A small 67sqm wooden house in the Arcachon Basin

On the northern shore of the Arcachon Basin, Andernos-les-Bains is home to this charming small 67sqm wooden house. It’s located less than two kilometers from the sandy beaches. It’s a sort of wooden cabin nestled among pine and oak trees. Named “La Cabane sous les Pins” (The Cabin Under the Pines), it’s furnished with treasures found at flea markets and yard sales. It’s a lovely, cozy vacation home, large enough for a family with its three bedrooms, despite its limited size. The wooded lot surrounding it keeps it away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Its atmosphere is simple and natural. The house’s name perfectly captures its spirit, blending the pine forest with simple comfort.

Traditional wooden architecture beneath the trees

The small 67sqm wooden house beneath the pines features architecture typical of the Arcachon Basin. It resembles the famous “cabanes tchanquées” (stilted cabins), even though it isn’t built on stilts. A red-tiled roof crowns it. Wide windows with small panes run the entire length of the facade. A century-old oak tree stands in the heart of the garden, sheltering the terrace beneath its foliage.

The entire property blends into its natural surroundings, nestled among maritime pines and palm trees planted along the edge of the terrace. The owners have preserved the raw wood siding across the entire facade. This gray patina, created by time and sea spray, blends perfectly into its surroundings.

A ground floor bathed in light

The living room is located on the first level and is designed like a veranda. It occupies most of the ground floor. Worn-looking leather sofas in brown and khaki surround a coffee table made of glass and light wood. A jute rug covers the dark tile floor and adds warmth to the space. Rustic lace curtains adorn the windows and filter the light from the garden. Glass doors connect this large room directly to the outdoor wooden terrace.

Right next door, the dining room features a solid wood table and brushed metal Tolix chairs. The kitchen is located at the other end of the living area. It combines wood with more contemporary elements, such as the black sink.

Three bedrooms overlooking the trees and a bright bathroom

A wooden staircase leads directly to the first floor and the three bedrooms in the attic. As in the rest of the house, the decor is simple and cozy. Each bedroom opens onto a private balcony. The bathroom completes the floor with its charming, coordinated decor. A walk-in shower is all that’s needed for this small wooden vacation home. A hanging plant in a macramé pot adds a welcome touch of greenery.

Natural light streams through the room, filtered by the wooden shutters. The floor is covered with a light-colored material that contrasts with the darker wood finishes of the furniture. A woven basket, tucked under the cabinet, replaces the usual closed storage units.

A garden designed for summer evenings

The 400sqm garden surrounds the house and is shaded by pine trees. A terrace covered by a wooden pergola houses the outdoor dining area, complete with a barbecue. A hanging hammock, tucked away from the main terrace, invites you to take a nap. This outdoor space naturally extends the home’s living areas, from the living room to the covered dining area. Local tree species, oaks and maritime pines, immerse the house in nature. This garden functions as an extra room, open from spring through fall.

Our take on the decor

The decor of this small wooden house is ideal for a vacation home, with its vintage furniture that’s seen better days. Its owners have successfully blended different eras. The lace curtains add a very soft, vintage, and rustic touch.

The color palette features warm tones, mustard, terracotta, and olive green. These hues blend naturally with the raw wood of the walls and ceilings. Each bedroom has its own unique character thanks to its bedding. The choice of a mosquito net in the master bedroom adds a welcome romantic touch. Antique furniture, such as the solid wood table or the vintage dressing table, prevents the home from feeling like something out of a catalog. The decor is at once bohemian, rustic, and contemporary. The house is designed to age gracefully, far removed from fleeting trends.

It is regularly enriched with new finds unearthed by its owners. This home evolves with the seasons and the flea markets visited. It possesses, and will continue to possess, a unique charm throughout the years.

Andernos-les-Bains, a gem in the heart of the Arcachon Basin

Andernos-les-Bains sits on the northern shore of the Arcachon Basin, nestled between maritime pines and the calm waters of the basin. The oyster port allows you to sample oysters directly from local producers. Bike paths connect the fine sandy beaches to neighboring villages. This charming town on the west coast is also close to Bordeaux, making it easy to explore the region’s capital and its beautiful historic architecture.