Ack, sorry for the late post – technical difficulties.
We’re excited to finally share more about the cottage we mentioned on Friday, since many of you were eager for details and extra photos. The cabin is about 45 minutes west of Richmond in Columbia, Virginia. It’s part of the Rassawek property and is a genuine log cabin dating back to 1910. The family who owns the property moved the cabin to its current location, along with several other charming outbuildings. There’s even an incredible treehouse on the grounds. Here’s a full tour of the place and why it felt like the perfect spot for our family holiday.
John’s sister found the cabin and suggested it as an ideal place for the whole family to gather: nearly two dozen relatives and eight kids running around. We wanted to skip hosting duties at home and instead enjoy a relaxed potluck Christmas in the woods. From the moment we arrived we realized how special the place is — cozy, historic, and perfectly suited for a big family get-together.
One of my favorite details was the striking wall treatment in one of the rooms. At first glance the walls look like bold black-and-white stripes, but they are actually dark-stained logs with white plaster in between. The irregular texture and the contrast feel antique and graphic at once. Exposed rafters, antique radiators, and dark iron hardware on a diagonally slatted white door lent the cabin an authentic, old-world character that I immediately fell for. It made me wish for interior door knockers and doors with skeleton-key locks.
That extra-dark stained log wall was unique to one room; most of the main living area featured logs in a mid-tone stain that matched the overhead beams. The overall effect is warm and timeless.
The kitchen sits openly within the main living and dining area, creating a single large gathering space. A sweet vintage stove anchors the back wall and adds to the historic charm.
Throughout the cabin, old pulleys, rope, and chunky iron hardware are used as practical details and decoration, reinforcing the rustic, lived-in feeling. An old metal utensil holder hangs over the stove, and other reclaimed elements are woven into the design.
One memorable feature was a hefty butcher block and what appeared to be a metal chest with brass hardware — turned out to be the refrigerator and freezer. Each door revealed a separate compartment, and some compartments were kept colder with large bags of ice, a clever nod to older refrigeration methods.
Facing the kitchen wall brings you to the living room and a large fireplace. We kept a roaring fire most of the time and everyone fought for the coziest seats on the sofa and chairs. Instead of a TV above the mantel, the cabin has a drop-down projector screen with the projector concealed in an overhead beam — perfect for family movie nights without disrupting the historic aesthetic.
On either side of the fireplace are wooden doors that open into cubbies stocked with firewood. It was chilly when we visited, but having easy indoor access to wood made maintaining the fire simple and comfortable without bundling up to go outside.
We used the projector one evening — think classic holiday movies — while John toasted marshmallows for the kids. Behind the great room are the bedrooms: two large rooms filled with multiple beds and bunks, and one smaller, more private room with a full-size bed. With people coming and going, about 16 of us stayed overnight. The sleeping setup accommodated most of us easily using the bunks, doubles, and twin beds.
Our Christmas dinner, however, wasn’t at the dining table in the living room. We ate together in a stunning greenhouse on the property. This bright glass room felt celebratory and intimate at once — heated floors, a large stone fireplace, and one long table where our entire group could sit together. It was easy to imagine people holding weddings and other gatherings there; the atmosphere is naturally festive and sunlit.
Outside the cabin are more thoughtful details: an outdoor bench crafted from a sliced tree trunk, places to soak up the sun, and an accessible wood cubby system. We spent a lot of time outdoors despite the cold because it was sunny and the kids loved being free to run around.
We also explored a charming old barn used for receptions. It contained an antique red truck that the kids loved climbing into and vintage shelves filled with bottles, buckets, and crates that give the space a curated, nostalgic feel.
The treehouse is one of the standout features of the property. Built from old trees and reclaimed lumber from the land, it’s approachable either through a small trunk door or a long wooden ramp. Older kids could climb through the trunk entrance while little ones and adults preferred the ramp. The craftsmanship and playful layout made it an instant favorite — Clara especially adored it.
Back inside, the cabin is welcoming to pets; our dog Burger found a cozy little bed and made himself at home. There’s also a charming black-and-white bathroom with vintage tile and an old clawfoot tub, which fits perfectly with the cabin’s historic character.
Rassawek offers the kind of rustic elegance that inspires daydreams about owning a log cabin of our own someday. Spending the holiday there with family reminded us how special it is to have one large table, a warm fire, and a simple, beautiful place to gather. Maybe one day we’ll build something similar for future family holidays — it’s officially on the bucket list.