If you like to fish, having the Skykomish River flowing by your deck is decadence. The lot for this tiny A-frame outside Index is 7,405 square feet. That, the 420 square foot cabin, and the a bit right up against the river will run you $93,000 (plus $20/month).
The one-bedroom A-frame was built in 1961 with an emphasis on pragmatism instead of architecture. The wiring runs in conduits along the walls. Coat hooks are set into the wall instead of a closet. The wood stove and brick surround are un-apologetically functional instead of ornamental. The A-frame makes sense in an area known for rain and snow. It would be interesting to find out if the wood came from the lot, or at least the neighborhood.
The emphasis is on the river and the outdoors. With 51 feet of riverfront there's elbow room along the shore. A deck greatly extends the floor space, though it isn't covered.
A few decorations keep it from being overly simplistic. Woodwork along the roof line and a balcony suggest someone wanted a bit more life in the curb appeal.
One caution. It is easy to assume that there's a bathroom for every bedroom, but the listing comes with '0' baths and a septic type of 'none'. Something must be fitting that need for the last several decades.
The sum of the pragmatism adds up to an iconic cabin. It may lack some modern comforts, but it is unmistakable as anything else than a solid, serious, get-out-of-the-city cabin; a place to enjoy old-fashioned and basic comforts that can't be found in town.
· 51522 217th Place NE, Index [Windermere]