Escapology: Modern Cabins, Cottages and Retreats

This coffee table book begs to be taken off the coffee table. Its size, weight, cover demands attention. The book is not one of those thigh crushing picture types, you can position it above your head in the hammock. What it definitely is, is cabin porn. It came to me care of my stepdaughter for the most recent birthday. I really appreciate it because I am a 'design meets content' snob.

The authors are clearly sensitive to good book design, not to mention fantastic cabin and cottage design. This is not their first rodeo and it shows. The lads are also veterans of building beautiful places and host tv shows on various subjects.

Escapology has great observations, insights and instruction on top of drool-worthy photography. It profiles 24 escapes fitting 6 different styles ranging from log cabin to shabby chic. The first page I turned to was the FAHOUSE in my province of Quebec. I took that as some sort of sign. However, the dwellings featured are global, bespoke and carefully curated.

Here is the book's promotion, "Colin McAllister and Justin Ryan - Scottish interior designers, TV hosts, and property speculators - are cabin aficionados who divide their time between homes in Canada and their beloved Scotland. Escapology: Modern Cabins, Cottages and Retreats is a stunning book of modern-day retreats - bucolic weekend escapes by the sea, remote getaways in the woods, and rustic mountain hideouts - to inspire peaceful and quiet living. 

The authors genuinely believe that cabin time has a remarkably positive impact on our health, wellbeing and our happiness. Whether it's a rustic cottage nestled deep within a Nordic forest, a robust mountain lodge in Montana, a breathtaking treehouse in Canada, or a steel-walled, one-room "hotel" in Denmark, these retreats share one vital aspect in common: they proffer the chance to escape and to and live in harmony with nature, far from the madding crowd. 

Part style bible and lifestyle manual, the book features a beautiful collection of classic and contemporary cottages and cabins, each accompanied by an informative design profile and beautifully photographed images. And of course, the book is also packed with practical building and design advice that fans of Colin and Justin have grown to love. You'll find relevant information about different types of dwelling styles, builds, sustainability/off-grid living, tiny homes, renovation on a budget, room zonings, decor and everything in between."

Of course, you can find Escapology online. If you want more convincing, it was reviewed in Forbes.