BDP10: Autumn Riverbend Retreat
Posted by Huw,
BrickLink Designer Program series 10 has begun, so over the next week or so we'll be publishing articles written by designers about their projects.
In this one, Lucas Michlik (BrickAndMortar) writes about Autumn Riverbend Retreat.
There's something special about the places we grow up, the quiet corners that stick with us long after we've moved on. For me, those memories of a small-town childhood became the inspiration behind my Autumn Riverbend Retreat, a cosy seasonal build that captures the peaceful charm of riverside autumn days.
I grew up in a small town with a creek running through my backyard and these really quaint parks scattered around. Those places shaped a lot of my memories, just being outside, exploring trails, watching the seasons change. This build is kind of my way of recreating that feeling in LEGO form.
The Autumn Riverbend Retreat invites you to bundle up in your cosiest sweater and escape to a peaceful riverside scene where fiery red and golden leaves drift past on a crisp autumn breeze. The set features a kayak ready for a gentle paddle through the current, scenic pathways winding through the retreat, and plenty of spots to slow down and soak in the season.
But my favourite element? Definitely the bridge.
Designing the bridge was the highlight of this whole project for me. I wanted it to be this elegant arched design that's actually wheelchair-accessible, something that feels both functional and beautiful. Getting those curves right and making sure it fit naturally into the landscape took some work, but I'm really happy with how it turned out.
The bridge offers sweeping views of the river below and connects visitors to winding trails that lead to hidden clearings where wildlife might make an appearance. There's a towering old tree with branches glowing in fall colours, a peaceful fishing spot along the riverbank, and those little moments that make you want to just stop and breathe in the fresh air.
As the sun sets, the scene comes alive with warm golden light reflecting off the calm water, while geese call in the distance as they head south for the season. It's the kind of build that doesn't just look good on a shelf; it tells a story and invites you into a specific moment in time.
I originally submitted the Autumn Riverbend Retreat in LEGO Ideas Series 9, and I'm back with a resubmission for Series 10. I'm hoping to share this slice of small-town serenity with fellow LEGO fans who appreciate the quieter side of life.
Whether you grew up near the water or just appreciate a well-crafted autumn scene, there's something undeniably inviting about this retreat. It's a reminder that sometimes the best designs come from the simplest memories, a creek in the backyard, a bridge over the water, and the way everything glows when fall finally arrives.
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8 comments on this article
Love a good bit of rockwork.
Whenever I'm MOCing and starting a new build without planning anything beforehand, I always end up building rocks.
I like this set.
However I don't think any those sets highlighted the last time made it through, so I hope that changes this time round.
Nice work! A beautiful little creation. Sounds like a fun childhood too. Good luck with the submission!
This is what we need more of in BLDP! The unique fun displays
I voted for this one!
No way that bridge is ADA compliant - that wheelchair may have climbed the incline, but it’s going to topple on the downward slope. =-)
Just adding some humor, not taking a swipe at the designer. It looks great.
Puts me in mind of a recoloured 10315 Tranquil Garden, with some extra minifigures thrown in. I like it, but it feels a bit too 'busy' in design.
I appreciate the attempt but I don't the designer was able to successfully stick the landing with this submission. The composition works for me but I struggle with the rockwork and the bridge railings are giving me creepy Beetlejuice vibes. :o)