London Daily

Focus on the big picture.
Wednesday, Jul 15, 2026

Summer Retreat Preserves Its Vintage Charm After Four Decades

Summer Retreat Preserves Its Vintage Charm After Four Decades

This beautiful prefab getaway is Jens Rison’s summer home. The mid-century modern designer created this A-frame house to serve as a family retreat here on the northern portion of Block Island. The house is bordered by a low stone wall which wraps around it.

He conceived the building with two floors. Two bedrooms, a bathroom, an open kitchen, the living and the dining areas share the first level and above there’s a loft space which includes a bedroom quarter.




The cabin was built back in 1967. The designer completed the whole project under $25,000. Now, over four decades later, it is still a gorgeous retreat that the whole family enjoys year after year. The large glass facade lets in the mesmerizing views as well as tons of natural light which brighten up the space. The wooden walls and roof plus all the vintage furniture create a warm ambiance.



The cabin was considered refreshing and revolutionary at the time although the designer declared the inspiration came from a rustic, nature-oriented lifestyle. The house has cathedral ceilings and a large glass wall that lets the outdoors in.



The interior features a strong vintage vibe. A Risom Rocker stands near a wood-burning stove and the wooden wall to its right is decorated with vintage accessories and artwork. The color palette and the materials and textures all support the style chosen for the interior in a very natural way that suits this cabin like a glove.



The living and dining areas share the same space. They’re mostly decorated with Risom furnishings as well as a few new pieces for contrast. The huge glass wall lets natural light invade the room and welcomed the views inside.



The kitchen still occupies its original spot. It has open shelves and an island with wooden countertop. The pitched roof forms a void and the exposed beams serve as design elements. Notice that vintage turquoise shade which is repeated throughout the cabin. It adds a chic and nostalgic vibe to the space.



The sofa is a prototype that never went into production. It adds to the cabin’s uniqueness and vintage charm. It’s accessorized with brightly-colored accent pillows that cheer up the décor. The wooden frame of the sofa has an almost orange hue that complements the backrest.



The upstairs includes a small workspace place in front of a window/skylight. It’s merely a simple wooden deck with two chairs. A little bit of orange and some red accents combined with all the wood and the crisp white details result in a perfect balance.



The low stone wall that surrounds the cabin is bordered by trees that create a buffer between the house and the surrounding landscape.

Newsletter

Related Articles

0:00
0:00
Close
Forget Tinder: The Surprising Platform Where People Find Love
Harvard Astrophysicist to Lead U.S. Scientific Advisory on Unidentified Aerial Phenomena
On the Island That Did Not Yield to Trump, There Is No Electricity, and 10 Million Live in Darkness
Emergency Sirens Activated Across Bahrain as Interior Ministry Issues Shelter Directives
Key Trends to Watch
United Nations Expert Calls for Full Implementation of Supreme Court Ruling on Legal Definition of Sex
Industry Coalition Urges Labour Lawmakers to Back Continued North Sea Oil and Gas Production
Parliamentary Committee Calls for Tougher Restrictions on Unhealthy Food Advertising
Government Expands Awaab's Law to Cover Heat and Additional Housing Hazards
Energy Regulator Opens Independent Investigation Into National Grid Operator
United Kingdom and European Union Sign Landmark Gibraltar Border Agreement
Chancellor Unveils Financial Services Reform and Artificial Intelligence Strategy at Mansion House
Counterterrorism Police Take Over Investigation Into Killing of Former Minister Ann Widdecombe
Beer Industry Warns UK Rules Could Limit Growth of Alcohol-Free Market
Home Office Faces Legal Challenges Over Asylum Seeker Accommodation Closures
UK Heatwaves Linked to More Than Two Thousand Seven Hundred Deaths as Climate Debate Intensifies
Home Secretary Faces Pressure Over Political Security After Ann Widdecombe Murder Investigation
United Kingdom Opens Trade Consultation With Indonesia, Philippines, United Arab Emirates and Uruguay
Robert Jenrick Joins Reform UK After Leaving Conservative Party Leadership Role
Counter-Terrorism Police Take Over Investigation into Murder of Former MP Ann Widdecombe
Andy Burnham Secures Strong Labour Backing in Race to Succeed Keir Starmer
Global Markets Slide as Middle East Conflict Escalation Sends Oil Prices Higher
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer Offers Condolences Following Death of Qatar’s Father Amir
UK Regional Innovation Policy Focuses on Research Clusters Across Scotland, Wales, and Northern England
UK Corporate Transparency Rules Set to Become More Strict Under Modern Slavery Reform Plans
UK Civil Service Estate Strategy Shifts Government Activity Away From London
UK Strengthens National Security Powers Through New Threat Designations
Greater Manchester Police Conduct Drink and Drug Driving Operations After Football Events
UK Government Advances Darlington Economic Campus With Construction Milestone
UK Authorities Increase Football-Related Security Operations After Tournament Fixtures
UK Invests Fifty-One Million Pounds in National Cryogenics Facility and Regional Innovation Hubs
UK Moves Toward Tougher Modern Slavery Reporting Rules With Corporate Penalties
UK Government Reports Forty-Three Million Pounds in Savings From Office Estate Reform
UK Government Expands Civil Service Regional Strategy With Manchester and Darlington Campus Projects
UK Designates Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as National Security Threat
United Kingdom Financial Markets Monitor Business Response to Economic Policy Changes
Scottish Renewable Energy Expansion Highlights Need for Faster Grid Development
Wales and Regions Strengthen Focus on Economic Development Through Tourism and Investment
Retail Industry Warns High Street Businesses Remain Under Pressure
Police Chiefs Highlight Growing Challenges Managing Protests and Public Order
Agriculture Leaders Seek Clarity on Post-Brexit Farming Support and Environmental Rules
Transport Unions Warn of Further Industrial Action Over Pay and Working Conditions
Welsh Tourism Sector Reports Strong Growth Driven by Domestic and International Visitors
National Infrastructure Review Gains Support as Leaders Seek Faster Project Delivery
Financial Markets Assess Impact of United Kingdom Corporate Tax Policy Changes
Northern Ireland Assembly Debates Cross-Border Trade and Infrastructure Cooperation Plans
Government Opens Consultations on Housing Reform and Planning System Changes
Scottish Government Faces Pressure to Accelerate Offshore Wind and Grid Expansion
National Energy System Operator Warns Grid Investment Is Needed for Future Electricity Demand Growth
United Kingdom Research Council Invests in Artificial Intelligence and Biotechnology Innovation Hubs
×