Two Designers Build an Idyllic Cabin—and a Lifelong Friendship—in an Oregon Forest

Though this 190-square-foot hideaway is a solo retreat, the act of creating it proved to be uniting, not isolating, for Rico Castillero and Duane Reed.

Rico Castillero had to put his architecture degree on the back burner after he graduated in 2006. Entering the workforce as the economy was crashing pushed him to pivot into photography, and then remodeling and managing short-term rentals. In both of those roles, he found himself staying in small, cool homes and experiencing unique hospitality spaces—and inspiration for a glamping concept struck.

The Hideout lives on the same five-acre property as another guesthouse Castillero owns, The Woodlands. — The Woodlands Hideout is located on the same five-acre property as another guesthouse Castillero owns, The Woodlands.
Photo: Rico Castillero

“Certain people don’t feel comfortable camping alone. But in a space like this, it feels much safer, and having the amenities—a hot shower, a wood stove, the ability to do some simple cooking—is just perfect,” says Castillero.
Photo: Rico Castillero

“I was obsessed with the design side of creating a space that was a disconnect zone; a way to spend more time immersed in a beautiful landscape,” says Castillero. He was also keen to create a unit that could theoretically be moved away to another property in the future—and the sweet spot in terms of size turned out to be sub-200 square feet.

Though he looked into modifying a shipping container, it worked out to be more practical to build a custom 10′ x 10′ x 20′ steel frame instead. “It ticked my proportions box,” says Castillero. “I liked the idea of two squares.”