Shepherd’s Cottage

Modern and Unique Architectural Form Rooted in Premium Regional Heritage

Shepherd’s Cottage is a multi-award-winning holiday home, recognized globally with the prestigious Red Dot Design Award, perched on a scenic slope overlooking Lake Czorsztyn and two medieval castles in southern Poland. Designed by HOLA, the villa masterfully bridges traditional regional heritage with minimalist modern form, establishing a striking, contextual dialogue with the surrounding landscape.

The monolithic silhouette of the house draws direct inspiration from traditional local pastoral huts located in the nearby 19th-century open-air museum. In a brilliant nod to historical craftsmanship, both the roof and front facade are entirely clad in aspen chips. This traditional northern Polish technique flows seamlessly from the roof down to the walls, allowing rainwater to cascade naturally to the ground without conventional gutters.

Facing the water, the architectural boundary dissolves entirely. A spectacular, fully glazed glass wall frames panoramic views of the lake and historical castles. Two large sliding windows allow half of the facade to open completely, effortlessly extending the interior living space onto the outdoor terrace and connecting the residents with nature.

Inside, the raw poetry of concrete meets the warmth of aged wood. Every room features heated concrete floors finished with a refined architectural coating, juxtaposed against hand-antiqued wooden boards that line the walls and ceilings. This careful curation of textures creates an intimate, sophisticated sanctuary that feels both grounded and elevated.

The double-height living room is anchored by two custom-made, oversized statement lamps that emphasize the volume of the space. In the kitchen, the focal point is a bespoke cut-steel plate featuring the “Flower of Life”, a traditional local folk symbol reimagined as a striking piece of contemporary art.

Spanning 200 square meters, the layout balances shared family life with ultimate comfort. While the ground floor hosts the main living spaces and the attic accommodates the private bedrooms, the basement has been transformed into a complete wellness retreat. It features a guest room, a dedicated media room, and a custom-designed private sauna, completing the holistic premium experience.

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