We spent Thanksgiving this year with my in-laws in Port Townsend, Washington. We go every year, and this year we woke up to a cozy and rare layer of snow. My in-laws live in a sweetheart of a house on a bluff overlooking the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The views are big (Chester and I got married in their yard) but the house is a jewel box, perfect for two. In order to create more space for visitors, they had a friend build what has come to be known in the family as The Buffalito.
The Buffalito is on wheels, built on an old truck chassis actually. Theoretically it can be towed, but it’s been comfortably sited in a little meadow along the gravel drive to the main house for several years. It’s built with all green materials. Everything that could be sourced from recycled materials was, they didn’t use any urethane, and the interior paint is all milk paint.
Inside is cozy with braided rugs and lots of pillows and quilts. The full size bed has a nice view into the meadow where deer are frequent visitors (on this trip there was a family of three we saw a lot–recognizable by one darker-furred fawn).
Bookshelves and a small table make it a comfortable place to read a book or write a letter (or blog post) with a cup of tea. There isn’t any need for a kitchen in its current occupation, but it wouldn’t be too hard to convert the bookshelves into a little galley with a sink and small refrigerator if one actually wanted to take this baby on the road.
This tiny caravan is a dear space for guests, and could also make a nice office or studio space. Thanks for coming along for the tour–have a great week!
What a charming little place. It reminds me of my friend Fraser’s home, an old showman’s wagon sited on the canal bank.
I love the image of a little wagon on a canal bank. Charming indeed! Thank you!
Oh, man, that is just the sweetest thing. Curling up with a favorite book and a cup of tea (and quite possibly a nap) would be heaven.
Exactly. My mother-in-law is expert at creating inviting spaces for gathering, and also little away spaces where you can read a book and enjoy some quiet time.
So very inviting…the colorful interior, the snow outside…the promise of deer in the meadow and just down the path family celebrations.
It is a sweetheart of a space, and it gets warm and cozy fast with the little heater in the corner. Katy is a master at warm and inviting spaces for family and friends. Thanks Susan!
Thank you to Mera – and to papict, y2knina, and Susan for the kind words – was fun to see the Buffalito on Red House West!
Thanks for letting me share it, Katy!
I was really in need of a nap today, and I wish I had been able to take one in this sweet little caravan with the snug bed under the window. It looks so very cozy, especially with the snow outside and the lights on inside.
It’s only 9 a.m. but I wouldn’t mind curling up in the Buffalito for an hour or two right now. Thanks Carol!
I love the Buffalito and Katy has made it as cozy as only Katy can. I do think Mark, the super-craftsman builder deserves a shout out too. It’s a wonderful little space.
Thank you Michelle, cozy expert yourself, and yes, the master builder Mark Sabella, Niagra Woodworks, Port Townsend, who usually build fine cabinets – which the Buffalito sort of is! Mark did all the research about the traditional Vargo (Romani wagon) shape, curved roof and sides tilted out from bottom to top, and made it happen in his workshop – beautifully!
Absolutely Michelle, thanks for saying so. Mark Sabella truly is a master builder! His skills combined with Katy’s cozifications make for the sweetest little space!