Rustic charm & modern interiors make this cabin in the woods a laid-back city escape
The best part: You can rent it on Airbnb.
Step inside the Hunter Cabin, the third and latest getaway near New York’s Hunter Mountain from co-founders Danielle and Ely Franko. As part of a year-long renovation, the husband-and-wife DIYers refurnished this 1930s hunting lodge into a coveted Airbnb almost entirely in West Elm—with a healthy serving of sustainably sourced, handcrafted and organic designs to boot.
The end result? A charmingly approachable retreat, perfect for a tranquil weekend away from the city.
“We fell in love with what this place could be.” —Danielle Franko
Knotty, rough-hewn woods, sustainably sourced furniture and plenty of indoor plants ground the living space in nature, which is always within view. A subtle palette keeps the cabin feeling warm, cozy and cohesive with its surroundings.
The cabin has built-in texture thanks to all-over planks, a rich backdrop to ceramic accents, rich textiles and structural lighting. Don’t be afraid to blend styles and buck trends, as long as colors coordinate. You may mind up with something worthy of Instagram fame—the Frankos’ Hunter Houses have tens of thousands likes and counting.
Sometimes the best statement is a show of support, as is the case for the cabin’s bedrooms. Since the windows are verdant attention-grabbers, the Frankos made sure nothing else in the space competes—instead, everything is simply comfortable. A pared-back palette of neutral bedding, lighting and window treatments—like our Fair Trade Certified™ Sheer European Curtains—keep all eyes on the prize.
While the cabin is intended for short guest stays, everything feels livable. The bathroom’s floral wallpaper and dark woods pair with smooth ceramic accessories and sleek metal hardware to create the same old-meets-new balance that gives the entire home its warmth.
Meet the hosts
The Frankos’ first impression of the cabin wasn’t exactly complimentary. “The ceilings were low, the windows were foggy and there was a noticeable must,” says Danielle. But its storied history and idyllic locale sold the couple on the year-long renovation.
Originally built in the 1930s as a hunting shelter for passing travelers, the cabin later served as a family vacation home for generations. The Frankos moved in with the intention of returning it to a destination for adventurers. They kept the existing layout but vaulted the ceilings and took on some serious DIYs—like a plaster bookshelf in the living room.
“By opening our doors to others, we hope to respect the history of this property and the joy it brought as a base for exploration,” Ely says.
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