my first choice would be the patio with a fireplace, although i am more partial to an open fire pit. i enjoy being outside, reading and having my morning coffee or even having company over, it would be a beautiful feature. however, i will say that i read a comment in a different section that pointed out how a water feature attracts wildlife, and that would be a huge plus for me as well. from the picture of what is offered i have no interest in a rustic gazebo, although i have seen different types that i would prefer. so there you have it: 1. fireplace/patio, 2. water feature, 3. different gazebo!
brenda

Good choice for a plan.But i still think color shingles is a better choice than a tin roof.

Hi Ron and Amy. A water feature provides the perfect calming balance to the outdoors that a great fireplace brings to the indoors - and it can be enjoyed at mostly anytime during the year. I vote for H20!

I think a fire place would be the best idea. that way you can enjoy the outdoor views during the cooler months as well.

I am sorry I missed the first selection. I too would have chosen the Smokeyview. I looked at the position of the bedroom, and I think away from the front porch would give more privacy.
With two bedrooms on the first floor, it could make room for an office or study if it was not used for guests or family. There seems to be more closet space downstairs, but on the Greenbriar, the upstairs is really nice. I hope I can be in on the other selections.

Ron, I think you will see by votes- no to the gazebo. Not that they aren't nice.. .but easier to add on ourselves. I personally am tossed between the water fall and the patio with fireplace/grill. I first wanted the patio as it is the most useful and good for relaxing with famly/friends. The water fall is beautiful and I was thinking it would be easier to have DIY do the water fall and all the patio in later ourselves. Heck my husband does tile so it would be easier then doing the waterfall ourselves. On the other hand he did put a pond in for me in my house in MI, so I guess we could add a small one in if we were somehow winners. Someone mentioned that the upkeep would be difficult for the waterfall so I am now hesitant and pretty much would be happy to see either. Ha, my husband currently works for a sunroom retailer so I would prob. get that worked into the back area. Oh too much dreaming. night.

The fireplace is definitely my top choice. What a great place to entertain or just relax alone with my wife. The fireplace feature is adding a great living space to the home. I can picture adding a small fish pond and screened gazebo in the back yard at some point but they fall far behind the usefulleness of the fireplace patio.

MISTAKE !
The Smokeyview was far better, great light and would have shown fantastic evening or mourning views.

Too bad .....

I am amazed that the 'Smokeyview' didn't win hands-down. Why have a home in a beautiful place if you're going to cut out the view?

That's why the porches need to be enclosed with the option to seasonally change between glass and screen - in the winter they turn into sunrooms and will really help keep drafts down when the outside doors are opened.

About the tin roof - if there were a fire, isn't this home going to be too far out for the fire department to get there in time for a tin roof? It would be too late, right?

Any considerations about making the home handicap friendly?

Can't see the sense in an outdoor fireplace, unless you're taking my suggestion about enclosing it with glass (that can be changed to screens in the summer). Wouldn't get any use out of a gazebo - have to carry things too far to use it for suppers or parties, etc... Water feature makes sense and would provide soothing sounds.

I love the idea of a fireplace (or more appropriately fire pit) as the focal point for the outside area. These are great year round and it should be well planned to accommodate a maximum number of people and for safety.

If I'm in the mountains the days would be spent hiking them. The gazebo and water feature would have limited effect. It sure would be nice to be 'round the fire at night, unless out for a moonlight hike. Think the water feature would be an attraction for mosquitoes n such.

I really like the outdoor fireplace. The outdoors can be just as cozy as the indoors. Just think of the last time you went camping...

I also wanted the Smokeyview, but they are all nice. Having been to the Smokies on more than one occasion, I have to say that while a water feature or a gazebo would be nice, there is nothing better than sitting outside by a cozy fire entertaining friends and family. Every backyard should have an outdoor fireplace.

There is no choice :) Fireplace :) I enjoy grilling far too much not to have an exemplary place to cook and entertain. I'd rather do the water feature myself since I would want to make it part of a garden area. (hummm -- may have to do an outdoor model railroad if I go that route)

I guess I could add a gazebo to the garden.. which means I WANT IT ALL :) But the fireplace and outdoor kitchen FIRST :)

The outdoor fireplace looks great with a way to entertain on those chilled evenings. Will the fireplace have the ability to barbeque as well?

The other comments on the BLOG I feel were important were the screened-in porch, Ceiling Fans on the porch, Garage, Cable or Satilite TV hookups on the porch and perhaps at the outdoor fireplace as well.

Thanks for all you are doing!!

Frank

I'm with you Ron, on the choice of the Smokeyview--the wraparound porch is the feature that will be mandatory in my cabin someday! I'm sure DIY will do a great job of making the Greenbrier model a "dream of a home."

If the cabin was my permanent home, I would definately opt for the water feature over the fireplace. But due to the maintenance required for a backyard water feature, it wouldn't be as practical for a vacation home.

Thanks for the opportunity to watch this process evolve. Meanwhile, I'm dreaming of cabins from Cleveland!

An outdoor water feature that leads to a beautiful fireplace..... a couple of rocking chairs would make this outdoor area complete....

The water feature is just spectacular! They are all nice but I'm especially partial to water features.

How about an outdoor kitchen to go with the fireplace? Someplace everyone can gather, with plenty of skeeter protection, and still enjoy the ambiance of sharing a fire and good grub.

Love the idea of the Cabin in the Smokeys... Would like to see a floor plan with better distribution of the living area to a downstairs Master Bedroom type suite... Works better for those older years.

very surprising to me that greenbriar won, since it was the only one that didn't have the high ceilings and sense of space that the other two plans had. since we once owned a log cabin, i know how important this feeling was to me. oh well, i'm sure it was be charming. looking forward to see how it progresses!

I sure hope that the outdoor fireplace wins it this time. It is so perfect to set out in the evening and watch the fire.

How about the outdoor fireplace w/ a pergola covered patio that overlooks a water feature ?!?

Fireplace! Hands down!!!!!!!
A cool mountain night with a warm roaring fire.
What could be more romantic for a couple...or cozy for a family?
The Princess Hotel in AZ has them and they are dreamy.

What's the choice? Up in hill country, I want to roast marshmallows. What better way than with an outdoor fireplace, a guitar, a few voices (more or less in tune), and friends to put it all together.

I am so excited about voting on this cabin. My husband and I vacation in this area each year (always renting a cabin)and love spending our days hiking the Smokies. Our dream is to retire to this area one day. I know exactly where Kinzel Springs is located (what a lovely location ... the Walland/Townsend area takes you back in time)and from everything I've read, the developers of this area are being very careful not to take away from its natural beauty.

This all aside, I am voting for the Outdoor Patio with Fireplace. I love outdoor entertaining and cooking. What a perfect place to gather your friends and family, not only to share your time, but to also share the natural wonders that surround your home.

I cannot wait to see the outcome of this beautiful cabin and will no doubt be entering the contest each day.

Thank you.
Diana Smith

I think the fireplace options is the best. It extends the living space and takes advantage of the wonderful outdoors of the Smokeys. It is perfect for entertaining or quiet times with that special someone!

Love this idea, DIY keep up the good work!

I loved the Smokeyview the best also.

My choice would be the fireplace - it would add an outdoor "room" to the house and expand the usable area. I love ponds/water features, but they do require maintenance to keep the pumps & filters clear and debris cleared out. If this was a full-time home it could be added to the list of chores, but it would be more work than I'd want for a weekend/vacation place.

I was surprised everyone went for Greenbriar. The outside was pretty, but the interior layout was the most impractical.

The best interior layout of the three was Trillium. It had entrances from the back deck to the utility room (which the other two designs lacked) and to the [larger] dining area. It also provided access to the ground floor bathroom without having to go through a bedroom.

The upper loft area could have been converted into another bedroom while keeping the open feel by adding a wall with a large window to overlook the living area. It could also have been set up with a sleeper sofa or futon and used as a den, office, play area, or TV area, and for additional guest sleeping.

My husband and I love the out of doors. The sounds and sites of nature that are there. Especially in the foothills of the Smokey Moutains.

While the other outdoor focal points are nice I think the functionality of the outood fireplace has my votes hands down.

Morning coffee, evening star gazing would be most enjoyable in before a fireplace. It extends your living space to the outdoors and draws you out.

To me it's just the perfect surroundings for an already gorgeous home and great location.

When most people talk a log home, they are include waterfront with their comments. So why are more people not voting for the water feature?? Picture sitting on your deck and listening to the water flow as the water trickles down the river rock and into the vast pond. Enjoy the relaxing sounds of the water, the birds and enjoy your feet up and your drink at hand as you relax on your porch. Then you can get up and any time, walk over to pond and feed the fish as they swim around. Then you look to discover a bull frog has found your pond and is making it his new home. How could this not be part of the landscape?

An outdoor BBQ is great but how many of you are building a BBQ pit or your like me and have a gas grill sitting on your deck or porch and when you want a meal, you turn on the gas, flick the flame and TAHAH!!!! Dinner is started. Oh but your saying you want to enoy sitting by the fire? How many of you already have a chimney that you light up and enjoy on your deck?? That water feature is soudning better now isn't it????LOL

So I hope some of you will see my vision and join me in voting for the water feature!!!

Have a great day everyone!!

Leigh Fahringer
Nazareth, PA

I love this home. It looks just like the one my husband and I built a few years ago but had to sell and now i live next door to it and have to look at it everyday!The only thing I can see wrong with the floor plan is the kitchen area. I wouldn't put in the peninsula. You don't have much space where a table could go especially in front of french doors that open it. It would feel cramped. I would make the island a little bigger and leave the rest open. It would also be great to have a screened in room off the back of the house where you can relax on a hammock or eat a bbq dinner and not have to deal with the bugs!

I love the outdoor fireplace. What a nice way to end the day!

I am really cheering for the fireplace. At our previous home,we had birthday parties and BBQ's that lasted until midnight. Once it got dark outside our guests would run inside grab their sweaters and head right back outside. I can imagine doing that again, but being able to sit in front of the fireplace and relax with our firends and family enjoying all the aspects of being outside would be so enjoyable. I loved the water fall as that would bring many birds and animals to your front door so to speak but also being limited to how you can utilize it and enjoy it. I am a mother of four and for me I think the fireplace would perfect. The gazebo is great but I can picture my kids hanging from it and again not really using it as much as the fireplace.

I like the idea of an outdoor waterfeature, but think it might be an attractant to snakes and other critters.

I think the outdoor fireplace would be the better option.

I hope the stone fireplace will win for the natural rustic feeling to go along with wilderness of the mountian.

I really love the outdoor fireplace; a fire pit would be fine also. The waterfall is nice, but I still prefer the fireplace. I agree that the gazebo would be my last choice.

Also, will there be a closet in the downstairs bedroom. Looking at the plans I don't see one. I think a closet would be nice.

I agree with you about the wrap around porch; I have always wanted a house with a wrap around porch and tin roof. However I am happy with the Greenbriar, each plan had it's good points.

I would use a water feature that mimicks the areas you might encounter while hiking, streaming water and river rocks. Use the same river rocks in building a fireplace adjacent to the water feature. Fire and water are natural compliments and both bring that carefree feel to the outdoors of the home.

Outdoor fireplace all the way! Since this would be a vacation/retreat, the maintenance for a water feature is too great. To remain attractive, water features require a lot of time. Not something I want to do on vacation. I could easily, however, sweep off the fireplace area and be right at home quickly with coffee or tea, depending on the season!

I think the outdoor fireplace would really extend the living area of the cabin. Nothing could be more relaxing than lounging under a blanket by the fire and hearing the great sounds of nature. It would be great for kids as well - roasting marshmallows or hot dogs and making s'mores. What fun! It definitely gets my vote.

I would definately choose the outdoor fireplace. Did anyone see the HGTV's dream house last year? It had an outdoor fireplace and it was all covered, but not enclosed. They did a beautiful job on it, and I would love to see something similar to that. It doesn't have to be nearly that extravegant, but just a big beautiful fireplace and seating area that is coverd. If you didn't get to see the dream home from last year, here is a link so that you can see what I am talking about. http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/dream_home_tour_2006/text/0,,HGTV_24257_38438,00.html

I think that the location in the smokey mountains lends it self very well to out door living, the water feature isn't a outdoor feature that supports an active life style, it's a visual effect. The gazebo just wouldn't look good in that sort of location. therefor I believe that the outdoor fireplace is the winner. It needs to be more of an outdoor kitchen where a family and friends can gather and enjoy the outdoors that this area is so well known for. It would be so dynamic if it wasn't just a fireplace, but had stone wall structure that also held a nice wood burning grill as well as a 36" or so wood fired pizza/out door oven. this could be a wonderful feature for the home.

Like most people the outside area of my home has become an extension of my living space. Family gatherings and our relaxation area has gone outside as well as inside. Although the sound of running water is appealing, the fireplace and patio with BBQ area is ideal for gatherings. The fireplace would be great for marshmallows and simply beautiful to look at as well as a perfect setting for private time with a loved one. The surrounding landscape ;of the mountain site, of the Greenbriar cabin would be a beautiful view. For us the fireplace area is definately a must have.

O.K. this is the one selection I believe is more of a personnal choice. I like the patio/fireplace as well as the gazebo but either of those I can design and put in myself. So for me the water feature would be the one I would like to see come with the cabin. On many lots water ponds or designer cascading water falls can only be placed in certain areas. Once they are designed and placed then it makes it easier to build patio and/or outdoor emenities around them. A nice lit fire pit wrapped by a stone patio looking out over a evening twilight sky with the sound of a water cascading through the rocks overlooking snow tiped mountains is as close to perfection as it gets.

I love helping pick the design, and would love very much to be the winner of the home.My husband and I go to the mountains on our anniversary every August.I think the outdoor firepit would be awesome. The fireplaces are off limits in August and no matter what cabin we've stayed at we've never felt that cozy feeling. I'm so excited- I don't know if I can wait another month!!

I definetly wanted smokeyview also. My whole idea of a log cabin is to bring the outside in, to enjoy 24 hours. Any of the designs will certainly be beautiful I'm sure. The floor plan I would like to see is the bamboo. Sturdy quality and light color of the wood will help hide dust. A must in my book. Who will have time to clean when we will be enjoying the great fireplace out back. Right? Keep up the good work

A couple of suggestions having frequented several remote cabins as well as family get aways.Slant the design towards use not a straight home concept. Is this rustic or plush?
Add in Green concepts:Solar in metal roof, Gray water reuse?, fireplace heat redirect to duct system?,etc. Family gathering or hunting buddies require more table space for games, cards etc.
Bunk rooms vs office space. Adding a 1 story rear shed roof for enclosed porch. Use footing for stone half wall with concrete floor. Tall windows with full screens make a great four season room that you can heat and cool. This would be place to get messy or retreat from bugs or keep the dog in. If wood fireplace a covered wood storage area. Cabinets extended to ceiling for more storage out of sight. Whole house fan to minimize cooling use during nice weather.

Hi bloggers,
I agree with most of you that the fireplace is the way to go. Kinzel Springs has a fishing pond and the cabin may be built on the pond,... or not. Anyway, why have a water feature in your back yard when you may have a mile large pond in your front yard! Since the cabin lacks large windows to take in the beautiful view of the mountains, we can at least sit outside by the fire and enjoy the view. The Townsend area is such a beautiful place and so close to Cades Cove, I can't wait to move in.

I think that the water feature would make the grounds feel more "woods'ey. My husband & I have a Gold Wing touring motorcycle. We try to come down to Pigeon Forge every April to the Spring Fling. We fell in love with the area! One of our favorite rides is to the Roaring Fork Nature Trail. Our bike runs alot quieter than some of the other makes of motorcycles, so if it is'nt too dry, we love hearing the sound of the water.It realy seems,if only for the length of the ride, that we are one with nature.

Are we speaking about a fireplace as in an outdoor kitchen if yes then that has my vote because the area has mother nature as the view. I also wish to comment on the exterior vs the interior of the cabin. Personally, i like the surprise, and extreme differences of having a log cabin on the outside and having a completely upscale kitchen with bright sheetrocked walls. I don't want to be surrounded by all of that dark wood. I want the modern fancy bathrooms and bedrooms since I plan to retire in a cabin in the Smokies. i want it professionally landscaped so when I am outside everything is nice as I sit and look at the mountains. I'm old, I don't want the inside of my log cabin to look old. It's fun to dream.

Where is the cabin located? Is it in the foothills or higher in the mountains?

Well...I love the open fireplace idea...that would be nice to sit around in the evening wih (or without) the kids!

The fireplace would be nice may a little water feature that would make my husband happy for sure the fireplace.Bennett

I think it would be nice to have the firplace, a nice place to cuddle with your spouse

ON OUR TRIPS TO THE SMOKY MOUNTAINS AND BLUE RIDGE GEORGIA, WE HAVE CHOSEN TO STAY IN CABINS WHICH FEATURE A BEAUTIFUL SUNRISE ACROSS THE MOUNTAINS. THERE IS NOTHING, IN MY OPINION, THAT COMPARES TO SITTING OUT ON A DECK WITH A CUP OF COFFEE WHILE THE SUN COMES UP ADMIRING GOD'S BEAUTIFUL ART.
I WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE CABIN WITH A VIEW OF A MOUNTAINSIDE AND ALSO BEING UP HIGH ENOUGH TO EXPERIENCE THE SUN COMING UP OVER THE MOUNTAINS. TOPS.

I love the out door fireplace. That would just set this cabin off. Linda

Outdoor fireplace is far & away most practical choice. How about joining it with exist. interior fireplace on right of plan & open it onto either a screen porch at floor level all along right, or a screened patio a few steps below porch and floor level (choice would depend on the topography of lot.) Then you could change those windows on right side of living & dining rooms into glass french or sliding doors leading to the all season porch or patio. (Glazed panels could be switched out with screens for winter.)
The fireplace would have a chimney going all the way up, so you could grill there (with optional gas grate or log lighters) and even put a pizza oven above for fun. This would incorporate everyone's dreams (or at least a lot of them) and give a wonderful indoor-outdoor space. You could even make it tall enough to clear the upstairs office/bedroom window and have that soaring space some have bemoaned the loss of in the selection of this plan. Would this be an exciting space, or what?
p.s. The tin roof is non-combustible, so a good choice in the woods (the cedar shakes would be a fire hazzard.) Also, the sound of the rain on a metal roof would be wonderful. In the main part of the house it would be muffled by the insulation.

why not both? the water feature and the fireplace? think about what both do for peace and tranquility? what better than a warm fire, the sound of running water and good friends to share it all with! i would definately do both! talk about wow factor! my family would live outside even if weather was questionable. conversation instead of tv, computers and video games..................wonderful.

I think the fireplace would be the best feature. It creates a great focal point for the yard and is hands down more useful. It's also the same kind of feature I want for my backyard. Still working on it. I'll send in a pic when I have it completed, but back to the blog. The fireplace is multifunctional and I think the gazebo would not be used as much, and the water feature wouldn't work because you could walk five feet out the front door and run in to a water feature thats God made, and all natural. Anyway, thanks for the blog. Hope to win and can't wait to see it.

If you're afraid of snakes and critters, why are you thinking about winning a cabin in the Smokies? The woods belong to the snakes and critters, and those who live in their territory should be glad if they are accepted as anything other than interlopers. Ever think about how snakes like to warm themselves on stone/rock/sidewalks and such? They would love the outdoor fireplace and seating area! Another thing: How many friends and relatives are you intending to entertain on your patio? When we lived in our cabin in the woods, it was to live away from all those folks. So, okay, I vote for the water feature hands down, and as you can guess, I vote against the patio as being just another area to furnish and maintain. The water feature could certainly be built around one of nature's own water sources and require little or no maintenance.

I didn't get to this site in time to vote, but my vote would have been for the Greenbriar as well . . . it offers a lot of practicality in terms of heating/cooling, the lay-out works well for families and/or for folks as they age (with a decently sized bedroom on the first floor.)

Now in terms of outdoor features . . . my vote goes to the water feature. While I love to get a fire going in the summertime a simple, ornamental fire ring is the way to go . . . this is a case where simple is best . . . for toasting marshmallows, sitting around talking, etc. If you truly want to experience the same thrill you had when camping as a child, simplicity is the way to go.

So why would I go with the water feature? Well to be honest my wife has always enjoyed sitting beside a stream, pond or lake . . . she finds it to be pretty relaxing . . . plus whether this water feature is a pond, stream or what-have-you, it will attract wildlife and if done correctly should be nearly free of maintainence.

A few other points.

An outdoor hot tub would be a great idea. My wife and I have one now on our back deck and I can't imagine not having one . . . there's nothing like getting outdoors and relaxing together away from the distractions of life after a hectic day . . . and hot tubbing when the snow is coming down is one of the most serene experiences imaginable.

I also don't know if it's been mentioned, but a back-up electrical generator incorporated into the design of this cabin would be nice . . . either to design it with the generator now or to add a hook-up so it could be added in the future. I don't know how it is in the South, but up here in Maine living in the country often means living with occasional power outages . . . not a big deal in the summer, but this can be a serious issue in freezing temps in the winter.

I really like this whole concept of letting the consumers help to select the design, etc. I am hoping that all the other features I selected make the cut!! Keep up the great work. I LOVE DIY

I was sorry to see that Smokeyview didn't win too.
The Greenbrier has a bad floor plan for the placement of furniture in the main living area in relation to the fireplace. The fireplace seems to be stuck off to the side as you enter into the dining area and not the main focal point in the
living area. Smokeyview also had the better views.

It's a hard choice for the outdoor focal point. I like all three choices, but since I have to pick just one, I'd go with the fireplace.

A waterfall is a constant natural addition to the beauty of the area, while a fireplace has to be started to contribute to the ambiance. I'm guessing this fireplace won't have an automatic starter? As for maintenance, depending on the rules in the area, you may have to purchase or bring in the wood for two fireplaces, one in and one out. At the very least you will be gathering wood on a very regular basis in order for the fireplace to create atmosphere. Ladies?!!

While some folk say fireplace, they seem to be describing a fire pit, a lower profile which everyone can also grill and roast marshmallows on. An outdoor kitchen is altogether different than a fireplace and seems to be way out of proportion for the small log home in the woods. (For this convenience, I would open the large windowed French doors with sliding screen, just off the kitchen in the dining room and open the large pass through window in the kitchen for easy access to the BBQ sauce and plates) I believe the Texas HGTV home also had a fire pit which gave warmth and beauty in the fire and an awesome view.

We also tent camp in the mountains and always choose a place where we can hear the creek. I is so soothing in the evening (think open windows) and the birds and deer gather morning and night. I see a waterfall with a wonderful pond in proximity to large windows so whether in or out of the cabin you have a lovely view. It would be terrific to have French doors to open on a second small balcony/ just a step out, for another view of the waterfall! Who knows, there might be a way to pull the first floor bedroom in too!

I just wanted to look ahead, a bit, and remind people that glass tile is mainly recycled and so green, and also that soapstone can easily be recycled from archetechtural salvage yards. We can be green in this project, too! 8-))

It's a toss up between the water feature and the gazebo. The gazebo would be nice, especially if a hot tub was located inside! :)

The water feature would probably require less time and money making than the other two features. I also think it would be a wonderful addition to the surroundings!

Fireplace is more advantageous ...
It could be a party-pleaser ...
for a couple .. and/or community friends.

I, too, would like to see Universal Design specs used in this cabin--For two reasons. We have dear friends with two handicapped children. Once one knows someone with kids in electric wheelchairs--one finds oneself wishing for universal design where possible. Secondly--I'm not getting any younger! If you are still in the design phase...you could still incorporate UD for the ground floor.

Fireplace or pit for certain--I'd rather have a pit. Fires are an important part of the "woods experience."

I vote for the fireplace/patio. The one pictured is beautiful with the patio and grill. Having years of camping experience, we found that an outdoor fire was a huge hit with everyone to gather around. And, although it would be wonderful if it were screened-in (for those who were dreaming of a screened-in porch), having the hard patio surface does cut down on the amount of mosquitoes.

The gazebo pictured is the most darling one I have ever seen. It has such character. Wow, what a great accent to a woodsy setting. But as we have to choose one option, the fireplace/patio still gets my vote.

Please, no water feature! I do not want anything that would add to my outdoor yard maintenance. I envision a cabin to be used on the weekends or a few months during the summer or fall. That means no water feature and no hot tub.

Pardon for the late entry but the floorplan chosen does not reflect any closet space for the first floor bedroom...also where might someone do laundry...is there a basement...just some observations

Amy~
I would love to have a fireplace for warm family gatherings. Oh I can just see it now... And for nights with neighbors...A fireplace is a gathering ground for friends and family around which fond memories are made.

I too, am bummed about smokeyview...the wraparound porch was amazing, I don't even think you would need any outdoor feature with that! Huge windows are also important to me, which was why smokeyview and trillium were my favorites. Is it possible to make the windows larger? As far as outdoor things go...I like to keep it minimalistic, I picked the gazebo. Such a beautiful garden could be added to that. I vote definitely no on the water feature: you're already in a gorgeous place, you don't need it. Someone else said no because of the maintenance involved, which is a good point.

I have to vote for the water feature. While it could be installed later, it would be MUCH more expensive than adding the patio/faireplace post-construction. As to the gazebo, I agree with everyone who has pointed out that those are VERY easy to install yourself, much less expensive than either of the other two ideas, and have much more limited use due to not being right next to the house like the patio/fireplace would be. Anyway, long story short - WATER FEATURE PEOPLE!!! :)

I am a bit confused as to why there would be some outside focal point. If this is going to be in the Smokey Mountains, wont the views surrounding it be a great focal point already?

I found the outdoor fireplace & patio proposal to be enchanting! It would be the perfect area to entertain. Of course, I also thought the Smokey Mountains were magnificant the first & only time I saw them which was last year. I enjoy being outside whether I'm fishing & dreaming of the state record or mowing grass. During my visit @ the Smokey Mountains, I saw nature's beautiful streams which man could not possible duplicate. When I was growing up, everything had to have a useful purpose so I will admit I'm not familiar with some items. What exactly would one do in a gazebo? Definitely, the fireplace! I'm too old now to explore the deep woods with my girlfriends & I know better than now to slip off to swim in the strip mines.

The fireplace would be a warm and inviting addition. It's so relaxing to sit and listen and watch a fire.

Interesting theme have mentioned. With pleasure I shall support.
airline tickets
And in general, good blog

ok funny- your outdoor fireplace is in "this old house" mag. front cover of June '06! Oh, but first please hang a tree swing like on pg. 125!!
Pg. 89 wooohhh a pizza oven! Imported from Italy by Mugnaini Imports, made of Santa Rosa stone. Rustic copper faucet!, Flameproof material stucco, stone brick.. I like stone most.OOOOKKKK and here we go there is a cooking pavilion on pg. 93 woooowwwww! Now we could have a "gazebo" and "fireplace/grill patio"!!! Set a short distance from the house .. my idea have a short garden gazebo walking to it. (smile) This is built to be completely self-suffficient. Slate topped island.. hmmm carries out what I suggested asa backsplash for the kitchen that is closeby1 Then the stone fireplace.. exposed timber ceiling providing shelter and place for running elec. wires with a conduit to poer a chandelier. Flagstone floor, extends to the edge of a (well they have a man-made pont one one side of the pavillion; on another side , it cont. to a poolside patio near the house..... wow weeee!! That is all I have to say about that. Oh and please don't forget the pooch. We have a 100lb. Akita she needs to have an elec. fence if not fenced in and... a dog house. Ok, I am too caught up in dreaming now.. Better get back to laundry and realllllity. Ps that walk in shower is great for washing the dog indoors! But how about a shower outdoors for the kids and dog since there is no mudroom. Wow.. I am really dreaming now. Nothing elaborate just so warm water can be accessed. Got my order.. ok thanks. Ha, Ha.

Smores from the fire place; hot coffee or chocolate; warm blankets relaxing in front a fire on a chilly night. What else could one want?

May be a hammock for summer.

definetly have a great outdoor cooking area with all the emenities(minifrig.wet bar, prep area,etc.) always a plus

Everyone has voted and soon the cabin is going to be up, I just wish that more people would have considered a more convenient kitchen, the one that had more votes doesn't seem appropriate for a cabin, a little tight to move around when you're preparing food, something open is much better, specially the stainless one, since it's extremely easy to clean and disinfect and open to be able to move around when your cooking. Also the flooring, I chose the carbonized bamboo because it's also easy to manage and most of all, very good for our eco system. Anyways, I'm so excited to watch it built from the ground up. Thanks for giving us that opportunity to do so. I just hope that every one who is involved in building this cabin stay safe till the time it's finished. Your friend, Joy G.