Outbuilding of the Week: A Bohemian Surf Shack in Topanga Canyon - Gardenista
Photography via Mason St. Peter. “It all began when we were invited to see our friends’ cabin in Topanga Canyon,” says Mason St. Peter, of how he discovered the Southern California artists’ enclave imbued with decades of mystical bohemian lore. “It’s for relaxation solely,” says Mason St. Peter and Serena Mitnik-Miller of their 120-square-foot cabin in Topanga Canyon. The couple positioned their cabin so the sliding doors face south, and sunshine is filtered through a grove of trees. The couple, who fell in love with Topanga Canyon at first sight, drafted plans for their surf shack when they couldn’t find a rental. A ladder leads to a 625-square-foot deck, used for star-gazing and spending time with friends. The wood siding, old red cedar, is sourced from Building REsources, a non-profit in San Francisco that carries reclaimed materials for construction. St. Peters credits his wife, Mitnik-Miller, his frequent collaborator, who sourced all furnishings from flea markets and their store. A view from the inside, with a counter made of wood left over from the General Store’s Venice outpost. Hand-dyed shibori fabric, also used as dressing room curtains at the General Store, serve as cushion covers for the banquette. His and her surfboards outside.