Nestled among the preserved forests and quiet waters of western Maine, the Wren Cabin is the latest addition to the Dala House portfolio, a collection of thoughtfully designed rental spaces by husband and wife Emily and Matt Delamater, a creative duo with backgrounds in photography and acting. Inspired by their love of design, community, and the Maine landscape, the couple has carefully expanded their retreat offerings from a single 1930s cabin to a trio of unique stays, with the newly completed Wren Cabin as the most intentional and design- driven of them all.

Built from the ground up with the help of GEM Construction, Tom Perly, and Bill Shimamura, the 600-square-foot Wren Cabin embodies Scandinavian simplicity and Maine sensibility. A dark exterior inspired by Danish passive house designs allows the cabin to blend seamlessly into its wooded surroundings, while the modern, open-plan interior provides an inviting contrast. Exposed rafters add a sense of height and openness, a detail that required extra collaboration with builders but certainly paid off in both form and function.

One of the cabin’s defining features is its bright yellow spiral staircase, a bold architectural statement from Maine Spiral Staircase that leads to the lofted sleeping space. The staircase is a reflection of Emily and Matt’s belief that small spaces don’t have to be” “shy—color and personality can thrive even in the most compact footprints. Throughout the cabin, carefully chosen vintage and secondhand pieces mix with modern elements, creating a space that feels curated but never overdesigned. A library of books (chosen by Matt, a passionate collector), a signature artwork by painter Heather Chontos, and layered textures contribute to the cabin’s cozy yet contemporary aesthetic.

Designed for year-round enjoyment, the Wren Cabin includes a wood-fired sauna, a nod to the Delamaters’ affinity for Nordic traditions. Nearby cross-country skiing trails and a frozen pond encourage guests to embrace the beauty of Maine winters rather than retreat from them, while the property’s connection to the water and surrounding preserved land provides an equally tranquil escape in the warmer months.

More than just a rental, the Wren Cabin is part of a larger vision for Dala House—one rooted in creating immersive, experience-driven stays that foster connection, creativity, and a deep appreciation for place. Whether guests are drawn in by the design, the solitude, or the chance to stumble upon one of the Delamaters’ intimate house concerts (follow @dala_house on Instagram to see who’s performing next), the Wren Cabin is a testament to the power of small spaces to inspire big feelings.