Vipp’s 9th guesthouse sees a former listed fisherman’s house from 1876 gently relocated to one of Latvia’s most spectacular nature parks, the Salaca River Valley. Situated on the bank of the river, the old log house has been transformed into a blissful hideaway and design retreat.
Arturs Martinsons, founder of the design studio xcelsior and owner of 17 hectares of landscaped meadows and woodland in Salaca National Park, oversaw the meticulous relocation of each log to its new site, where the house was rebuilt on a foundation of 180 stones. With a strong passion for architecture and design, Martinsons approached Vipp to include the house in their growing guesthouse portfolio around the world.
After thoroughly remodeling the interior layout, Vipp’s design team transformed the decaying holiday residence into a contemporary cottage. The new space blends Scandinavian minimalism with the character and charm of the original log house architecture, seamlessly integrating the built and natural environments. The magical surroundings are only fully revealed once you enter the guesthouse where large picture windows flood the space with light and provide an unobstructed view of the Salaca River.
Divided over two floors, the collection of small rooms have been replaced with a large open-plan living areas oriented towards the river views, giving new volume and life to the house. A black Vipp V1 kitchen is fitted into one corner of the living area and is paired with a combined dining and seating area. On one wall is a fireplace surrounded by mirrors that reflect the stunning greenery, bringing nature inside.
On the first floor the master bedroom features a freestanding bathtub overlooking the living area below. A narrow X-shaped window allows just enough sunlight to filter in while maintaining privacy. On the ground floor, there is a second bedroom with two single beds and a window facing the woods, along with a bathroom, entrance hall, and the combined living area and kitchen. The ceiling, painted in a dark grey-brown hue to preserve its original character, together with the dark brown log walls, creates a dense, cave-like ambiance. This is complemented by Vipp's neutral coloured furniture pieces, the V1 kitchen and items from nearby craft shops and vintage finds.
The house opens to large decks with views of the water, furnished with Vipp outdoor furniture. Perfect for lounging after a day of exploring the area or taking part in endless activities such as kayaking, canoeing, salmon fishing, biking, cross country skiing, mushroom hunting, or a swim in the river. Additionally, a separate terrace equipped with a wood-fired hot tub offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the surrounding landscape.
Images courtesy of Vipp
