Villa Tonden: A Modern Cabin Retreat in the Netherlands

Villa Tonden, designed by HofmanDujardin, is a serene holiday home tucked into a wooded setting in the Netherlands. The design reinterprets traditional cabin forms by combining three separate, cabin-like volumes into a single, cohesive retreat. The result balances vernacular massing and materials with contemporary interiors: a wooden-clad exterior gives way to bright, modern rooms that open onto the surrounding forest.

Exterior view of Villa Tonden combining three cabin units — Modern cabin in the woods in the Netherlands combines three different units into one

The layout emphasizes connection with nature. Large glass panes and sliding doors frame views and draw daylight deep into the house, creating transparent thresholds between indoors and out. In the main living volume an open plan arrangement places the kitchen, dining area and lounge within one generous space, with uninterrupted sightlines toward the trees. Structural wooden beams remain visible, adding texture and rhythm to the interior while expressing the building’s simple, crafted structure.

Classic cabin form blended with modern aesthetic — Classic form of the traditional cabin combined with modern aesthetics to create a wonderful escape

Furnishings are deliberately restrained and functional. A deep blue sofa anchors the living area while a solid wooden dining table creates a warm, communal focus. The kitchen is compact and efficient, designed to support casual cooking and socializing. Built-in window seats and cleverly sited bunk beds maximize usable space, offering comfortable sleeping arrangements without sacrificing openness. A modest outdoor terrace provides a quiet spot to relax and listen to the sounds of the forest.

Natural canopy of trees around the cabin — Gorgeous natural canopy around the cabin adds to the charm of the escape

Open plan living room, kitchen and dining area with views to the outdoors — Living room, kitchen and dining area of the cabin with connectivity to the outdoors

The main bedroom continues the theme of transparency and calm. Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors allow for direct access to the garden and uninterrupted sightlines out into the trees, making the landscape part of the interior experience. Throughout the house, natural timber, neutral finishes and generous glazing create a peaceful atmosphere that emphasizes relaxation and a slower pace of life.

Main bedroom with sliding glass doors leading into the woods — Main bedroom of the house with sliding glass doors that lead into the woods

Sliding glass doors connecting interior and exterior views — Sliding glass doors connect the interior of the cabin with the view outside

Small architectural gestures—window seats, picture windows by the beds, exposed ceiling beams—reinforce the sense of a handcrafted, human-scale refuge. The beams serve both structural and aesthetic roles, contrasting with smooth, contemporary finishes and adding a tactile quality to ceilings and walls. Large picture windows positioned next to bunk beds ensure even compact sleeping areas feel generous and connected to the landscape.

View of Villa Tonden by HofmanDujardin in the Netherlands

Villa Tonden is conceived as a getaway that lets visitors step away from the pace of city life and enjoy the restorative qualities of nature. By minimizing visual barriers and using generous glazing, the design keeps the forest always present, allowing occupants to feel immersed in their surroundings while enjoying modern comfort and thoughtful detailing.

Window seat beside a large window framing the green landscape — Window seat next to the large window allows those inside to enjoy the green landscape outside

Exposed wooden ceiling beams inside the cabin — Wooden ceiling beams add support to the structure while offering textural contrast to the interior

Bunk beds with a large picture window providing views of the woods — Bunk beds with large picture window on the opposite side offer lovely view of the outdoors

Floor plan of Villa Tonden showing the arrangement of the three cabin units — Floor plan of Villa Tonden by HofmanDujardin in the Netherlands

Photography: Matthijs van Roon