Idaho Mountain Hideaway

You can barely see this mountain retreat, nestled deep in the mountains of scenic northern Idaho. Unknownst to visitors, they often walk right over this house while wondering where it is. This tranquil mountainside home is self sufficient, soundproof, easy to heat and cool and offers plenty of natural light with its custom-built features. To keep his building costs to a minimum, Oehler used salvaged materials, did a bit of trading, a little bartering and got a little help from his friends to complete the hideaway. This rustic gem is made entirely of hand-peeled cedar with 370-square-feet of compact space (figure B).

The entrance level to this underground log cabin leads to the kitchen area (figure C) and master bedroom. Up a bit is the barbecue area, also known as the barbecue window (figure D).

This level also includes a desk and reading room complete with Oehler's favorite chair (figure E). Oehler has developed an uphill patio cut behind the house and into the hill, creating an area for plants and allowing light to flow into the house (figure F). Surprisingly, in a home that’s eight feet underground, there is ample light in each room. Oehler is busy writing a new book and designing and building a 1,200 square foot home featuring a patio, a tree house, a Jacuzzi and an underground pool. He hopes to build his new home for about $15,000.