A man builds a literary escape This library-cabin in upstate New York is an expression of one man's history, heritage, and passion. It's inspired by Japanese architecture, Norwegian design, and some of the best parts of owner Jason Koxvold's childhood.
Koxvold is half Italian, half Norwegian?and while growing up in the UK he visited his grandfather's family farm near Valdres, Norway, often. "My grandfather built the place himself. It started as one home, but as the family grew, it expanded to some 15 buildings," he says. "As children, my cousins and I spent time there sledding and getting into trouble. But as we got older, the maintenance of the buildings started falling to us."
It was the memories and the maintenance that led him to start constructing a second building at his own getaway in upstate New York. "Maintaining those buildings at my grandfather's farm, and adding on to them, gave me the confidence to build something for myself?it was kind of the opening salvo," he says. "I was definitely emulating my grandfather (whose name was Leif, which is now my son?s middle name)."
The reflection of the trees in the picture window acts as camouflage for the one-room cabin.

And although it has just two years since it was completed, the family is imbuing the cabin with memories. Guests are asked to make use of paper and pens to compose notes and hide them in the pages of the books. "I love the idea of p...