I love everything about the location, the choice of design and I would be grateful to win such a cabin.
I do check regularly on the designs most likely to win and I wanted to comment on two:
I would prefer not to have a white kitchen.....so so so hard to keep clean in the mountains and
I love soaking and relaxing my muscles after a hard day on the trails or after horseback riding.
Most of the people chose a white kitchen and a shower...
But hey as I said before I promise not to look a gift horse in the mouth...

How wonderful! I had noted that some of the lots backed up to a stream; however, I didn't expect that the winner would be so lucky as to have the cabin on one of those lots. How generous. There was a creek behind our property when I was growing up. We kids spent hours splashing in it, looking for tadpoles, lizards, etc. For those who want the water feature, nature has already provided one!

How exciting...broke ground yeah..cant wait to see what happens..I tried to view the video nothing happened..please advise thank you.

The property looks great.
I agree with Ron a hottub would be a wonderful addition.

Hang some swings for the kids on a couple of those trees. At first, I thought the hottub was asking to much of you at DIY and I didn't even think of it admittedly, but it is a good idea. I just blogged on the outdoor patio question and I suggested a gazebo type (not really a gazebo, more like roofed in of wood and still open on the sides) but you could add the screening.. I forgot to say that. Yes that is a plus and already decided on it seems. So.. oh and instead of a pond to the side of it there is where the hot tub would go.. the other side still a pool of some sort..something small but refreshing. Unless the surrounding area has one nearby then... less upkeep in not having one. Please see the design and sugg. on pg. 93 of June '06 This Old House magazine! I wish I had $ I would design this myself!

I'M ORIGINALLY FROM CHICAGO, IL. BEEN IN TENNESSEE FOR 8 YEARS NOW. LOVE IT HERE! COULDN'T GO BACK TO THE BIG CITY. WOULD LOVE A LOG CABIN IN THE MOUNTAINS!

It is exciting to watch the process knowing that one of us blogging on DIY could actually win the home!!!

A hot tub would definitely be ideal for our family. I agree that sitting in a hot tub while watching it snow is relaxing and cozy. For me, I think of how romantic it would be to share in a glass of Champaign with my husband while under a blanket of stars.

A stream in the backyard is purely heaven. To continue with a nature and rustic theme throughout the building process would be very desirable for us. I love the feeling of being outdoors even when I'm inside. Adding a few rocks to the landscape, paired with a few plants would be a delightful addition to the yard. The back yard is a very special place for me as our family enjoys entertaining. A small patio would be a wonderful idea along with a stone path leading to the stream. I LOVE landscape so adding a waterfall or small wooden bridge would captivate the surroundings magnificently!

To add curb appeal to the front, small flowers and solar lights could line a stone path leading to the front entrance. Adding long grasses or bushy greens to the front of the home would add character to the home and bring in focal points of the home. A WELCOME HOME sign would be a nice touch for the winner.

In addition to my previous comments.........

I like the idea of adding a solar fountain, a few environmentally friendly woooden benches and perhaps a small tiki bar or patio set.

Indoors, adding a niche in the kitchen wall with a fountain would continue with the outdoors them.

Dear Ron, The pics look fantastic, and the hot tub sounds devine. However, I am concerned about something you said previously. In your message you stated, "You better be in good shape if you want to walk up and down the road getting to the cabin- it's a killer- but it just adds to the surroundings."
Is this cabin only being designed for those who are able bodied, or will there be access to the cabin for people who are physically challanged or elderly?
Is the interior of the cabin going to be user friendly for those in a wheelchair?
Or is this set up so that if the winner is disabled, they will need to make any needed changes after they win?
Wanting to know in Minnesota.

Hi Amy~
Wow...it just keeps getting better and better! A babbling brook running through the gorgeous property. I almost cried when I saw the pictures. How perfect is this?...and we haven't even gotten to the log cabin yet. I can hardly wait to see more pictures...
Who needs an exercise room when you have a steep hill to walk. Great cardio work-out.
I hope the log cabin has lots of windows to take in all of the beautiful natural surroundings.

The hot tub sounds great Ron, whoever wins should allow you access at anytime.
Yes to the screened in porch.

Hi Ron, All,

As to the hot tub, it would be a really great addition - no doubt. But possible downside is the management & maintenance work for anyone who may not have experience. In the minimum, I suggest if you do add it in that you provide the winner with hands on instruction about the upkeep such as regular cleaning and chemical management. And, finally, it would be best to have it shielded from weather effects, both for comfort of use, and for reducing the wearout factor from weather impingements.

Bill

This looks like a really nice place. I hope the construction site is located high enough so any flooding of the creek in the spring is not going to affect the cabin. An enclosed porch with a hot tub is a great idea, just like sitting in the hotsprings and watching the Northern Lights in the winter. Hopefully you keep a good balance between enough windows to see the beautiful surroundings and not so many that it is to costly to heat the cabin. Have you give it any thought what kind of heating system is going in the cabin, besides the fireplace? Be interesting to know.

I was wondering about the property,can you tell us how big or small it is? Is there room for horses? This sounds like a place my horses(2) would come in real handy to explore the woods.Im daydreaming about it right now, riding all day and coming back home to the hot tub sounds wonderful.

If I were planning this cabin retreat, in every detail, I would consider: 1. Design 2. Aesthetic 3. Function 4. Efficiency 5. Maintenance. Not necessarily in that order. I sure would not want a retreat that worked me to death! or worried me to death! Key Word: RETREAT!

I am 15 years old and I love the mountains. I wouldn't mind designing a cabin.

A hot tub...okay, sounds good. When I had to choose some of the designs for the inside, I was kind of disappointed. What about heated flooring for those chilly winters and a swing on the front porch. How about a walkway to the front door using a stone like the one from the first fireplace, if possible. I didn't care for the natural tile by itself, too plain. And the wood inside on the walls. A true log cabin is supposed to have wood logs on the outside and inside. And the railing. I like the branches, but not in all the same wood. The railing should be darker. It would be cool if the railing was made of twigs that are cast iron. And instead of flowers that are small geranimums or ordinary , how about wild flowers. There are birds in the mountains, so a bird bath and a birdhouse that resembles the actual cabin. The view at the back of the property is nice and it would be nice if there was a garden in the back. I think that some lights, like the solar ones would look nice coming from the top of the drive way to the bottom.
I like the idea of an outdoor fire place and it would be cool to have a fire pit in the backyard to roast marshmallows or if someone decided to go camping in the back. I think a big country sink, like the old fashioned ones would really make the country kitchen "country". And I think that the cabin could use a sun porch on the back, not the front. Rocking chairs would be nice for the front.
Don't forget the welcome mat!

I disagree with the hot tub and porch. I don't think that a hot tub should go on a screened in porch, unless the porch is big enough for a hot tub and a seating area.

Hello Ron, Amy, and whoever else cares to read,
My wife and I spent our honeymoon in a log cabin in Gatlinburg, TN a few years ago and we loved it. We go back every year now and bring the kids with us. Its really nice being in the mountains and out in nature listening to the sounds and seeing all the "creatures". I know I would love to win this cabin and believe my wife would too. It doesnt really matter to me what or how yall decide to build it just as long as its as beautiful as its surroundings. Eventhough, a hot tub would be nice after a long, hard week at work!

I'm in agreement about the white kitchen and shower; I've been voting on that whirlpool tub but feel it slipping away...just can't imagine a cabin and all that wonderful outdoors to explore and not have a hot tub of water to soak in at the end of the day. i do like the country kitchen, but not in the color shown so have been voting on contemporary. can the "country" kitchen be in a darker stain of wood? someone else may have suggested this already but how about a garden shed? granted this is hills and trees, but always need a little garden space / shed for planting and such. i saw an amazing idea on the side of a garden shed...they took the two side gutters from the roof, ran them both down to a center point of the side wall into an old barrel, put a spicket on the side of the barrel and there was your gardening water in the summertime! ohhh just so excited that the process has begun!!
Thank you DIY!!

Cherry Oak vs. Gold Heart Pine Flooring....
Come on all you cherry oak voters!!! we are neck and neck! Can't you imagine a log cabin home, all the beautiful lighting reflecting off of the cherry oak flooring...pine is pretty too, of course, but light and doesn't have the drama and romance of the dark cherry oak!! vote, Vote, VOTE!!

Gorgeous. That's all - just gorgeous. Me and my dogs can't wait to move in -- we were just up in that area on vacation and my dog loves streams ; ).

Cant wait to see the completion,, adding a swings for kids would be great . We have two boys I think having an opportunity for a log cabin home would be a great place to make great memories but also it will show a different way of life for my boys and for us as well. verses city life..in albuquerque new mexico..we would love a getaway home.

Greetings Bloggers! "This is PICTURE PERFECT!" It paints a thousand words! It took my breath away too! I thought I seen a diamond in the rough in that bubbling brook. Well it looked like something shiney! Check it out! As Spring approaches and all those trees start budding their leaves then it's going to be even more beautiful and shady. We noticed the Evergreens! I agree that this will be a huge blessing for the winner. DIY STAFF, AMY AND RON, your AWESOME!!! We are having no luck in accessing the video yet. We can't wait to watch it though. (Probably some computer error on our end, I'm sure.) Can't wait to see phase two! What is the lot number if I may ask?

What I find facinating about the area is that the surrounding community has a drive to protect, preserve and enhance their surroundings. Conservation is important and using natural resources when possible is key. The Little River Watershed plays an important role in the community. I personally believe that it would be a wonderful experience to be involved in this community project. I use to volunteer my time to help the blind and it is self rewarding to be involved in the community. It provides a path for our children and a learning tool. My daughter at age thirteen is involved with an after school recycling program. I'm very proud!

The area of Kinzel Springs also has a logging industry which has been around since the early 1900's. Perhaps, purchasing items nearby would cut costs due to their abundance of wood and recycled materials? This would compliment the landscape and offer an authentic look and feel. The outdoor table and chairs could be authentic logs and the table top could actually look like the "core" of the tree. Using any reclaimed salvaged timber for the projects.

I also notice that the EPA has requirements for air quality and CLAIR standards when construction is started in the area. It is a breath of fresh air knowing this! :)

Ron!
The lot is nice but too bad it's not in California where the weather perfict all the time. And it would be even nicer if i won it.
Have fun on the build.

Ron,

I'm joining the party a little late, so forgive me if this question was already asked or answered. What sort of work has been done with regard to water and sewer? Given the rural location, I'm assuming that on-site provisions will need to be made for both. Shouldn't this have been a point of discussion prior to the floor plan?

Thanks...looking forward to a great cabin-building series.

Design the plumbing to prevent frozen pipes! Most cabins are vacation homes that are occupied only part of the time. It is really frustrating to arrive at the cabin for a weekend of skiing or whatever and to instead end up spending the entire weekend thawing pipes and replacing burst pipes and flooded carpeting, etc. I recommend having the plumbing contractor design a sloped and easily drained water pipe system that has NO low areas. For example, in our cabin we could reach under the kitchen sink, turn off the water supply down below the ground, and turn another faucet handle and drain all the water pipes in the house. One neglected item that did freeze and burst on us was the copper supply line to the dishwasher. We needed to put a small drain valve under the dishwasher to deal with that oversight. A related issue is what to do about the water in the water heater. If the tank is drained, the homeowners will burn out the element if the electricity to the tank is turned on before the tank fills back up. I think having a cabin is wonderful, and it is even better when time is spent before and during construction to prevent any future naintenance problems.

hi. sitelooks NICE if possible i would like to know if house is south facing if stream empties into river , lake have always invisioned my self living in log home

Hi All,

I've been so busy lately that I havn't had time to keep up with the progress so needless to say I am so excited about what's been happening with the Blog Cabin. The building site is amazing, the stream in back makes the whole setting perfect. Not having a chance to read everyone's comments and all the details regarding utiities, please excuse me if my questions or comments are repetitive. I am assume that there is electricity on site,is the home all electric? I live in the Pocono Mountains of PA and many of our homes here are all electric. Being pretty high up in the mountains and subject to severe weather in the winter, power outages some times occur. Two years ago we had a severe ice storm that left us with out electricity for 8 days. Beacuse of this, we now heat our home with propane (more economical than oil)and have a propane generator to run the major electrial systems in case of an outage. By major, I mean furnace, well pump and septic as well as a few important outlets like those in the kitchen and family room. So I would like to suggest the addition of a generator, just in case. It's a great insurance policy! There is nothing like mountain living but it does have it challenges at times. A log cabin has long been our family's dream, you know we'll be watching as the cabin takes shape.

me and my wife nancy were glad to here diy was building a log home in the smokey mts. we vacation there every year. me and my wife and two girls love to live in the smokey mts. the log cabin your working on is really a nice home the country kitchen is really nice. we hope the stand up shower wins. hpoe me and my family wins the log cabin

Along with all the beauty of the cabin, I enjoy nature,. I like to sit and watch the animals, I feed the squirls ,chipmucks and birds. I watch the turkeys come and feed. I used to hunt but had a job injury which left me partialy parilized so now all i can do is enjoy watching and feeding the aminals. so who ever wins this log cabin should take this into account and enjoy the outdoords for evrything that is seen and heard.

For Carmen, you might have to wait a few seconds so the audio can catch up to video down load than hit the play button again and make sure the volume is up, or at least that worked for mine. Jo Cookie made an excellent suggestion being able to bleed the pumbing system there is no standing water in the lines.

Ron,

I was mostly interested in finding out if you folks were going to put in a basement. Although you paint a nice picture soaking in a hot tub on a snowy day. I think you can get so much more use out of a basement; storage, crafting, hobbies, you name it.

The nearby stream is beautiful and may prove useful in the build. If enough river stone exists, perhaps it could be used in building the foundation?

The use of water resistant columns would protect the cabin from moisture. Moisture can rot and damage logs. I also noticed a blog on houseblogs where someone purchased a log cabin that a previous owner had painted with marine paint. The new owners found that they had rotted logs due to this mistake.

Pressure treated white pines are also an integral part of the building process. The pressure treatment resists insects, termites and decay. It is important to use pressure treated, EPA registered logs. The selection of pressure treatment lies with factors such as retention level (harsh climates) and the type of preservation needed. Waterborne is typical for residential, cresote for marine and oil-borne for utility poles. If green building is a desire while building, consider a newly introduced preservation classified with the EPA named “Ammoniacal Copper Quaternary (ACQ)”. It’s a consideration although, Pentachlorophenol has been predominately used for years.

Lay metal termite shields in the cabin foundation and spray insecticide on the gravel foundation for the porch to prevent termite infestation.

When building the framework, insure that it is perfectly square so the backhoe can dig accurately. In addition, check blueprints regularly & insure the depth of the trench is the same all the way around. It is important that the foundation is completely level, this way future cracks can be avoided. Leave room for a crawlspace.

Great pictures . . . this really gives us a small sense of what the place looks like . . . and it should be fun to watch the log cabin take shape as work progresses.

A few comments . . . knowing that the lot has a natural brook on it has changed my thoughts somewhat. I've been voting for the landscaping with the idea of incorporating a stream or pond. However, if there is a brook there presently I say why mess with what Mother Nature has provided so to speak . . . it's kind of hard to improve on what is there already (and it may violate some environmental laws).

Due to this reason I will be changing my vote in the future and going with the gazebo . . . My thinking is this . . . a gazebo (with the option of adding screens) might be nice to have in the backyard. At my house my wife and I have a hot tub on our back porch (roof, but no sides) and we love it. We use it year-round as it allows us to feel as though we're outside and yet we're protected from the hot sun in Summer, Spring rains and snow in the Winter (incidentally, there is nothing quite so relaxing as sitting in a hot tub watching snow gently fall to the ground.)

Hi Ron, I agree with the others, a basement is a great idea, or a garage. (For all those DIY projects of course:)) A mud room might come in handy too. The stream looks like fun!

Hi y'all~ (just trying it out to see how it fits!!)

Going back to the interior walls, I voted for the eggshell paint, however, I love venetian plaster. I think one room with venetian plaster would be a great idea.

I hope the house will be positioned where it will not catch alot of water run-off from rain and other precipitation. It could cause the ground to erode out from under it if not properly addressed. Other then that the property looks great. Reminds me of home!!

There has been no time for me to be online but today I took the time and even got my mom into designing the cabin. She knows a lot about designing and felt the options were a little too basic and too few. It will take time but it just seemed very limited in the amount of choices that were available. Everything was kind of plain and when looking at the votes some items would not match with the rest of the house. Some items were a little to country and not forest like in any way. Hopefully it won't turn out to look like a barn and be more like a cabin. Being outside is just as important as being in so I love the outdoor sitting area. Since it has a great family feel to it. Maybe you guys could consider bunk beds for just one of the rooms. All the bed rooms should be spilling out with warmth and rich colors that resemble fall leaves. Usually you see a TV in every house (or room) but this one should be without a TV. Maybe replace it with board games, a snow sled, and some fishing gear. This could be the great place to take the family to get closer and focus on the beauty of the land. I don't want to be overly critical and hope you guys are really going to use everyones comments. My family is excited to be apart of this and looking forward to the finished results.

Hi Ron and Amy just wanted to ask if a workshop could be included on this lot? Keep us posted on Blog Cabin more often!

YOU COULDNT HAVE FOUND A BETTER PLACE TO BUILD A HOME. TOWNSEND IS SUCH A WONDERFUL PLACE. THERE IS SO MUCH TO DO AND ONLY A SHORT DRIVE EITHER WAY. CADES COVE IS A NATURE LOVERS PARADISE! MY FAMILY AND I STAY IN TOWNSEND EVERY THANKSGIVING AND IT IS JUST A BLESSING. THE CABIN IS STARTING TO COME TOGETHER AND THINGS ARE LOOKING GOOD.KNOWING THERE IS A STREAM ON THE PROPERTY IS WONDERFUL.NOTHING BETTER THAN YOUR OWN CABIN IN THE GREAT SMOJEY MOUNTAINS.

It does not matter what is put into this cabin, Just the chance to win this beautiful home is more than enough for us.

Just wondering if the cabin has a stream wouldn't the patio with the fireplace be the best option? Nothing like listening to the stream and setting out by a warm fire. Oh and also they get pretty good snow in the winter so the fire would be really nice especially if the patio is covered. Patios can hold a hottub also.

Hi Amy
just wanted to say I have enjoyed the blog and the choices of the cabin
Thanks

Gorgeous lot! This definitely calls for a walkout basement. That would solve the problem of a proper location for washer, dryer, furnace, water heater, solar converter, generator, etc. not to mention possible drive-in garage under house, and Big DIY WORKSHOP!
For those having trouble w/seeing video, it may be blocked by your computer security. Try looking at top of screen & see if there is a box talking about "Active x controls." If so, click on permission to allow it & video will come in.
As far as hot tubs, water features, gazebos, even outdoor kitchen - a basement would be far more useful and valuable. Those extras could be added by the winner later.

The site location is ideal for the build and the hot tub may prove ideal for the build. There are so many key elements that can assist with the build. Costs can be reduced by utilizing the lumber from nearby. Plus, use of non-toxic or recycled building material can be used in an efficient environmentally friendly way. Once the project is completed it would be an added touch to provide a plan to divert from landfill disposal by cleaning debris generated by the project. Conserve natural resources whenever possible!

The preservation of natural vegetation is also significant to maintaining nature in the surrounding area. Perhaps, considerations for continual vegetation could be made but minimized. Plants that attract butterflies or birds may be a wise choice.

The discharge from the hot tub, washing machine, dishwasher or bar sinks can be utilized through a grey water cistern. The water can then be disseminated to the subsurface and water nonedible landscape plants.

The porch can face south and include items such as; certified wood furniture produced from the nearby logging company, cushions made of white organic cotton, recycled glass bowl with accent rocks, a fan man of compressed harvested grains or bamboo, add a few ryegrass shelves, two or three herb plants, and possibly make the porch into a solarium if it is cost justified. A solarium may retain heat and be a nice added touch for the cold climate.

My husband always mentions how efficient it would be to use energy produced by the wind. Are there any considerations that are cost effective?

With the way that this lot slopes I would hope that there would be a basement/garage under the house. We oun a piece of property with a view of Dale Hollow and want to put a cabin on it some day. Have been reading and rresearching Log Homes and Timber Frames for over fifteen years. You have chosen a beautiful site and seem to be tackling all the issues that this entails. On the web site the photo of the granite for the counters is not granite. It must be Formica because of the seams at the corners. Will love seeing the photos of work in progress. This is the first blog that I have ever written.

How about an additional water feature in the backyard. a waterfall or something to that effect.

How about a zen Garden. I know I would appreciate one. I am a second time transplant patient,and am going through dialysis.I know everyone has thier problems where they just want to find somewhere to run away to and relax, and a zen garden is very tranquill.

Thinking about a retreat, with low maintenance, and also about what we now know of the site - some thoughts about the available choices:
Flooring - darker color and hardwood definiely fit the environment, and seem to need less attention overall.
Railings - worry that the round and rustic will be dust collectors.
Bath tile - glass is more likely to show stains from minerals in the water (unless there will be a softener included in the design . . . ??)
Kitchen countertops - Quartz is definitely lower maintenance, and can be obtained in a wider range of colors & patterns than any other choices.
Bath fixtures - As mentioned by others, really prefer both tub and shower - steam may seem nice, definitely not a need, and must be expensive to generate...
Front entry - Wormy Chestnut seems lowest maintenance, if properly finished - but really want a window to see who is at the door....

Other considerations relate more to energy conservation, local environment & style, etc.

Wonder if Ed Bagley would feel comfortable here??? Definitely need some power augmentation method and non-electric heating!

It good to see the cabin under way I still think the screen porch is a good plan you can use it to take your jacket of in the winter before going in and kids to take off their shoes in the summer. It look like building the cabin is going to be fun.

In my previous comment I forgot to mention that a solarium would also protect the hot tub from cracks or the pipes freezing in cold weather conditions. The windows would have to be glazed so birds wouldn't hit the windows. Consider the U-factor of the window when the selection is made for a more eco-friendly decision.

Taking costs into consideration once again.......could you possible use the creek and wind to power a grid for a hydro power generator??? The elements may be present to do this???

The surrounding hills may act as sound barriers, allowing for a peaceful setting. :)

More suggestions for our Blog Cabin:

Would love to see a 9 to 10 foot ceiling on the main level, to make a small space feel large.

Following DIY’s Wasted Spaces example, how about utilizing all of the space under the staircase for storage (for coats, shoes, cleaning supplies, etc.).

In the downstairs bedroom, I see no space for a closet. How about putting the slate shower in that bedroom and eliminate the tub and extra sink? Then you could have a space for a walk-in closet with its own door. And make all of those whirlpool tub bloggers happy by putting that in the upstairs bathroom?

REAL shutters that can be secured on all windows and windowed doors when the owner is away. What a darling look for this traditional looking cabin.

If the back of the house has a screened in porch, how about French-style doors opening to the back to take advantage of those breezes and views? Or, a windowed Dutch door?

Make the outside patio/fireplace area screened in with fans, as well?

Wiring for TV/cable or satellite/telephone throughout the house.

Finally, I have to mention this idea because I love it. I would not have a downstairs bedroom; instead, I would have that area open to the great room to use as an office/guest room with a 3/4 bath and closet. It would be charming to have the open staircase between the two areas. Again, this is just for fun. I think my fellow bloggers chose this plan for its three bedrooms.

Oh this is gonna be nice ! Hotubs are awesome !

Don't forget heated floors with pex tubing to circulate the water throughout the house. You can split the home into heat and only heat those parts being occupied at the time. Add to that solar panels on the roof or out back and you have a very energy efficient source of warmth to suppliment that beautiful stone hearth fireplace!

While it is important not to disturb the surrounding area as much as possible, it is also beneficial to assist in the growth of the surroundings.

Here are some of my visions for the landscape………

Primary Landscape Colors - red, pink, purple, white, green & brown

The items I selected were located at Native Gardens which is near the build.

Grasses
Thin-fruited Sedge
Seersucker Sedge
Giante Plum Grass
Prairie Dropseed
Seersucker Sedge
Woolly Broomsedge

Native Herbaceous (Perennials)
Nodding Onion, can arrange near rocks
Wild Geranuim
Cardinal Flower, attracts hummingbirds
Climbing Aster, for a trellis or arbor
Milkweed, attracts monarchs and other butterflies. Arrange near pond since it is best grown near swamps and mulch areas.
Deciduous Ginger, creeping ground cover. Arrange near pathway.
Coumbine, will keep deer abreast. Arrange perhaps on outskirt of property.
Wavy Aster. It is welcomed on a slope area & is drought tolerant. Arrange on slope.
Wild Bleeding Hearts, my late fathers favorite whom was an avid gardener.
Hairy Sunflower
Scarlet Rose Mallow
Green Rose Mallow
Tennessee Cone Flower, endangered flower. Add a few to refurbish their growth population.
Carolina Phlox White
Mountain Mint, love herbs!
Wild Petunia
Fire Pink, arrange around pond rocks
Swamp Rose

Shrubs
Virginia Sweetspire
Yellowroot, add by pond or moist area

Ferns
“New York” Fern
Lady Fern

Trees
Dwarf Buckege

Vines
Coral Honeysuckle
Climbing Hydrangea
Crossvice

Mulch
A bait system, eliminating pesticide treatments
Non-toxic fertilization
Stormwater drainage. Before all the new green products surfaced.....my father use to put buckets at the end of the Eaves Troughs to catch rain water for his garden.

I found a few items I liked when I was viewing products one of your affiliate sites.

A few ideas for the decor of the porch and the items placed in the landscape..........

Moonshadow Table Top Fountain (www.krupps.com)
$229.50
Uniquely designed copper & slate fountain!!!

Solar Powered Dual Amber LED light for security lighting (STI Group Store)
$24.95

Solar Powered Lily Pad Fountain (STI Group Store)
$59.95
Helps oxygenate pond and minimizes mosquitoes while keeping water moving.

Frontgate has great products and are eco-friendly.
I like their mailboxes, address holders, lighting and other items. They offer a frong porch bamboo rug 2' x 3' item # 81131

Ivy Birdhouse (www.outdoordecor.com)
$129.00 Item # B BH13085
Copper & Hand Crafted

8' Single-Rail Bridge (krupps.com)
Uses cedar planks. There may be a bridge that is more affordable in the area to which the build is taking place???

a 24" Copper Fire Pit C FP10030 (www.outdoordecor.com)

Rock & Butterfly Fountain For Porch (www.krupps.com) $44.00

Blown Glass Lighting (Bear Creek Glass)
Has a Rustic appearance & is very unique!!!

72" Watergarden (www.krupps.com) $806.36

Kingston Swing Set (www.frontgate.com)
$1,4449.00 if budget allows???
Teak & environmentally friendly #80348

Interwoven Vine Wall Panel (Palecek)
Absoulutely Beautiful and would drive the rustic theme home!!!

Open Cell Foam Couch Padmas Flantation - possibilites are endless.

A wood shed would be a good idea with a combination of a small work area for my husband who is fourty-two. OR
Save space and add a few cart drawers in the garage from Frontgate. Item 72548 $225.00. They are stainless steel and would be a good allow for organization. The walls of the garage could be used for storage and so could the crawl space. This way added insulation would be provided.

Lighted Beverage Cooler & Planter (www.frontgate.com) $89.00
A fun way to use a cooler for entertainment purposes. It illuminates the patio and garden or it can be used as a beverage cooler. Really nice product that would work well with the hot tub while entertaining.

Perhaps an Arbors or Trellis could be added?

These are only ideas. Thank you!

The building site is every thing one could want. You would never go in side seeing the leaves change color in the fall and the stream every minute would be one that you would want to keep for ever . To every one who pick the site you did well. you would need a small kitchen out side looking at the site it is a must.Bennett

Jan pointed out an excellent factor about the winding staircase used for storage. I watched that same episode. There is also a link here on DIY with information relating to the use of a round staircase for storage. I voted for the round staircase too. Some staircases allow for a washer and dryer. That would prove useful if situated properly. Branch stair stringers would be a nice touch too. The stringers would reduce any lumber waste.

Hi Ron~
I still like the idea of using glass panels to enclose the screen porch for the winter so that the porch can be used year round. It would make a great room for plants, arts & crafts, any hobbies, or just sitting and enjoying the natural beauty that surrounds.

I havent heard much about this but a garage would be great I found the floor plans for greenbiar. I like the profile of the log cabin one three bedrooms seems small for my family and it doesn seam to have a deck in the backyard for better privacy and if your going to follow the floor plan to heart the I would flip the stairs a whole 180 degrees and put a mud room under the stairs for family to store their coats, shoes, or just not to get rain or snow on the wood floors so they last longer, just an easier to clean foyer before the living room and a second at the back mostly for if you follow my previous posts water from the jacuzzy, the back deck and for the pool that I heard that some people want and one more thing by the movement of the stairs It would allow for a small balcony facing the fire place which could function as a bridge to add a balcony over the porch that could be acessible to the top 2\3 bedrooms when you decide to add more rooms to make it a five bedroom home and for the focal point the water feature would be better since you can incoporated it to a rustic pool and if you truly want a fire in corparated into it I think that the fire place would steal from the enviroment I think a better option would be a fire pit rustic but classy to fit with the log house enviroment and screening the porch would steal from the log cabin feeling but for the solarium in the back it would be great if you could use retracting glass panels so you could so you could choose to close them or retract them to where you wouldnt even know it was there oh this is right of the kitchen and across the solarium would be the deck and with the water feature a bridge transulent part of a cascade where it would seam like you where standing on water which you could used to make jumps into the pool

After going back and searching for my blogs I have to say that 1 of my comments isnt here. I gave an idea of a central green room like the one from the movie when a stranger calls from the main floor to the skylighting with a sun/shade control and climate control cause I though it would be cool to have trees, shrubs, or flowers that couldn't make it at the log homes climate there are some greenery that are so amazing but cant survive in our log home's climate. since the greenery is larger than 10x12 it makes a ton of room for two bedroom addition making the kitchen bigger with added space for a walkin freezer and making the second floor bathroom huge with possible room for walkin closet even possible to make it his/hers separate closets, the bedroom addition following the greenbriar floor plan could be between the stais and the bedroom with the stairs at the end of the hall, or on the right of the stairs gains acces to everyone in the bedrooms since now there could be a loft, the livingroom would be huge allowing the fireplace to be increased in size and maing a mudroom more than possible you could even make a foyer but if the stair are between bedrooms leave room so they dont touch the wall plus adding a extra rail it would lower the sound to the bedrooms as people go downstairs.

Amy,Ron and the gang,

It's so exciting to watch the progress of the cabin's construction. I participated in the voting of the choosing of what went into this wonderful construction of building the cabin. All but 3 of my choices were chosen. So many great ideas have come across on the blogging. What a treat to be able to watch it come up from the ground!!!!