Tucked away in a quiet Blue Mountains backyard is one of the most beautiful and inviting little cabins you’ll ever see. Stine’s Alpine cabin is a thoughtfully designed, fully self-contained retreat that blends Nordic charm with Australian comfort.  

Living in Sydney but eager to spend more time with her daughter and grandchildren in the Blue Mountains, the decision to build a SheShed was deeply personal for Stine. She was immediately drawn to the Alpine cabin because the design reminded her of her family summerhouse near Oslo. 

The Nordic look and thoughtful layout of the Alpine cabin offered a beautiful blend of familiarity and functionality. But beyond nostalgia, it was the cabin’s thermal efficiency with the kiln-dried Nordic Spruce timber, double glazed windows and doors, roof insulation, and enough room for a wood fire that sealed the decision.  

The space is generously sized at 19.25m2, accommodating a kitchenette, lounge, dining area, and bedroom in a studio-style layout, along with an additional bathroom and a large decking area. Stine’s creative vision to transform the Alpine cabin into a fully personalised and self-contained space showcases the versatility of a SheShed cabin and how an initial idea can evolve into a truly special and inspiring space.

Stine’s Step by Step Process to Setting Up a Stylish Backyard Stay

Stine found the process of purchasing the SheShed to be refreshingly straightforward. Being able to pay in stages, gave her time to plan and prepare the foundations before delivery. This flexibility made it easier to align delivery with the building timeline, allowing her to manage costs and logistics smoothly. 

Stine admits there were a few challenges during the build, particularly when it came to understanding the plans, however, she was quick to praise the SheShed team for their support, who provided clear and helpful advice that made all the difference. With that guidance, she was able to move forward with confidence and continue the project. She also highlights the importance of having the right builder on board. She had the build done with the help of Michael from Mighty Trades and Services and his team. The project eventually expanded to include a deck and a bathroom extension.  

“When the date was set, I let the team at SheShed know, and we coordinated the delivery. It was a smooth process and perfectly timed.” 

How Stine Styled the Interior of Her SheShed

Designing the interior of the cabin was a deeply creative process for Stine. She was intentional about choosing materials, textures, and colours that would feel at home in the Australian bush. 

She sourced the right sofa bed that would fit the space in the exact spot, facing the wood fire, and scoured marketplaces for unique vintage finds. Her favourite piece, a beautiful second-hand cabinet, became the centrepiece of the kitchenette and inspired the rest of the interior. 

She chose colours that reflected the natural environment, opting for a Scandinavian look on the outside and an Australian style for the interior. Wanting a simple space to make tea and coffee, she found the kitchenette area to be the perfect solution. 

Why Cosy Features Make All the Difference to a SheShed Cabin 

Among her favourite features is the wood-burning fireplace, something she knew she had to have from the beginning. She wanted to be able to see the fire from the sofa, so after extensive research to find the right model, it became one of the elements that brings her the most joy. Stine also made the decision to install electricity, which she says has made the space feel significantly more liveable. 

And the final touch? A deck, outdoor shower, and an outhouse, all of which contribute to the function and enjoyment of the Alpine cabin. Stine recommends adding a deck, finding that it effectively doubles the usable space, creating an additional outdoor room to relax and unwind. 

How a Backyard Cabin Became a Space of Joy and Connection

Stine sees the cabin as a peaceful space that offers a welcome escape from her busy work life in Sydney. It has become a place of joy and relaxation, not just for her, but for her grandchildren as well, who are always excited to walk down the backyard to spend time there. 

 “Everybody who comes here thinks it is just delightful. Which it is. It’s meant to be a delightful, restful, joyful space.” 

Stine’s Advice for Future SheShed Owners 

For those thinking about creating a guest space or recreational retreat, Stine has some valuable tips: 

• Add a deck – It truly transforms the space. It gives you another room outdoors. 

• Install electricity – It’s a bigger investment, but it adds functionality and makes it feel like a proper home. 

• Consider heating and cooling – What is the climate like where you live? Make yourself comfortable. 

• Take your time with design – Think about colours, the view from your sofa, and what will make it feel like your space. 

The Alpine cabin is proof that with thoughtful planning, a SheShed can become so much more than a cabin, it can be a piece of home. 

Ready to create your own SheShed space?    

Explore the range of SheShed cabins and start imagining the possibilities for your own space.