Surround Yourself With Nature At This Pacific Northwest Chalet

By  Siobhan Murphy
The Castilleros in their family room. Peter Schweitzer

Who: Rico and Rachel Castillero
Where: Mount Hood, Oregon
Style: Mountain Chalet

Rico and Rachel Castillero initially purchased their mountain chalet, located about 45 minutes outside of Portland, as their primary residence. But after they renovated it, they decided to use it as a retreat. "The process helped us realize how we feel equally drawn to the woods and the city," Rico shares. The couple found living full time in the woods with limited cell phone and internet access, as well as raising a toddler, a bit challenging. The good news is they now have a place to escape to and disconnect whenever they want at the foot of Mount Hood.

The three story chalet surround by woods.Peter Schweitzer
A winding driveway leads to the home.Peter Schweitzer

They were first drawn to the long, winding driveway up to the house. The surrounding landscape is filled with towering moss-covered pines, ferns, and wildflowers, and even a small spring-fed creek.

The property sits on 5 acres of private forest.Peter Schweitzer

The home sits on a piece of land that is unique to the area. "This was quite a contrast to the vast majority of properties that just opted to log the property before building," say Rico. He loves that the original owners seemed to truly respect the natural feel of its surroundings.

Light bamboo floors add a modern vibe.Peter Schweitzer
One of the three bathrooms.Peter Schweitzer

For the Castilleros, the location feels full of life. However, making the space livable had its challenges. The back of the home had so much water damage they had to completely rebuild it from the studs. The three-story, four bedroom, 3,400-square-foot house was updated from its original '80s vibe into a Scandinavian modern aesthetic throughout.

Overhead cabinets were replaced with open shelves in the kitchen.Peter Schweitzer

All the flooring on the main level was replaced with light bamboo, the carpet on the stairs was removed and painted white, and upper cabinets in the kitchen were switched out for open shelving.

Modern and rustic meet in the family room.Peter Schweitzer
Vintage and modern in the family room.Peter Schweitzer

Over six months, they did a lot of the labor themselves, putting in new outdoor decks and railings and removing dated wallpaper and light fixtures. With forest views from every window, tall vaulted wood clad ceilings, and large wood timbers, it's the perfect blend of woodsy cabin and modern chalet.

New decks and railings lead to the hot tub.Peter Schweitzer
New light fixtures and boho touches.Peter Schweitzer
Rico is slowly replacing light fixtures to bring in an eclectic modern feel.Peter Schweitzer
Vintage dresser and vinyl.Peter Schweitzer
Atrium windows in the family room.Peter Schweitzer

One of their favorite places to hang out is in the family room, with atrium windows and a two-story stone fireplace. The modern couch from Article helps center the large space and provides the perfect place to curl up surrounded by greenery.

Forest views from every window give a treehouse effect.Peter Schweitzer
The two story stone fireplace in the family room.Peter Schweitzer

They now have made the house available to rent as a getaway, which couldn't make them happier. It's all about sharing their love of modern minimalism and cozy vintage in a serene setting. "Nature is perfection," says Rico. "This is the perfect place to bring loved ones together and be surrounded by 5 acres of our very own private Pacific Northwest forest."

A magical forest setting.Peter Schweitzer
A greenhouse has become a place to share meals.Peter Schweitzer

Locals Know Best

Rico encourages anyone to visit the Pacific Northwest, particularly the Mount Hood area. He says, "The greatest beauty can be found here, as it seems to stand completely on its own."

Check out: Mount Hood and Columbia River Gorge

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