How to create a property that will build generational wealth, while serving as a place to plant emotional roots and a backdrop for priceless memories.
The essence of log home living is one of shared experience, closeness to nature, and appreciation of the surroundings that make leisurely days and nights memorable.
Perhaps no other generational tie binds family and friends together like the special places where gatherings occur through the years and memories are made. For many, the legacy home is the absolute best expression of time passages, celebrations, and simple relaxation. Building a legacy log home requires a bit of consideration, and the perspective is not only on the past, but also on the future.
“I would say that most, about 75 percent of our clients are legacy homes,” related Golden Eagle Log and Timber Homes sales consultant Justin Jankowski. “The others are second or vacation homes.”
When a log or timber home is constructed with the intention of passing the property along to children and grandchildren, a few considerations make the process more user friendly from design to aesthetics. Space utilization, architectural theme, layout, and location each weigh in on the decisions that shape the home for years to come.
“Plan for visitors!” Justin says. “When you build your beautiful legacy home, friends and relatives will want to visit. Consider inexpensive areas like the lower level, above the garage, or a second floor for additional bedrooms, play areas for grandkids, or other recreational spaces, flex space as well. A home office could serve as a bedroom if designed properly.
“Consider removing stairs or steps and any other trip hazards,” Justin says. “Raising garage floors to eliminate the first steps into a home reduces chances of a fall, while curbless showers are almost the norm in our designs for legacy homes. Single story homes are common with the necessities of the homeowner on the first floor and secondary rooms or amenities on the second or lower level.”
Depending on the size of the family and the expectation that visitors will be coming regularly, it may be advantageous to consider a second master bedroom. The features that differentiate a master from a guest room are sometimes subtle, and the design alterations may be rather minor. These might include a separate master bath, larger closet space, walkout balcony, or cozy nook for coffee or a good book.
Among the earliest considerations for legacy home builders is the longevity of the structure itself and the lasting appeal of the architecture. When the concept revolves around the next generation and the decades to follow, a classic exterior, perhaps Smoky Mountain, Adirondack, or Craftsman may be best. These are timeless looks and appeal across the years with their already established popularity.
“Utilize quality natural materials to retain the value of the investment,” advises Justin. “These two items go hand in hand. Usually, natural materials are going to be quality materials, such as natural real stone, log and timber. These items are typically harvested directly from the earth and will stand the test of time. Man-made products tend to be built to be inexpensive or to follow trends and are replaced a lot sooner.”
Lifestyle remains a key factor in the design of a legacy home. When entertaining is a priority and family and friends are expected, then open kitchen areas with plenty of room for movement to and from the dining area would be preferred. And by the way, a dedicated “dining room” is steadily waning due to builders and clients gravitating toward open spaces with inherent versatility. Consider a kitchen with a bar and seating for eat-in lunches or snacks, while the flow of the space toward a slightly more formal dining table might facilitate a larger sit-down meal. At the same time, an open perspective on a large, informal gathering space, or great room, ties the entire area together.
The advantage of open space in the legacy home is simple. Those preparing meals or busy in the kitchen area may still engage with those gathered around a seating area and stone fireplace in the great room. Rather than detached, they remain involved, and such is a crucial aspect of relationship building and memory making. Walls divide. Open space brings people together.
Setting up foundational components early in a legacy home project will save time and money. Begin with a budget and remember that the wise future homeowner always establishes a contingency fund to accommodate any unforeseen expenses or cost overruns.
“A list of wants and needs is essential,” Justin says. “ That includes the number of bedrooms and baths, and it is also important to consider the design of the home as it fits on the property as well as how you intend to use the home. Is the home on a lake, and will we need storage for seasonal items on the lower level of a walkout basement? Is the home in the mountains and will space for skiing or hiking equipment be necessary?”
When legacy home projects begin, some of the common pitfalls can be avoided by taking a comprehensive approach. Justin has seen the indoor focus fail to consider outdoor finishes at times and cautions homeowners to think big picture. “Not budgeting for landscaping or outdoor living spaces is a common mistake,” Justin says. “Typically, this is not thought about when designing a home because it lies outside the walls of the home. Outdoor living spaces like hardscaped patios, pavilions, pool houses, and Solanas can extend the living space of the home and take advantage of the exceptional views most of the properties have.”
The legacy home journey stretches the boundaries of simple log and timber home living, and it isn’t a bad idea to include children or friends in discussions concerning a proposed project. After all, if the home is intended for decades of enjoyment those who will own and enjoy the property in the future may well have wonderful ideas to share.
Using traditional design elements, natural finishes, and optimal space utilization does not exclude personalized features. These elements can help make a home unique to those who value the legacy property as an important part of their lives. It is possible to achieve a look and feel that links one generation to another while preserving timeless appeal.
Making the initial commitment is often the most daunting component of the legacy home process. However, once the seed is planted the progress to finish is a wondrous experience. “The project usually starts with a dream or vision the homeowner has had for most of their lives,” Justin says. “They’ve been dreaming of building that place on the lake or in the mountains or returning to the area they grew up in that holds some sort of sentimental value. The design usually captures the view they have.
“When it comes to the design of the home,” he concluded, “they are not just thinking about how they use the home but how their visitors and future generations will use the home. Usually, no stone is left unturned in the design phase, and no expense is spared. These clients have worked hard their entire lives and now want to enjoy the fruits of their labor with friends and family.”
Taking the generational or long view while maintaining the proper perspective on today’s leisurely living will establish a connection that lasts, making the legacy home an iconic part of the family’s enduring bond.