A couple constructs their ideal log home in central Florida for themselves and their cherished Irish Setter, Lucy.
Inspiration for a new lifestyle can sometimes come from the most unlikely of sources. For Barry and Beverly Grimm, it was an issue of Southern Living magazine. “I have always liked the look of log homes,” recalls Barry Grimm, “and the only reason we built this new home is that my wife saw an interior image of a log home in the magazine. She turned to me and said, ‘Boy, I would love to live life in a home like this.’”
The Grimms have called Apopka, Florida, home for many years and have seen the area grow significantly, including the addition of a new expressway and a toll road.
“We joke that if any more people move here, Florida may sink,” Barry says. They contemplated relocating because their existing home was near a road that was seeing heavy traffic. But with that home set on a seven-acre parcel, they thought of building a new home in the pine woods behind it.
Choosing a Log Home Producer
The couple took their ideas to Bill Mathews, the founder and owner of Log Home Guys (Lake City, FL), which specializes in custom-engineered homes built from heart-cut cypress. The owner and the entire team at Log Home Guys take pride in creating log homes that are engineered to withstand extreme weather conditions. “We don’t walk anywhere near the gray line,” Bill says. “If codes call for screws at 24 inches on center, we design them at 16 inches. Our goal is to build the strongest home in the market today.”
With their general contractor, John Madison of the Nona Construction Group (Orlando, FL), the Grimms chose “The Brahma” floor plan, from Log Home Guys’ new signature series of country-style log homes. Construction started in July of 2023, and wrapped up in May of 2024.
This was John Madison’s first log home. He credits the success of the project to the training that Bill Mathews and his team provided to his construction crew and subcontractors. “This home is heavily engineered,” John says. “If a hurricane ever hits this area, this home is the one I am coming to.”
An enclosed breezeway serves as the laundry room, taking the noise out of the home and making better use of space. The large 3-vehicle garage has 12-foot-tall doors to accommodate larger vehicles, such as the John Deere tractor Barry utilizes to tame Florida’s relentless flora.
Favorite Spaces
Barry and Beverly say their new home is 2,000 square feet, but it feels much larger. “The loft is my hideout,” Barry says. “There’s a large window with great views. Very calming.”
Beverly’s favorite space is the wrap-around porch system, complete with rocking chairs. “Lucy loves to romp around the porch,” Beverly says.
It was Lucy’s needs that required changes to the original design. The original floor plan features a spiral staircase. It was swapped out for a traditional staircase, to accommodate Lucy’s age—she’s 11. Her daily diet of fresh fish, and sweet potatoes keeps her well- fueled for fun. “She plays like a puppy, she has all her favorite toys,” Beverly says. “Lucy is so active.”
Unsurpassed Energy Efficiency
Cypress is heavier and denser than many other wood species, due to its tight growth rings. This makes for less settling, checking, and twisting after construction. Cypress also has a naturally occurring preservative within its cells, which makes the heartwood of the tree more resistant to insects, decay, and requires less maintenance. As a bonus, Cypress also provides unsurpassed energy efficiency.
“It’s the best insulation in the world,” Barry says. Even with the challenges of Florida’s environment, “our energy costs are less than one-quarter of our previous home,” Barry says.
The hearth, on-demand water heater, and cooking are all powered by natural gas. This is backed up by a gas generator, for peace of mind in Florida’s storm seasons.
Surrounded by sprawling oaks and bird songs, this rustic property blends the warmth of a mountain cabin with the convenience of the community they know so well. “We still get to enjoy our Magic season tickets,” Beverly says. “Our grocery story is only three minutes away.”
“We love living here. It’s just the three of us, and it’s very comfortable and homey,” Beverly says. “When people first enter our great room, they are just always so impressed with the quality of the workmanship.”
- Log Home Producer: Log Home Guys of Florida
- Log Home Builder: Nona General Contracting
- Two-story home
- First Floor 1,740 sq. ft.
- Loft 190 sq. ft.
- Covered Wrap-Around Porch 1,664 sq. ft.
- Three bedrooms
- Two baths