Location, location, location
May you find your dream home beside the still waters.
Originally posted 2015-11-28 14:10:46.
Poplar logs
These are poplar logs… one of my favorites.
Poplar logs are often among the widest logs found on old cabins.
Poplar is an abundant species of wood, it grows straight and relatively knot-free, and it is a joy to hew and notch. These massive logs tend to “soften” in appearance as they age and are quite tempting to caress with the hand as they will not splinter. They are also among the best logs for insulation R-values.
I have no idea why log cabin kit homes do not offer poplar logs… it’s baffling to me.
If you look closely you can see that wire lathing has been applied between the logs and it is now ready for an application of mortar.
Originally posted 2015-11-28 13:51:46.
Vernacular roof
The cabin may be small.
But, the roof is tall.
The roof is dramatic isn’t it?
Here in Virginia this roof would appear odd, but over in Scandinavia, this roof would be perfect.
Building a home in an area so that it appears to belong there should be the goal of every builder.
Originally posted 2015-11-28 13:26:22.
Building a dream
One day you will have the home of your dreams (if you don’t already).
Perhaps next Thanksgiving having a home like this will be on your list of “things to be thankful for”.
Don’t be concerned if you don’t know where to begin… if you have found your way to this site… if you find yourself looking through the images here and have been reading my short commentaries on them… congratulations, you’ve already begun!
Originally posted 2015-11-26 16:25:01.
Timber framing
It doesn’t take that much more effort, nor that much more material, to frame up a home with timbers rather than by using laminated lumber from Home Depot, but the difference in appearance and durability is amazing.
Originally posted 2015-11-26 15:10:16.
A two story porch
A two-story porch has benefits beyond just achieving a slightly better view… for one thing… the upper level tends to be more of private space than the porch below as it is located off of the bedrooms on the second floor and well out of the reach of anyone just “dropping by”.
The air also seems fresher up here. And flying insects, particularly those that bite, are less common.
Originally posted 2015-11-26 14:34:35.
Stone cottage with plenty of “relief”
I do like a stone home.
Laying stone is a form of art, and a great hobby.
It’s a joy to do.
It’s great exercise.
It’s affordable (if a person lays it themselves).
It’s also meditative… It slows a person down and helps them appreciate the moment.
And to top it all off, it creates something beautiful that can last forever.
Notice the varying depths of each stone… perhaps a bit overdone here on this house… but one of the common flaws that I see in so much of the newer work done today is “flat and shadow-free”. Here we see there is plenty of texture for the eyes to enjoy.
Originally posted 2015-11-25 17:41:30.
Almost ready to chink
The logs are in place. The window is set and ready to trim. And then it’s time to chink!
Originally posted 2015-11-25 14:45:11.
The color Red
Here we have Washington Inn, located in the small village of Little Washington, Virginia.
The stone chimneys, although oddly locate are attractive. There is a farmhouse look to the place… very nice siding and a copper roof. But, what sets this place apart, what gives it such richness, is that deep red paint. Love it, or hate it, it’s affect cannot be denied.
Originally posted 2015-11-25 14:35:28.
a cooking fireplace
Originally posted 2015-11-25 14:14:59.