Tucked into a forested hillside on Whidbey Island, this modern farmhouse was designed with one clear purpose in mind: to bring a growing family together under one roof.
Seattle based mwworks created the Whidbey Island Farm Retreat as a contemporary residence that feels deeply connected to its rural surroundings. Rather than dominate the landscape, the home settles quietly into it. From its perch on a low rise, it looks out over chicken sheds, a weathered red barn, open cattle fields and a pond edged with cattails. Beyond that, forest stretches in every direction.
Out of respect for the turn of the century farm buildings already on the site, the house was carefully positioned so it would feel like a natural extension of the land’s history. A low wall of stacked natural stone organizes the structure and subtly marks the edge of a courtyard filled with native grasses and ferns. Rooms weave between mature cedar and fir trees, creating the sense that the forest was always part of the plan.
Architect Steve Mongillo describes the material approach simply. With naturally weathered woods, concrete, locally quarried stone walls, deep oak window jambs, soft plaster walls and black steel accents, the house aims to feel warm and rustic yet clean and open.
A Welcoming Entry Rooted in Function
Step inside and wood takes center stage. Different shapes and tones are layered throughout, creating an atmosphere that feels welcoming without being overly polished…