Category Archives: Log Cabins

New Year’s Resolutions: Log Home Style

A lot of people, perhaps even the majority, set some sort of New Year’s resolutions for themselves.  We thought it would be fun to see how we can help fulfill some of the most common resolutions with some real log style.

1) Spend More Time With the Family

In this busy age it can be hard to get everyone together as a family.  One way to help get everyone together is to make sure there is a place that everyone looks forward to gathering.  It could be as simple as a cozy dining room with space for everyone, or a new cabin in the woods perfect for holiday gatherings and summer retreats.

log cabin in the woods

This log home would make an ideal getaway for the family to enjoy in both the winter, and the summer. See this log home floor plan here.

And on the more simple end, keeping your home’s dining space open, clutter free and inviting is an easy step to facilitating family time.

Log home dining room

This log home dining room is open and inviting with plenty of space for everyone. Having an enjoyable space like this is the first step in getting the family together (even if it’s just for pork chop night).

2) Eat Better

Many feel that this may be the hardest of the resolutions to fulfill.  Make it easy on yourself with an inspirational kitchen.  If you make your kitchen a place where you feel empowered to cook, with all the right tools at your fingertips, and in a space that’s clutter free, then getting carry out will become so last year.

log home kitchen with farm sink

A properly designed kitchen makes preparing healthy meals much easier. Consider a sink large enough to wash produce, a refrigerator with proper compartments for storing green veggies, and high quality cookware that will allow you to use less oils.

3) Exercise More

Going along with eating better, exercising more can be tough.  Get out there and enjoy the wonderful surroundings of your log home.  Snowshoe, hike, kayak and mountain bike – after all nothing goes better with a log home than the great outdoors.

log home in snowy field

In the winter months one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to get out and exercise is to go snow shoeing.

4) Stay Organized

Do this by planning your log home properly.  Plan ahead for ample closet space, built in storage, and the proper space for your hobbies.  The dining table is not the optimal place for your quilting patterns…

log home quilting room

Plan a home that provides space for your hobbies. This quilting room is ideal for staying organized and keeping your hobby from taking over your entire log home.

5) Be Happy

It sounds simple, but there’s a lot that goes into being happy.  And there’s a lot about a log home or cabin that can make you happier, such as energy-efficiency that saves you money, and providing a space where the whole family will enjoy getting together.  The thought of living in a natural log home designed just for you certainly brings a smile to our faces.

log home with solar hot water heater on roof

This Real Log Home is an Energy Star certified home. Those energy savings, combined with a truly custom floor plan, help make the owners quite happy.

 

We hope that our quick run down of resolutions has you gotten you motivated to make it a banner year.  If you’re inspired to start designing the log home or cabin you’ve been dreaming of, then contact Real Log Homes today.  Their design staff would be happy to start working on a plan for you to help with all your resolutions.

DanceLife Retreat Center: Real Log Home

New England boasts some of the most historic and beautiful architecture in the country. It also is home to a turn of the century estate originally owned by the Balfours.  Not sure who the Balfours are? Well, if you own a class ring or a military ring, there is a high probability that it came from Balfour. So, now your asking, what does this have to do with log homes? We’ve come to find out from Real Log Homes customer and dance industry icon, Rhee Gold, that the Balfours owned a log home estate and working farm in Norton, MA, which he purchased and rebuilt as his new DanceLife Retreat Center.

Log Retreat Center

The DanceLife Retreat Center

Rhee was kind enough to speak with us about his log home project and experience designing and building a Real™ log home. The Center was to be used as both his primary home as well as a place where dance teachers and dance school owners could gather, relax and grow in a “home away from home” atmosphere.

His original vision for his retreat center was a Cape Cod style cottage community but when he saw a “for sale” sign just miles from where he currently lived in Massachusetts, little did he know his original vision was about to be transformed. Rhee fell in love with the rustic and natural feel of the logs in the existing structure and had hoped to restore them. After much work and research it was apparent that the building would have to be completely rebuilt. He chose to work with Real Log Homes Independent Representative, C.M. Allaire & Sons. “I found that in working with Dave (Allaire) that he was willing to listen and figure out how to make my ideas work,” Rhee commented.

Restored Fireplace DanceLife Retreat Studio

Photograph of the original estate fireplaces not yet restored.

Rhee was able to keep and restore the two original fireplaces, one that was built in the 1930′s and the other in the 1960′s. Rebuilding rather than restoring, gave Rhee a greater amount of flexibility during the design process.

Since the purpose of the center was focused on dance, at least one room had to be long and wide and the ceilings had to be cathedral, at least 15 feet, in order for dancers to be able to move freely and to perform lifts without the fear of hitting the ceiling.

Scissor Truss Gathering RoomThere was also the need for a more intimate space where demonstrations, training and general gathering could occur. The scissor trusses you see in the image to the right made for an inspirational and beautiful space.

Since the center would double as his primary home, it was also necessary to have cozier spaces that gave separation and distinction between the retreat center and the areas where Rhee could feel at home. It’s obvious in the kitchen photo below that the spaces needed to be large enough for retreat visitors but when Rhee has the home to himself, the spaces need to feel comfortable. This comfortable yet open space was created through lower ceiling heights and an open kitchen and dining space. You can see one of the original fireplaces, which he had restored, in the dining room.

Log Kitchen and Dining Rooms

The above images show the cozy spaces created by lower ceilings in the dining room and kitchen. The spaces are large enough for a crowd but don’t feel too large when empty. You can also see one of the beautifully restored fireplaces in the dining room.

Another room that works well for both entertaining and as a more “homey” space is the living room, featured below. The wood is a stunning contrast to the stone of the second restored fireplace, which encompasses the entire wall.

Living Room with Scissor Trusses

This informal living makes for a cozy place to relax and warm up next to the fire.

Below are more photos of the DanceLife Retreat Center grounds.

Log Home Retreat Center Entrance

Log home retreat center entrance when the guests arrive.

Log home retreat center pool

The DanceLife Retreat Center also has a beautiful pool to add to the relaxation and fun.

We hope to have an update with more photos in the future and when we do, we’ll be sure to share!

In the meantime, if you have any questions about Real Log Homes or the DanceLife Retreat Center, feel free to call us today and speak directly with a building professional: 800- REAL LOG (732-5564) or fill out a contact form directly from our website. To learn more about the DanceLife Retreat Center you can visit their website or the DanceLife Retreat Center Facebook page.

Special Gifts to Enjoy in Your Log Home This Father’s Day

Our dads. The guys who carried us on their shoulders, taught us how to chop wood and fish. Sometimes dads can be the hardest people to shop for. Sure, they have their hobbies; hunting, fishing, gardening and taking apart complicated machinery and putting it back together. There’s always the go-to Father’s Day gift – socks, but a man can only have so many pairs of socks.

Let’s uncover some classic Father’s Day gift ideas:

Display His Memorabilia

Log Home Stone Fireplace

The mantle above a Real Log Home custom stone fireplace is the perfect place to display your father’s antique gun collection.

Your dad has a collection of antique rifles that are sitting in the back of a closet in your parent’s house. With your mom’s permission, polish those beauties back to life and head to your local hardware store for mounting tools. Install the mount when your dad is at work (or running errands) and after he goes to bed on Father’s Day Eve, gently place the newly polished guns on the their new mount. Make sure to put a hand written card on the mantle below as well. Dad will be blown away and love that he can admire his prized collectibles he’s always wanted to show off but never had the time to display!

Clean & Organize His Man-Cave

Log Home Custom Garage Addition

You’ve heard the phrase before but didn’t realize your home had one too. The garage, barn, shed – whatever the space your dad puts his tools, cars and heavy machinery is sure to be one of his favorite places hang out. This weekend, clean and organize your dad’s man-cave or buy him a new toy to store in it. In the photo above, a Real Log Home custom garage addition looks to be a place that could use another toy.

Log Home Garage

This is the same custom log home garage addition, but pictured above is the workshop bay area. Another idea would be to setup racks or shelving for your dad’s tools or organize his gardening machinery in a way that makes it easier for him to move stuff in and out. Score extra points on Father’s Day by mowing the lawn!

Build a Fire Pit

Log Home Custom Fire Pit

The back yard of this Real Log Home has a stone walkway leading down to a rustic fire pit.

You could also buy one, but the concept is the same. Create an outdoorsy space suitable to roast marshmallows, tell ghost stories and sit next to the camp fire with your “old man.” Simply dig a pit to put your logs in and put some chairs or benches in a circle around the pit. You could also buy a fire pit from your local Home Depot that sits on top of the ground. After dinner on Sunday, lead your dad to your fire pit spot and ask him to do the honors lighting the match. Have your Hershey’s chocolate, marshmallows and graham crackers ready for roasting!

A Weekend Getaway

Log Home Country Cabin

You know that awesome Real Log Home cabin that’s been in your family for years? Take your dad there for a special Father’s Day fishing trip this weekend. Pack the rods, bait and tackle and head down to one of your dad’s favorite spots. Even if you don’t fish, spending quality time with dad is the only objective for this Sunday.

If you have questions about any of the Real Log Homes featured here or would like more information about building your own log home, email us at info@realloghomes.com, call 800- REAL LOG (732-5564) or ask us on our Facebook page! Happy Father’s Day to all the wonderful Dad’s out there!

Hunting Cabins – Real Log Cabins™

Here in New Hampshire and Vermont it’s quite obvious that deer hunting season is underway.  Stopping for coffee on the way to work is full of cheerful “good mornings” from neon-orange capped men, and every so often a loud crack echoes through our small river valley.  And while these signs of hunting season are obvious to everyone, we here at Real Log Homes® are noticing one other sign of hunting season:  inquiries for hunting cabins.

The Expedition Cabin

This is an "Expedition" model cabin just built in Minnesota

Well, ask and you shall receive!  Real Log Homes® are ideal for hunting cabins, and we even have a special line of cabins called Real Log Cabins™.  These log cabin kits are simplified versions of our homes and can be built very quickly thanks to our extensive pre-cutting.  From small and simple, with room only for two bunks, a couch, table and counter with a sink – all the way to two story cabins with bathrooms and private bedrooms, Real Log Cabins™ can suit almost any need.

Here is the smallest standard log cabin from Real Log Homes®, “The Weekender”.  This 224 square foot log cabin would make a perfect hunting cabin for short hunting trips, or weekend getaways.

The Weekend Log Cabin

"The Weekender" - Real Log Cabin model

The largest standard model log cabin from Real Log Homes® is The Cavendish.  The Cavendish is 1136 square feet with two stories.  It has two stories, two bedrooms and a full bathroom as well as full kitchen.  It could comfortably sleep up to 7 and would make an ideal hunting cabin for extended hunting trips for larger groups.

The Cavendish Log Cabin

"The Cavendish" - Real Log Cabin model

The space and amenities provided by The Cavendish also make it suitable for a vacation home for the whole family and would work great on the lake, or in the mountains.

To see all the Real Log Cabins™ offered by Real Log Homes® visit: http://www.realloghomes.com/RealLogCabins

And order our free cabin brochure:
http://www.realloghomes.com/ordercabinbrochure

A Small Log Home Floor Plan – The Augusta

The Augusta is a Real Log Home floor plan that packs a lot into 1600 square feet.  It has a first floor master bedroom, first floor laundry, and an open floor plan in the kitchen, dining and great room.  With its wraparound porch, this log home has even more entertaining space via outdoor living.  It’s no wonder why this small log home floor plan has been a popular choice for homeowners for years.

Here is an example of an Augusta plan built right here in New Hampshire as a vacation getaway.  The homeowners added a walk out basement to take advantage of their sloped site.

The Augusta Log Home From Driveway

The Augusta Log Home Viewed From Driveway

The Augusta Log Home Viewed from Back Yard

The Augusta Log Home Viewed from Back Yard

The first floor is great for gatherings, but it’s also cozy enough to feel at home year round.  I particularly like the kitchen layout.  The kitchen is underneath the loft, so it has a lower ceiling, which provides a bit more intimacy and coziness.  The eat-at counter allows for family to linger in the kitchen and chat with the cook, or can be a place to eat casual meals or breakfasts.  The openness of the kitchen to the dining space also means that the cook is never left out of what’s going on at the dining table.  As dinners finish, guests can easily transition into the great room sitting area as the spaces simply flow into one another.

Aususta Log Home Floor Plan First Floor

On the second story, a loft space can serve multiple purposes.  It can be used as a cozy second living room ideal for reading or as an office space.  And if your family has children who will be using the upstairs bedrooms, then it may likely be used as a play space.  The loft space would actually work quite well as a play space as it’s open to see and hear from downstairs, but all the toys and clutter would be kept off the main level.

Augusta Log Home Floor Plan Second Floor

Finally the bedrooms upstairs share a Jack and Jill style bathroom (A Jack and Jill bathroom is a bathroom that is between two bedrooms and accessible from each)

So be it a vacation getaway, a primary home or a retirement home, this log home floor plan is easily adaptable.  It’s no wonder it continues to be one of Real Log Homes’ more popular plans.  Check out the floor plan at the RLH website and feel free to request information on it such as room dimensions or ask about what changes you might want to make to it.  The designers just love to re-work plans and add new design elements to make a home work just right for a customer.