Built back in the 1960s, this prefab house still stands strong today. Owner, Jens Risom, a legendary furniture designer, had this small house built on a seven acre plot of land located at the northern tip of Block Island, Rhode Island.
When he had the house built he knew exactly how he wanted it positioned on the lot to allow the most amount of sunlight inside. Risom says his favorite times of day are early morning and late afternoon.
The home is bolted down on a foundation to stay strong during winter winds and rough weather conditions. There are two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a sleeping loft, large living and dining area and kitchen.
At age 97, Risom still visits the island. There’s something peaceful about the island. It’s a unique feeling when you are there. Maybe because he has created so many family memories here over time. Now his grandchildren also come to visit the beach home.
Please enjoy and re-share the tour, video and interview below. Thank you.
Jens Risom’s Oceanside Prefab Cottage
Image © John Zimmerman
Images © Gary Nadeau / Dwell
Images © Gary Nadeau / Dwell
VIDEO: Jens Risom’s Block Island Retreat by Gary Nadeau for Dwell
Resources:
- Dwell (as originally seen on)
- Video by Gary Nadeau for Dwell
- Busyboo (as seen on)
You can share this Jens Risom’s Oceanside Prefab Cottage with your friends and family for free using the e-mail and social media re-share buttons below. Thanks.
If you enjoyed this Jens Risom’s Oceanside Prefab Cottage you’ll absolutely LOVE our Free Daily Tiny House Newsletter with even more! Thank you!
Latest posts by Andrea (see all)
- 32-Foot Gooseneck Tiny House: A Spacious, Luxurious Home on Wheels by Fritz Tiny Homes - March 12, 2023
- New Frontier Tiny Homes Latest Tiny House Build - March 11, 2023
- 206 Sq. Ft. Modern Scandinavian Fritz Tiny Home - November 6, 2022
This is one of my all-time favorite houses, but the term “a-frame” is incorrect.
You’re right, Justin! It’s not quite an A-frame. Almost, but not quite! We should change the headline. Thanks for the heads up 😀
Fixed! Thanks again, Justin!
The title is perfect. Cheers!
Quite sensational; I need one of these.
Ah, I want to give this man a wee cuddle. That photo of him, framed in the doorway of his home with a cane just about broke my heart…in a good way, not a bad way! Bravo for this foresight (rather than the more common “hindsight”) in knowing EXACTLY how to position this charmer but also the dimensions, too.
I’m mad for the original furnishings; I’d call them Retro but they ARE original so I gather you can’t use that description. I could cozy up in this space in a heartbeat.
Thanks, Alex. This home has a special place in my heart because of the backstory. <3
1960’s would be vintage. I remember those colors and style well. We had them. Looks quite appropriate in this home.
What a sweet story, and you can see the love that this man has for the home and the memories it has helped create for his family. For some reason it reminds me of the story by Shel Silverstein: The Giving Tree. The video was very well done!
I’d still call the furnishings and general look retro, even though they’re original – from the colors I’d say those pieces probably have been there since the 60’s or 70’s. So many Browns and oranges.
Still, bless the old guy – I hope he’s still visiting here when he’s 100!
In ♡!
Totally and completely AWESOME!!! What a piece of paradise to escape to!!!
What a beautiful video and charming house. How many sq ft is it? Doesn’t really look all that small
Also love the furniture, a fine craftsman indeed. Don’t care for the colors of the cushions though but it does give it that 60’s look.
Imagine being able to visit the island every summer, something I can only dream of. Sure hope they keep that house in the family when he passes.
Thanks for sharing Alex
Where can I get the building plans?
I really love this cottage/cabin layout!
I really hope someone knows how to get the building plans for me:-)
Try contacting the architect who built it, Jens Risom.
Hi Tena,
Did you find any building plans?
Best regards from Holland,
Sander
Today is my 50th birthday and viewing the wonderful home on Block Island feels like a gift. Thank you for sharing this beautiful home. Mr Risom is a true inspiration! Cheers to all with a dream.
Happiest of 50th birthday’s to you, JoLene!!!! <3
I wish you another healthy, happy and memorable birthdays ahead of you…and a tiny house of your own…on the water, too!
All the best to you on this special day, Cahow 😀
I love this. While I enjoy looking at the tiny, tiny houses, something tells me that I (and many others) would probably hit a point pretty quickly where I’d yell “I need a little more space than this!” I could see myself living in something like this (or many of the other 500-or-so square ft houses I occasionally see on here. A mentor of mine once told me, “Life is the battle of balance,” and I think there is probably an optimal balance (at least for me) that lies somewhere between the tiny tiny house on wheels and the traditional three-bedroom two-bath home. This house may be it!
Cahow: Thank you for the kind birthday wishes. A tiny house on a lake would be a dream come true!
Kind Regards,
JoLene (Another MI gal)
What an honor it would be to be the owner of this little slice of heaven. ♡♡♡
Has anyone found the plans for the Risom home yet? Are there any prefab contractors making something similar?
I am also interested in a plan…..
Is this “pre fab” model or kit still available if so where can a person by one or see the actual design and prints? Would love to see more and current cost
Hmm I doubt it being that they were from the 60s but maybe Jen would know?
I believe associated news article on the Block Island cabin said Jens had passed away a few years ago. Sure would be nice to find this actual design and see current pricing. A pre-fab such as this is very appealing. Hopefully someone out there can chime in and guide us to more info??