A Backyard Bavarian-Inspired Cottage in Virginia

Photos by Robert Miller, courtesy Timberpeg

As if plucked from a postcard, this petite chalet’s design drew heavily from its owners’ time stationed in Germany and Austria. Ultimately, the 1,150-square-foot cottage would serve as guest quarters for extended-stay family and friends, but it also provided a place for the family to live while they constructed their primary home, just a stone’s throw away. 

The Low Down

The staffs of Hidden Creek Timber Homes (builder) and Timberpeg (timber frame provider) worked closely to deliver an exceptional combination of wood species, craftsmanship and architectural details, and the result is a home that’s nostalgic yet efficient. 

The plan started off tiny — a mere 400 square feet — but slowly grew to accommodate specific pieces of furniture the family had collected while overseas. Outside, deep overhangs, a pitched roof and a pleasing combination of stucco and cedar shiplap — not to mention the pine timbers and braces — achieve its distinctive Bavarian-village feel. 

Despite its quaint appearance, when it comes to energy efficiency, it’s as modern as can be, thanks to the structural insulated panels (SIPs) that enclose the frame. 

It’s so tight, in fact, that Timberpeg regional manager Dana Miller jokes, “You could heat it with a flashlight.”

The Inside Scoop

The plan’s simple, streamlined approach mirrors the efficiency of its construction. The unified living room and kitchen boasts plenty of space for entertaining, while the corner fireplace adds out-of-the-way ambiance. 

The staircase is neatly tucked to the left of the front door, and while its position is discreet, its style is anything but. Quaint features and attention to detail throughout transform this basic layout into an extraordinary home.  

Though the house has only one dedicated bedroom, the upstairs loft and bunk room can sleep a crowd when company comes to town. Other times, the flex space can make way for a reading nook, home office, yoga studio or any use an owner can dream up.

Home Details

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Square Footage: 1,150

Bedrooms: 1

Bathrooms: 1

Timber Provider: Timberpeg

1. Clerestory windows smartly placed within the loft’s gable help to illuminate the home, top to bottom. 

2. The upper-level balcony does more than give the exterior its Bavarian curb appeal; it enables dwellers to enjoy fresh breezes and outdoor access from both stories.

3. A hobbyist’s dream come true: The size of the garage and workshop rival the chalet’s actual living quarters. 

4. To boost usable space in the home’s sole bedroom, the closet is located adjacent to the detached bathroom. 

See More of This Home: This Virginia Guesthouse Is a European Retreat