Escapology - by Colin McAllister & Justin Ryan (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Colin McAllister and Justin Ryan--Scottish interior designers, TV hosts, and property speculators--are cabin aficionados who divide their time between homes in Canada and their beloved Scotland. Escapology: Modern Cabins, Cottages and Retreats is a stunning book of modern-day retreats--bucolic weekend escapes by the sea, remote getaways in the woods, and rustic mountain hideouts--to inspire peaceful and quiet living. The authors genuinely believe that cabin time has a remarkably positive impact on our health, wellbeing and our happiness. Whether it's a rustic cottage nestled deep within a Nordic forest, a robust mountain lodge in Montana, a breathtaking treehouse in Canada, or a steel-walled, one-room "hotel" in Denmark, these retreats share one vital aspect in common: they proffer the chance to escape and to and live in harmony with nature, far from the madding crowd. Part style bible and lifestyle manual, the book features a beautiful collection of classic and contemporary cottages and cabins, each accompanied by an informative design profile and beautifully photographed images. And of course, the book is also packed with practical building and design advice that fans of Colin and Justin have grown to love. You'll find relevant information about different types of dwelling styles, builds, sustainability/off-grid living, tiny homes, renovation on a budget, room zonings, dâecor and everything in between."--

Book Synopsis

Colin McAllister and Justin Ryan--Scottish interior designers, TV hosts, and property speculators--are cabin aficionados who divide their time between homes in Canada and their beloved Scotland. Escapology: Modern Cabins, Cottages and Retreats is a stunning book of modern-day retreats--bucolic weekend escapes by the sea, remote getaways in the woods, and rustic mountain hideouts--to inspire peaceful and quiet living. The authors genuinely believe that cabin time has a remarkably positive impact on our health, wellbeing and our happiness. Whether it's a rustic cottage nestled deep within a Nordic forest, a robust mountain lodge in Montana, a breathtaking treehouse in Canada, or a steel-walled, one-room "hotel" in Denmark, these retreats share one vital aspect in common: they proffer the chance to escape and to and live in harmony with nature, far from the madding crowd.

Part style bible and lifestyle manual, the book features a beautiful collection of classic and contemporary cottages and cabins, each accompanied by an informative design profile and beautifully photographed images. And of course, the book is also packed with practical building and design advice that fans of Colin and Justin have grown to love. You'll find relevant information about different types of dwelling styles, builds, sustainability/off-grid living, tiny homes, renovation on a budget, room zonings, décor and everything in between.

Review Quotes

"The first time I saw this book, I lost all sense of time, and was thrown into a complete state of calm and fascination: not only for the architecture and design, but also the locations featured. Every escape melted into its setting with ease. During times like these, what could be more appropriate than creating homes that aren't only different, but that suggest an alternative way of life. Everyone knows I feast on texture, and this book showcases all that and more. Just gorgeous!" --Kelly Hoppen, MBE, author of The Art of Interior Design

"Escapology is an eclectic mix of inspiring spaces that perfectly captures Colin and Justin's enthusiasm for design and their passion for beautiful getaways."--Brian Gluckstein, interior designer and author of Brian Gluckstein: The Art of Home

"Expect to be wowed by immersive pictorial visits to 24 homes around the world (including Colin and Justin's Ontario getaway, pictured here). That's followed up by a deep dive into what makes each home work in terms of architecture, interior design and as escapes into the natural world. There is a ton of useful info for those dreaming about or planning their ideal escape, but even if a second home isn't on your radar, Escapology is really about creating a home that best suits you."--Style at Home

"It's a virtual getaway, perfect for the times we're living in." --Sarah Trumbley, HELLO Magazine

"Escapology explores the merits of suffusing your home or cottage with a whisper of laid-back style and is full of practical information."--Toronto Sun

"In their fourth book, Colin and Justin turn their focus to cottage country, including their own place on Ontario's Drag Lake, where they glory in the peace and quiet of cottage living. Seductive images of weekend escapes from all over the world are balanced by practical tips for buyers."--Canadian House & Home

"Escape is currently a very on trend word given the current situation and it's not just about location. Interiors can be escapist as well and you'll find both in [...] Escapology."--Tracy Moore, host of Cityline

"Do you dream of escaping the city and living far from the madding crowd, in a remote forest, or by a crystal-clear lake? Throughout the pages of Escapology, Colin and Justin's latest style tome, peek into the escapes of the brave people who've done precisely that."--Luxe Magazine

"If you would love to live surrounded by nature, this book is for you. If you have a passion for creative home architecture, this book is for you. And if you have ever even thought about having a second home in a beautiful location, this book is for you. The collection of escape-to-nature homes in Escapology: Modern Cabins, Cottages and Retreats provides inspiration and information on rural escapes all over the world."--Annie Tobey, Boomer Magazine

"Autumnal colors and cozy seasonal getaways are on full display in Colin McAllister's and Justin Ryan's new book Escapology. From treehouses and mountain lodges to lakeside getaways, the book takes readers across the world with a collection of shelters that inspire quiet, tranquil living."--Lauren Iverson, Atlanta Homes Magazine

"Prepare to swoon as you browse 24 inspirational respites, and 150 beautiful rooms..."--Local Gardener

"Always being on top of the wave of modern trends, interior designer duo Colin McAllister and Justin Ryan have nailed it again. This talented pair have curated a beautifully photographed collection of contemporary cabins and modern-day shelters that not only celebrate the splendor of being in a woodland retreat but also design that embraces perfection amid a natural landscape."--KHACHILIFE Magazine

"For those of us wishing to make a mad dash from the urban sprawl, interior designers Colin McAllister and Justin Ryan have curated a new book, Escapology: Modern Cabins, Cottages and Retreats[...] which explores the intricate relationship between cabin architecture and interior design. When both are in harmony, it can inspire a new way of life, one that is rooted in beauty and nature--and where one can tune out the noise and truly decompress. Or, at the very least, nab some design tips for wherever one presently calls home."--Tanya Klich, Forbes

"Right now couldn't be a better time to escape, or dream at least. [...] Escapology, Modern Cabins, Cottages and Retreats is a new interiors book by two of Canada's greatest imports, Colin McAllister and Justin Ryan who divide their time between homes in Canada and their beloved Scotland. [...] Their newest book "is dedicated to those who choose to leave the city in pursuit of a greater connection to nature and a quieter way of living and to those who dream of following their example". And now more than ever, I think each and everyone of us can relate. So this book comes at a perfect time, and the best kind of book to give as a gift this holiday season." --Jan Halvarson, Poppytalk

"What's the one thing on every Torontonian's mind this time of year? Getting away. Anyone who had a vacation planned for this year likely had to cancel it due to the pandemic, leaving us all dreaming of the perfect escape. Well, interior design duo Colin McAllister and Justin Ryan have put those dreams on paper with their new book, Escapology: Modern Cabins, Cottages and Retreats. The book features 24 unique escapes from right here in Canada to destinations in the U.S., Mexico, Scotland, England, Norway, Sweden and South Africa. The book also features a couple of their own projects, such as a log cabin in Muskoka and their own cabin that they use as a rental. Readers can escape to them all from the com- fort of their couch through the book's 236 pages."--Nikki Gill, TRNTO

"You wouldn't be alone. Particularly this year. If you live in the city and fancy getting out of town, you can do it vicariously through the latest book out by effusive interior designers and TV presenters Colin McAllister and Justin Ryan. Escapology: Modern Cabins, Cottages and Retreats, as the title describes, is about getting away from it all into nature, along with entirely stylish homes."--Rebecca Keillor, Vancouver Sun