The Hermitage
Bedrooms are separated by partial wall and sliding door. The
open space above aids cross ventilation.
The L-shaped plan of The Hermitage provides a larger area
inside than one might expect from the exterior. The large living
room flows into the dinette section and kitchen, separated only
by an open counter. Two bedrooms, a bath complete with tub and
shower room, and four storage closets use available space to the
best advantage.
The living room itself is beautified by a natural stone
fireplace set into a rough stone wall. Some of the stone slabs
extend out from the wall to be used as shelves for ornaments.
Here, savings may be made by constructing the fireplace of brick
and facing it with one-inch-thick silvara stone veneer slabs
which cost no more than brick veneer. Between the living room
and the kitchen, the open counter serves as a bar for
entertaining or between-meal snacks.
The ceiling may be finished in two different ways, both of
which are indicated on the building plans. Exposed beams, as
shown in the illustrations, create an informal, rustic effect.
However, regular framing for shallow-pitched roofs may be used
instead, if desired.
Mr. Hermanovski’s genius for getting the most out of all
available footage-both visually and actually-is one of his many
talents. The multi-window treatment of the main area,
including the dinette since there is no wall to
separate or cut this off, gives the illusion of an extra wide
space (over twenty feet) for living. The open balcony and varied
textures of the fireplace wall strengthens this illusion. The
actual measurements of the living room are 13 ft. 8 in. x 14 ft.
6 in. The dinette and kitchen area measure 7 ft. x 14 ft. 6 in.
The same illusion of openness is apparent in the bedroom
section. Actually 7 ft. 4 in. x 9 ft. 5 in., the bedroom to the
left seems part of the main bedroom to the right (which is 7 ft.
7 in. x 9 ft. 5 in.). This is accomplished through the use of
the wide doorway plus the open space above the central wall.
Prices on all of Mr. Hermanovski’s cabins can range from
nominal to a bit more expensive, depending on the materials
used. The average building cost of the Hermitage, for example,
exclusive of the property, would be about $4,500.00. The average
cost of The Eagle’s Nest would be around $9,500.00.
About $3,800.00 is all that’s needed for The Gypsy,
while The Four Winds would cost $6,500.00. Deduct 30
per cent of these costs if the cabin is built as simply as
possible- studs showing, no heat, etc. Add 20 per cent if a more
finished interior is planned. o
From above, the L-shaped plan oi The Hermitage is clearly
defined. Note the concrete plate atop chimney.
