Cabin Vardehaugen: A Fjord Fantasy

I once worked for a catering company named after Norway's famous inlets. However, the business was located in a busy boat marina in Connecticut, not a picturesque waterway on the coast of Norway. If only our location had been more like that of this chic Norwegian cabin!

Cabin Vardehaugen is situated on the top of a rocky outcropping along a fjord in Fosen, Norway. Designed by Oslo-based Fantastic Norway Architects (yes, that is the firm's real name) the contemporary cabin was designed to fit into its environs, with particular attention paid to the setting's stunning panoramic view.

The cabin is exposed to wind and harsh weather, but as Wallpaper magazine notes, the cabin is designed to weather a storm, "The house uses its body to stir the wind over the main volume, breaking it up at the same time into several gentler draughts." In addition to the challenging climate, Fantastic Norway had to adhere to strict local codes that regulate building in this pristine landscape.

We'd be thrilled to spend a weekend in this cool but cozy retreat. Until we get an invitation, we'll have to settle for a photographic tour.
The cabin features multiple outdoor seating areas including this cozy nook.

While it looks like the cabin rests on the hill, it has steel rods, which secure it to the rocky outcropping.

Windows stretch from floor to ceiling to make the most of the cabin's spectacular sea views.

Following the traditional Norwegian tastes, the furnishings of Cabin Vardehaugen are straightforward and lacking in ornamentation – much like the cabin itself.

The compact dwelling has three bedrooms and a living and dining area inside, along with clever built-in storage like the shelving above and a nook for firewood in the dining area.