Childhood memories of family vacations to the western states inspired Jim McKinney to build his dream log home in Jackson, Wyoming, surrounded by panoramic views of the Grand Teton Mountains. When he began planning the home more than five years ago, he personalized every element of the design and décor, using a mix of new and old materials to create an eclectic retreat for relaxing with family and friends. “I wanted this house to look 100 years old when you come in, so we have rusti…
Small log and timber homes display the same creativity and attention to detail as larger homes. Whether the home is all log, reclaimed wood, timber frame, or a hybrid, each has a unique personality. It was love at first sight when we discovered the enchanting home at right. It is a red cedar timber frame perched on a rustic stone foundation; the walls are cordwood construction in which debarked logs of varying dimensions are laid cros…
As a little girl growing up in Merrill, Wisconsin, Sue OKray recalls frequent overnight visits with her great aunt who lived in a small log cottage. Those fond memories—and later taking her husband Tom along for visits—inspired the OKrays’ dream of living in their own log home. “I always felt really safe and comfortable at my aunt’s cottage,” Sue says. “When I started taking my husband there, we both just had a great feeling—we loved the log home.” As for Tom, “I like the…
At the turn of this century, Greg Bain, a second-generation custom homebuilder, embarked with his wife, Clare LaMeres, on a mission to find the finest location on Flathead Lake to build their dream home. No stone would go unturned in their quest to discover the piece of Montana waterfront land that would meet their stringent requirements. Greg and Clare wanted a location that felt secluded and private, preferably an “end of the road” spot, near shopping and conveniences. They also wanted a …
The first feature that stands out in this kitchen is the large island with prep sink and the natural wood bar top placed perpendicular to it. The wood ties the countertop to the overhead beams and cabinetry. Note that the island cabinets are painted distressed wood while the rest are natural. The large stone arch over the stove accommodates the range hood as well as two display shelves. The tile behind the stove complements the cream-colored …
One would never assume that the country cabin belonging to Mike and Clarice Cryder is a “second” home. It’s lived in, inhabited to the point of comfort akin to a favorite bathrobe and pair of slippers. The mudroom (a spacious slate-floored closet with custom cabinetry) harbors every sort of weather garment and footwear a person could want or, more importantly, need in the mountainous terrain of Red Lodge, Montana. “Our primary residence is in Billings,” says Clarice, “but Mike and I take every opportuni…
There’s just something about Jeff and Robyn Call’s log cabin home that makes people—its owners included—pause and take a deep breath as they cross the threshold. “The smell of the wood and the logs literally takes your breath away; it’s the first thing I noticed when we walked into the home eight years ago,” says Robyn, who adds that the couple considered both ground-up building projects and those that were already constructed during their search for the right second home. In the end, they selected a sp…
Bedrooms 1. Add a fireplace for those frosty winter mornings when you’d rather linger in bed. Consider electric, pellet, or gas options. 2. Make your bedroom a refuge by using plenty of soft surfaces—rugs, curtains, pillows—to ensure peace and quiet. 3. Create a bunkroom for kids with tree-trunk supports and branches throughout to make it feel like they are sleeping in a treehouse! 4. Tuck an office nook behind a sliding barn door or heavy curtains. 5. Buil…
This home is perfectly oriented toward panoramic views on three sides. A private top floor deck allows the owners to enjoy the beauty of their surroundings. The stone foundation and pillars anchor the home to the ground…
The glass doors separating the great room from the porch fold back to create an enormous space for entertaining. The identical roof timbers match well with the top structure of the glass doors…
Nearly all of the homeowners we interview for this magazine express the desire to share their log or timber frame bounty with family and friends. Some accommodate their guests in an extra bedroom or loft bunkroom, while others take the extra step of creating a guest suite in their home or building a separate guest house on their property. All guests appreciate a well-designed space that reflects the décor in the main part of the home and blends just as seamlessly into the landscape. …
The Northwest has a variety of climate areas, from the Pacific Coast to the valley and, once over the mountains, a desert region—all within a few hours drive of each other. There are spectacular mountains, clear lakes and rivers, and wide open spaces as far as the eye can see. You’ll see everything from contemporary timber frames to log homes patterned after the National Park lodges of the early 20th century. You’ll surely find your personal heaven in such a diverse region…
