From the available floorplans, I would rank my choices as 1)Greenbriar 2)Trillium 3)Smokyview. However, I continue to vote for the Smokyview because: the only first floor bathroom in the Greenbriar is IN/THROUGH the master bedroom, and I can't stand the exterior design of the Trillium.

MJ

Trillium continues to be my favorite because of the high ceiling in the living room, the open loft, the master on the second floor with the largest closet, AND it's the only floor plan with a laundry/mud room. The photo for the blog is of the Trillium and I find it extremely attractive from the the outside. I am disappointed that more viewers don't see the advantages of the Trillium!

I love the charm that the Smokyview embodies. The floor plan is truly ideal for its surroundings. The long indigenous incline of the roof adds special character to the floor plan. In addition it would protect the home against high wind conditions. The big picturesque windows would allow me to view the beauty nature displays. The winding porch would offer my husband and myself the luxury of basking comfortably into the evening. I love the open space concept. This opens up the home and creates a feeling of additional space.
The Briarwood home is lovely, although it tends to remind me of typical home built in a neighborhood. My vote is in......

I love the Floor Plan for the Smokeyview Retreat. It is open and has the look and feel for me that a Log Cabin should have.

I love the porch as well. If, it were screened in, I feel, it would take away the ambience of feeling free. The beauty of nature would be distorted. Screen in a Patio, but not the Porch.

That is what I feel about the Floor Plan.

I liked the middle design (I forgot the name) but for practical reasons. I figure that a cabin in the mountains is going to be coooooold in the winter and the owners are likely to be weekenders who are gonna arrive late Friday evening and want to be comfortable ASAP. Anything with a high ceiling is going to be expensive to heat but, nore to the point here, it's also going to take more time for the first floor to get warm. My friends had a weekend house in Woodstock which had a great room. It took like two hours with the heat blasting before you could sit comfortably in the living room. Then the bedrooms upstairs were sweltering.

Without knowing about the HVAC system, that was my vote. However, I do like the aesthetics of Smokeyview better.

I like the Smokeyview the best. The porch is much more visually appealing. It also looks like it gives more outdoor living space with its porch.

In an earlier blog I suggested a Russian Fireplace style to help heat the cabin better. Someone else suggested the Tulikivi BakeOven Fireplace. I've since researched those, and they are beautiful. I viewed one that was installed in a cabin in Montana, and it looked like a big boulder, it was truly amazing. Either the Russina masonry fireplace or the Tulikivi would be effecient for heating.

I think that one should also remember where would they be placing their furniture. We have look at a lot of different plans and some plans there is no place for the TV. The plan has to be well designed and functional for the owner.

The Greenbriar plan needs to have a first floor 1/2 bathroom to make it complete.

Because the house is in the mountains the house would also have a basement that will provide additional space.

It's a hard choice, all of the elevations offer something different. I love the look and porch of the Smokeyview, but I don't like the kitchen placement there. I like the floor plan of the Trillium, but don't care for the look or feel of that elevation. I choose the Greenbriar because it has the best kitchen plan and a good roof line for snow, but it could use a 1/2 bath on the first floor.

Echoing my thoughts for a home to be more open, I'd vote on the Smokyview. I've been in some cabins that have a very closed in and cold feeling. More open feelings and better light are important to my choice.
Sandi

i really like the Trillium floor plan.
i mean just look at it.
its got huge rooms and two(2) different porches.
it has the two big windows on the front/side next to the front porch and chimney.
ofcourse with the big windows you are looking at MAYBE an expensive replacement if either(or both) get broken, like with the Smokyview FP.
but unlike the Smokyview you dont have the huge overhang to block access and light to the big window(s)
the Smokyview FP does have a hugeeee wraparound porch that only wraps half way around but it can be extended(location?)
but i still like the idea of haveing a front&back porch.
IF you just absolutly want, the Trillium FPs porch could also be connected(location?)
depending on the location the Trillium FP would offer great views and warmth/security, but thats just my thinking.

While I like the Smokeyview plan & think it's the most externally attractive [what a looker!], I voted for the floorplan based upon the premise of "what if I actually *won* this thing?" and wanted to *live* in it, vs. just flipping it for some easy cash... So make mine a "Number 3" please!

Hands down, Trillium is the most _liveable_ of the plans, & looks good from the outside to boot. While I certainly wouldn't moan if Smokeyview is the winner in the voting, I flat out cannot believe that *anyone* voted for the Greenbriar: it quite literally has _nothing_ to offer in competition with the other two plans in terms of either looks or functionality.

As someone else posted, none of these plans seem to include a basement, which is an unconscionable oversight: yes, where I live in Lo-Cal So. Cal. [where the money is plastic & the people are too!], we've been pretty much stuck with slab foundations on new construction since the '60s, but that's no reason not to have a proper home design in another part of the country where our "build'em cheap & stack'em deep" building codes don't hold sway...

Hi, this has been such a great experience creating the cabin. I have lived in the same house for 55 years ( the house I was born and grew up in) so not too many things have changed. But one thing we always did was go to a cabin in the catskill mts. that actually looks exactly like the Smokeyview (only that wasn't exactly equipped with modern essentials,ie bathroom, stove) nevertheless they are the best memories so doing the floor plan is so exciting, especially watching the results, this is great

My dream home is spending the rest of my life in a cabin comfortable enough for visitors and my home office--and small enough that they'll go home after a few days. Greenbriar and Smokeyview received my votes because their floor plans fit those specs. Trillium could be in a modern tract housing development if you put on siding and cedar shake shingles.

All of those who're advising on eco-focus, and long-term livability are on target. Winning a dream home isn't a dream if you cannot afford to live in it. Or if the floor plan for living in it, isn't functional. (Remember those smart contributors suggesting firewood and cabin equipment storage? And screened in porches?)

My vote for the soapstone countertop is flagging behind. Unless you've ever cooked in a kitchen with them, you won't know the pleasure, durability, and convenience of working on soapstone.

Finally, what would have made this my dream home is the location. Tennessee is beautiful. It's not home. Maybe next year you can improve on the project by making it everyone's collaboration and then constructing it at the winner's location of sites. That way those who'd prefer a lake, a river, or a mountain view, will win their dream cabin.

The floor plan just has to be the Trillium. It offers both private and friendly spaces. Then this floor plan also offers both a ground view plus an opportunity to view the surroundings with the large second floor. If the setting for this house will be in Tennessee, the high view could mean everything. Last, the overall look of the design just begs to be built.

My husband and I like the Trillium the best. It has an open great room and a loft that looks like it would fit a pool table. The large windows would give a great view. It also has a front and back porch that we like. The Smokyview is our second favorite because of the open floor plan. We vacation in the area 4 times a year and have stayed in all three types of cabins. The Greenbriar type cabin has a closed in feeling and remember, winter isn't that bad in Tennessee that you need to worry about the cold.

Hi, I am sold on the openness of the Greenbriar and like the size of all the rooms, I like the Smokeyview as my 2nd choice because I love the look of A frame homes. I would love to have this cabin.

Smokeyview! I need room for visits from grandchildren. Grannie is not so svelte these days either. No other choice as far as I am concerned. For my money it would definitely be spent on this floor plan.

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions! I actually would be thrilled to win any of the cabins, but if I had to choose, my order of favorites would be 1. Greenbriar 2. Trillium 3. Smokeyview. I agree with Amy that the Smokeyview would offer the most spectacular view of the surrounding landscape and the Smokeys, and the porch is fabulous, but practicality rules in my house. We are a family of 5 and growing, so space is important! The bathrooms in the Greenbriar are more spacious than the others, and I like the size of the kitchen with the island. We tend to congregate in the kitchen at get togethers. The same logic applies to the Trillium....I love the 2 story family/living area..(ever seen a stone hearth and surround that climbs a 2 story wall? Gorgeous and rustic!). Again, I like the kitchen in the Trillium, and the laundry room is a must! Wet and dirty clothes after a day of tubing, sledding or hiking means there needs to be a washer and dryer! BUT....I'm not crazy about the outside of the Trillium...it looks more like a typical suburban house with different siding....the Greenbriar again has that authentic mountain appearance. Those are my ideas on the floor plans...but while I'm at it...after looking at the current standings of votes, I'd like to quickly mention the roof, and the railings. I LOVE to sit out on a screened in porch and listen to the sounds of a summer storm, BUT, have you ever tried sleeping under a tin roof when it's raining hard outside? One word....NOISY! That is why cedar shakes have my vote. They would also look very natural and lovely in the surrounding enviroment. Finally, I want to quickly plug for the rustic branches for railing. We have vacationed in several mountain lodges and cabins that actually have rustic branches for railing, and it is so attractive! There is nothing more beautiful to me than "integrating the outside enviroment into the home"...it's wonderful. It's comfy, homey, and again, oh so rustic. A stone fireplace and rustic branches is hard to beat. Well, for what it's worth....that's my 2 cents. =)

Let's face it, without seeing the lot & it's orientation, it's almost impossible to make a wise choice of floorplan. The ideal lot would have the down-the-valley view facing south. Then the major glass expanses would be oriented to the view and to the passive solar gain.
Barring that, the location of porches should protect the interior from unwelcome western sun, at least.
Also, the ideal mountain house should have a walkout basement (especially if the Smokeyview or Greenbriar is chosen, as neither has room for a laundry/mudroom-unless that's a laundry under stairs of Smokeyview. That would require tracking to middle of house with mess.)
The location of a screen porch would be easy on Trillium, either front or convert rear deck to porch depending on the view. The March, 2007 issue of This Old House magazine has an article called "Small Wonder" pp 76-83 with an ideal screen porch. It backs up to l.r. fireplace, has pocket, double-up french doors that open it to kitchen, screen panels can be changed out to glass versions for cold weather, and lots of room for versatile furniture arrangements. Still voting for a murphy bed on porch for sleeping.

I agree with you on the Smokyview is the perfect floor plan. I'm in my 60s and having my bedroom on the main floor is most desirable. The wrap around porch reminds me of the house I grew up in, which gives me a warm memories.

I wish more of you would vote for the Trillium, because I love the master bedroom loft! The trillium's kitchen is by far the best design, because it isn't closed off. You can fix dinner and still converse with guests. Also, I love the open great room! If you heat this room with the fireplace, you will have no problem with heating. Plus, the look and feel of this beautiful room with the massive 2 story fireplace and the big picture windows is wonderful! Just think about having your master bedroom take up one full floor! You could put a private reading space in the loft area where you could relax and watch the birds outside on a rainy day. Plus the trillium offers 2, yes that is 2 2 2 2 2 Bathrooms and you don't have to walk into someone's bedroom just to use the one on the main floor! And it offers a walk in closet. BUT, the master bedroom size is what totally sold me, because I can't stand a cramped bedroom, and this one would give you plenty of room to move about. Finally, the Trillium offers a mud room, and a mountain home can't really do without a mud room. Do you really want all of your icky stuff stacked around the front door? I don't think so.

I really like the Trilliums design inside and out. The open loft lends to the wonderful high ceilings, the mud room is an absolutely important room. I live in the mountains and know the importance of that room alone. The layout is great and with the loft , you are given a total other seating area and viewing area of the outdoors. For a log cabin in the mountains, each are important.

My vote is for the Smokyview. I have been in a log home with this design and the feeling is incredible. With a few ceiling fans and a blower system installed around the fireplace to circulate the warmth, you get a great open space that is also cozy warm. I absolutely love Great Rooms. The amount of light the wall of windows lets in is awesome, especially for someone who suffers from seasonal affective disorder.

The wrap around porch also draws me in. I can remember playing as a child on a wide porch while it rained, and just spending time with loved ones as I grew older. I will always love a home with a great porch. They invite you to have a chat and a glass of iced tea on those warm summer evenings and even to step outside with your first cup of coffee and watch the sun rise in the mornings while the dew glistens on the grass.

The bedrooms also can accomodate a good sized family or special friends and still allow for privacy. As I have both, I can't wait to start putting my name in the hat for what I know will be a beautiful home, even if it is used as a 'home away from home'.

I prefer the Trillium floorplan. I like the open feel of the first level and the ability to customize the bathrooms. The fire place can be a cast iron type insert to give the benefit of stove, without taking up floor space. Also, the Trillium has wonderful windows, sure to offer great views!

Hi Amy,
Definitely the Greenbriar floor plan for all of the above reasons. However, I am concerned about a basement and feel one should be included in all three of the plans. Happy voting to all.

I just seriously re-thought (is that a word?) my choice. If I were to win this cabin, I would like to live in the trillium. I like the big walk-in closet in the master bedroom. I like the separate laundry room. I was thinking three bedrooms before, but you can always use the nice loft area if needed, you put in a murphy bed for guests. I like the big high windows letting in a lot of light. I also changed to the bamboo flooring because of how well it holds up and I like the light color. I choose the fireplace with an insert because it really works for heating the whole house and you can still see the fire. The wood stove also works good, but sticks out into the room. We have both now and I like the flushness of the fireplace with the wall. You don't have to worry about someone getting burned on the hot stove. I like the patio with the outdoor fireplace best because it would be like an extention on the house, an outdoor living area. This cabin also has a front and back deck/porch for just sittin' and taking in the view. As far as the roof I would go either green or blue metal for beauty and durability. I wish I could build my own cabin in the woods. I would be happy to win any one of these cabins. I have a lot more to say but I'm sure you are already tired of reading my input. Thank you...

Trillium, far and away. I love the open great room, dining room, kitchen, as well as the wonderful 2nd floor ceiling in the great room. Plus a loft on the 2nd floor. I can already see my home office in the loft. It has a mud/laundry/utility room which will be very handy, and a porch on the front and the back means sitting out on the porch won't be limited by the sun. As far as no basement, I live in the mountains now (Sierras) and we have no basement, and do just fine with it.

Of the three designs The Trillium has the most charm. I love the front windows which offer beautiful uninterupted views. The stone fireplace would be absolutly amazing rising up two full stories. The laundry room is a must. The kitchen is well laid out and a nice size. I agree with a previous blogger about the soapstone countertops, you absolutly cannot beat soapstone! The loft is such a nice versatile space. The bathroom upstairs needs to be accessable from the loft area, which could be accomplished by flipping the master closet and the bathroom. The only concern I have is snow shed, but none of the designs are great for snow country, as they all shed directly onto the main entry ways.

I would love to be able to see the floor plans a little more closely. They are so small and blurry that I think we should be able to zoom in on them. Is there any chance of that happening before the final vote? Thanks

Hi Amy,

I've built a few log cabins in the past few years. The reason I would choose the Smokeyview is because of the overhangs. I can tell you from experience the overhangs will help protect the logs from the elements, and that will save you from a lot of maintenance. We have two log cabins, one small cabin on Cumberland Lake in Kentucky and the other is our home that we built east of Cincinnati. I love log homes, and when I asked my wife about building another one and selling this one, she looked at me like I had three heads. Building with logs is something that got into me and I can't shake it.

Rather then discuss my floorplan vote I would prefer to just make some general comments on how difficult it really is to make that kind of choice. They say that the average person building a house has to make over 1500 decisions during the process and each one is a trade off. Before my wife and I built our log home we poured over hundreds of possible layouts just to find one that we could modify to fit 'OUR" particular lifestyle. I then spent another several hundred hours trying floorplans on the computer, talking with our builder, and pestering the log home rep before we came up with a finished design. For each of us the log home dream is such a highly personal thing and yet we also have to deal with the realities of costs, building codes, engineering, and the fact that for the most part we have to share the home with others. My wife and I are empty nesters so our needs may not fit the next person and we also both had to make design compromises for each other. Upstairs I wanted a shower, she wanted a big whirlpool tub so I gave up some office space to extend the master bath so that we could have both. Our house is not large but we wanted to build in a lot of Wow factor and to a great extent the layout is dictated by the property and the view. We both wanted lots of natural light and at the same time to try to retain a grounded feel with a sense of coziness. Windows, shylights, and porches solved that. My wife loves the open greatroom with a loft but I'm the one who has to adjust the height of the 25 foot posts that flank the central staircase and support the roof. Remember real log homes shrink as they age and since we added extra courses of 8 inch logs to keep the ceilings higher downstairs that adds even more to the over all loss. I also know that even with the fans going a lot of our heat is concentrated 25 foot above our heads at the roof peak but hey that was a discussion I lost, plus it gives me a excuse to keep the fire going. We also gave up one bedroom downstairs, changed a window to a door and gained a mudroom / utility room which has payed off bigtime since we are in the woods. Things like this could always be changed later because one real nice feature of the log building concept is that most of the inside walls are to at least a certain extent free to be moved. So no matter which floorplan is chosen if we did win the cabin I would just change things to suit ourselves...

I'm amused by all the people who think Trillium is best because I agree completely. Great minds, huh? The exterior appearance is uninspired and the designer was very conservative with windows but it has the only great floor plan.

Smokyview is much more attractive on the outside and it has decent windows but I fear that the upstairs bedroom is going to feel claustrophobic. The bathroom cuts off a good bit of the loft view. The bedrooms downstairs seem sort of small and cramped and while there are two baths, both are rather ordinary. Plus, for those of us who like to cook, it appears to have the smallest and least cook-friendly kitchen.

The problem with Greenbriar is those dark upstairs bedrooms. I used to sell real estate and I've seen plenty of dormer windows. Adorable from the outside but when they're narrow, the rooms are dark and the space is fairly useless except for window seats. I wanted dormers on my house and solved the problem by making them eight feet wide. They look great, bring in lots of light and offer living space instead of narrow slices.

If it's between Smokyview and Greenbriar, then switch all my Trillium votes to Smokyview. At least it has a lot of windows and maybe we can talk you into a skylight for the upstairs room.

Glad to see some support for Trillium in the blog!

I love the Trillium, just because of the overall flow & functionality: while Smokeyview has the massive wall of glass from roof to floor on one end, Trillium has some of that appeal without feeling simply cavernous, and the appeal of the loft space to me is part of my preference, but I have to admit that if perched overlooking a great view [lakeside, peak, ravine rim, etc.], then the Smokeyview floorplan would easily overcome any objection, because of how that plan reminds me of the Grand Canyon North Rim lodge.

Counterpoise that feeling of the combination of light & functionality of the Trillium, & the overwhelming spaciousness of the Smokeyview with the boxed in feeling of Greenbriar. I cannot emphasize the distaste I feel for Greenbriar; it reminds me of the tract housing here in So.Cal., or maybe some of the homes built in England back when there was a tax on windows; just too heavy & closed in compared to the other plans.

The versatility prize goes to Trillium, and w/o clear familiarity with the plot or sightlines available, I have to go with it over Smokeyview for that reason alone, altho' either one is a winner. I have to admit, on first glance I was all over Smokeyview myself, but when I really sat & thought about the floorplans, visualizing & moving from room to room inside my head, Trillium just grew & grew on me!

Well if the Trillium is out of the race. My next choice is the Greenbriar. It has an inviting open floor space for entertaining which is awesome. Its floor plan is great for a family of four.
Can't wait to see what will happen.

I just checked the progress of the decor choices and I can't believe the twisted branch stair railing is gaining ground. It is just soooo cartoonish. Not to mention how hard it would be to clean.

I design and draw out floor plans for homes and buildings I use frequently in my writing. I would have liked to submit my own floorplan. lol

Of the three given, Trillium appeals most to me, to my writer's mind of how rooms can be used. I can see the loft being a quiet place to write and watch the animals. A few well-placed bird feeders could make that room very popular indeed!

I must say I'm disappointed to see so many people going for the patio setup. There is enough living space in any of the floorplans, and the covered porches will certainly serve.

A water feature, however, will draw more of the wildlife that is supposed to surround a cabin in the woods. It has long been a dream of mine to move back to where there is such a thing as nature, make appropriate improvements and have my land declared a natural habitat. Such a water feature as shown in the picture would go a long way toward that goal. You never know what might come along to get a drink at dusk!

The observation and photography opportunities thrill the imagination. I would keep a tripod with still camera and video camera set up in the best window overlooking the water feature so that I could snap or film away in a heartbeat's notice.

Tyler.

Amy,
I don't know if you except a second chance to put in your comments, if you do I would like to say that I would like to say that Smokeyview would be a good floor plan. The reason why I am saying that is because there are more bedrooms in the floorplan and just by looking at the cabin it is so awesome from the outside. And if you add the outdoor fireplace it would be excellent for evening cookouts when you also add lights to the porch. I really don't think that adding a screen around the porch would be a good idea because you never know that over tha years it would start to sag or even tear. And I have seen others saying that putting a hot tub, that might not be a bad idea. But I like the idea of the wrap around porch on the floor plans, so sitting on the porch, watching the sun go down is a perfect setup, what more can you ask for.
Especially, with the new walk in shower, that would also be good for me, because I am in a wheelchair, although I was planning for the whirl pool hot tub, but like I said the walk in shower is good, we always say "the drive thru shower".
So over all the Smokeyview is the best floorplans, with add on ramp, and the three bedrooms is the right size just in case your grandchildren wouuld sleep over. Talking about grandchildren, I, we just became grandparents last night on the 17th, so we are very excited.
But to be a winner to have your plans choosen for the cabin would be a dream come true, so having the people in on your building your cabin is something that can create a good awesome beautiful, one of a kind cabin of the "future". Again I thank you very much for my input of your making of the cabin. I think it would be an awesome to call it the cabin of the FUTURE!!
yours sincerely M. Lesley

Porches Porches Porches!!!! They make ideal outdoor retreats! They invite passers by to stop, relax, and visit! They provide shaded access to the outdoors!
I can't see a porch-swing or rocking chair without thinking of Hoagy Carmichael's -Memphis in June- A shady veranda under a Sunday blue sky
Memphis in June and cousin Amanda is making a rhubarb pie
I can hear the clock inside a-ticking and tocking
Everything is peaceful and dandy
I can see old granny across the street still a-rocking
Watching the neighbours go by
Memphis in June with sweet oleander
Blowing perfume in the air
Up jumps the moon to make it that much grander
It's paradise Brother take my advice
Nothing's half as nice as Memphis in June

Now, nothing against Memphis, or June, but put my shady veranda around a cabin in the Smokies, and after a few years I'll tell you whats great about sitting there in each and every month!

Smokey View-Hands Down, No Question, No Argument!!!

Porches Porches Porches!!!! They make ideal outdoor retreats! They invite passers by to stop, relax, and visit! They provide shaded access to the outdoors!

I can't see a porch-swing or rocking chair without thinking of Hoagy Carmichael's -Memphis in June-
A shady veranda under a Sunday blue sky
Memphis in June and cousin Amanda is making a rhubarb pie
I can hear the clock inside a-ticking and tocking
Everything is peaceful and dandy
I can see old granny across the street still a-rocking
Watching the neighbours go by
Memphis in June with sweet oleander
Blowing perfume in the air
Up jumps the moon to make it that much grander
It's paradise Brother take my advice
Nothing's half as nice as Memphis in June

Now, nothing against Memphis, or June, but put my shady veranda around a cabin in the Smokies, and after a few years I'll tell you whats great about sitting there in each and every month!

Smokey View-Hands Down, No Question, No Argument!!!

I don't like the Trillium, because it looks like an out house with a roof. Sorry to all those who do like it. My opinion. The over all exterior just doesn't look "Mountain worthy".
I guess the real reason I like the Smokey View, is because my wife and I go to the Great Smokies (Maggie Valley) about every other year, and we've stayed in several different cabins a week a time. The last was almost identical to the Smokie View, except the fire place was in the end of the Cabin with french doors on both sides of the fire place. We stayed in Autum last time, and the porch over looked the valley below. We were almost level in elevation with the old Ghost Town in the Sky amusement park that was on the other side of the valley. The HVAC system was natural gas, and once turned on it has us warm and cozy in no time. Plus for those who are concerned if they are week-enders and are concerned it will be cold, well if you only use it in the winter you will need to plan on winterrising it, or having someone look after it while you are away, so the answer is, have them turn the heat up on Friday morning so when you get there Friday night you're set to go.

I love the Trillium plan because it offers the laundry/mud room feature. In addition, the long deck in the rear of the cabin is just wonderful. However, I have one suggestion. Convert one part of the long deck, i.e., just outside the dining room area to a screened-room/deck and leave the remaining deck that extends to the mud room exposed to the elements. That way you have the best of both worlds.

I love the Smokyview for the porch and windows. Also Amy, you may not remember this, but the floor plan is almost exactly like the Trowbridges' cabin and I always loved that place.

MB

I love all the layouts but from a green standpoint.......The smokyview plan appears that it would allow for concealed gutters and aluminum downspouts to filter into the cistern and pump to the irrigation system which would be located in the back side of the rention pond. All other rain water would filter through the bioswale, feeding the plants and muhly grass. In addition to the earlier comments of the free flow of air and the natural flow of light that will be healthier for us.

My husband's family came to this country and settled in Louisiana when it was still Spanish. They built a log cabin that still stands. We have a photograph of it. Totally square and solid with a center entrance, front porch and simple tin roof it stands a story and a half high. As homage to that simple, historic cabin I chose the one that looked the most like it and gave it the same type of front door, the solid old chestnut door. Could not imagine putting a glass door on a cabin then going away for awhile and leaving it alone. Too easy to break it. The contemporary wood kitchen was the closest I could come to the type of all wood kitchen such a cabin would have. There was something so clean about that contemporary style, so universal and timeless. I could almost smell the wood! The claw foot bathtub was precisely the kind of tub the family "upgraded" to after using the old galvanized tin tubs for years! Such a simple, historic cabin seems to me to be the most fun.

The Trillium ... A laundry room and mud room are needed for sure. Plus the whole design would look so good sitting in the smokies. We stayed there a week last fall. First time we had been there and it was so beautiful a wonderful place to build a cabin. It is nice to visit all that is around but the best is just sitting in the cabin kicking back and enjoying the view. So a laundry room is a must.. Who wants to come down and do laundry???? We looked at one much like the trillium and it was just wonderful.. Please pick this one

after looking more closely and considering the comments made by amy i (and my son who is completely into this) am persuaded to vote for smokeyview! reasons being, i love light and windows...the privacy of the upstairs master bedroom and the ability to look down over the greatroom...picturing Christmas, fireplace roaring...!! it would just be beautiful.

I personally am drawn to the layout of the Trillium plan.

I tend to look at floor plans for what intrigues me about the layout, convenience and ability to move through each space.

I also consider size when I look at the plans. Given as it is only my husband and myself we don't need huge amounts of space and would focus on the rooms that would be the more concern to us (i.e. the kitchen/dining area). While I generally don't lean toward the open layouts it is the openness that drew me to the Trillium.

My husband and I are more homebodies as well and entertain very little. Conveniences are there that make daily living on either level possible.

The natural light is a draw also and I could see that HUGE livingroom window facing the eastern sky or my favorite the western sky for the setting sun.

From the perspective of a married couple with no children at home, again the Trillium suits better as the other two layouts strike me as more family oriented.

Thanks for this opportunity to participate.

Without choosing a favorite floor plan at this moment I think a little different on design. I'm more into safety features with security in a design. Think about fire protection from a municipality may not be available in the "mountains". Install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms,low-flammable building materials and maybe incorporate child proofing. These kinds of lists should come with a design. If your an aging retiree, features for the disabled when it comes to mobility and accessibility come in handy. Being a firefighter gives thought about living in a non-hazardous low wind fire zone area. Unless the house is going to be in a pasture having trees to view is great as long the trees don't invade a fire barrier along with winds that can send a tree thru a living area. How about taking the cedar shakes for instance and making them out of fire resistance material designed to look like cedar shakes. Your insurance premiums would be more affordable with the right designs incorporated into building a log cabin in a wooded area. Think about a fire extinguishing system in or outside the structure along with escape routes. Water safety comes into focus if a lake or pond is part of the property. With design, charm and beauty is as charm and beauty does. Now with a backup generator start a floor plan.

How do I choose the floor plan

CJ said:
I just checked the progress of the decor choices and I can't believe the twisted branch stair railing is gaining ground.

Now I'm curious. How do I check the progress of the decor choices?

Thanks!

The Smokey View definitely has the looks for a cabin in the Smokeys. My preference would be to make it a year round retirement home. I agree with other comments about needing a laundry / mud room so I would love to see it have a basement, possibly with a walk out access.

Trillium has the best "liveable" floorplan of the 3 offered...yes, it would be nice if the cabin's overall size could be expanded more. But considering actually living there (not just weekending it!) this floorplan works best. With just a slight modification or two, it could easily be turned into a 3 bedroom (minus the loft).

Also, I choise the casement windows as their panes & screens are easier to clean,,just crank out the window, slip off (interior) screen and wipe clean the panes. Regardless of which level you are on, this can be done easily.

As for the KITCHEN...floorplan offers easy access and open space..I voted for granite countertops, stainless steel cabinets (which can match new appliances also in stainless steel) for the longevity aspects.

Yes, it was a coin-flip for the back yard..but decided the pond may be redundent(as well as attract bugs) so I opt'd for the large built-in fireplace/grilling area to enjoy instead..my morning cup of tea...mid-day meal..dinner..and midnight hugs & smores..*:)

Lastly, it was the only floorplan showing a convenient washer&dryer/utility area. My husband is disabled...& I felt this would be best for everyone..as none of us are getting any younger!

I was torn between the Trillium and Smokey View, but Trillium won me over. I like the look from the outside of the Smokey view, but what's inside the Trillium is a win for me. I love the back porch that connects to the kitchen and dining room in the Trillium, as well as the nice island in the kitchen. The back porch is easily accessible to have barbecues out back, and it is also handy to the laundry room, so hanging clothes out to dry in the summer would be an easy task. What I love about both is the cathedral ceiling in the living room, but I love the loft area overlooking it in the Trillium. The bathrooms also look more spacious in the Trillium.
I think the cedar roofing has the most rustic character, and I think a log cabin should be all about rustic and cozy. I think the outdoor patio is gorgeous, but it's definitely too gorgeous/fancy for a mountain log cabin.
Maybe I'll change my mind tomorrow...
-Naomi

The trillium has an excellant floorplan, but the the additional bedroom/office moved my decision to the Greenbriar. Cozy, quaint, and comfortable like a mountainside bed and breakfast. The addintional concept of having both a whirpool and shower in the overly large upstairs bath leads one to daydream of the relaxation that a mountainside retreat would provide.

I feel that a mountain cabin should have a lot of porch. For that reason, I voted for Smokyview.
The value of a large porch can be influenced, however, by the placement of the cabin.
Should the front be placed facing East for the sunrise, West for the sunset, North, or South?
I'd think that this question bears thinking on along with the general design choices.

The Smokey View to me has the feel of a mountain home. A nice place to relax and enjoy nature. What better way to view nature than in a home with so much view of the great outdoors. I think this house plan would offer a place to regroup with the family. Nothing would be finer.

I just posted full comments on each floorplan on Ron's blog. I did error on some of the items. I do still prefer the Trillium though. But to add Greenbriar's dining area really is badly set up. There is a door way.. and even though the kitchen space for counters is a plus it cuts it off and isn't as open as the Trilliums.. oh I love that one's kitchen dining set up. Smokeyview still remains uninspiring. The Trillium is the one that would use the bench seat well. I am more contemporary myself, but I always thought of the bench seat would be a cozy, sort of oldfashioned dining area. Maybe the shaker style (Amish) would best bridge the contemporary to the country, at least in my view. The Greenbriar forget it- it's a design nightmare in that area. Hey just open that back door for the critters to come eat in the dining area with you at the Greenbriars. The Smokeyview..technically not delegated for dining area but seems like it is still feasible. The bathroom in the 1st floor bedroom is the other Greenbriar no no. I guess I don't like the bathrom inside the upstairs bedroom for the Trillium as others would have to walk through the room to use it. This design flaw may be remedied by reversing where the walk in (so nice by the way) closet is and centralize the bathroom ..add a door entrance from the loft and boom!(if that is feasible in the design world) entrance to the bathroom from either room. Or you could leave them where they are but still add the door to the loft/walk in closet. This way there would be access to the bathroom ha, ha albeit through the closet. ha. The upstairs bedroom is nice for the Greenbriar model.. but maybe it does take alot of space up..as someone said..perhaps. The windows "get the poridge" in the Trillium. To much in the Smokeyview and too little in the Greenbriar. And the "Smokyview" may just have that -I just noticed that the open space (which I usually like) is open from the kitchen directly to the upper level bedroom... unless your cooking some sweet thing.. this could be annoying to say the least. Also, it seems there isn't much you can do with the door opening all on the side of the house as far as furniture positioning. So in total I still see Trillium as the trillion dollar winner! If I have to choose between the other 2 I would say the ... Smokyview would be runner up!

Greetings Bloggers! I feel like I've been in a whirlwind of a brainstorm! Simply stated, "They are all great floor plans!" I have voted for the Greenbriar most of all. Then I voted for the Smokeyview a few times. And I felt like MJ with the Trillium...I couldn't stand it! And finally, I've decided the Trillium would be the most versatile. Yes, the Trillium because I love the front and back porches. A patio could extend out from the back porch to include an outdoor fireplace (which is where I would want it). My family and I would utiilize the back porch and patio so much that it's a, "MUST HAVE!" As far as the porches I would not want the front porch screened in-no way, shape , or form! As far as the back porch, well that IS a deep subject, and I would not want it screened in unless it was like a closed in porch with windows. A sunroom to be exact. Picture the back porch area closed in to be a sunroom. This area could be enjoyed in the winter too! Afterall, we have that problem now with our back porch...too cold to enjoy it in the winter. I don't have a patio and wouldn't think of lighting our chimnea up on the back porch (don't want to catch the roof on fire)! But I could see walking out to the patio from the back porch and sitting by the outdoor fireplace. Couldn't you? Now on the exterior of the Trillium, any natural log siding with mountain stone native to the Smokies would look great together. Face the front windows South for less summer sunshine and more winter sunshine. And if possible, face the Trillium so that the back porch has the most scenic view. Hopefully it wil be a natural nature view with privacy! Front porches are great! I have one and like to hang my two feathered friends out there . And with them, that is a "MUST HAVE" too!
Water features are everywhere in the mountains of the Great Smokies. And I don't really know if I want to have a water feature that requires plumbing etc. out on my property.
If it is not a natural flowing water feature the water has a tendacy to turn green and slimy, water pipes bust etc.. However, I will haul my water feature to the front porch of the Trillium. It's a half whiskey barrel with an antique water pump that my husband DIYed together for a water feature. And great big ferns would look awesome hanging on the front porch. The two big front windows are picturesque! Love these two great windows in the fron!t! And for the bedroom window by the front porch...who would want a huge window there? Not me! For bedrooms, I like enough window to see out and let light in, but I want my privacy too! Ya know what I mean! The floorplan of the Trillium is a lot like my floorplan I live in now. The loft and stone fireplace with surround sound is a plus. It's a big plus! Having the laundry room to exit out the back porch is a brilliant idea. Believe me! When he comes in with muddy filthy clothes after a hard days work or doe urine scented hunting apparrel after an easy day of hunting...you appreciate the back porch leading into the laundry/utility room. It's a one STOP and DROP before entering! So the location of the laundry room to the back porch was brilliantly thought up! The bedroom downstairs is added privacy for guest. The kitchen is conveniently located next to the dining area and conventiently opens to the great room so no one would feel trapped by walls or subway hallways. (Well it matters to me!!) Two bathrooms are a MUST HAVE and are conveniently located one on each floor. Bedroom/Office upstairs or downstairs...make it whatever you wish upon! Bedrooms would be more versatile for us. And picture this in the Trillium: Natural log siding with native mountain stone, green tin roof, rustic stair railing to bring in as much of the outdoors in the home; natural stone fireplace with surround sound, bamboo flooring, glass tiled walk in shower, country cabinets stained not painted (paint is for sheetrock and I can't stand painted wood!) Have you ever seen a solid white, cream, yellow , blue or pink tree trunk?! Casement windows add country charm, soapstone countertops...Do you see the pretty picture yet?

Smoky View ... great porch, high efficiency heating/cooling, great views.

The others ... troubling bathroom locations, high windows that might not look out on much of anything, and less room for improvement.

@5280'
TC

Oh my gosh, to be honest with you, I think any way you put the floor plan together will be awesome!
My ultimate dream house is to someday have a log cabin. I love the hominess, the warmth,and the warmth a family can bring to it.
When I was seven or eight, we'd go on Girl Scout weekend camps. Always wooden cabins, wood stove, the whole bit! It was a piece of heaven.
My favorite style is the Greenbriar, only because I think the design looks more "original"
Tell you what Amy, you come redesing my house, and I'll happily trade it for your cabin!
God Bless and Take Care,
Gloria

I am so excited - this is actually my dream. Everything about this home is exactly what I've always, sincerely, always dreamt about. I'm retiring soon and this is my home. I see me in it making quilts and canning homemade jams, cuddling by the fire with my wonderful husband. I love this country and my hope, my dream was to be in the Smokey Mountains since I was a young girl. Oh DYI make me the happiest, most grateful winner you'll ever see.

Are there larger views of the floorplans somewhere so you can read the room dimensions?

Thanks,

Dave

I love country-style cabinets with slate counters. Granite is great, but doesn't do the country look justice. I like all three floor plans. I think a gazebo with a view is so romantic. I've chosen it and the outdoor fireplace several times. Whirlpool baths inside don't interest me--an outside jacuzzi under the stars would be better. Those old-style clawfooted tubs are so cool. If I'm going to be up in the trees, I want rustic, rustic, rustic. The rustic branches on the railing is one of my favorite things about the cabins. This is fun!

I have always said that when it came time to do a Build Home, that it would be of Log Cabin Design. In choosing the item's from the available choices in designing this cabin contest, it really was tough not knowing the location surroundings that would go with the cabin! Your choice to choose from though were excellent, and the one's I picked could easily make my Dream Home! Thanks for the chance of entry, and this sure would be a beautiful and warm home to come home to. I bet the building site it simply beautiful also!

We love the Trillium. For a small space, it is packed with nice features. I spent my childhood summer weekends camping, canoeing, hiking, and sitting around the campfire. With the Trillium, the lucky winner of this wonderful cabin would have a floor plan that would work for so many reasons. I had been voting for the Smokeyview because of the porch; however, we think the features of the Trillium outweigh the porch.

Love the front and back porch on the Trillium. That way, whichever way the home is orientated to the sun, you have an opportunity to have a shady place in which to sit in watch the wildlife. Would want the back porch screened in (our back pool area is screened in and the only thing it blocks is the bugs, does not block the view, we love it). Someone else mentioned the great idea of having the patio with fireplace off of that back porch. Perfect, because the grill would be on the patio and that is perfect access from the kitchen.

Not fond of claustrophobic sloped ceilings or dormers, so that is another plus. And the fact that there are actual closets in the two bedrooms is wonderful, not just “available storage.” When you bring all of your gear to the cabin for the weekend (or, if you are lucky a few months), you need someplace to hang clothes and store luggage.

For those who would use the loft area as a guest bedroom area, I don’t see a problem with the fact that once the door closes to the master bedroom there is no bathroom access on the second floor. The guests can just go down the stairs and travel what is most likely a 5-foot hallway to the downstairs bathroom. I can remember having to walk a long way to use an outdoor facility in the middle of the night when I was camping. So, your loft guests can consider having to walk down a flight of stairs as “roughing it.”

Love the laundry/mud room. Heavens, when we were hiking our parents made us leave our tennis shoes on when we went wading through the streams (to make sure not to cut our feet on any glass that someone else may have left). That served us well on many occasions; however, it made for very messy kids when we got back to the campsite. Cabin living, I hear, is no different. You’re outside communing with nature and bound to come back with it clinging to your shoes and clothes!

Love the kitchen set up. When we camped, we were making all of our own meals… so the kitchen is an important part and heart of a cabin. And doesn’t the food taste even better after a day in the fresh air? Have had one home with a U-shaped kitchen and found it difficult to work in for any more than one person. The Trillium’s kitchen gives you the wonderful island, which allows for people to access the kitchen from two points. Also that island is a perfect set up for serving a lot of guests buffet style. I can just see the cabin over-flowing with friends and family. That kitchen set up is perfect for a busy kitchen. Since it is a small space, I would ask for TALL kitchen cupboards (to the ceiling, if there is room in the budget), and how perfectly cabiny to have a rack for kettles hanging over the island.

This is so fun! Hope that the chosen design is just what the winner was looking for.

I love the Trillium! The others have flaws that would drive me nuts to live with....like the kids tramping through my bedroom to get to the only downstairs bath; no laundry/mud room (this *is* the Smokey Mountains, y'all--thar's mud in them thar hills). I like the idea of a parental retreat, achieved with the master suite upstairs. (Give me a whirpool tub and two person shower!) The loft could still be used for additional guests with a murphy or sofa bed, yet you still have some semblance of privacy with this layout. I also like the idea of a front and rear porch, and it might be nice to have the rear porch screened in. The kitchen is well thought out, and roomie....the island is sooo convenient.

Which ever design prevails, I will still consider the winner a lucky blogger!

Sherri

Hi Amy,

My vote is for Trillium.
2 bathrooms
2 porches
laundry room/mudroom
open kitchen
stone fire place
loft
who could ask for more?
Thanks and have a great day.
Robin (from Indiana)

Log homes have come out of the history books and inhabit many rural and tourist forest communities. While modern appliances can fit nicely in a log home, painted or plaster covered or wallpapered walls seem out of place, inspite of the fact that many old time log home owners covered their walls as their personal wealth increased. It seems to work against the woodsy feeling of a log home.

What should be included that seems left out, is a screened porch, airconditioning, and a standby generator as part of the modern appliances. There are specialized companies that have 3" ducts that will work in log homes. Lighting is another item that needs more attention. Onion lights are a great item for the porch.

I like the Greenbrier. It's clean, simple with plenty of open area. Great for cooking.

Well there are so many choices to make. I like a tin roof but not necessarily in green. Maybe a red roof? I like a stone hearth but I didn't care for the fireplace insert. Is everything going to be exactly as shown? And on the bathroom choices, will both bathrooms be exactly the same? I think there is a variety of choices for everyone, but I am more partial to the country look because it fits the idea of a country home in the Smokey's. Most people who like contemporary styles, have it in their homes, and might want to see something different in a vacation home. I love the idea of screened in porches and an outdoor fireplace/patio. It was hard to choose between that and the water scene, but the fireplace won out for me.

I built a log lodge in Warren PA with cathedral ceilings - it is great - except some idiot shot a BB at a $1200 front glass window while I was gone. I vote for Smokeview and a great room - I love it. I also used IPE on the deck - it is great. Make sure it is designed so that all decks are covered so you don't have to shovel snow off decks - I didn't think about that! Think about using a plastic liner under the washer that is hooked into a drain if you are putting it on a main floor. It will prevent flooding of floors. Ceiling fans are great. I also used casement windows because you can open them further and get more cool mountain breezes in the summer. I also used double opening French doors. I used 4 of them! Lots of air! Hope whoever wins it enjoys it as much as I enjoy mine!

I hope they build the cabin using something much more energy efficient than the normal construction. either put hydronic water into the concrete slab, or build the cabin on an ICF concrete poured wall system. Either way, it's better than on a cold slab.

also, stick up a few solar electric panels, some LED lights, gas fuel heat, but also put a wood fired hydronic water furnace that uses bulk insulated water storage and solar panels (vacum tube type) to boost the water temp.

that's my .02 cents :-) btw, i'm new to TN and still unemployed in TN and would love some work this summer !! i live within commute distance about 35 miles east of knoxville

I like the Trillium because it is easy to get from kitchen counter to dining area. The others have a counter blocking the traffic flow.

I may have to tell you a "Trillium" times, that the Trillium is the coolest floor plan. It is open and has the plan that a log cabin should have to give it that "belongs in the woods" feel.
Vote for Trillium!

The SmokeyView is by far the most appealing design inside and out. The openess allows for the outside views to be enjoyed while on the front porch soaking up the early morning mountain sun or from the inside, basking in a fall afternoon glow. This house perched on a nice mountainside property with the Blue Ridge parkway in the distance and a trout stream just below would be absolutely perfect...especially since I have the piece of property just waiting for Amy to come build it there. ;-) Backdrop the house with a beautiful pasture, maple trees and rock outcropings will make the natural woods and metal roof pop! Wow I'm so excited I can hardly type! What a great project...way to go DIY!!

I think the Smokyview is the ideal floor plan for any location in the mountains. With the vastness of the windows and the wrap around porch. The open floor plan is not bad either. I think the patio off of the rear of the house should partially enclosed with glass to be used rear round with a second stone fire place.

OK...I get you about the Smoky design, but according to the polls, there is no room for that luxurious walk in tiled bath everyone wants. Let me tell you, there is nothing like a large bath for that occasional bubbly get away. Greenbriar has the room for it. Maybe an architectural nip/tuck is in order for the Smoky floorplan to make sure we don't neglect taking great pleasure in our hygiene after all that exploring in the most wonderful mountains in the world.

I like the Smokeyview myself, because of how I feel it fits in. For one it is called "Smokeyview" and it is afterall the Smokies! Secondly, you want plenty of windows to enjoy the great views the mountains has to offer. Having been there many many times to visit (It feels like my second home) I just feel the SmokeyView design would look great with the mountains in the background.

We are in the midst of building a LOG home and I found some of your choices for your cabin were limited. For instance, we are using pine for floors and all natural wood for walls. We will have natural finish wood for cabinets and white appliances. We have not chosen cabinets yet, but really like the hickory we have seen in a Shaker style. The style of our home is country with large porch across the front and around the end. You can see photos of our home on my website: www.rlst8.bz - click links and Our Log Home.

WE HAVE A CABIN ALMOST JUST LIKE THE SMOKEYVIEW AND WE LOVE IT!!! WE BOUGHT A DIFFERENT PIECE OF PROPERTY WITH WATER VIEW AND WE WISH WE COULD PICK IT UP AND MOVE IT. TIN ROOF IS THE ONLY WAY TO GO WITH SNOW TOTALS. GAS STOVE IS GREAT FOR NO MESS CLEAN-UP (PLUS I'M REALLY WIERD ABOUT BUGS THAT MIGHT BE IN THE WOOD). RUSTIC BRANCH RAIL IS JUST A COOL THING I WISH I HAD IT. I THINK THE KITCHEN SHOULD HAVE THE WOOD FEEL WITH A LOG HOME. WHIRLPOOL BATH WOULD JUST BE SOOOO RELAXING, AND RUSTIC DOOR JUST GOES WITH LOG. I'M THINKING MORE AF A VACTION HOME AS TO FULL TIME HOME. GOOD LUCK CAN'T WAIT TO SEE!! WISH IT WAS ME!

Smokey view was actually my second choice after greenbriar, but that porch just kept pulling me back. Log cabins should really should be about nature and the views.

I love the Greenbriar with the front porch like that. But i would love to see alot of glass in the kit. area. That would really make it more home friendly. thanks keep up the great work.

I have been designing log cabins for years and can quickly look at a plan and determine how it will be furnished. A good way to critique plans is to put the furnishings templates in and analyze how the spaces flow, orientation from one space to another, and entrances and exits from the home. The key is to "live" in the spaces while viewing the blueprints. This is when adjustments have to be made like slider doors instead of doors swinging into the space when space is tight, etc.

The Smokeyview is the most versatile and offers the best space for usability and functionality when furnished. Typically, the flaws of floor plans are when the dining space does not allow for a table and chairs and comfortable space for usage or passage to the outside deck. In the Smokeyview, the dining space is correct and spacious enough for dining table options. The living room space also offers versatility in room set up. The Trillium entrance door swings open into the landing space of the staircase, the bumped out niche in the living room, once filled with a chair or two, is difficult for access when placing other furniture. A group conversation area should be no greater than nine feet for comfortable conversation. The Greenbriar plan has the DR door swinging into the DR table and chair set so would be difficult to access. The kitchen angle is small and strange with the angle, being too small in scale for a noticable angle. So, again, the Smokeyview is the best usable plan, that when furnished will not only be a great finished product, but function correctly as well.

The Smokeyview is well designed and is the best plan, has ample space in diningroom and living area for furniture layout options. The metal roof is great, stone works, country feel for kitchen is timeless, double hung windows work better than casement for swingouts possibly hitting furniture layout on porches and decks. Love the exterior features. Can't wait to see this project evolve!

Absolutely the Smokeyview Floorplan for the Smokey Mountains. Why would you want to put a cabin where the views are awesome and then block any view at all. This floorplan gives you more views from many places. Lots of windows are a must- I do think there needs to be more glass in the kitchen (where I would be more than anyone else in the family!) You also have to have a wrap around porch to see every side and angle of the Smokeys from the outside. I can just imagine being on porch with hubby, gazing at the stars- no porch, no gazing! ( A real wood burning fireplace is a must as well. You can have gas anywhere- go with the authenticity of real wood burning and remember that if the electricity goes out you still have heat no matter what (as long as someone can start a fire!) Lastly, open and airy is the best feel in a cabin and this floorplan gives the most open and airy feel of all 3.

I wish I could see the plans better. It's hard to get a feel for the size of the rooms, without better visual access to the plans. At this point the Smokeyview is my favorite. I love staying in the mountains when I can get away, and have dreamed about what my dream cabin would look like and have if I were ever able to build it. To tell you the truth, none of the floorplans have all of the features that I would like to have. Each of the plans has features that I like, and I don't like. The two porches on the Trillium are nice to have, because the sun isn't always where you need it to enjoy it, but my least design is the Trillium. I don't like the plans where the front door blocks access to the stairs when it is open. The front door needs to open the other way, and there needs to be space in back of it so it isn't hanging in the way when it is open. I am also not a fan of having to walk through a bedroom to access the bathroom. When there is only a single bathroom on a floor, there should be access from a hallway. And speaking of access, what I would like in a cabin design is a second entrance/mudroom with convenient access to the kitchen and/or pantry, that doubles as a utility room where a washer and dryer can be located. A decent sized basement and adequate storage area for food in either a pantry or kitchen are a must. When you are living an inconvenient distance from town, or this is a vacation home, you need the room to store enough food, and enough space to keep your extra stuff, and have a workshop/ hobby area. Anybody have grandparents when they were growing up that had a home with a back service porch/entry with the basement access in there? Remember how easy it was to get the house work done? Gone shopping, store the groceries where they belong without having to carry them through the house. Laundry is right there. Storage in the basement right there. Wet and/or muddy? Dump the dirty, wet, mess before you go trash the house.

Hi Amy,
The floor plan was a tough choice. I had to go woth the Green Briar because the location of the toilet is seperated from the rest of the bathroom (sort of) and over the years that has been important to my wife over a lot of other things. I liked the wrap around porch on the smokey View, but the Green Briar gets my vote. The kitchen and loft on the Trillium was a hard thing to pass up too.

I favored the SmokyView exterior with a tin roof. I believe that a cabin should look like a cabin, such as the SmokyView design. The window style allows you to enjoy nature from the inside of the cabin. Imagine, a wrap around porch to lounge on anytime of the day, and the sound of a spring or summer rain beating down on the tin roof. As for the interior, An improvement would be for each bedroom to have access to a private bath. Most of us vacation outside of our homes with the hopes of having more comfort, especially when housed with others. The interior is set up for true vacationing - A super large kitchen is not needed since the focus should not be on doing major cooking and do you really need a space for a home office. Rooms that are not difficult to keep tidy (natural stones, stainless steel for the kitchen) and areas designed for relaxation (large porch, large tub) and a great area to entertain (outdoor patio) spell total peace and enjoyment - and those words should be synonomous with a cabin in the Mountains.

This is the first day I've seen the cabins. I loved the porch surronding the smoking view, and I really liked the floor plan (except for there being no dinig room). However, the Trillium was the only floor plan that offered a utility room for a washer and dryer. I've got a husband who worked in HVAC (very dirty work sometimes) and 6 kids (really need that eating space with 6 kids too)! I need to have a washer and dryer in my house because I use it every single day. Otherwise, I would have voted for smokey view.

The thought of even the remote possibility of having a cabin of our own in the mountains boggles my mind. I really like the Trillium because of the two porches, but the Smokey View has such a wonderful long porch. Our family has rented cabins in the Smokey Mountains the last several years and the porches (being able to be out in nature) have been the selling (renting) point. The last one had a fireplace on the porch and it was wonderful. I know nothing about building a cabin, but I do know I love being in one in the mountains and being able to see God's handiwork up close. It's a real treat from living in the city.

I like different things about each plan but Smokyview has the most in one plan. I like the open feel and 3 bedrooms since we have a large family. The only thing it lacks is a mud room/laundry room. The view is what makes the vacation home and this plan has the best windows for that.

I voted for Smokyview. But the problem I have with it and the reason I believe it may not be doing better is the bathroom and kitchen floor plans, which appear totally utilitarian and unimaginative.

Good Morning Everyone!

It is 5:30 am here in Michigan. I’ve decided to write a few words of gratitude for introducing me to blogging as well as allowing me to participate in an insightful educational journey.

My daughter and I have visited allergy and asthma specialists over the years for our allergies and asthma. The tests were not fun but I found it rewarding to finally know I had allergies and confirmed my suspicions that my daughter had asthma. The test results showed that I was allergic to dust, mold, feathers, eggs and milk. Amongst having asthma my daughter was found to be allergic to dust, mold and feathers. Living with allergies and asthma is challenging some days. At night we tend to both start coughing around the same time and are awaked in the night because of this at times. We visit our doctors regularly because of the severity. I’ve went to three different specialist to get various opinions. All tend to be very eager in handing out inhalers. Educating and having educational tools such as DIY and Blog Cabin provided would really be a value to those of us with health issues. The responsibility to learn and research does remain with the people who are affected by their surroundings. Thank you Amy and Ron for the educational journey. It was intense at times but opened our GREEN eyes. I think for this many of us who have participated in the sweepstakes……..we all have become winners without realizing it!

I’d also like to share a short blog on my family. Our household consists of four people including myself.

My daughter just became a teenager in December of last year. I always wanted a daughter so I could dress her up and put bows in her hair. As a young baby she always tried to remove her bows and as a young child she couldn’t stand dresses. As she continued to grow she became more athletic and joined sports. She loves playing volleyball, tennis, basketball and soccer.

My husband, whom I’ve shared fourteen years of my life with, is truly wonderful. He is supportive, caring and funny! As a family we share some really fun times together. We camp, hike, fish, play sports and are open to new adventures. My husband went skiing a couple years back with his friends. They skied down some really “steep pitch snowy” mountains in Austria. The guys got a little upset as he had a lot of snow on him when he entered their room. The snow turned to water! The water ran down onto the floor! They should have had a cistern below the floor to catch the water.

My mom, she is a wonderful person. She has always been by my side when I needed someone to talk to. In November of 2005 she had a severe stroke which left her unable to communicate. With my husbands support I’ve been my mother’s caregiver for the past year.

Me……I’ll be turning thirty-six next month. I formerly work in the Corporate World. It was demanding and exhausting some days. I always mentioned to my husband that I would love to be a kid again and take my shoes off and walk through the grass to feel the ground! I guess it was the feeling of freedom I was longing for. I love the outdoors. My small enclosed patio is my favorite place in the house. I’m surrounded by rocks, fountains, candles, plants and a beginner garden. The area is small but it is my retreat. My view is the neighbor’s back yard! J

Together as a family we enjoy board games. CLUE is one of our favorites. Sometimes when our families get together we have the pleasure of going on SCAVENGER hunts. We also love adventures and riding ROLLER COASTERS. When we are relaxing as a family we sit back and watch movies. RAT RACE is one of our favorites!

Well, that LEEDS me to the end of my blog. Thanks for listening!

Smokeyview is my vote too... wouldn't feel like a cabin without a loft of some kind! Still pulling for the woodburning stove too. Again, would not be a real cabin feel without it. :)

I'm sticking with Greenbriar. I like cozy. I like privacy. I like usable room.

I don't like what looks to be an open loft that leaves the master bedroom exposed to the downstairs in Smokyview. I don't like people driving by being able to see all the way to the back yard from the front. I'm pretty sure the vaulted ceiling would never get cleared of cobwebs and those windows would never get washed. If I won Smokyview, I'd sell it and get something else.

I like the Trillium floor plan best of all, the wife favors the Smokeyview. Neither of us like the fact that one would have to through the master bedroom to get to the one bathroom in the Greenbriar. Me, personally, I like having the seperate front porch from the back deck. Another element I think the houses could use would be some sort of basement or root cellar. I don't know if it would work in this area but it was just one of those things that popped out to me. When it comes down to it living in the Smokies is the biggest prize, the only scary thing is being swamped by the prize taxes but I would swing it if I could.

I agree with you, an open feeling is a necessary element in a cabin. A cabin should offer a cozy togetherness feeling. If you want a cabin with a lot of rooms and walls, build it in a city and call it a house.

And that's my 2 cents worth.

Ps: a stone fireplace is the only way to go.

Hi Amy and diy,

What an exciting idea! I must confess my first choice in floorplans were for the Greenbriar. It is what I imagine when I think of log cabins. After your input on the open views of the Smokeyview,you won me over. I was first concerned with the high overhang of the smokeyview allowing wind driven rain into the sitting area below. I rationalized that one could take refuge under the other porch. I agree the flow of smokey is supperior to enjoy the stunning colors the area presents in all seasons.

There is nothing like the soothing sounds of rain falling on a tin/metal roof(dampened by the tongue and groove ceilings). To me, the stone hearth and fireplace echo the feel of the surrounding smokey mountains. A crackling fire and swirling smoke adds warmth in body and soul.

In fall and spring, the casement windows would allow the morning freshness inside much better than traditional double hung windows. I have enjoyed the smokey mountains several times and beyond the vivid colors, I think the fresh smells of local mountain flowers add to the relaxing experience.

I am a wood grain nut! I loved the Gold heart pine floors and the rustic branch railings. When I walk into a cabin for the first time, the piney wood smell puts me in the right frame of mind. The country cabinetry would accent the wood grain and the granite countertops would blend it nicely(in my humble opinion :).

I had the opportunity to trout fish in Wyoming and I stayed in a cabin which had the clawfoot tub. I love the deepwater allowing my old bones to soak. Finishing the soak off with the open shower with a surround type shower curtain. You could just wash the days fishing or horseback riding off and be ready for a relaxing evening.

The outdoor fireplace is a fantastic idea! One of the best memories I have with my children was sitting around an open fire, telling stories of the days activities or comic relief for the day. Love a good strong cup of coffee under the stars or watching the wildlife come out in the late evening.

I can picture pulling up to the cabin and seeing the beautiful leaded glass door. Talking about curb appeal! Inviting you inside, the door just says warmth.

Thank you for the opportunity of sharing my thoughts. As I typed, I had the flood of many memories(all good). I look forward to see the cabin come together. It will be a learning experience for us all.

Lynn

Hi Amy, I case my vote for the Greenbriar.With its simple design and wide open spaces. I enjoy cooking and the kitchen in my opinion was the best of the three. I also enjoy the master suite on the first floor while the other bedrooms are upstairs. That factor leads to a more private setting for the adults.I enjoy the front porch. And the back door leads to either an expansion on the rear of the home or a covered deck w/ grillers kitchen. The rooms seem spacious and airy. With an antique kitchen and rustic round rails,stone fireplace,hardwood floors, double hung windows,and an old timey tin roof, who could ask for anything more.

I'm a big fan of the Smokyview plans on the right section of land what a Beautiful home it would make.

Hey Amy,
Well the appealing cabin would have to be the Smokey View, the style and floor plan is perfect, everything open and roomy. Everything shows to be laid out perfectly, the rooms downstairs along with the room(s) upstairs. The bedrooms downstairs are closed off to the house while the master bedroom appears to have full view of the main attraction of the house the “Great Room” as it is labeled. Now when walking up to the cabin or even walking outside from the cabin, the porch is a perfect, looks like a wrap around porch, which always one to sit were ever they wish, and still be by the cabin. The asphalt shingles would be a perfect accent to the style of cabin. As for the fireplace putting a wood burning stove would be a nice accent to the style and structure of the cabin. The wood burning stove would also add in to other styles of cooking or baking. Baking and cooking is an exciting experience especially when it is something new and fun. So having a wood burning stove would be a wonder addition to the cabin. The double hung windows seem to be easy to keep clean as well as keeping up with the cabin appearance. The Casade Colour Aztec Cherry Oak Flooring would also have a good grain and color to help accent the original and natural wood colors. Now I was actually crossed between the “Round and the Rustic Branches” staircase, after looking at the rest of the cabin the “Rustic Braches” look like they would help keep the color and style of the cabin. Now the kitchen, Contemporary is also a perfect match with the rest of the cabin, the Country style was nice also but looked too closed and or confined. The Country style appears to have a lot on space, enough room to move around with more the two people in the kitchen. The room appears universal for add on when and if needed.
This is the style of cabin that can be enjoyed by all that enter.
Thank for the time and Consideration
Mary L.

Smokeyview DOWNFALL: The way the roof extends out blocks natural sunlight. When I look at this cabin all I see if the ROOF.
Greenbriar: Your typical look - nothing special or different
Trillium: different, I see more of the logs verses roof. The big windows bring in plenty of light. Seems like the floor plan has a open feel. Hard to see the floor plan in detail. Agree that it needs a basement! Disappointed I just got the email/newsletter about this contest - a great idea I wish everyone luck.

The Smokeview has my vote for all the same reasons as Amys

All the designs have their merits, but the thing I like about the Smokyview is the potential it has when you're entertaining. With the wrap around porch, guests have room to move about while at the same time, they're never far from the great room, where the party is most likely centered.

I also like the Smoketview style. From what little I could see from the pictures, the windows in the bedroom and possibly the Great Room look out over the mountains. If the the mountains are visable from where the fireplace is currently situated I would consider moving the fireplace and placing a large picture window there.

I also like the flow of the downstairs better than the other floor plans. One of my absolute favorite features of the Smokeyview is the porch.

Hi Amy,

Owning a log home is something that my husband and I have being dreaming about, so I truly enjoyed being able to help design the DIY log home (it was fun). I really like the Smokyview a lot, but voted for the Greenbriar because the master bedroom and laundry room are on the first floor. The Greenbriar would be perfect if it had a 1/2 bath on the first floor, though.

Take care... KM

Trillim is totally impractical for so many reasons many of which have already been mentioned.

Greenbriar has fabulous bathrooms going for it, but first floor one could use additional entrance from main room. Rearranging the kitchen layout could provide that by shifting the counter space and cutting a door through from that area. Where is adequate closet space for the first floor bedroom? Putting the fireplace in the front right corner would open up the dining area and make for more interesting furniture placement. The entire FP lacks imagination or innovation and feels very old hat.

Smokeyview has all the elements I've always pictured for a cabin anywhere. The wrap-around porch should at least be extended on the left side or, more desirably, all around the house if the location allows. Something has to be done about the bathrooms that look as though they are from a standard 1940's Levitthouse. The front door opens in the wrong direction as the swing blocks the stairwell. The fireplace is misplaced and should be centered on the side wall. This would enable the kitchen area to be slightly reconfigured to allow for a somewhat larger bathroom. Perhaps a steam shower with seat ledge could replace the bathtub. As for the upper bathroom, I visited a friend in Woodstock, NY who placed a large Jacuzzi tub right in the middle of the bedroom with a skylight and loads of hanging plants right over it. Incredibly light, airy and romantic! There are many ways to ensure privacy even if one end of the room is open to the downstairs. Both externally and internally, this plan offers the best possibilities for tweaking and individuality. Kitchen cabinets should be rustic in feeling, floors ideally should be rough-cut pine,and twig staircase would be great. Ceiling fans would help circulate air to help both heating and cooling. Don't forget bug zappers for the porch (that way you don't need screening) and perhaps electric heaters for the cold months so that porch use could be year-round.

Were these designs taken from stock plans or originals? Seems to me they could have be more structurally innovative and not just concentrated on decorating and materials to achieve those ends.

Well here are my thoughts......
1. Trillium design is mnore functional. In a 4 season climate you need a mud room/laundry room. With a 2 story house you need a bathroom downstairs. The 2 story window is great for open feeling,seeing the outdoors and lots of natrual light. As for the comment of the cob webs...the ceiling is so high you wont ever notice and who cares if there is one or two just relax and enjoy your house.
2. Tin roof. Most have a lifetime warranty,great energy efficientcy,If you put in good insulation the noise should not be a factor and they look great.
3. Wood burning stove. We have found a wood burning stove that is free standing works great and will easly heat a house this size. Pelet sotves are nice too and clean burning.I get tired of stacking wood.You can get a stove that will show the fire so you still get the ombiance. The incased ones just don't give off enough heat.
4.Windows. I really don't care just as long as there are a lot of them.
5. Floor. I liked all but the bamboo. Bamboo seems to tropical even though it is more inviromently freindly.
6. Railings. Any will do.
7. In the kitchen I went with contemporary only because I did not like the finish on the cabnits in the country kitchen. If a different finish could be picked than I am all for the country kitchen.
8.Tile. Natural tile ok. Picture they chose is a little boring. I think a mixture of all of them would be great. Glass in bathroom. Mosaic in kitchen.
9.Counter tops. All are great.
10.Modern slate walk in shower. Doesn't really go with the country cabin theme but, Oh my gosh couldn't you just imagine yourself in that shower!!!!
11.Outdoor patio all the way!
12.Wall finish. I think it should be a combination. I guess if you do all one color I could just paint to suite my taste latter.
13.Door. I liked the wormy chestnut door. Hmm.. I guess I mostly liked the name!

the wife and I considered accessability when we chose the Greenbriar. For us pushing 60 and over it's important ya know. Also, there's a big difference between a cabin and a luxury log home in the mountains of Tn. Greenbriar is the near perfect cabin.

I have been voting mainly for the Greenbriar. I think it makes the best overall use of the interior space, and the design could work in many different terrains. I dislike the atrims in the other two designs. From personal experience I know that two story ceilings are expensive to heat and cool, difficult to clean, and very challenging when you need to change a light bulb or light fixture. For myself the main shortcomings f the Geenbriar floorplan is the absence of a first florr laundry/mud room and that the first floor bath is accessible only through a bedroom. For myself the main shortcoming of all the floorplans is the lack of a discreet entry way. Placing the main entrance directly into the Great Room means a significant loss of heat or cool everytime the door is opened, no handy place for shoes and coats and bad weather clothing, and in bad weather a mess on the floor of the main entertaining room everytime someone comes into the cabin.

Hi,Amy. I have been changing my mind almost everyday since I started voting, from Trillium to Smokeyview back to Trillium. I guess, by being born and raised in the Caribbean I am strongly inclined towards lots of light, scenery, open spaces and interaction with nature. However, I think about cold weather, strong wind, probably storms, snow or even maybe tornados (and the debris that might come with them) and that is when I switch to Trillium. Until I know for sure the setting of this cabin, I will be torn between my desire of sense of freedom and the safety of my kids. In my heart, I do hope the winning design is the Smokeyview.

I am sure that no matter what the final design is, somebody will enjoy that cabin for years. I know I would.

Take care, and good luck with this project.

Hello, my vote goes to the Greenbriar. It has the most usable space and allows for the most in practical situations. Individual space and energy efficient is the way to go.

Armed with my Grandfather's magnifying glass, you know the kind, the one with the strongest magnification and light. Not sure if it's approved by the government for safety, but it will have to do. I sit at my sister's wide screen moniter and adjust my bifocals one more time. I am on a mission to see the floor plans clearly and find where you have hidden the washer and dryer in the Smokyview. Things became a little clearer, but the w&d were still playing hide and seek. I know! You are brilliant! You have called out the troops. DIY's "Wasted Spaces" Karl Champley and DIY's "Log Cabin Interiors" Bruce Johnson and their crews. They have been involved in this wonderful project all along, right? Karl has cleaverly found a place for the w&d. Somewhere nobody would think to look. I wonder where!? Now that I can see the floor plans a little better by far the Smokyview is the only design that really comes close to the true meaning of a cabin.

Hey Amy,

I went for the Greenbriar because of the floorplan, to me there is no wasted space. Besides, I know you could look out any window or off any porch, and get a Smoky Mountain view.
You see, my best friend lives in Knoxville, which is where she grew up. For a short while, she lived in Texas where we met; but she moved back to be with her family. Meanwhile, I have visited her and tour the Smokies.
I just love the little white churches and the old cabins, they have up there; and to think people use to live up there. It's just
breathtaking.
My friend found out about one year, ago; that she has M.S. and I would love to live closer to her. She's like a sister to me.
And, if God can form breathtaking views,
there is hope for her.
Laurie

I really like the idea of using environmentally safe, functional and natural materials for the cabin. My family would love to live in a cabin like this. My 2 cents- You really should have a screened in porch with hook-ups for relaxing and entertaining outside (without the critters).The view alone....sigh! What a great opportunity for the winner. Thanks and good luck.

i can't believe that the greebriar floor plan won it is without a doubt the most boring, unatractive, and unimaginative design i've ever seen! what a crock of s*#t this s*#KS!
MIKE

The steep pitch of the roof makes the Smokeyview my choice. With the amount of snow in the mountains it would eventually accumulate on the roofs.

I haven't been keeping up with the blog, but I've noticed some concerns with heating some of the floor plans.

Has anyone considered a solar or wind power system to help hold down the energy costs ?? Solar water heaters and a heat sink to run in-floor or baseboard radiant heaters, or a solar/wind electric system for baseboard heaters ?? How about a heat exchanger in the fireplace to pick up some of the waste heat ??

I am so sad the Greenbrier was chosen. The design has so many flaws.
There's not a nice window in the place. The little island in the kitchen pinches the workspace.
The dining room is way too small and inconveniently located. The peninsula blocks kitchen dining access and you could never put stools along it because there isn't enough room for a dining table and stools. Not to mention that the only access to the back of the house is also located in the dinning area. The fireplace is positioned poorly. It's placed too close to the dinning area cramping it further. Access to the downstairs bathroom is through the bedroom. There is only one covered poarch. And last but not least, there's NO laundry room.

I'm so sad the "Greenbrier" was chosen, it has so many design flaws.
There are no nice windows to let in the sunlight and beauty of the surrounding area. The dining area is way too small. The peninsula cuts easy access from the kitchen and there isn't enough room to put stools along it and house a dining table and chairs. The only door leading outside to the back of the house is also in the dining room creating traffic flow problems. The fireplace is positioned poorly cramping the dining area further. The small island in the kitchen pinches the workspace. There is only one covered poarch. To access the downstairs bathroom you have to go through a bedroom. And last but not least there is NO laundry room.

I really like the Greenbriar style with the obvious downsides stated in previous blogs, definitely need a half bath on first floor, not crazy about the idea of someone walking through the bedroom to use the bathroom. The house is a beautiful design and as I was voting, I kept imagining what my idea cabin retreat would look like. I would love to have a home that fits in well with the surroundings without being obtrusive, yet have the modern amenities that I would crave in my home (whether I'm there all the time or using it as a getaway retreat). I'd like to have hardwood floors that would reflect the surrounding trees outside, which is why I leaned more towards the gold pine (although the cherry wood oak is also nice. I know someone said they couldn't believe that people were voting for the rustic branches for railing, and although I respect their opinion, I beg to differ! What a great conversation piece, it's what's going to make this cabin retreat absolutely unique and I hope it wins.

Greetings Bloggers!! Just wanted to edit my blog the cabin thoughts tonight!! "Not only is this so much fun!" "It just keeps getting funnier!" Good night!!

hi
my name is robert and i live in a log cabin in east texas and i love it.
i choose the contempary kitchen because it looks more like a log cabin, white cabinets look like a cottage,dark floors show dirt too much and i really love the tin roof, double hung windows are the best.

see you later
robert

I have noticed that the textured wall is gaining ground. I for one do not have a weekly house cleaner to do my walls. I do have pets. Pet hair and dust collecting textured walls do not make a relaxing weekend.
Being lazy is also my reason for not liking the twig railings.

All of the floor are great I will take any one of them good luck on any of the plan you choose my husband said they are great.Bennett

I am so sorry I missed the vote on the floor plan! Today is my birthday, so I am leaving the first comment I have ever made on any web blog.I think that the winning floor plan was such a horrid waste! A new vote should be given with more time for the final choice! :o) I would have totally voted for the Smokeyview plan. Wrap around porch! The best view to gorgeous nature, which is a main reason for having a log cabin! And, a bathroom downstairs that anyone can get to easily on the first floor (no going through someones bedroom to have a visit), and a private master suite on it's own floor!! Yummmm. As for the roof... weelll, the tin roof looks nice but can get very loud in a heavy rain, and the asphalt doesn't seem very "cabin" style to me. The outdoor feature? Well, I love the 'idea' of the water feature, however, realistically the mosquito's would eat me alive, the gazeebo would be a waste of valuable space, so I would truly desire the fireplace/ pit for year roung pleasure and enjoyment of the immediate outdoor area of the cabin. I would have to vote for natural materials as much as possible, but with the stainless steel appliances for the more domestic endeavors.

It is a beautiful winter day with sunshine and 20* above in northern MN. I too am disapointed in the choice of floor plans but we don't watch DIY for nothing. If I win I already have some thoughts for remodeling that awful floor plan. I am not holding my breath but it sure would be fun to win.

We realize we are getting into this discussion late in the game.

While we like the basic feel of the Greenbriar, there are several things to improve.

Will this cabin be built with a basement? Being form Massachusetts the norm is to built year round structure with a full basement. This not only allows greater flexabilty with placement of mechanicals but also allows walk-out feature on a hillside lot.

Things to improve first floor:
Some of these comments are predicated on a basement being a viable point.

Reposition kitchen (rear door) and relocate kitchen counters to allow creation of entry to the bathroom without passing through the bedroom.
If reducing overall width of the bedroom is required the stair could also be shifted to enlarge the living area.

Create kitchen on the exterior walls. Move sink under window of end wall provide drawer base to right of sink, lazy-susan to left hand side in corner. Along rear exterior wall from right-to-left working from lazy-susan:
Dishwasher - Door Cabinet with roll-outs - stove with vent through exterior wall - drawer/door cabinet - refrigerator - back door.

Bathroom:
Eliminate second sink - reposition toilet as required to allow entry to bathroom.

Bedroom:
Provide minimum of 8' closet space.

Second Floor:
Center and down-size bathroom. Allow 60" tub - toilet - single vanity - linen cabinet.

If built with basement the there could be a modest prep. kitchen / bar area with access to a patio area and the outdoor fireplace.

Other advantages to basement:
Laundry / mechanicals / small workshop.

We are not familiar with the climate in the Smokey Mountains but we assume central heating would be required - another advantage for a basement.

Propane for heat and hot water.

Just some initial ideas.

David and Claudia Gamache

I designed our 2750 sq.ft. log home from scratch and contracted it myself. We're located in the hills of northwest New Jersey and virtually dug into the side of a mountain to build. We've been here nearly 3 years and are loving the log lifestyle with a passion. It IS a lifestyle...a combination of Christmas and vacation the year around. If you need any suggestions or are looking for ideas you might check our web site, repleat with construction photos, at www.logfacts.com, our "Logger-Rhythms" Blog and our Podcast. Good luck and as they [don't] say in the business, "break a log"!

I really liked the Greenbriar design,but it needs a mudroom.i have the best idea. make seperate alcoves for each person in the house. like a small closet with a hanger for coats and a space below for shoes and a shelf on top for books, purse,etc.make it starting at knee level so you do not have to bend for the shoes. I have a back problem and that would help in a lot of ways. Of course the floor would be cobblestone or a rugged tile.My lifelong dream is to have a log home someday and this is one of the rooms i dreamed about. i hope the Greenbriar wins.

Amy and Ron:
Wood Stove beauty!
Those pictures of rough rocks ascending the wall over a fireplace are sure pretty pictures.
But the reality is that somebody builds the fireplace hole, and somebody builds the chimney, and then somebody comes in and takes up a lot of the room in the house by adding in chunks of rocks and stones to decorate it. It is not a rock or stone chimney. Just cut decorations glued in place over the working parts.
And all those protrusions collect dust. Then, there is the invitation to the spiders of the world to live in there.
I never liked having to sweep the gorgeous wall my dad built in our family room. It was a major project, involving taking out the small stuff and covering the big stuff and dragging out ladders and sweeping and scrubbing for hours.
I became a believer in wood stoves in the last house we lived in. I had tried to cook in the previous fireplaces, with little success.
The wood stove puts the firebox at a comfortable height for loading and cleaning, and I could get right to the opening to collect the ashes. The cat loved to sleep under the firebox. She always woke up and left before I opened the door to add wood, a safety consideration, it wouldn't be good to have a cinder lit cat running around.
And I cooked quite a few soups and a lot of toast on that stove top, just like my grandmother did a long time ago. Can't do that in a dinky modern fireplace.
Vote Wood Stove!

DREAM HOME IN THE WOODS

Great Greenbriar Floor Plan allows natural light and super air flow. It is easily a Green Home. It really lets the natural elements mirror the great outdoors. It is psychologically relaxing and very comfortable. The veranda covers sunlight and draws a breeze.
A tin roof reflects sunlight, gives strength to cover the roof and is peacefully a rain relaxer. It is spectacular in looks.
I love the Great Room & Kitchen Open Plan. It allow the Kitchen (main activity room of home) to be sweetly linked to the Great Room of Entertainment/Relaxation Area. Food & Fun. I like it a lot !
The Front Door's important function is Security.
The Wormwood door meets this function. However, the lead-glass door is stunningly beautiful. A warm welcome.
Grand Floors of the Golden Savannah Pine or the warm rich Cherry Oak wood are perfect for me. The Savannah Pine will allow more daylight into the home.
Wonderful walls of Eggshell are beautiful & the easiest to match all accessories. It is like a fresh white canvas, ready to paint a picture to your preference. The Floral is a sweet, warm home touch, as well. Both are magnificent! Eye candy and relaxing!
The Walk-In Waterfall Shower is Spectacular and the Grand Hot Tub is Awesome. Beneficial to health.
The rounded bannisers are safety and touch assets.
The granite is light-colored and blends well in kitchen. The light color is task-lighting easy on eyes for the high-activity area of food preparation in kitchen.
The white, Country kitchen is a dream area and loves company by its immaculate welcoming. It really looks like a heavenly kitchen - clean and sophisticated.
Fireplaces are special as mankind, since the beginning of time is very intrigued by a fire. I love the brick fireplace for looks and heat, however, the wood stove is awesome as heat and a cooking area. I really like that idea a lot.
The outdoor fireplace is an extension of the indoor fire effect. The outdoor water piece is very relaxing as people love to be around water.
I enjoy beauty and function. That is why I like a beautiful home, like being the lady of the house, as well as hunting, fishing, gardening and cooking.
What a GREAT WEDDING WISH & GIFT THIS WILL BE !
It is a great life that can be shared with others in a Dream Home in the Woods. This Beautiful Home Reflects a Dream Come True. Good Fortune to the Special One that is able to Win this Dream Home.
A MILLION THANKS FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE ABLE TO ENTER THIS ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME WAY TO GO!

I second the Finnish Tulikivi stove. They're expensive at the outset but extremely well made and offer greter radiant heat for longer. If you think it's cold in the Smokies, visit Helsinki!
B

i would like to just to say keep the cabin simple cozy and a cabin not something that does nt fit in the neighborhood. keep up the good work on tv . thank you dave

a simple horse shoeshaped 3bd 2 bath with large kitchin with lots of cabinet & pantry space & large living room with fire place would do just fine

Hi Amy, I voted for the Greenbriar floor plan because I felt it would be easier to heat. I wished it could be more open in its design, with alot of natural lighting. Hopefully a mudroom can be added with a washer and dryer off from the kitchen. Plenty of storage and another bathroom would be great. Too bad the Greenbriar doesn't have a way to add to the porches and maybe part of it screened in. Warm, cozy,open, easy to heat, and alot of natural light, that would be perfect, the only other thing better is my name on the mailbox! good luck to you Amy, and the crew, and to all of us that enter. Thankyou for allowing all of us a chance to get involved with your diy project, and a chance to win a cabin of our dreams in the most beautiful place in Tennessee. Rhonda Carol Robbins

Even thow keeping an open floor plan is a great idea for a cabin, keep in mind that the men need their tv and with that in mind my man hates not being able to hear the tv over all the noise that comes from the kitchen. even thow it's suppose to be a retreat you know they'll have the boob tube. just a thought to keep in mind.

The smokyview has m vote, I love the floor lay out and the wrap around porch, yep this is my dream home!!!

The floor plan of A cabin should still be open the purpose of a cabin is to get with nature and family you don't go to a cabin to watch t.v. you have the greatest tv in the world I open floor plan huge oversized fire place small area for your tv it would be great if the fire place was thru to the master bed room so it would heat both

I like an open floor plan and lots of windows. I would hope sometime a single floor design would be made although elevators are cool. But some of us creaky knee folk would like to stay and retire and not climb stairs much Just for future notes maybe to late for this one but maybe next time. I would still love the log house as I love the area and love log cabins perfect for the two of us and over 15 grandkids between us.
Marylou Washington

I am glad the Greenbrier won it has a lot of curb appeal it make you want to come on up and set down .It just has to have rocking chairs on the porch.Bennett

Hi Amy,I just have one question for you--If I win the cabin will you marry me and complete the cabin by filling it with love and children.

I have a very important topic to address. If there is a kitchen island such as that portrayed in the country kitchen, please leave off the back lip and make it one height. I recently built a house and told the builder to leave off the back elevation for the bar...It made for a much wider island and someone can work on the other side if they choose to. I never understood the need for that high ledge other than the electrician finding it necessary to put plugs into. They can be put below the countertop instead. Also, if you want to have people sitting at the island, just extend the countertop out and put decorative korbels under the countertop. It puts them at eye level with the cook and isn't so high for kids and elderly to get up and down from on barstools. Also, aestetically, it is much more pleasing to the eye. I have noticed that more and more builders are doing it and when I see one that doesn't, it just looks very dated to me.

Hi Amy, Well my roomate is at it again,telling me past trips his family had in the Great Smokies. Charley said just walk outside from those many motel cabins and looking up at the fog. I'm sure many people can remember those roadside stands with colorful bedspeads and stuff animals. Don't forget those famous pottery stands and signs saying you are almost there. Driving those roads was light a fantasy ride, then the big highways started taking a lot of history.Growing up in West Virginia and those beutiful one room chuches. I can just see my Aunt pully the rope on the church bell and we would gigle win she went up in the air with the rope. Oh don't foget about the large wood ringer phone. At that time many people were on the same line and to determine if call was yours was how many rings. You know when your think back this phone was like the Star or inquirer many listen in.

I started watching the show late this year and haven't seen the floorplan used for the 2007 cabin. Is there anywhere on the website to see the plan?