There’s a quiet magic to cabin shells that seems to resonate with anyone who values a life close to nature, where the simplicity of design meets the promise of a personal sanctuary. These structures, with their unadorned frames and open possibilities, offer a canvas that feels both timeless and inviting, drawing people who seek a retreat from the everyday grind. The ability to transform a basic shell into a lakeside haven, a hunting lodge, or a creative workspace speaks to their versatility, making them a favorite for those who appreciate craftsmanship that endures. Among these, the Country Cabins from Metro Portable Buildings stand out, starting at $11,592, their covered porches and customizable options reflecting a blend of practicality and relaxation that feels remarkably special.
The design of the Country Cabins showcases a thoughtful approach to space and utility. With wall heights of 7’6″, these cabins come in popular sizes like 8×12, 8×20, 10×16, 10×20, 12×24, 12×32, 16×24, and 16×32, each paired with a porch—4×12, 4×20, 6×16, 6×20, 6×24, 6×32, 8×24, and 8×32 respectively—with the flexibility to explore other dimensions as needed. The covered porch adds an outdoor living area that enhances the connection to the surroundings, while the shell arrives unfinished, leaving the interior for the owner to shape with walls, flooring, and utilities. This modular design, rooted in a balance of form and function, allows the cabin to serve as a guest house, office, or art studio, its 7’6″ walls providing ample headroom. Starting at $11,592 for the 8×12 with a 4×12 porch, the pricing scales with size, reaching $37,734 for the 16×32 with an 8×32 porch, offering a range that accommodates various budgets and needs.
The variety of designs and pricing options reflects the diverse purposes these cabins can fulfill. A 10×16 with a 6×16 porch, priced at $16,283, offers 160 square feet plus porch space, ideal for a solo retreat or storage, while a 12×24 with a 6×24 porch at $24,193 provides 288 square feet, suitable for a small family or guest area. Stepping up to a 16×32 with an 8×32 porch, costing $37,734, delivers 512 square feet, perfect for a larger home office or lake house. This range, detailed in the builder’s catalog, allows for choices that align with personal goals, whether a modest hunting cabin or a more spacious getaway, each price point reflecting the added value of size and porch extension.
The cabins’ adaptability makes them a natural fit for different lifestyles. An 8×20 with a 4×20 porch, starting at $15,472, could serve as a quiet reading nook or guest quarters, its porch a spot for morning coffee, while a 12×32 with a 6×32 porch at $29,896 might become a family retreat, the extra space allowing for a small kitchen or sleeping area. Larger sizes like 16×24 with an 8×24 porch, priced at $29,454, offer room for a home office or art studio, the loft potential adding flexibility. This versatility suits individuals seeking solitude, couples building a weekend escape, or families creating a shared space, each design encouraging a life shaped by personal vision.
Their ability to blend into various settings adds to their charm, thriving in diverse landscapes. Set on a foundation of gravel, concrete, or piers, a 10×20 cabin with a 6×20 porch might nestle into a wooded hillside, its porch framing views of trees, while a 16×24 with an 8×24 porch could stand on an open plain, offering a wide horizon. Delivered as a kit, the assembly requires space for the structure and porch, with the unfinished interior allowing for utility installations tailored to the site—water, electricity, or heating—making them suitable for remote retreats or suburban lots. Contacting the builder offers opportunities to customize further, ensuring a fit for the chosen environment.
These cabins prove their worth across all seasons, a dependable shelter amid nature’s shifts. The covered porch provides shade in summer, inviting breezes to flow through, while the 7’6″ walls can be insulated for warmth in winter, the potential roof shedding snow with ease. Spring rains find refuge under the porch, and autumn winds are softened by the sturdy frame, creating a space that adapts to the seasonal rhythm. This resilience suits a life lived close to the elements, whether a snowy hunting trip or a sunny lakeside stay, evolving with the changing landscape.
The unfinished interior invites personal touches that reflect the owner’s life. A 12×24 might be fitted with a simple bed and chair, its porch becoming a reading spot, while a 16×32 could house a desk and shelves for an office, the porch extended with seating. The ability to customize—adding windows, doors, or finishes—by contacting the builder allows the space to mirror its dwellers’ tastes, turning a shell into a home that feels uniquely theirs. This hands-on process fosters a deep connection, encouraging a pace aligned with nature’s flow.
Living within a Country Cabin creates a rhythm tied to simplicity and purpose. The 160 to 512 square feet, depending on size, offer room for an individual to reflect or a family to gather, the porch extending the space outdoors. As a retreat, it provides a pause from the everyday, the interior a place for creativity or rest, all framed by the porch’s shelter. This balance suits year-round living or seasonal visits, the customizable shell inviting owners to shape it to their needs, starting at $11,592.
The potential for future growth lies in the cabin’s modular design. A 12×20 could expand with an enclosed porch or loft, building on its 240 square feet, while a 16×36 might add a second room or patio, leveraging its 576 square feet. The site could support gardens or pathways, depending on the land, and the kit’s adaptability ensures a lasting investment with room to evolve, especially with input from the builder on custom features.
Considering ownership involves appreciating the cabin’s place within a chosen landscape. The 8×12 to 16×32 footprints, with their covered porches, allow placement in rural fields, wooded retreats, or near water, their modest size fitting various sites. The unfinished state requires planning for utilities and finishes, shaped by local conditions, but contacting the builder offers opportunities to tailor dimensions, materials, or layouts. The surrounding area’s natural beauty provides a backdrop for a life lived close to the earth, making these cabins a foundation for enduring homes, with prices beginning at $11,592.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | Country Cabin |
| Wall Height | 7’6″ |
| Popular Sizes | 8×12, 8×20, 10×16, 10×20, 12×24, 12×32, 16×24, 16×32 |
| Interior Space | 96-512 sq.ft. (varies by size) |
| Starting Price | $11,592 |
Source: Metro Portable Buildings