Tommy Smythe On The Enduring Appeal Of The Bunkie

I have long loved everything about bunkies.

Well, everything except the name. I know that “stand-alone bedroom suite” is a little clunky, but did we have to assign these charming, often stylish retreats such a twee title? Whatever we call them, there’s no debating their appeal. Traditional versions reveal the romance of old wood and sleepy afternoon naps, windows paddle–propped open to let in the sound of lapping lake water. If modern architecture is more your summer speed, picture whitewashed plywood walls and peaked ceilings over a big bed with layered linen. Old-school or new wave, every bunkie interior should provide a few universal amenities: hooks for wet bathing suits, comfy mattresses, a nighttime reading light and a window with a beautiful view. If recent times have taught us anything, it’s that destinations matter. Some seek to stash a guest with a steady snore, while others may want a little distance from uninvited in-laws. Whatever its purpose, a little cabin tucked at the end of a pretty path leading away from The Main Cottage provides a perfect journey’s end. But please, I implore you, don’t call it a bunkie! And do let the other guests know… I’ve called dibs!

This One’s Personal

My partner, Patrick Biller, built his own cabin from a Bunkie Life kit (it’s the Loft model) on a patch of birch-canopied land near North Bay, Ontario. That was last summer; we spent the winter planning the decorating, which is a mix of rough with fine — a combo I’ve always loved.

A raw birch headboard and treasured blanket add texture on the bed while a mid-century lamp provides a moment of contrast. I thought antlers might be a bit obvious (and out of the question for my vegan fella), but a hand-carved wooden set from Absolutely Inc. solved both decorating and ethical dilemmas! The Chippendale-style faux bamboo chair with its incongruous rush seat sums it all up in one object: rustic places needn’t skimp on style or sophistication.

East Coast Artist Shed

If your summer daydreams involve windswept dunes, you might be picturing a place like this one designed by Glenn Ban in East Hampton, New York. The elements of this look are breezy and beachy, with painted shiplap and whitewashed window frames. Inside, think striped blankets, straw hats and chambray shirts with the buttons undone…. Better yet, don’t think at all; that’s not what you came for!

Memories Of Muskoka

Designer Montana Burnett’s family cottage boasts a bunkie of jewel-box brilliance. Bright white exterior paint bounces back the sun.

House & Home July 2009

Inside, a cool fantasy of nights beneath gossamer netting plays out, accompanied by the delicious colour combo of rich mustard and soft teal.

House & Home July 2009

West Coast A-Frame

The graphic geometry of this prefab A-frame bunkie by The Backcountry Hut Company is all about the architecture.

Inside this triangular 10- by 10-foot space is just a simple sleeping room; soft rumpled bedding in neutral tones is the perfect counterpoint to strong architectural lines.

Summer House, Scandi-Style

Scandi design is much admired the world over because nobody applies a modern sensibility to the chaos of nature quite as stylishly as the Scandinavians. They have another edge over the competition: they call a little cabin a sommerhus! This look lends itself to clean-lined wood furniture and thick woven textiles. Mine would be all vintage teak and sage green linens with a spiffy navy exterior, because if there’s a cure for the (Swedish) summertime blues, I don’t want it. Sign me up for a sommerhus, stat!

House & Home July 2015

Bunkie-Style Getaways

Woods on Pender
Pender Island, British Columbia

This is my favorite spot is the best in the West when it comes to cozy bunkie-chic accommodations.

Wander The Resort
Prince Edward County, Ontairo

These haute cabins are supersized in bunkie terms, but still maintain their intimate appeal.

Repère Boréal
Charlevoix, Quebec

This petite retreat is très grand on style. The views are Instagram-worthy, both inside and out. Allons-y!

The Essentials

This Cubic Mini Wall-mounted woodstove (Cub) does the hard work without getting in the way.

Cubic Mini Wood Stoves

Mini Wall-Mounted Woodstove (Cub), from $579, cubicminiwoodstoves.com

Pendleton has been turning out colorful camp blankets from the Pacific Northwest for more than 100 years.

Pendleton

Yakima Queen-Size Camp Blanket, $350, pendleton.ca

Every bunkie needs a catchall perch. This rustic piece could also be used as a bedside table.

Urban Barn

Cordova Accent Table, $299, urbanbarn.com

There’s no electricity in our bunkie, so we have to use a rechargeable bulb. The battery lasts five hours and recharges in any lamp with power.

Lowe’s

GE 8-Watt A21 LED Bulb with Battery Backup, $22, lowes.ca