Stay | Cabin on the Rocks

Nestled high above the canyon views, the Cabin on the Rocks offers a retreat into nature that feels both elevated and deeply grounding. Perched amongst red rock boulders and overlooking rolling hills, this off-grid escape is designed for slow living, connection, and quiet contemplation. With its minimal, carefully considered interiors and an outdoor shower, the cabin invites you to unwind in a space where simplicity speaks volumes.

When visiting, we spoke with the creators behind Cabin on the Rocks about the atmosphere they’ve cultivated, the rituals of a perfect stay, and how thoughtful design allows nature to take center stage.

SHOP THE LOOK

1/ Made-to-Order Sol Rug | Camel & Bone 2/ Mini Southwest Rug 2 | Sand & Natural 3/ Sol Bed Throw 4/ Tomasa Lumbar Cushion | Sand & Rust 5/Classica Cushion 12 | Sand

We love your Cabin on the rocks, the way you feel completely one with nature is something you have created so well. What kind of atmosphere were you hoping to create for the people staying here?

We have always been humbled by the 180-degree view of the canyon, being elevated feels very privileged and placeless – it could be in Italy, or Sri Lanka and when the fog rolls in from the ocean just below, it creates a feeling of floating on top of the clouds. Alongside the property, 3 giant red rock boulders sit below the cabin, naturally framing the view down to the valley. And just in front of the boulders, a steep hillside looms, which can feel absorbing. We wanted to conflate all of these wonderful natural points and create an ‘otherworldly’ feel. Somewhere far, far away, albeit still connected.

Describe te perfect 24 hours spent at the Cabin on the Rocks.

It depends on if you are coming alone or with a friend or partner. If the latter, we would want to maximise time spent at the cabin, so arriving promptly after completing a nearby canyon hike and exploring around Topanga town. We would plan on bringing nibbles, a charcuterie board, maybe or a dozen oysters for a special occasion and a bottle of something fizzy and cold. There is a Yeti cooler on site and ice is easily available at the shops! We make the most of sitting out on the deck to enjoy the late afternoon sunshine into the golden hour, then taking a leisurely dip in the hot tub before rinsing off with a cool shower. We’d then plan on heading out for dinner, most likely to our favourite local restaurant Endless Color, which is a 4 min drive away and serves up amazing sourdough pizza, other treats and natural wine. Post dinner, we’d head back to the cabin for a night cap and perhaps take another dip in the hot tub and on a clear night, stargaze and watch for shooting stars. A morning cup of tea or coffee in the hot tub to warm the bones, or out on the Cabin deck, which gets the morning sun, and then a refreshing shower before departing for breakfast at another local joint, Topanga Living Cafe.

What role does simplicity and minimalism play in shaping a guest’s time here?

The cabin has been so thoughtfully designed by the architect, so we wanted to leave the cabin interior and exterior as minimal as possible as to not distract from the craftsmanship. The angles, edges and shape of it we believe, are most appreciated without any interference. We angled the cabin slightly towards the steep hillside so the floor-to-ceiling window can give a sensation of being right on top of it. The window also frames the view down the valley, and, like a hanging picture that needs no extra distraction. The space is only 100sqft so less is definitely more and having been designed with space in mind, the cabin relies on the functional moveable lift on and off shelving system for storage, which allows for more floor space and room without the need for bulky stand-alone furniture. The height of the cabin also gives a feeling of openness which can only be felt without interruption.

The outdoor shower is something really special to experience when staying at the cabin. How do you think this connection to water and the elements changes the way people unwind?

It is such a novelty to ‘shower outside’ and considering Southern California’s dry climate allowed us to play with that option. Initially we wanted to create a Finnish sauna-like experience, going from the hot tub to a cool shower and back to the hot tub, providing that well-known restorative and rejuvenating sensation but then realised the shower alone provides that – akin to feeling of being under a mini-waterfall the breeze felt on the body, the soundscape of birds chirping and plants rustling, it alone we think is therapeutic and meditative!

Did Pampa’s textures of natural fibres bring a sense of warmth to the space?

Having a select few pieces of quality furnishings like Pampa allows the cabin to reach a level of comfort needed for a semi-off-grid dwelling. The natural fibres and warm tones of the pillows complement the raw uncoated light brown wood perfectly. The textures of the cushions also soften the harder edges and create a more complete space.

What do you hope people take away from disconnecting in this space?

We hope people get to relax and find some tranquility, and to not only connect with the elements, but if coming with a partner or friend, to connect with them too. It’s a place of little distraction, which allows for a more immersive experience and it will hopefully leave them refreshed and rested.

If this stay could be described in one word, what do you hope it would be?

Rejuvenating.