Emails, texts, and phone calls rule our waking hours. Peace, privacy, and a real connection to nature are a luxury in a world that requires us to be tethered to our desks, phones, and computers. The rural and picturesque Idaho wilderness is a welcome distraction from the constant stream of correspondence that constantly demands our attention. Whether we’re camping, backpacking, hiking, or towing an RV, Idahoans have no shortage of ways to unplug and enjoy our wild and beautiful public lands. While these methods provide temporary relief from the hustle and bustle of city life, many people dream of owning a place of their own—a more permanent escape that usually comes with a hefty price tag. However, an Idaho company called Ethos Cabins is rethinking what it means to own a family cabin, and making the dream more accessible than ever in the process.
Inspired by the striking Idaho landscape, these cabins offer a luxurious getaway without the sticker shock. Their portable, fully customizable cabins feature modern design and unparalleled craftsmanship. These aren’t just cabins; they are a gateway to the beauty of the natural world.
Their base model, called the Ethos Borah, is a 400-square-foot, one-bedroom cabin with a loft. Starting at $198,000, the Borah is a sleek and impressive example of how prefab construction can offer luxury and comfort at an accessible price point. Built to endure whatever Mother Nature can throw at it, the Borah features hybrid timber-steel frames, steel siding, and Andersen designer windows and doors. “They are built to last,” said Ethos Cabins Marketing Director Emily Wilson. “They’re built to withstand harsh environments, long winters, and lots of snow.”
Though built with harsh Idaho winters in mind, Ethos Cabins feature sleek design and modern touches. Gone are the days of cooking full meals on tiny, rickety camp stoves. The Borah features a residential kitchen, complete with a stainless steel refrigerator, dishwasher, and an induction stove. Also included in the base model is a rainfall shower, energy-efficient LED lighting, and hookups for a washer and dryer. The cabin’s airtight spray foam insulation keeps you cool in the sweltering Idaho summer and cozy when the snow begins to fall.
While all these features are included in the base price of the Borah, Ethos remains committed to ensuring that clients are fully involved in the design process. “We’re always asking for feedback, input, and ideas. Not everyone wants a cabin in the mountains, so we’re playing with iterations of the Borah that don’t require snow load capacity or the loft,” Wilson said. “We’re looking at how we can make our cabins potentially more accessible and affordable to more people.”
With this flexibility in mind, Wilson said that Ethos has a new model in the works called the Mesa. Double the size of the Borah, the Mesa will be modular, meaning that it will have to be set on a foundation. This cabin is perfect for families, featuring two bedrooms, built-in storage, and expansive floor-to-ceiling glass walls that seamlessly integrate the beauty of the natural world.
The craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail that goes into every Ethos Cabin haven’t gone unnoticed by their owners. “We couldn’t believe how solid and beautiful the construction was,” said Ryan, who lives in Idaho and owns a Borah cabin. “People stop just to ask who built it.”
Ethos Cabins aren’t just stunning sanctuaries; they are also smart, income-generating assets. “Our Ethos Cabin pays for itself when we’re not using it—it’s been an incredible investment and retreat for our family,” said Jillian, who rents out her Borah model when she’s not enjoying it herself. Sleek, durable, and affordable, Ethos Cabins offer both form and function.
Beyond individual ownership, Ethos Cabins has begun to explore the idea of community living with Ethos Villages. “We have had quite a few people interested in our cabins that don’t have land, and we’re trying to come up with a solution for them,” said Wilson. These communities will be located on remote tracts of land, located in close proximity to the world-class natural areas. Parcels will be divided up into one or quarter-acre lots where Ethos Cabin owners can enjoy their own private space while still being part of a like-minded, outdoor-focused community. Each lot will come fully equipped with utilities and infrastructure, making it easy for owners to simply place their cabin and move in. Ethos Villages will be a perfect alternative for people who seek refuge from city life, without the barriers of land ownership or complex, costly, and time-consuming logistics.
Ethos Cabins offer an accessible, permanent solution for those who want to immerse themselves in an outdoor lifestyle while enjoying all of the trappings of luxury accommodations. Whether nestled in the Sawtooths, positioned beside a quiet lake, or placed in an emerging Ethos Village, Ethos Cabins provide a space to unplug, slow down, and reconnect with what matters.
