About 45min outside of Estonia’s capital of Tallin, sits Maidla Nature Resort, a recently restored manor complex surrounded by sprawling wetlands.
While the historic manor and outlying buildings are available for bookings and events, the newly built "Nature Villa," designed by Mari Hunt of b210 architecture, is what caught our eye.
According to the resort, Estonian manors historically acted as important outposts of administrative, economic, and social activities to the Baltic German population. Though during the revolution in the early 20th century, the ‘manor boom’ collapsed and many remained abandoned or in disrepair, seen as oppressive relics, until the recent interest in their restoration, preservation, and purchase.
As a growing hotspot for innovative cabin and prefab design, Estonia seems to pop up on our radar with some surprisingly regularity. And the Nature Villa is no exception. Surrounded by a secluded grove of birch trees and accessible by a winding elevated boardwalk, the cabin sits one meter above its site, doubling as a bird-watching tower and protecting it from floods during Springtime melt.
A spacious deck built around several birch trees leads into stadium-style seating that acts as the cabin’s roof, where guests can gather during resort or private events. Panels of thermo ash were used on the exterior and interior for its deep, rich color and durable properties (similar to Japanese Shou Sugi Ban, thermo ash is treated with heat to create a more weather and pest-resistant material).
The interior opens up to a small storage area with a kitchen counter and mini-bar and in the main space, floor-to-ceilings windows overlooking the boglands surround a king size bed. A large cushion placed at its foot faces a wood burning stove for a mini-lounge while a modest bathroom contains a rain shower and incinerating toilet. Estonian pieces round-it all out, with textiles, ceramics, and art placed just-so.
Rates start at 295 € (~$360 USD) a night at the Nature Villa and include breakfast and a tour of the property, with walking, snowshoe, canoe, and camping trips around the bog also offered. Book a stay on the Maidla Nature Resort website directly or through AirBnb.
Published 03-23-2021
Updated 02-07-2022
