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Michael Cannell has written an interesting overview of what I call the “getaway movement” in this New York Times story. He outlines some of social trends and practical factors that are the driving forces behind the dynamic growth of getaway space construction.  Although the Times story highlights installations from Brooklyn to LA, the movement, like so many others, is traveling west-to-east.  It won’t be too long before getaways are familiar to all.

Although there are many ways to power a getaway “off the grid”, many of you will elect to power your getaway with “line voltage”, by bringing a circuit from your home into the getaway.  (This is best not done with an extension cord!)

Merle Henkenius has written a thorough and easy-to-read piece for Popular Mechanics entitled “Bringing Power to An Outbuilding”, with illustrations by George Retseck, on just how to introduce line power to your personal outdoor structure.  The article takes you step-by-step, including digging an underground trench, handling conduit, and even introducing a new circuit breaker.

If you are not very familiar with home electrical wiring, it’s best to hire a professional to do some or all of the work.  Even so, this article will give you an understanding of what’s involved, so that you can make decisions which will guide your electrician. Some things to consider are where you’d like the power to enter, how it may affect the appearance of your getaway, where to put a cutoff box (important safety feature) what you intend to power up (heat? light? audio?), how many amps it will take to do the job, and where you will need outlets.

Amy Bloom is an award-winning writer and author, whose little backyard writing studio behind her home in central Connecticut recalls Thoreau’s little cabin on Walden Pond.   Amy’s wonderful retreat is featured in Debra Prinzing’s equally terrific book, Stylish Sheds and Elegant Hideaways, a must-read for the getaway in all of us.

The little building, nestled in a wooded setting, fits naturally among the gray barked trees with its naturally weathering exterior clapboard.  Warm ambient lighting washes a knotty-pine interior, emanating a yellow glow through the significant window surfaces.  The contrast between the grayness of winter and the sun-like glow of the interior make for a magnetic pull both to the eye and the spirit.   See Debra’s book for some great interior shots.