This Cozy, Light-Filled California Cabin Makes for a Magical Home

Name: Eva Holbrook, my beloved, and our dog
Location: Bonny Doon, California
Type of home: Cabin/Home
Size: 1,600 square feet
Years lived in: 1 year, owned

Tell us a little (or a lot) about your home and the people who live there: My beloved and I just finished remodeling the home this past summer. I work as an interior designer and Jamie is a painter/contemporary artist—but we do lots of other things too. The intention behind this space in the woods is to offer a safe space for healing work; while it is our main home, we also hold retreats, song circles, sound healing, kirtan, yoga gatherings, and tea ceremonies.

It’s hard to explain the powerful feeling this land holds if you have not visited, but it’s palpable upon arrival. Your nervous system begins to regulate and all the worries of this human experience wash away. The cabin is nestled in the Santa Cruz mountains surrounded by lush forest and old growth redwoods. Only 15 minutes down the road, you are at some of the most beautiful clean beaches on the coast.

The house was already very charming and has great bones, it just needed some TLC. I love Japanese style bathing rituals, so we created an outdoor spa with huge sun deck, cedar hot tub, cedar sauna, and cold plunge. We also have a large yurt, which is where we hold most of the gatherings and ceremonies. There is also a cute guest house not pictured in the attached photos.

Describe your home’s style in 5 words or less: Rustic cozy magical welcoming light-filled

What is your favorite room and why? The Tea Loft. Where I have my daily practice of Cha Dao—which is the art of Tea Ceremony. I study in the traditional way, in a linage that comes from China. I love this room because of the beautiful warm natural light, the angles of the roof, and when I look into my bowl of tea I see the reflection of the trees through the skylight.

What’s the last thing you bought (or found!) for your home? Hmm, I am always collecting things and treasures. We try not to, but too many “new” things. My neighbor recently gave me a stunning Quan Yin scroll from Japan, a gift from her teacher many years ago.

Any advice for creating a home you love? Try to create a space that is warm, cozy, and inviting yet minimal and uncluttered. This can be achieved by natural texture on the walls or in our case, matte lime wash paint by Portola Paints. Natural wood elements, knit throw, cashmere pillows by Jenni Kayne, low seating, and lots of natural light.

This submission’s responses were edited for length and clarity.