Natural light pours into this great room from all directions, showing off the log walls and staircase. Windows in the open loft add more light at the ceiling level. The white cabinets in the open kitchen make the great room look even more spacious. The reclaimed wood beams in the ceiling and on the walls and the gorgeous natural stonework contrast beautifully with the more contemporary …
The Great Smokey Mountains draw thousands of visitors on a regular basis—including Michael and Katherine Bender. They have enjoyed the beauty and awe of the area for many years and each time they visited they came home with a stronger desire to build a log home. They marveled at historical log homes that are 200 years old and still standing and were inspired by the history and character the log homes exude. Ultimately, the Benders fell in love with the history and down-home feel of…
You’ve spent years dreaming about living in a log home: collecting magazine pictures, touring model homes, fleshing out designs, and scoping out the perfect site with a view. Now you’re ready to find the right builder who can transform your dream into reality. Building a new log home is a significant investment, and you’ll want to take the time to find a reputable, experienced builder. The task may seem daunting, but with careful research you should be able to find the builder who matches your nee…
For Pete and Trish DeSocio, the second time’s a charm. Within two years of building their dream vacation log home in Henry, Tennessee, the DeSocios had sold it and moved into an expanded version of the same house in nearby Paris. The DeSocios, whose primary home is in Newburgh, Indiana, weren’t looking to relocate their vacation spot. But when a realtor contacted the couple to see if they’d be interested in looking at the substantially larger Paris property, they decided to che…
People choose to build off-grid homes for a variety of reasons. Some are committed to reducing their impact on the planet, while others are interested in a simpler way of life. And some have no choice—the remoteness of their property makes building an off-grid home the only option. For David Jakubowski and his family, a number of factors contributed to their decision to build an off-grid log cabin on their 82-acre Vermont vacation property. “First was our love of nat…
You’ve been dreaming of your perfect home for years, and if you close your eyes you can visualize the grand entryway, the soaring cathedral ceilings, and the views from the wraparound porch. So when it comes time to select a floorplan, you might think you have it all figured out. Think again! There are many factors that go into selecting a floorplan that you might not even consider until you start making decisions on the specifics. This…
The purchase of a log home package is an important step in constructing that home of a lifetime. However, determining the ingredients of the package and finding the right supplier for those necessary items that are not included requires some study and preparation. “All clients need to be aware that log package prices can be misleading,” relates Jeremy Bertrand, national sales manager for Log Homes of America. “Someone could click on a plan, request a quote, and see a number that is…
They met and married in college, one pursuing a degree in interior design and the other in architecture. “Step by step, our life evolved,” says Josette. “Degrees were achieved, kids came along, and everything fell into place. We both applied for professorships at Knoxville, got accepted, and made our home there.” As the saying goes, the rest is history. This couple’s is a rich one, laced with great memories of their teaching years, travels abroad with family and students, the arrival of grandchil…
When it comes to planning ahead for comfortable retirement living, prospective log home owners are looking for ways to simplify their lives and spend time focused on the activities they enjoy. While some are building the log home of their dreams as a primary residence, many others are building a vacation log home as a retreat where they can spend time with family and friends. “For the majority of our [retirement age] clients, this log home is the last home they’re going to b…
Art, whether it’s a painting, sculpture, photograph, poster, pottery, art glass, quilt, or other medium, will both enhance and personalize your home. It can serve as a focal point and conversation starter, ground or brighten a space, and add color and texture to a room. Selecting artwork for your home is a matter of personal preference and taste, and your choices speak to who you are and what your interests are. The most important thing about art…
The maintenance-free home—log, timber, or otherwise—is an illusion. But the low-maintenance log or timber home is within reach. While the exact definition of “low maintenance” may vary from one person to another, the idea is consistent. Build or buy a home that stands up to the rigors of the climate and weather where the real estate is located. From planning to design to construction, the maintenance needs of a log or timber home relate directly to the step-b…
The roaring fire with shadows dancing and welcoming warmth will always be a source of beauty and comfort for those who love log and timber homes. Whether providing a source of heat or decorative accent—or both—the fireplace and woodstove are essential elements in the look and feel of the home. When it comes to that look and feel, the selection and efficiency of fireplaces and woodstoves is better than ever. Wood burning, gas, and electric alternatives …
