I didn't vote on a bath design because there was not one I found acceptable. My wife sould love the clawfoot tub, but I want a plain, everyday shower. Can the Bath have a clawfoot tub with a standatd shower? Also, I voted for the woodburning stove because they look really rustic. A soapstone stove would be the best choice of woodburners, known for their long-lived radiant heating. The other fireplaces look like every modern homoe in Texas.

I believe that choosing between the top two won't be a problem because like me people have had a hard time choosing and are currently voting for both! I had originally chose greenbriar but the wrap around porch of the smokeyview drew me in again and again.
I can't wait till the episodes air!! I do wish the cabin was going to be in the middle of no where, however. Neighbors are good people to have but life without them and a really good CD turned up is sometimes a bonus!
Scarlet

I myself enjoy the metal roof it really works with the log house. However, I agree with the firefighter. I know this area very well and the summer thunderstorms are horrific. Also, I like all of the floor plans, but only saw one with a laundry. I think it's a must have. The screened porch (on the back)is also a must have for such a special place.

I have trouble choosing so I have voted for more than one home. The Greenbrier is probably my favorite because of the curb appeal and the large nicely appointed bathrooms. I like the idea of the extra office room for my art studio.One drawback is the absence of a raised ceiling with exposed chimney in the living area.Porches all the way around (some screened) would be great. It's nice to dine or sleep on a porch. What about a separate? garage workshop for the artist/metal worker/wood worker? The house needs to be accessible. Widened doorways, ramp to entrance, all that. There is almost no excuse these days, with our aging population, not to build both accessible and green. The Smokyview is also great but lacks a nice large well appointed bathroom with both roll in shower and whirlpool tub. If I were building for me, those things would be a must. Also, is there a skylight anywhere in the designs? The stars at night, clouds flying by, birds.......I have one in my bedroom and I love it and will be sad when my house finally sells because I don't think I'll find one like it. All 3 of the cabins are beautiful.

I like the wrap around porch. It provides year a round outside dining and the overhang just simply prolongs the first story's logs leaving only the second floor to treat over the years

I haven't voted every day but I still like the smokey. I have not yet seen an orientation of the building lot to its surroundings or view directions avalable. Yet, the cabin is not that big and I think the common room should be as expansive as possible to allow for the view and sense of openness A southern exposure would be the best as the windows would not be open to direct sunlight during the hottest hours of summer and would be open to direct sunlight during the winter.

Bathrooms, floorplans? I look at this site almost daily and have never seen a bathroom or a floorplan. I agree with most, I don't like just one of the choices but maybe a combination or another one altogether. I am looking at this cabin as my permanent home so my needs are most likely different. I love the wrap around porch but the cabin seems very small the largest cabin looks more like a house. Must have a screened in porch or the mosquitoes will eat you...I would like to see 2 master bedrooms with master bathrooms and a third bedroom and bathroomm for guests (maybe in an upstairs loft). The 2 masters need to be separated by living area. Any suggestions on how I can see bathrooms and floorplans?

Floorplan: Trillium. Why is this plan coming in last? Yes, Smokeyview is picturesque. But Greenbriar is both an eyesore and non-functional, what with the 1st floor facilities being accessed via the master bedroom, kitchen backing onto the living room, and least amount of porch/deck space.

The blog-cabin is being built in the Northern Hemisphere, so the Smokeyview plan pretty much has to have its entrance aimed west [so that all the glazing points south] or south-west [glazing south-east] for good lighting/heating. Same idea w/ the Trillium, but since its entrance & major glazing coincide, you're looking at anywhere between south-east & ssw. Greenbriar: who cares? That floor plan is a loser no matter what you do with it! ;)

Agreement with the comment about the claw tub: I'm a guy, I want to stand up when I bathe: gimme a shower every time, but on the 3 days a year when I actually want/need to lay down in a tub, I'd like to have that option. I'd *also* like a tub worthy of the name! Last time I fit comfortably in a tub stateside was when I was about 14 years old; since then, the only tub worth my time I encountered in Edinburgh: not any longer than our tubs, but since it was about 30" deep, you could actually fill it l/2 way, get in, & have the water you displaced come up & cover your knees! None of this "overflow drain at 1 ft below the edge" nonsense either!

As far as fireplaces go, you might say I'm a traditionalist at hearth! If I can't have an open fire [which, let's face it, is pretty much a thing of the past what with pollution standards, etc nowadays] then please give me the wood- (pellet?) burning stove: at least I can have a pot of tea or some pastries keeping warm on top while I'm sitting & enjoying the fire! But frankly, all 3 of the fireplace options are winners; my call on the stove is purely based upon the slight added functionality - I like'em all!

Don't care for the "rustic branches" bannister treatment: a little too "Bavarian hunting lodge" for my tastes, as it's too easily overdone, & then overwhelms the other interior decoration options. Unless you're going for a "full kitsch" cabin, it's better just to go w/ the traditional railing [the "round" option looking kind of odd, what with all the heavy square vertical pieces spoiling the effect of the round bannister... What's up w/ *that*?]

Kitchen cabinetwork:
Not a fan of the "country" artificially distressed finish, but hey, that's easy to paint over later when it goes out of style. As big a fan of industrial kitchens as I am, the stainless steel option is just tooooo out of place in our little blog cabin! Call me contemporary, but the country style is a happy 2nd place for me...

Tin roof, double hung windows, oak floor: I was very pleased to see all my choices there running in clear 1st place positions in the polls. There's still hope for the world, if these easy choices are being made correctly!

Of the options I haven't mentioned, the only thing that concerns me in the polls is the landscaping focal point. C'mon, people, what are you thinking? Have you any idea of how much harder it is to put in a water hazard in your backyard putting green vs. building a patio? Repeat after me: water feature! water feature! water feature! Remember, you've got to treat this exercise as if _you're really going to win it & live there_: installing a patio is easy enough for anyone w/ decent health and access to a cable programming based on a credo of Do It Yourself, but water features are something I'd rather have an expert do for me. Think about it... digging a firepit or installing plumbing and wiring up pumps? Which job would you rather tackle on your own?

I have loved log homes since I was a kid and bought land in Colorado for such a home. I wish to build a larger home than the plans that are presented but I like the open floor plan of Smokyview which mirror my dream home in style.

I like tin for the roof because I have seen many in magazines that look fantastic. I would like a log home that incorporates the rustic with a slight contemorary feel for comfort. I selected most of the rustic choice but granite for kitchen countertops and walkin shower for the contemporary side with an outdoor patio.

The options are very nice and I like Amy's suggestions. Your team does a great job in making DIY look like a lot of fun. Keep up the good work.

I vote for the Smokeyview. I love the roominess of this floor plan so I can get down on the floor and play with grandbabies without having to move the furniture around. I can just picture us on the porch swinging on a porch swing too, creating precious memories together.............. :)

Hi Amy and Ron,
I agree with Amy about the Smokyview being the best choice for a floor plan. It's very open and has a great flow. I hate wasted space. I think a person has more options with an open floor plan and you can create and re-create the room just by changing the furniture around or by changing the rugs. The possibilities are endless. Also, the kitchen is close to the living room so it's easy access to the side/back porch. Speaking of the side porch, I think the fireplace should be on this side, and not on the front as shown in the floorplan. Two reasons: First, the fireplace is taking the best spot for a big screen TV. The TV should be where the fireplace is now so you can see the it from the kitchen, dining room, as well as the living room. Second, if the fireplace was on the side porch, center or so on the wall with a sliding door (with a french door look) on either side, it would help break up, by design, the living room and the dining room. And, because I voted for the outdoor fireplace, the living room fireplace could be incorporated into the double fireplace, that I suggested before on the 15th (the fireplace in the living room, with the backside of the fireplace being a BBQ grill/fireplace on the porch.) It's the best of both worlds, and it's more economical. It would be so cool!! (Actually HOT! -wink, wink!! ) I'm probably the only one that's been voting for a tile kitchen countertop. To me it makes more sense. You can be so creative with tile, as opposed to the other stuff that is too expensive to change out when you get tired of the color. I also voted for the faux decorative finish for the walls, because it is another opportunity to be creative! Tin roofs and wormy front doors just goes with the whole cabin motif'. These are my $.02 worth of answers to your million dollar questions. Thanks again, Sandy Young

With regard to the floorplan choice, I think that the intended use of the cabin affects floorplan selection as well. Full time occupancy would dictate different choices than weekend and vacation usage. For instance the Smokeyview does not really provide a master bedroom & bath combination. It is also not friendly to anyone physically challanged, because what appears to be the main bedroom is on the second level. The open floorplan makes it more difficult to have individual space and environment. Noise travel could be an issue. Again, these are probably only issues for full time use.

I think that while it provides good views out the one end, if the orientation does not allow for the Smokeyview to have its massive glass wall facing South, it will be an energy abuser year round. The very expensive energy efficient glass would help this. Given that the builder sites talks about R33-R36 insulation value roofs, the glass wall has the potential to negate the expense of the good roof insulation.

The Greenbriar is a more traditional floorplan and does provide good porch space and windows for day dreaming at the view. It provides It also has better bathroom facilities for full time use. It needs to have a laundry room, preferably on the first floor.

Your observations about the lot location and cabin orientation affecting floorplan selection are valid, but I think that one must also consider the use model and energy requirements.

The tin roof is the natural first choice since it is the most fire resistant from the standpoint of flying ash. Install a fire sprinkler system to keep the Fire Dept and insurance co happy.

I vote for Smokyviews floor plan

I love all three, but I have chosen the Trillium for the utility room. However I love the Greenbriar. This is my idea of a vacation cabin should look like. The Trillium has the best floorplan of the three. Everything would fit well in side this floorplan as well as outside. Thank you for this opportunity.

SMOKYVIEWS, face the big covered porch with big window looking south-southeast would give you great early morning sun in the winter to have your coffee and watch the birds at the feeders and bird bath. You would have great shade during the summer to enjoy the out-side. You would have the feeling of the out-side in your great room.

ozark

Why is there so much wasted space in the modern day floor plans? What happened to functionality within the home? What is the purpose of a home if not to live in it? I am not fond of the outer shell of the Trillium home, however, I think that it is the plan with the most growth potential. A family could easily remodel to fit its growing needs.

I think that this idea is wonderful. I have wanted to re-design my house and I have had alot of the choices you have in my own design. I think that the double hung windows are a must for cleaning , and that the big windows make the deal sweeter for style. It is truely a GREAT house.
Thanks,
Julie

I haven't seen any of the floor plans, but my idea of a dream plan would have to be an open,airy type. Also would love to see a wrap-around porch so you could see the views from everywhere. Lots and lots of curb appeal would also be appealing with a huge fireplace in the cabin. A loft of course would be welcome. Wish I could supervise the whole thing and get more than my 2cents worth of ideas in it....LOL. Joy

Hi ! Blog Cabin Bloggers and Bloggerettes,

My favorite floorplan is The Smokyview ! For twenty years I have always dreamed of living in a log home, I leaf through the glossy magazines in bookstores,so many wonderful designs from which to choose. I always seem to "home in" on the style that looks like The Blog Cabin's "Smokyview".
It must be a good luck omen !!! heheh.

With all those windows bringing the great outdoors,indoors,not to mention the beautiful fire place and stove, who would even want to look at a TV ???

Ever since I was a little kid, I've loved to read...my earliest favorite story was The Three Bears...You could just imagine Moma bear serving up the porridge in this cosy log cabin in the woods :o)

Perhaps I would write a novel when I win !
Are you sitting comfortably? Then I'll begin. Once upon a time...
( You'll have to wait to read the rest !)
Love,
Goldilocks.

The Greenbrier plan is a classic and it's style is timeless. Thirty years from now it will still be in style. The other plans are dated and limited. My only beef with the greenbrier plan is the master bedroom needs to be shifted to the main level. Let's be real, in thirty years from now I don't want to climb stairs to go to bed! The beauty of this plan is you can dress it up or cabin it down! Either way it's a great staring point.

I vote for the Trillium. The other two are too common. I don't like the idea of a metal roof for three reasons. 1) Everybody and their brother has them on their cabins in the mountains (and they're usually green). C'mon, let's be a little different. 2) They interfere with cell phone use. I live in a home with a metal roof and have to go outside when I use my cell phone. Very frustrating. 3) They're too noisy during a storm. Now, I like to fall asleep to the sound of rain on a tin roof as much as the next guy, but when it comes to those really hard rains, the noise is unbearable, especially when you're trying to watch tv, talk on the phone, or even have a conversation right in your own home.

As far as the bath goes, I'd really love to have that whirlpool tub. However, if it's your standard 5 ft. tub, forget it. I'm a tall person (long legs). If I can't really stretch out in there and soak after a cold day outside, then I'd rather have the walk-in shower. And please put a big enough hot water heater to handle a really LONG, HOT shower.

I like the wood-burning stove the best because it's more realistic and fits a log cabin better than the other two.

I much prefer the traditional banisters over the round. And I absolutely hate the branch look. Keep the walls simple (eggshell, I believe it was), and please don't use the stainless steel kitchen. It's too commercial looking. That may work well for a loft in some old warehouse-turned-apartment, but it doesn't belong in a cabin in the mountains.

As far as the outdoor scheme, I like the sound of trickling water too, but it's just not that big a necessity -- especially when it's manmade. If I can't have a natural creek in the back yard then I really don't need the water at all. I'd much rather have the patio. And the gazebo is a big waste of time. I don't want to walk way out in the yard to enjoy it. I want to walk out the door, sit on the patio, and enjoy my coffee early in the morning.

As far as the front door goes, the wormy Chestnut is the only choice. The others shouldn't even be considered.

I chose The Greenbriar for the following reasons:
-I feel this cabin would be a very comfortable plan for a group getaway. It is cozy and gives some privacy to guests.
- I live in a home with a floorplan much like the Trillium with a loft area. It is overrated and less functional space.
- The Smokeyview does not have the same appointments as the Greenbriar. For instance, I can well imagine my family and friends enjoying the large and well apponted bathroom in the Greenbriar, no such anemities in the Smokeyview.
-Finally, as a real estate appraiser, I see more value in the Greenbriar.

SMOKYVIEW IS THE BEST OF THE THREE. I LOVE THE IDEA OF AN OPEN FLOOR PLAN AND THAT ONE OFFERS THAT AND MORE. I ALSO THINK THAT THE CLAW FOOT TUB WOULD BE THE BEST BUT YOU NEED TO HAVE A SHOWER ALSO. AND OF COURSE YOU HAVE TO HAVE THE OUT SIDE FIRE AND PATIO TO FINISH THE SEAN. I CANT WAIT TO SEE IT AND BE THE WINNER.

Hi Bloggers.
While I would LOVE to have any of the three cabins, I am most drawn to the Greenbrier. I love the traditional look of this cabin, and who wouldn't love to sit on that porch with a cup of hot chocolate or ice tea! Thanks for letting me be part of this and I hope that whoever wins enjoys many happy times in a warm beautiful vacation home!!!

While I agree the Smokeyview is the most practical of the plans, I am drawn to the Trillium (although I am way outnumbered!!) for all of the open space and light from the great room windows!

I can't imagine what it would be like to even live in..or own any one of these beautiful homes.
It would be a dream come true for my family to even live in a house. I am very grateful for what we do have. I voted for my favorites,it was a lot of fun!
I enjoy diy so very much. Thank-you

Hi, Mr. Lubke. As I commented to Amy, I have been torn between floorplans (Smokeyview for the sense of open, luminous and nature environment, and Trillium for its sense of safety and the excitement of a two story house since I have always lived in one level houses). What I have not written to Amy is that the other floorplan does not appeal to me at all. It looks like a plain, everyday home. Also, I have never changed my mind about choosing the convenience of a modern shower bathroom, the asphalt roof shingles or the iron door design. A plus would be a half bathroom on the first floor of the Trillium.

Good luck with the project. Cordially,

Christianne Nunez from Puerto Rico

Growing up in the Carolinas I had the priviledge of seeing all types of log cabins. I was disapointed that the kitchen cabinets were not a more rustic type..such as plain doors and hickory wood. Also the flooring should be a wide plank pine with the knots in it. The fireplaces in most of the cabins I went into as a child were stacked stone with large mantels usually a thick beam of wood. Usually they had claw foot tubs but not that many people take tub baths anymore so the shower is a good concept. All of the old cabins had tin roofs so you could hear the rain.

Hello Everyone, I try to watch the DIY Channel every chance I get. Those guys work like machines and make hard work look fun.
Good luck on the Cabin!
I"m from the South but my Father's family is from the North, and I have seen both type's of cabin's.
I think the cabin options is up the the individuals likes, not keeping up with the old
styles because there have been so many changes and up dates for confort and entertaining.
Although there are a few things we like to hang on to mix some of the past and the future.
I picked the Greenbriar for family and entertaining, but where do you put the washer and dryer? I would like it better downstairs.
I do have a question when it ask you to pick one shower or one tub? You have one bath upstairs and one downstairs. Are you putting the same one that is picked in the both places? I wouldn't want the same one in both places unless I didn't have a choice. #1 I liked the big walk through shower. #2 I like the tub with the jets, but it would be nice that bath would offer a standup steam shower in the same bathroom for a guest bathroom or masterbath.
I loved how the kitchen looked like it was a opened plan to the greatroom and there was dining space for extra seating and to have those special evenings together.
I also think you had a nice selection to pick from.
As far as the outside goes, I don't care for The Gazebo. I don't think I would get enough use out of it. I do like the sound of the Natural Rolling Of Water From A Stream, but I wouldn't want the up keep of keeping the bugs away, so forget that! So I pick the Patio with the Fireplace/Grilling/Lounging Tables to Relax and Entertain and a overhead ceiling fan would add a nice touch with electrical outlets to listen to music, ballgames! Some of us are still pushing for maybe some of the patio to be screened in and how about that HOT TUB! COME ON DIY TEAM, LET YOUR IMAGINATION GO WILD ON THE DREAM COME TRUE CABIN FOR A LUCKY SOMEONE!

the greenbriar was the best choice,i love the wrap around or farmers porch,as far as the roof,the tin roof would be the most beautiful,hearing the rain is so relaxing. the cherry floors,and the walkin shower are a must after hiking,liked the country style cabinets,the set up,not the color,the cotemorary cabinets have just enough style without making the place to formal,so with the flow thru the house,the cabinets,shower,cherry floors walking out to an outdoor fireplaced patio,imagine,feel the heat!

the greenbriar was the best choice,i love the wrap around or farmers porch,as far as the roof,the tin roof would be the most beautiful,hearing the rain is so relaxing. the cherry floors,and the walkin shower are a must after hiking,liked the country style cabinets,the set up,not the color,the cotemorary cabinets have just enough style without making the place to formal,so with the flow thru the house,the cabinets,shower,cherry floors walking out to an outdoor fireplaced patio,imagine,feel the heat!

Hello!
I am planning a summer camp for girls in July 2007, our theme is DIY.
i am also a technology education teacher and have lots of girls who say "i cant do it , I'm not a boy!" or assume they cant build projects because they are "just a girl." i think this is the main reason i chose the theme for the summer camp!
I was wondering if you had any posters and if possible could autograph a poster for us to display in the dining hall for camp, and one for my classroom. perhaps inspirational words that girls can fix, build, and design things! i love that you are a women and do fabulous work and want to show these girls they are capable of soooo much. i am trying to write to as many celeb carpenters or DIYers as possible to put up posters and inspirational words for the camp and school. any assistance you can provide would be great!
thanks for your time.
allison williams boham
5911 yucca dr
fort pierce, fl 34982

What a great idea. I enjoyed voting on the different parts of the design, as well as seeing how my choices compared to others. I look forward to watching the project progress.
As a former firefighter I would mention that tin roofs are difficult to vent. Venting allows the heat, flames and smoke to escape and gives firefighter a way to control the fire. A portable chop saw would allow firefighter the same access, though.
Although the rustic features of a log cabin are striking, I would enjoy finding contemporary suprises throughout the interior design. The challenge is working with the log cabin structure and creating modern amenities!

Hi;
After looking at the scenic view showing the Gazebo, I think it would be very beautiful to incorporate all three( Waterscene, Gazebo and Barbeque into a fantastic show case for all of the visitors! A stone walk way and patio would set it all off.

I was wondering why on the floor plan chosen there is no closet for the first floor bathroom? I am handicapped and was wondering if someone with stair limitations won there would be no way to use the first floor as the main bedroom.
Thank you for your help.

I have'nt been able to keep up with all the designing of the cabin, however at the risk of being a wet blanket...I was curious about the availability of the essentials such as water, electric, T.V. , waste disposal and access to emergency services. These issues can become quite the headache when repair time comes.

Rob

I love the cabin very much and it needs to be country style with the cedar roof. the kitchen should have the country look .The fire place should be made of rock to look natural . I would love the chance to live in such a beautiful cabin and enjoy the feel of nature.thank very much .mic

i was very exceited about being able to help in the design of the log cabin. this is something i've always wanted to do. i have also come up with my own version of a home i've designed in my head and i just love the the design of that house in my head if you would like to know my design i'd like to share it. i also love you programing on the diy network i watch it daily and have gotten lots of ideas from the different shows. thank you jessie bittinger michigan

Don't forget solar Energy with this Cabin!

HI, I WOULD LIKE TO COMMENT ON NEXT YEARS BLOG CABIN. PERSONELLY I WOULD LIKE TO RECCOMEND THAT WEST VIRGINIA WOULD BE A GREAT SITE. WITH MANY AREAS TO CHOOSE FROM. LIKE THE NEW RIVER BRIDGE AREA OR ELKINS FOR THE SKIERS. OR NEAR CHARLESTON. THE WHOLE STATE IS A WONDERFUL AREA FOR A NEW BLOG CABIN.THANK YOU. BOB