom out action on a map. Icon - Zoom InUsed to indicate a zoom in action on a map. Icon - SearchUsed to indicate a search action. Icon - EmailUsed to indicate an emai action. Icon - FacebookFacebooks brand mark for use in social sharing icons. flipboard Icon - InstagramInstagrams brand mark for use in social sharing icons. Icon - PinterestPinterests brand mark for use in social sharing icons. Icon - TwitterTwitters brand mark for use in social sharing icons. Icon - Check MarkA check mark for checkbox buttons.
You are reading

A Bohemian Surf Shack in Topanga Canyon

Search

A Bohemian Surf Shack in Topanga Canyon

December 3, 2014

“It all began when we were invited to see our friends’ cabin in Topanga Canyon,” says Mason St. Peter, of how he discovered the Southern California artists’ enclave imbued with decades of mystical bohemian lore. For designer and builder St. Peter and his wife, artist Serena Mitnik-Miller, the sleepy town that neighbors Malibu was love at first site. After a search for a rental proved fruitless, the couple, avid surfers, decided to build their own “happy place,” a 120-square-foot cabin six miles from the beach.

The design phase was quick–“maybe a few days collaborating with Serena”–but the build, which they did themselves, took a month’s worth of days, spread out over two years. With a bit of elbow grease, weekends devoted to the project, and hip furnishings sourced from their own General Store in SF and Venice (see Michelle’s Visit to San Francisco’s Foggiest Backyard), it has become a place that the SF-based free spirits find themselves visiting as often as every other weekend.

Photography by Mariko Reed, unless otherwise noted.

A Bohemian Surf Shack in Topanga Canyon portrait 6

Above: “It’s for relaxation solely,” says Mason St. Peter and Serena Mitnik-Miller of their 120-square-foot cabin in Topanga Canyon.

Before

A Bohemian Surf Shack in Topanga Canyon portrait 6

Above: The couple positioned their cabin so that the sliding doors face south and sunshine is filtered through a grove of trees. For dreamy shots of California sun, see St. Peter’s Instagram feed. Photograph by Mason St. Peter.

A Bohemian Surf Shack in Topanga Canyon portrait 6

Above: The couple drafted plans for their surf shack almost overnight.

After

A Bohemian Surf Shack in Topanga Canyon portrait 6

Above: A ladder leads to a 625-square-foot deck, used for stargazing and spending time with friends.

A Bohemian Surf Shack in Topanga Canyon portrait 6

Above: The wood siding, old red cedar, was sourced from Building REsources, a nonprofit in San Francisco that carries reclaimed materials for construction. All glass was repurposed from previous job sites taken from St. Peter’s other business as a designer and builder.

A Bohemian Surf Shack in Topanga Canyon portrait 6

Above: Mitnik-Miller sourced all furnishings from their own General Store and from flea markets.

A Bohemian Surf Shack in Topanga Canyon portrait 6

Above: A view from the inside, with a counter made of wood left over from the General Store’s Venice outpost.

A Bohemian Surf Shack in Topanga Canyon portrait 6

Above: Hand-dyed shibori fabric, also used as dressing room curtains at the General Store, serves as cushion covers for the banquette. Want to shop the Venice store? See Sarah’s Shopper’s Diary.

A Bohemian Surf Shack in Topanga Canyon portrait 6

Above: His and hers surfboards.

For more relaxed outdoor living, see:

(Visited 915 times, 1 visits today)
You need to login or register to view and manage your bookmarks.

Have a Question or Comment About This Post?

Join the conversation

v5.0