Pacific Northwest Gambier Retreat: A Forever Home in the Making

by | Sep 12, 2025 | Learning Centre | 0 comments

After marrying in 2021, this couple decided to trade in California for the Pacific Northwest and build the perfect home for their retirement. Soon after, they discovered a hidden gem of a property just a stone’s throw from a state park, surrounded by forest, and overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

They knew right away that a Tamlin prefabricated home package would be the ideal fit. Not only would it blend naturally into the setting while maximizing the ocean views, but Tamlin’s house package system was especially well-suited for their remote location. By having the floor system, wall panels, and roof trusses pre-engineered, the home could be closed-in quickly, an important advantage in the rainy Northwest climate.

Customizing a Prefabricated Home Design

The couple started with Tamlin’s popular Gambier Series home design and worked with our team to personalize the layout for their lifestyle. The final result is a 2,517-square-foot residence with a 750-square-foot deck, perfect for enjoying sunsets over the ocean and the beauty of the surrounding forest.

The layout includes 3 bedrooms, 2 offices, and 2.5 bathrooms, balancing functionality with an open, welcoming feel. With precision-cut components, Tamlin’s system ensures that the floor system, structural wall panels, and roof trusses fit together seamlessly, creating a solid and lasting home.

Maximizing Light and Views

At the heart of the home is the great room, where the clerestory windows capture southern light and large picture windows frame the views of both the ocean to the north and the natural surroundings.

The exposed beams and dramatic roofline give warmth, character, and openness to the space, making it a striking connection between indoors and outdoors.


We really like the volume in the great room. The clerestory allows the house to get the southern light while the large windows provide views of the ocean to the north. We really liked the exposed beams and the slanted roofline.

Why Tamlin Works for Remote Locations

This project is a perfect example of why Tamlin’s prefabricated house package system works so well in remote locations. Materials arrive ready to assemble, minimizing delays, and ensuring the home can be closed-in quickly, even in challenging climates. The combination of design expertise and structural efficiency makes building in harder-to-reach areas not only possible but highly rewarding.

Built for Retirement, Built to Last

With nature at their doorstep and a home designed for both present comfort and future retirement living, this coastal retreat reflects the best of Tamlin’s approach: homes that balance beauty, practicality, and structural strength. For this couple, the project wasn’t just about building a house it was about creating a lasting retreat for their next chapter of life.