After the owners’ first Mariposa home was lost in the 2022 Oak Fire, they had a blank canvas and a big dream. A dream where the whole family, from the toddlers to the grandparents, felt a little spoiled. So, that’s when Phoenix Triangle, their luxury family A-frame mountain cabin in California on four private acres of pine in the Sierra foothills, was born!
Having used an A-frame cabin as a strong and beautiful base, here’s how they finished the interior, and a few ideas to help others with their A-frame plans.
Let the Glass Do the Talking
In an A-frame, the windows are the focal point and the entire reason the design exists. So, the owners used as much floor-to-ceiling glass as possible to give a view of the pines and rolling foothills.
One of the great things about Avrame’s A-frame cabin kits is the flexibility to customize the design to fit your vision. The Window Wall offers a range of options, giving buyers the opportunity to make the most of their views and bring more natural light into the space.
Because the windows are the focal point, design the rest of the room around them. The great room is designed with a sectional leather sofa and a deep entertainment zone with a 65” TV and an electric fireplace. A Sonos system fills the great ceiling, and a chandelier gives a little sparkle over the dining table.
With all that space and that high ceiling, it can easily fit 6 people. So, with thoughtful design, a family vacation can be peaceful!
A Pine-Green Kitchen That Steals the Show
The owners have stayed in lots of rentals, and most of them lack a good kitchen. Theirs is a stunning pine green with a farmhouse sink and brass hardware. So pretty, in fact, that doing dishes has almost become romantic.
It’s also loaded with all the good stuff. Cookware and bakeware? Check. A dishwasher? Yep. A blender? Why not? And a rice maker? Naturally.
Coffee lovers get a little area all their own. The “caffeine, now” button crowd can whip up a quick cup with the Keurig, or make a fully ritualized cup with the AeroPress. Guests often say they cooked way more than they intended.
Three Bedrooms, Three Personalities
The owners know that as a parent, the sleeping setup can really affect the vacation experience. So, they skipped the three matching rooms.
- The Primary Suite: A king bed with green shiplap walls and a private ensuite with a rainfall shower. Adults only hide out once the kiddos are asleep.
- Bedroom 2: A quiet queen bed and writing desk. Perfect for a couple, grandparents, or anyone needing a little workspace.
- The Bunk Room: A queen bed with a Twin XL bunk on top. Perfect for the kiddos or for teenagers pretending to be too cool for bunk beds.
Most of the gear that makes a nursery is already in the cabin. Families just need to bring the baby. The owners left plenty of books and toys behind, too. With room-darkening shades, there’s a good chance everyone will get a late start in the morning.
Four Acres of Outdoor Fun
The owners built extra rooms outdoors, and they just might be their favorite rooms.
The main attraction for many is the hot tub on the deck. It seats six and is always hot. Picture guests soaking in it while surrounded by pine trees and a sky full of a million stars.
A gas fire pit down the path offers a serene setting for an evening campfire and s’mores. A six-top Weber grill makes for tasty camp dinners. The set comes with a picnic table and an outdoor rainfall shower for dusting off after a hike.
When the evening begins to chill, the outdoor games come out. Things get competitive fast, especially with giant Jenga, Connect 4, and corn hole on the lawn.
Small Things, Big Comfort
To the owners, luxury isn’t gold faucets. It’s never having to say, “I wish we’d brought…” So, they sweated the small stuff.
- Fast Starlink WiFi to support all your devices, and to stream and make video calls
- Level 2 EV Charger for easy charging on road trips
- A Crosley record player to add to lazy afternoons
- An Xbox with a shelf full of board games for those rainy days
- A washer and dryer, plus 2-zone heating and cooling
There’s a reason this listing gets so many 5-star reviews. From the furniture to the decorations, no detail has been overlooked. Take a piece of the cabin home with you. Build your own A-frame? Grab these ideas.
Building Your Own A-frame? Steal These Ideas!
For anyone thinking of buying an A-frame cabin kit, here’s what the owners would share:
- Design around the glass. Your main living area should face the best views.
- Pick a bold color. The woods and whites of an A-frame provide a great canvas for a single color statement.
- Plan for different ages. A bunk room and a nook are great for the kiddos, while a grown-up retreat is great for the adults.
- Treat your deck like a living room. A fire pit and hot tub provide year-round outdoor fun.
- The basics are important. Fast internet, great coffee, and big, comfy beds are a must.
Yosemite is in the Backyard
Of course, the location is the real luxury. Phoenix Triangle is an A-frame cabin near Yosemite, about 28 miles from the park’s Arch Rock Entrance and just 10 minutes from Mariposa’s Historic Main Street. Guests can spend their days seeking out waterfalls and giant sequoias, then return to a hot tub and a fire. For ideas, check out the local guides to Mariposa and Yosemite.
The cabin was designed to transform a difficult time in the owners’ lives into a time of joy and light. Each room includes a piece of their story, and they hope guests feel it as soon as they walk through the door.
Looking for a mountain getaway with something for everyone? Book a stay at Phoenix Triangle, and bring the whole family, including the grandparents. Don’t forget to pick up some s’mores on the way!
