A board-and-batten retreat home

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A rustic retreat home… oh, the benefits of board and batten siding.

Among the benefits… low priced, locally sourced, easy to install, and natural look. For those seeking a rustic log cabin but price is an issue consider the potential of this material, for the entire home, or for part of it.

Originally posted 2015-11-29 16:12:09.

A board-and-batten retreat home2019-06-29T09:44:24+00:00

Outbuildings

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A “homeplace” is more than just a house.
The surrounding outbuildings are just as important to the daily lives of those who live there. Outbuildings tend to draw us out of the main house where we will then find ourselves enjoying the great outdoors.
And that, is a good thing.
Focused attention needs to be given to these minor structures with regard to design and location.

Originally posted 2015-11-29 15:29:43.

Outbuildings2019-06-29T09:44:23+00:00

A great design for a hillside home

 

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A “whitewashed” mountainside cabin.

Notice how well she fit’s the site. And how well a walk out basement works on a slope.

Originally posted 2015-11-28 14:29:17.

A great design for a hillside home2019-06-29T09:44:22+00:00

Poplar logs

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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.

Poplar logs2019-06-29T09:44:20+00:00

Vernacular roof

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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.

Vernacular roof2019-06-29T09:44:19+00:00

Building a dream

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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.

Building a dream2019-06-29T09:44:18+00:00

Timber framing

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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.

Timber framing2019-06-29T09:44:17+00:00

A two story porch

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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.

A two story porch2019-06-29T09:44:16+00:00

Stone cottage with plenty of “relief”

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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.

Stone cottage with plenty of “relief”2019-06-29T09:44:15+00:00

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