Mossywoods
On Orcas Island, the largest of the San Juan Islands of the Pacific Northwest and colloquially known as “the gem of the San Juans,” this intimate 1,200 square foot “getaway” cottage is set on a forested site within a long-time family farm.rnrnWith the challenge of restoring and contemporizing the original structure while preserving its innate charm, the design team repurposed scalloped wood shingles and other exterior wood working details handcrafted by the owner-couple’s family. Multi-color siding was replaced for a more monochromatic aesthetic to draw focus to the natural surroundings.rnrnInside, a complete remodel is marked by the addition of sidelights flanking the new, repositioned wood front door, a custom live-edge walnut mirror, and a built-in bench with open cubbies. Beyond the centrally located open kitchen, complete with a quartzite topped walnut cabinet system and island, the main living area features extensive storage and library space. Ample seating offers plenty of room for settling in with a book and warming by the modern suspended fireplace.rnrnFlooring throughout is durable large format porcelain tile, selected to withstand muddy Pacific Northwest dog paws and the area’s variable weather. Existing exterior cedar was repurposed/refinished and new matching cedar was specified for the living area ceiling and exterior soffits. Additional rooms include the main bedroom suite and a flexible guest suite.
u003ch5u003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003eProject Completionu003c/spanu003eu003c/h5u003ernu003ch6u003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003e2024u003c/spanu003eu003c/h6u003ernu003ch5u003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003eProject Sizeu003c/spanu003eu003c/h5u003ernu003ch6u003e2,200 SF (4.3 AC)u003c/h6u003ernu003ch5u003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003ePublicationsu003c/spanu003eu003c/h5u003ernu003ch6u003eu003ca href=u0022https://www.sunset.com/home-garden/home-tours/orcas-island-cottageu0022u003eSunset Magazine, 2025u003c/au003eu003c/h6u003ernu003ch5u003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003eR+B Servicesu003c/spanu003eu003c/h5u003ernu003culu003ern tu003cliu003ernu003ch6u003eArchitectureu003c/h6u003ernu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003ernu003ch6u003eInterior Designu003c/h6u003ernu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003ernu003ch6u003eFurniture Selection/Procurementu003c/h6u003ernu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003ernu003ch6u003eRenderingsu003c/h6u003ernu003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernu003ch5u003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003eCollaboratorsu003c/spanu003eu003c/h5u003ernu003culu003ern tu003cliu003ernu003ch6u003eStructural Engineer: Eclipse Engineeringu003c/h6u003ernu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003ernu003ch6u003eElectrical Engineer: Friday Harbor Electricu003c/h6u003ernu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003ernu003ch6u003ePhotographer: Lisa Romereinu003c/h6u003ernu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003ernu003ch6u003eContractor: Lorne Paulson Constructionu003c/h6u003ernu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003ernu003ch6u003eContractor: Dovetail General Contractorsu003c/h6u003ernu003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003e