Summer is almost here, and we’re dreaming of the simplicity of an A-frame cabin on a lake. You might even say we’re thinking outside the box.
Although the triangle shape has been used by homebuilders for centuries, A-frames really caught on in the U.S. in the 1950s. The angular design proved popular in vacation destinations, which is why you find many of them in forested locales or on scenic lakes.
We combed through nationwide listings to find A-frames for sale right now and settled on a quintet of peaked residences ready for new owners.
Options run the gamut, from a humble cabin in Missouri to an elegant A-frame in Beverly Hills, CA. For a full look at these properties, simply scroll on down.
Price: $3,995,000 Aloha, Beverly Hills: Not all A-frames are cute Alpine cabins in the mountains. The style was also popular in the tropics. Taking its inspiration from Hawaiian style, this 3,995-square-foot residence sits in one of the nation’s most exclusive ZIP codes.
The four-bedroom home was built in 1958 by the current owner and featured in the Architectural Digest in 1965. He traveled to Hawaii frequently and incorporated tropical features into the design, including volcanic rock both indoors and out, trickling waterfalls, and natural materials like wood and stone.
The home might need some work, but it could be worth the effort for a buyer in search of a standout dwelling in the 90210.
Price: $750,000 A-frame for all seasons: Known as The Sky Haus, this cabin is designed to accommodate folks who love the outdoors. Located about 15 miles from a prominent ski resort, it’s close to options for hiking, mountain biking, and kayaking.
The adorable 660-square-foot cabin with a loft-style bedroom is a popular short-term rental and averages a 92% occupancy rate.
Guests can enjoy private riverfront beach access, a fire pit, and modern conveniences. This picture-perfect cabin also graces the cover of the book “Cabin Tripping.”
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Price: $669,000 Two for the price of one: Ideal for year-round living, a family vacation compound, or short-term vacation rental, this property includes a 1,492-square-foot chalet and a 792-square-foot A-frame.
Originally built in 1984, both homes were recently renovated with high-end appliances and finishes, including heated terrazzo tile flooring in the A-frame and custom slate and PaperStone in the chalet.
The two-bedroom chalet offers multiple living and dining spaces. In the A-frame, you’ll find a dreamy loft space. Each has a kitchen, a wood-burning stove, and a fireplace. They’re located in the Walker Lake community, close to the Delaware River and about two hours from New York City.
Price: $254,900 Lakeside living: This is what most people envision for a lakeside A-frame cabin. The pointy place on Patterson Lake features two bedrooms and a galley kitchen. The dated carpeting and wood paneling might need to be replaced, but it’s a totally livable lake house.
It sits on a deep, grassy lot and has a deck with a fire pit and built-in benches overlooking the water. Built in 1945, the tiny cabin sits on a roomy half-acre lot. For storing outdoor gear, there’s a detached two-stall garage with a heated workshop,
Price:$149,900 A-frame junior: At just 450 square feet, this A-frame near Table Rock Lake counts as a tiny home. Every inch of the diminutive space is well-designed.
Amazingly, builders were able to squeeze two bedrooms into this small space. The one in the back has its own entrance, and the other one is in a loft tucked under the eaves of the A-frame, accessed by a pull-down ladder.
The living room has a soaring ceiling and access to a dining deck with space for a table, chairs, and barbecue.
Built in 1974, the place was fully renovated in 2018 with a new roof and hardwood flooring.
Lisa Johnson Mandell is an award-winning writer who covers lifestyle, entertainment, real estate, design, and travel. Find her on ReallyRather.com