Over the last few years Danish brand Vipp has been steadily expanding its collection of bookable guest accommodation and the latest to be unveiled is a beautifully renovated log cabin in rural Latvia.
One of the reasons why I’m so enchanted by the look of Vipp’s guesthouses – and why I normally cover their launch here – is their clear sense of place. Although imbued with minimalist Scandinavian style, they always pay homage to the landscape and architectural vernacular of their setting – and they’re often created in collaboration with a local studio. This ninth addition is no exception. Occupying a former fisherman’s house that dates from 1876, it sits among towering trees on the banks of a river in the spectacular Salaca Valley National Park and is brimming with character.
Originally located elsewhere, the cabin was rescued from destruction by Artūrs Martinsons, founder of Latvian architecture and design practice Xcelsior. In a meticulous operation, he numbered every log and stone, transported them to their current position and rebuilt them as they were, before approaching Vipp about including the building in its portfolio. Artūrs and Vipp’s in-house team then set about carefully rejigging the interior, replacing the former warren of tiny rooms with an open-plan layout and inserting floor-to-ceiling picture windows in some of the walls. The result is spacious, practical and incredibly inviting, but it’s lost none of its historic charm.
Much of the ground floor is now taken up by a large living area. In one corner is a kitchen made up of Vipp’s modular ‘V1’ system, and I love the juxtaposition between the black powder-coated steel units and the rustic timbers of the walls and ceiling. Next to this are dining and sitting areas positioned to make the most of the sweeping forest and river views, which are also reflected in a display of mirrors above the fireplace. The space is largely furnished with pieces from Vipp’s own range and again textural contrast plays a big role, with a fluffy wool-covered ‘Lodge’ lounge chair next to marble-topped tables. But there’s also plenty of local flair thanks to decorative touches such as handwoven baskets, canoe paddles, Latvian folk masks and vintage ceramic candlesticks.
Set on the first floor, the main bedroom is a cosy cocoon with dark walls and gnarled wooden beams. Behind the bed is a narrow X-shaped window that overlooks the living area below, allowing sunlight to filter into the space while maintaining the private, almost cave-like feel. There’s also a deep in-room bathtub filled by a sleek white tap.
The second bedroom – a twin – is back downstairs, with the bathroom next to it. Both spaces are clad in whitewashed timber, with a salvaged wooden desk and tactile linens alongside Vipp’s steel and leather ‘Swivel’ chair and pared-back aluminium shelves.
The cabin opens up onto expansive outdoor decks, some nestled beneath the overhanging roof, others jutting out over the land as it slopes down towards the water. There’s also a wood-fired hot tub with a 360-degree panorama of the surrounding scenery, plus hammocks strung between the trees. Nearby, kayaking, canoeing, wild swimming, fishing, foraging, hiking and, in winter, skiing and snowshoeing all beckon.
Find out more about Vipp Salaca River and book a stay here. Rates start at €359 per night, with a minimum two-night stay.
All photography courtesy of Vipp
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