Hi,
I like the San Jacinto floor plan. The large porch is nice. What I enjoy the most is the master bedroom, greatroom, and dining area all facing the lake. I've always dreamed of having those rooms facing a lake or mountains. The only thing is the windows need to be larger. What is the square footage on those homes?

Yea! It's the San Jacinto for me, all the way! The detail is not real easy to see on the pictures you provided, but the San Jacinto appears to have most of the things people were asking for in their choices earlier. I thought I saw a wrap around porch, a loft, a master bedroom on 1st floor for those who couldn't climb stairs, and lots of windows to look at the lake view. There was also a fireplace, a laundry room, and lots of bathrooms. Hey, what's not to like?
The rooms appeared to look bigger in the San Jacinto than in the other two cabins also. It's darn near perfect! I may be wrong on some of those things I saw, but I hope not. I can sure visualize this cabin sitting near that beautiful lake. I can't wait to hear everyone elses choices; this is such fun!

i gotta say i like lot 5 i love blog cabin

I love them all. However the voting turns out it will be a wonderful Lakefront cabin for the lucky winner. I am very excited about the location this year. Once you have lived on the water, you can't imagine living any where else!!

Lovely, lovely. What hard choices, again. If I were to buy San Jacinto, the fireplace/deck would be off the kitchen NOT the master bdrm. Maybe that design change could be made before voting starts???

All 3 floor plans look great but being decrepit, I will vote for one of the single story cabins. I've lived in a 12 X 20 one room cabin for 9 years now and to have an indoor kitchen and bathroom would be a dream come true and answer to my prayers. If I won, I'd likely keel over and die on the spot without ever knowing how it would feel to have a real home again.
Angie

I think a single level home would suite me best, therefore, I would like to see the Dream Swept home. Otherwise the San Jacinto works as my 2nd preference

The San Jacinto looks like a great place to live and a great program to watch it being built. I am a Blog Cabin junkie. I'm looking forward to moving there next fall! Does the cabin come with mosquito control? Blog on cabin builders!

I am swept away by Dream Swept! After magnifying the floor plan so I could see it, I was tickled to see the stunning master bathroom with it's French doors that open into it. I'm hoping that is a jacuzzi bath tub. Having a owners porch right off the master bedroom is perfect. I really love the fireplace that is in the living room that is backed up to the fireplace on the porch off the living room. How cool is that?! It has a spacious kitchen that looks into the open dining and living room. This floor plan looks like it would be accessible to everyone. Just make sure all the doors and spaces are wide enough for any wheelchairs.
Perhaps someone can tell me.. in the living room, the thing on the right side looks like a staircase that has a closet under it..where does this go since this is a one story. What is that supposed to be if not a staircase?? Can anyone tell me? Other than that, it is a awesome floor plan for such a fantastic location. Can't wait to start voting! Kathy Seals

I really like the Windswept style best. Being disabled, a one-story floorplan is definitely a plus and I like the layout of Windswept best.

I'd have to say the dream swept would be my choice. It seems to be a more basic plan. Sometimes a simple plan works better. A too complex of a home would take away from the beauty of the forest.

I'd have to say the dream swept would be my choice. It seems to be a more basic plan. Sometimes a simple plan works better. A too complex of a home would take away from the beauty of the forest.

I think the Dream Swept would look best for the lot. It's elevations would compliment the lay of the land, while the chimney would give just enough contrast to allow the cabin to stand out from the water or land. Inside the layout seems to be warm and inviting while still being open.

WOW THEY ALL LOOK GREAT!HOW COULD THEY NOT :D BUT I THINK THE SAN JACINTO IS FANTASTIC!!!!! I LIVE IN THE MIDDLE OF DRY TEXAS BUT IT GIVES ME FOUND MEMORIES OF MY PARTIAL CHILDHOOD IN SOUTHERN OREGON AND SOME OF THE FEW GREAT SUMMERS I HAD UP BY THE LAKE. I CAN SEE IT IN MY MINDS EYE WITH ME AND KIDS AND GRANDKIDS RIGHT NOW. BUT WHOMEVER WINS WILL BE THE ONE ITS FOR :) IT IS AN AWESOME VIEW AND A WONDERFUL THING THAT DIY IS DOING! LATERZ.......

Wow, they all are nice. Love the their long low looks. I am really going to have to study the floor plans so I know which one I will vote for.

Having a bathroom for each bedroom is a great idea. I agree with the more windows on the lake side. Why not a wall of windows/doors? How large are those fire places? Can there be modifications on where they are situated? I know I would rather have the lake view for sure. You know, be one with nature....

Well, I will print those plans out a figure out which one I will vote for...

Can't wait to get rolling.

Hands down....it is the San Jacinto. Perfect structure for the location. Love the wrap around porch, again, perfect for the view.
One thing of interest is the outside fireplace construction. If it is true as it looks, it seems to be square pre-made cement/stone. I like it, something new. Will be interested to see more on this subject.
Ready to move in!

Love the "San Jancinto"- privacy of guest suites, showers,lots of storage all a big plus.

First off, may I say THANK YOU for providing two single story choices! As someone with knees that would make a football player weep, I'll choose a single story. Yes, I could enjoy the master suite and the rest of the first floor on a two story. Who wouldn't want to completely ignore all that square footage floating above my head?

As for my choice, so far... I would choose Willow Lane. It has a great layout and of the two single story's, it's the one with a utility room for laundry. I also like the office space. My son could have the bedroom closest to the office and he could have the office. I'd get the Master Bedroom and that extra bedroom would be my craft room.

I can't wait for the voting to begin. And thank you for blueprints that I was able to enlarge enough to read this time. Although there are no interior measurements to read on number 3. Also, is that a staircase on number 3? Rectangular box with horizontal lines? Basement maybe?

Found the utility area on number 3! I'm still curious about that door to what appears to be stairs...

any of these would look great on this site but
from the water looking in i would like to see the San Jacinto profile looking back at me

the one thing i would change in the floor plans would be in the upstairs bath rooms
they need room for an old style lion footed tub

San Jacinto is a geat starting point I think but some changes would have to take place I think bringing the kitchen more into the forefront would make it warmer and more of a family gathering place.

I would like to see both end views of the San Jacinto before the first votes are cast as well as a breakdown of the overall measurements of the total footprint of the Willow Lane and Dream Swept, appears that accurate porch measurements are not included and what's with the Dream Swept stairs to nowhere?

Any chance of partially closing off, even with the exterior line of the two 2nd floor bedrooms, that open ceiling and adding storage under the eaves of the new space on the second floor as well as two windows with geared opening bases and triangular fixed windows above on the lake view side. Remote openers on the window bases would still leave a 14' wide by 12' deep opening to the ceiling if I measued correctly. Two posts on the first floor under the new 2nd floor space at the opening and a railing at the 12' open space on the 2nd floor between the storage spaces would define both spaces. What do you think? My votes still for the San Jacinto.

I am trying this again, because I did not see my comments posted that I made several days ago. I am thrilled about the choices you have given us and thanks for linking to the different choices floor plans. I am going to check them all out thoroughly before I decide on a floor plan.

I agree that the windows are not large enough for having such a great lake view. Like most people I love being one with the outdoor environment.

Hope this comment makes it through.

I believe I would prefer the Willow. It seems to be roomy without a lot of stairs but the plan is not too clear on my old computer. I would like to see a nice view of the lake and would like to be back of trees for privacy. Are the porches screened in? That would be nice benefit.
Will continue to keep track of this project and check on the blue prints hoping to be able to see them better.
Thank you for the plans.

What great choices and an absolutely stunning lot! I like the layout and the privacy of the San Jacinto, yet the Willow Lane is nice because it is one level.

The San Jacinto floor plan has got everything. The lake views are a plus and the lot looks fantastic.

I am older than most of your people that are viewing these designs so a one level home is what I would want. I like the Dream swept because it has the windows where I would want them, in the back so they would be looking out over the lake. By the way, that has always been a dream of mine, having a home to overlook a lake or water of some kind. Any time you want to give me this home on the lake. I will be there with bells on.

The San Jacinto is absolutely beautiful. I like the fire place porch combination off the Master Bedroom. The added benefit of a bathroom in each bedroom is also a big luxury.

Is it me or are there no steps or ramps off the back deck of both the San Jacinto and the Dream Swept models? As I tried to post two other times,I would still prefer the San Jacinto with a handicapped lift to get to the second floor and a solid path for my powerchair to get to the lake. I don't know how they could do that and still keep it green but they love a challenge don't they?

Having some physical limitations myself, I really prefer the single story design of Dream Swept........I would like to sit on that back porch and have my morning coffee or evening beverage and look out over the lake.........everyone's asking about the staircase......its obvious it goes down to a basement, maybe there'e some ground level parking? Would really like to see room demensions.

I love the San Jacinto floor plan for it's awesome wrap around porch and spacious layout. Love the guest rooms being upstairs for privacy. To me, the single story plan feels too cramped. I also agree about the windows...we need to be able to bring that view inside and enjoy it from anywhere in the house!

Would love to see an oversized jacuzzi tub in the Master Bath and a hot tub on that huge porch overlooking the lake. What a way to usher out the day and enjoy the beautiful sunset.

Can't wait to see this one being built. Winning it would be a dream come true!

I like the Willow Lane the best. One floor, view of the lake from the Master Bedroom and other bedrooms on the other side of the house.
Hope the porch is screened!
Looking forward to the voting.

hi, log cabin 2007 look so gccd can't wait for 2008 to start

I like the Willow. Has more room

Glad to see the cabin is overlooking a lake.I would like to see the second floor plan on the Dream Swept cabin before voting.

I like the Willow Lane. The front elevation looks like a rustic cabin. The floor plan is laid out nicely. I like the idea of the large great room and the office. This house has it all without going overboard. I think the San Jacinto's elevation looks a bit Victorian and although I really like Victorian homes, they don't belong in the mountains.
The floor plan is nice but the home is too large. The Dream Swept is pretty much a flipped plan of the Willow Lane minus the office. I am hoping the Willow Lane wins!!! =D

Well, you have presented a good challenge to us all with the home selection. They are all really beautiful and that wrap around porch on the SJ(San Jacinto) is really the greatest feature, too bad the others do not have the same option. It certainly allows the most exterior views to the lake. I agree that having screening on at least a portion of the deck is a must. I really love the Dream Swept and Willow Lane for the single floor layouts with the split bedrooms on either side of the Great area. Having a porch all the way across the Dream and Willow lakeside would really be nice with doors in the guest rooms facing the lake.

I am surprised the sq footage is not visible on any of the floorplans.

I think that working with the San Jacinto would be a great experience. Since this is all about dreaming that this could be your home. Sweet dreams everyone.

Hello again. I went to the Barna website and took a look at the beautiful house plans there. I have just one question. With all of your choices, why did you choose 3 floorplans that included a fireplace smack dab in the middle of that lake view? Am I looking at the plans correctly? It seems that all of the living rooms face the lake. And all of the lakeview walls have great windows, but a fireplace right there to break up the view. Just curious. ~Betty~

(((Greg))) The Dream Swept is a one story cabin. Yes, the floor plan shows a stair case which Larry suggests it leads to a basement. That sounds like the only logical option as to why they would show one there. Don't think they would put one in that leads to no where.:) Hopefully they will clear that up.

While the San Jacinto has a great floor plan I am concerned that when the owners grew old or perhaps someone in the home became/was disabled, they would not be able to access the upstairs. In the one story plans their is plenty of space for everyone to enjoy a long and happy life.

As far as having a great view of the lake, it is logical that the front of any of these cabins will be facing the street and the back of all the cabins will be facing the lake and having a great view of it.
Kathy Seals

I really like all the floor plans but would have to say the San Jacinto is my dream cabin!!!! I have two children and they love it too! The wrap around porch is a dream come true for me. That's what I have always wanted.

Dream Swept has very nice size rooms for a cabin. I also like the kitchen window to be able to look out while working at the sink. The one story feature makes it a nice place for older folks like myself. The San Jacinto for sleeping arrangements and families would be the best.

All 3 plans are nice. The porch on the San Jacinto is wonderfull. The second fireplace of the Willow Lane is a nice touch. However Dream Swept has capured my imagnation with the 2 sided fire place and a set of steps that lead to where?

This is going tobe another exciting build for Blog Cabin!

I am looking forward to 2008!

Kelly
in the flat lands of La.

Greetings WHawkins & fellow bloggers:

I love the exterior design and wrap-around porch of the San Jacinto! If I were building the log home myself, I would have the single-story interior design of the Wind Swept! (I fall into the "BWBK club"--"Bloggers with Bad Knees").

Jim Barna is a great choice of log home manufacturers. I've toured several models in Northern Michigan and they definately have the "wow" factor!

Looking forward to following the progress of the 2008 Cabin! Sincerely, Rebecca in Cleveland

(((whawkins))) To judge each cabin fairly some clarification is needed before the voting starts.

The square footage for each cabin.

Why the Willow Lane cabin is the only one to have steps exiting the rear of the cabin. The other two cabins need this also.

Why the San Jacinto's rear side is marked Lakeview, and why aren't the other two cabins? We are left to guess that since all are being built on the same lot, that all of the cabins back side would be having a Lakeview. Do they?

The staircase in the Dream Swept where does this go to? Is it a basement? This is a one story cabin.

Are the doorways wide enough for a wheelchair to get through? What about the bathrooms? The reason everyone wanted a one story is so anyone would be able to live there.

I hope I didn't leave any out. But for the most part these are the questions that are being asked again and again. Please help us. Thanks.
Kathy Seals

The Dream Swept ends up with my vote. But I would graciously accept any design if lucky enough to win.
Thanks DIY for making this next log cabin possible to win.

I liked the San Jacinto, but agree with earlier posts that the porch with the fireplace would be better suited off the dining room for outdoor entertaining in the evenings. But I do agree with the posts that a single story would be better for most individuals in the long run.

I, too, will be voting for Dream Swept...because it's a single story home with good views of the lake for those who can't get TO the lake. Can we please incorporate universal design principles in this one? Lots of folks have mobility problems...or friends and family with mobility problems. I, too, would like to see a ramp that will accommodate a power wheelchair.

Happy New Year to All DIY Fans! I'm so excited about the new location for the 2008 Blog Cabin---SPECTACULAR! I and my husband have dreams of a log cabin in the mountains as a place to retire too and along comes DIY with this years cabin. congrats to the winner and I am pulling out all the stops to be the next winner, I have just looked over the three very good choices and I am at this point in time listing them this way--1. the San Jacinto because of all the outdoor living area. 2. the Dream Swept the second best outdoor area. 3. the Willow Lane Can't wait to see the winning cabin.

All three offer great features but I tend to lean toward the San Jacinto. I love the two-story concept with the master bedroom downstairs and wraparound porch. I'll be back tomorrow to vote on my favorite. Am eager to watch the building process. A view of a lake and fun place to have family get-togethers...dream come true!

Your three choices are OK, but I would prefer to see The Master Bedroom on the second floor on the San Jacinta. The other thing that bothers me with each plan is having all those bathrooms? The spare bedrooms could easily share a bathroom and that saved space could be used to make larger bedrooms. I would also like to see a half wall or counter divider between the kitchens and great rooms.

I like the DreamSwept plan! Love the spacious single story layout with nice kitchen island at an angle for entertaining. Where do the stairs go...loft, lower level?? Please explain stairs on next round of plans!

I like both Dream Swept and the San Jacinto. If there were to be any changes at all it would be to give them bigger/more windows. With a view like that the eyes should have the most access possible.

I am a little confused though, Dream Swept has a notation of a possible 2nd floor but it looks like a single story. Is there a second floor or is my complete lack of construction knowledge showing up?

I loved the Jacinto best because of the big porch. If you want more privacy, you can partition it off. I also love the big rooms, semi open floor plan, and all the bathrooms. The lake view would be wonderful. I live in the city but grew up in the country and I can't forget how nice it is to get away from people. That view just takes me away. If you put a small elevator in somewhere, it would even be perfect for the older/handicaped. Now, How do I vote?

I see a common thread to many posts about the disadvantages of the second floor(stairs)of the San Jacinto. Why not a state of the art elevator sponsored by one the many home elevator providers. I believe most of us would give up a few square feet on each floor (for the elevator)knowing we would have access to each of the
second floors, also as well(I presume) the basement.

I love how so many of the main rooms face the lake.
The downstairs Master Bedroom is great, as I am disabled and can't climb stairs. Though my Grand Daughter has always wanted an upstairs room. This way we both have what we want.We love to fish also. So wonderful to be able to have a home with everything we've always wanted...

I love the San Jocinto floor plan because of the great wrap around porch. I agree with others the windows need to be bigger to bring in the great view. An oversized jacuzzi would be great and a hot tub on the porch. Placing the master room down stairs and the guest room up stairs is a good idea.
I would like to see more work on the side next to the road. It looks a little plain. The other sides are very pleasing to the eye but the front needs something. I love the building site. Lot #5 is beautiful. To win this cabin would be a dream come true.

I like Willow Lane. Love the office area and the fact there's an accessible bathroom without entering a bedroom.

I think the San Jacinto is the best plans to take advantage of the lake views. I also love the large decks and seperate kitchen.

I think the San Jacinto is the best plans to take advantage of the lake views. I also love the large decks and seperate kitchen.

I think the San Jacinto is the best plans to take advantage of the lake views. I also love the large decks and seperate kitchen.

I prefer the San Jacinto. I would like to see the kitchen more open and the powder room moved to what appears to be a pantry next to the back foyer. Maybe the steps to the basement and loft could be placed on the opposite side to open up the kitchen.

Well, I've spent a couple of days looking at the floor plans and my vote is going to be for "Dream Swept."

I like the way the second and third bedrooms are buffered from the main living space...and all bedrooms are buffered from the kitchen. If you've ever vacationed with a multi-generational group, you'll know how important that is. The buffered bedrooms mean one isn't constantly hushing adults or teens who are being noisy while little ones are trying to get to sleep. Additionally, early risers need not fear they will be disturbing the "sleep in late" folks.

This is going to be FUN!

I like the San Jacinto floor plan. The large porch is nice. What I enjoy the most is the master bedroom, great room, and dining area all facing the lake. I've always dreamed of having those rooms facing a lake or mountains. The only thing is the windows need to be larger.

The voting has started and the San Jacinto is in the lead. I hope they put stairs off the back of the cabin so there is easier access to the lake. Otherwise it will be the winners first diy project.

No matter what cabin wins, I hope they make sure the doorways are wide enough for anyone in a wheelchair to have access, especially the bathrooms.
They should also design 2 closets above each other and retro-fit the closet for a future elevator should the winners need to put one in later.

Good Luck to everyone and Happy New Year to all.
Kathy Seals

Like the San Jacinto. Has the right layout and features for a Lake Front property, plenty of views from the key rooms in the house. Also the outdoor living space has a lot of potential, especially for summer lake activities. Keep up the good work!!!!

Well, I can see already that my choice is quite poplular with many others....The San Jacinto! Here it is January 1, 2008 and I am excited to vote on this....What a great place to build too.

Looking forward to reading your input.

I was torn between the Dream Swept and San Jacinto. I chose the San Jacinto in the end because it is elegant, but still has a warm, sort of homey look to it. All of the cabins are just stunning.

All three are great. but San Jacinto is the winner, Needs a way for disabled to get upstairs. how about a lift??
Location Spring Tn is is great position to be in out of the way but near enough to Knoxvilla and Nashville so you can get to major events. Especially Country music.

I think the San Jacinto floor plan is a much better plan than the others, not just for the size of the bedrooms but for the flow of the space. The exterior looks more in keeping with a lakefront home.

I voted for San Jacinto, based on the first floor plan, which is wonderful. After taking a closer look, however, I decided that Dream Swept offered far more closet space in the secondary bedrooms and a more open kitchen plan. So it's Dream Swept for me now, unless the builders can show that the closets are bigger than the 3'x3.6' the plan shows.

The San Jacinto would be the best design for me! I'd love to have a quilt studio in the open loft! Seems to be more options in this model as well. Nothing like sitting on the potch stitchen a quilt!

The San Jacinto would be the best design for me! I'd love to have a quilt studio in the open loft! Seems to be more options in this model as well. Nothing like sitting on the potch stitchen a quilt!

I'm torn between Dream Swept and San Jacinto... but leaning toward the single story.
Looks like it's gonna be beautiful!!

Its the San Jacinto for me because you get three suites. So each family member has their own and even guests have their own suite.

I love the San Jancinto because it truly reflects how a log home should look. The porches are awesome! AND...the floor plan would be perfect for my family. The "grands" would love to be on the second floor - away from Nana and Papa!

With a view like that you really need an outdoor kitchen. I would want to spend a lot of time outside enjoying the breeze coming off the water.

I like the one floor living of the Willow but I would choose the San Jacinto over all of them becuase of the wrap around porch and the kithen, dining and living room layout.

I like the dream swept plans. They offer a nice large gathering area which I think is important in a log cabin

The San Jacinto is a great floor plan. I love the wrap around porch and the outside fireplace is a nice touch. It looks like there is quite alot of room throughout the house.

It's really hard to choose, I love San Jacinto. However, I believe that I would choose Dream Swept.
It meets our needs for one level and has a wonderful area for family gatherings. I do like the office area of Willow Lane. Guess I'm saying I'd be thrilled with any of the choices.

The San Jacinto is my favorite, however the other two would work well for a vacation home as well. The layout of the San Jacinto lends to a little more division of spaces.

I love the San Jacinto, the long open area behind the cabin, the showers, all of it....I love it.

I really like the open kitchen of the Dream Swept. I often feel cut off from the family when cooking, but I love the porches of the San Jacinto. Also, I noticed that all the plans have closet laundry areas, and no dream house would be complete without a large laundry room, maybe with a mud room type entrance? Especially after a day on the lake with the kids!

I love Willow Lane! I've got a 6 mo. old and prefer a single story. I also really like the porch! The office space is great as well.

I really like the Willow Lane. My husband and I have been looking at log home plans for more than 20 years. I really like the fact the floor plan is for a single level.

Dream Swept is my pick. One level is a key factor for us older folks. Even if you add another level (basement or loft) I like this plan the best.

What a hard decision to make...each one has its own best things about them. But the San Jacinto is what I picture in my "dreams" of rocking on the big porch and listening to the lap of the lake water and the laughter of the grandchildren playing in the lake.

The San Jacinto gets my vote. I think it fits the lot perfectly.

I would have to say that I like the San Jacinto the best. It just really looks roomy and spacious.

San Jacinto hands done.

I love the San Jacinto because it is a little piece of Texas (my home state) in Tennessee (my next favorite state). I am watching the building of Blog Cabin 2007 as I type, and I can't believe the quality of work and attention to detail that goes into each one of these cabins.

All 3 sets of plans are nice. I like the kitchen of the Dream Swept, but my favorite plan is the Willow Lane. Probably the main reason is I think of my bedroom, the master bedroom, as a private area. The other two plans, the master bedroom is right off of the living room. The San Jacinto is certainly a nice plan though, with more room and a great deck around it.
Mike

Hello,

I think it is a great idea to build a log cabin from scratch. My only comment is that when you are making your decision on how to build a cabin. A family member may be confined to only wheelchair. Or a person in a wheelchair just may win. I would hate to see a cabin won by someone who would not be able to enter it, use and enjoy it.
Remember, it is always easier and cheaper to build it accessible to re-model after-the-fact.

__LOVE!!!!!!!______

SAN JACINTO THATS MY VOTE
LOVE YOUR SHOW ALSO.

san jancito i just like it

I vote for Dream Swept. I love the open rooms!

The San Jacinto is the best choice for this lake setting. A hot tub on the back porch would be nice. Outside fireplace is also great. Can't wait for the building to begin.

I like the San Jacinto plan with the great view of the lake from the Great room, kitchen and
master bedroom. Nice layout for family gatherings and entertaining.
Hope there is going to be a screened porch area as well.

Look forward to voting!!!

I love the Dream Swept. I like the floor plan and the openness of this home. It looks like it would best suit the layout of the lot.

I like the San Jacinto plan the best. The wrap around porch is a big seller for me. If one has not sat out on the porch in the early morning watching the sun come up or go down they have missed out...It can only be more intensive with a lake front view. The guest rooms upstairs makes it even better. Makes it more private not only for the owner but their guests as well. Just an all over better plan.

Where will the 2008 cabin be located? State, area?
Thanks

The San Jacinto, my sweat heart and I have been searching log cabins for the past few months, this one is very close to what we want ourselves. Can't wait to see the progress on this log home.

I have been watching 2007 blog cabin. I will be casting votes this year. And HOpe and pray that I am the winner!! I like the idea of a one story cabing but I did not like them as much as I like the SJ. On the Sj I do not like the room off the master bedroom. And what is with a bathroom by the foyer!!

yes I would love to see more of the open spaces.
I would love to have big windos in the front of the house so I have the full lake and sunset.
Big pato and outside fireplace. Walk down to the
lake and mybe a little sitting area down by the
lake.
Lot of thing to think of for this one because it is by the water. Love it.

wrap around porch is the way to go for any house.

The San Jacinto floor plan looks the best to me. I like the wrap around porch and the two story floor plan. The master is a nice set up with upper story bedrooms for guests/family... Just nice all the way around!

I love the san jacinto style. It would look geat lakeside!

If I was to build one of these for myself, I would choose the San Jacinto floor plan. Lakes demand large wrap-around porches. The one major change with the floor plan is the Laundry Closet. I personally would like to change that to additional small pantry and place the washer and dryer in the pantry area. You could add cabinets and counter tops over a front loading set. THis would be the best use of the space.

Definitely the San Jacinto. The large deck facing the lake is perfect for entertaining, relaxing, blogging or what ever tickles your fancy.

All of these floorplans are beautiful!! I had a hard time deciding which one I liked best. My fiance and I definitly thought Willow Lane was the best layout but San Jacinto was our second pick. I'm so excited to see what the final product will look like!!

We like the San Jacinto. Overlooking the lake is a nice way to enjoy any weekend any timeof the year. The rooms are nice & large & I love the kitchen. The porch is our favorite part & I can just see my husband & I rocking on the porch with a nice glass of wine on a warm summer evening!!!! Can't wait for more!

I initally voted for the DreamSwept, but now am reconsidering. The San Jacinto has lots of appeal do to the wrap around porch, and the outdoor hot tub would be a good addition!

I love the San Jacinto floor plan. I’m a big fan of wrap around porches and having it face the lake is a big plus for me. Having an outdoor fireplace will provide just the right amount of ambiance wile sitting on the porch on those cool mornings drinking a hot cup of coffee. Having an entrance foyer that opens into the great room with the view of the lake in the background is an inviting way to greet your guests into your home. I would like to see larger window(s) in the master bedroom. The area is gorgeous and I often dreamed of living on the lake in a log cabin.

Watched Blog Cabin 2007, want to participate in Blog Cabin 2008! Love the San Jacinto. Would have to be my vote for the new cabin floor plan.

Wow! All three are pretty! I like the porch on the San Jacinto particularly. The outdoor fire place from Blog Cabin 2007 (or a top of the line outdoor grill) would be nice to have on the lake. We live in Tennessee and are very familiar with Watts Barr. One of the most beautiful places in the country to live!

Dream Swept is my choice! The lovely master bedroom with the french doors and the private porch is awsome. Love the fireplace in the living room and with it being backed up to the fireplace on the porch is a great idea. It has a spacious kitchen with an dining and living room combination that is "my dream kitchen", the whole family together but not up under each other. I've never been to the foot hills in Tennessee but from the pics I've seen it is beautiful. Can't wait to see how it turns out.

I really like the San Jacinto! I voted for it because when you are surrounded by such beautiful features in TN, the last thing you want to do is close yourself off from it! The wrap around porch is so nice and the floor plan is so great! I like how the two bedrooms upstairs are laid out and for families with children it would be perfect! Cause we parents all know how kids are with bathrooms when they are teenagers!!!! :-) It makes it so nice to let them have their privacy and the master bedroom is ideal and seems spacious as well! I only wish it had a upstairs balcony on each end for the two bedrooms....that would have been a nice feature as well. I hope this one wins!

I love the San Jacinito. The porch is great!!!

Eileen

The San Jacinto is a terrific plan. I have not seen any comments about the covered outdoor area with the fireplace. What a great place to entertain and enjoy the lake views! I believe it to be the best plan because it offers all living areas a lake view, including the upstairs bedrooms. What a delightly home. Wouldn't mind building this home myself here in the Texas Hill County-if I had a place overlooking a lake. Looking forward to seeing Blog Cabin 2008 go together.

You know I loved last years Cabin. These new choices are Great also. I vote for the Dream Swept.I love the whole layout and one floor idea. How about a HOT TUB! The LakeFront Estates looks like a beautiful place for this years Blog Cabin.Good luck to everyone. I do hope that my husband and I win it though.

The San Jacinto is my favorite because of the great porches and decking area overlooking the lake. Any home on the water needs to take advantage of the natural beauty and provide extensive outdoor living and entertaining areas. One change I would suggest is to create a prow on the back of the home like on a mountain chalet and extendd the windows up to the top to ceate a total open feeling while inside.

I like them all but the Dream Swept would be exactly what I would build. I especially like the fully open great room. That way you and your guests are always looking out at the view. I also like the double fire place. This is my first blog and we loved watching the 2007 one go up. I am very excited to be a part of this one!
What a beautiful sight for the home. Can't wait to see this one go up.

The San Jacinto floor plan is definitely the best one. I love the master suite, the huge kitchen with the breakfast bar, and the BIG great room. I'm hoping the master shower is a big walk-in shower. I'm also hoping the bathrooms upstairs have tubs and showers. Over all, this house is going to be great.

i saw that FANTASTIC wrap-around porch on the san jacinto and voted for it. i began to smile, daydreaming of sitting out there enjoying the view day in and day out for years to come. but then, as those years went by, the smile turned to a sad frown as i saw myself packing up to move away because i could not continue to climb the stairs anymore. america, and myself, are getting older and need to be practical about such things.

I'm all for the San Jacinto...it looks absolutely fantastic. I just love the fact that it's in Tennessee, I always say TN is my fave state ever! I'd give up my life where I'm at in a minute to move into that awesome cabin! Just one thing, how far from Dollywood is this place?

I've got to vote for the San Jacinto. It's exactly the shape of cabin I've envisioned since I first dreamed of living in a log home as a kid. And on that lot overlooking the lake... perfection.

I loved Blog Cabin 2007, and for 2008 I think the San Jacinto is perfect ! The master on the main floor, the children or guests' bedrooms (actually 2 suites!) upstairs. I would live year-round in it! San Jacinto has great decks all around, but I have to vote to have the larger deck with outdoor fireplace on the other side - by the kitchen and dining room - It just makes more sense as an entertainment space!

I like the San Jacinto for it is very grand and would make a lovely lake home for entertaining many guests. I would change the laundry room however and make it big enough to do your ironing inside it and have a place to fold your clothes.

Love the Willow.

Three beautiful plans. The site is unbelievable. I like the single story plans the best, but any would look great on this site. If my wife and I ever retire this is what we have dreamed of.

For a lake cabin, the San Jacinto has it all. Great porch with outdoor fireplace. 1st floor master. Large Great Room for entertaining or for family get togethers. What about opening up the rear with large windows for the lake view?

What about a boat barn for the boat?

Love blog cabin, keep up the good work!!
George

This location is wonderful. I agree it would be a shame not to have a boat dock. But more I would like to see a boat house for all the water sport toys.

I perfer the san jacinto plan the best, it would be great over looking the lake. And come christmas time it would be a project to decorate with all kinds of lights. I love the water and going boating and fishing would be the life. What is the square footage of the cabin and is there a garage with the plans?

I like the San Jacinto floor plan best, two story is a plus and the outdoor fireplace, really cool! Two things though...the master bedroom seems a bit small and the two upstairs bedroom have small closets. Any way to make the home a bit longer and taller? That would allow for a larger mstr bdrm, larger closets, maybe an island in kitchen, higher ceilings, etc. Maybe a touch wider too, to keep in proportion.

Kim Mc

Love the San Jacinto allowing everyone to see the lake from their sleeping quarters. I also think the windows should be larger, especially in the loft.

I love all three but i think the one floor is cool especialy for older people who might like it for a retirement home

Love the lake view. I grew up with a lake view that was stunning. There's just nothing like looking over a cliff to a view of the lake.

Hard choices for the best of the three plans, but I definitely love the San Jacinto the best. It has such a beautiful look and would be a blast to decorate for every season. I do think the windows on both sides of the front door should be taller. The bedrooms each having their own bathrooms is a great touch.

I am in favor of the San Jacinto floorplans. The house itself is very symmetrical--not including the porch. The back of the house is also and the porch gives it the touch of outdoors. The first-main-floor has a beautiful open space that gives sight to all areas of the house. The great room is giant and the dining room and kitchen are connected which I adore. The wrap around porch gives access to the whole half of the house which is fabulous. The second floor is always always how I imagined it. It is like you took it from my dreams.

I would tend to agree with the majority on the San Jacinto floorplan. However, I have many suggestions on greatly modifying the plan. To start, extend the foyer beyond the front of the house and retract the master bath and rear foyer to be even with the exterior wall. Then, have entrance doors on either side of the foyer. A large fireplace might go well here, since the view of the lake is the main objective of the great room. With the foyer extended about 8 feet, a covered porch or deck can wrap around the entire house. Oh, those hidious roof pitches will disappear also when these areas are retracted.

we liked this one, the wrap around porch was the best thing,i liked the fire place on the porch as well as the one in the living room,,,for those cold nights when the snow has just layed on the tops of the mountains, we seemed to both like the last home you did. the fire place outside that you all built had my vote,i being a trim carpenter my self in the florida construction feild, if i had a say in what i would want in this one,, a chair rail for the areas that had any tables and chairs in it,,to not scratch the walls,and the mantal should be made of a natural wood that is part of the nature that is around the area-meaning cut a large tree down and using a table saw, cut the sides and tops down to the size of 6 inches over the length of the mantal, to give it a largeness appeal,using a set of corables that would match the mantel would accent this point ofsight to the eye...so when do we get to start picking what we would have in the next one,,,,

The San Jacinto all the way. It is a great use of space and the lake side view with its big windows is the most outstanding feature. The huge porch will allow for wonderful panaramic views.

Definitely the Dream Swept for me.... I love the owner's porch and the indoor/outdoor fireplace.... Beautiful!

San Jacinto is my favorite, but I would like a more open "great room" type interior. You need a porch with that beautiful view.

I heartily agree that the San Jacinto design will allow for maximum appreciation of the surrounding natural beauty.

What is the small room just north of the kitchen and across from the laundry room? Is that supposed to be a storage area?

You can get really carried away in the master bath with plenty of room to decorate the area around the tub. Smoking the glass for privacy might be a good idea without giving up on the natural light.

I can't wait to see what you have in mind for this years Blog Cabin.

I like the San Jacinto best. The kitchen sink is in front of a window. The utility area is better placed. The main room and dining area are nice. I love the porches and the master bedroom/bath.

I would like to see you include some type(s) of renewable energy sources in the 2008 cabin. Solor, wind, wood heat, etc.

I have to say the San Jacinto is by far my favorite. I absolutely love the wrap around porch. What a phenomenal view that will provide the lucky home owner. At least a portion of the porch should be screened in for optimal use. Especially living on the lake. Lots of bugs in the summer time. And the walk in closets in all of the bedrooms! WOW! Especially all of the closet space in bedrooms 2 & 3. Not something you normally find, but an absolute must have for a family with 2 boys who have LOTS of toys that need to be stored for easy access.

I like the San Jacinto mainly for its wrap around porch. The reason I like log homes is because I enjoy the outdoors and nature and a log home resembles these features and what better way to enjoy the outdoors than relaxing on a beautiful wraparound porch.

I love the San Jacinto floor plan. I especially love the Great Room and can all reaady visualize the views. This is going to be a great series.

I like the San Jacinto. I love the plan and location.

Love the San Jacinto style the best. The porch is everything I've dreamed about someday having, maybe some of it could be screened and leave some open. The Dream Swept would be my second choice.

Looking forward to seeing which one wins!

The first thing I saw was the wrap around porch. I have always dreamed of having a home with a porch. That's what did it for me the San Jacinto was the porch. I could see myself with my family sitting on the porch and looking out over the lake. You can't get any better than that. The loft on the second floor, would you be able to make that for sleeping. I have lots of family and lots of grandchildren, that would be an ideal place for all of them to sleep and play. Can't wait to see what else is in store for the cabin.

I like the San Jacinto best of the three. Having the master bedroom, dining area and great room face the lake is great. However, you should consider moving the fireplace to a sidewall in the great room. It interferes with the lake view.

The San Jacinto is my choice. I like the layout and the lake view will be wonderful. A screen porch around the outside fireplace would be wonderful.

I really like the San Jacinto best of all. That wraparound porch is amazing, and I could easily see myself spending many nights around the outdoor fireplace with friends and family. The only complaint I really have about it is that the fireplace in the great room might obscure the view of the lake, but with so much porch area I guess the outdoors could be the congregating area to allow for an even better view.

As for the stairs in the Dream Swept, I'm pretty sure those are stairs to a basement. It looks like San Jacinto also has a basement (on the first floor blueprint you can get onto the stairs from by the front door or from a door at the other end ... ergo two staircases).

i like the san jacinto floor plan.

Cool! Luv all the plans, but the wrap around porch on the San Jacinto is something the others lack -- now if they could do that on the others ...

I love the San Jacinto. It is practical, but also elegant and has all the amenities that makes a house a home. This would be a dream home for my family. My vote goes all the way with the San Jacinto.

I love the Dream Swept, overlooking a lake would be a perfect vacation, retirement or full time home. It also would work for anyone married, single, widowed, couples, or a family with/without children. I love them and would be happy with any of them but this one is my favorite.

Looking at the lot, it lends itself to a one story house so it doesn't look like an eyesore from the lake. I liked the Dream Swept. It has a very open floor plan with a kitchen that will allow people to gather there. I also like the master suite more than the other plans.

WOW! I just started receiving DIY network.
I was so excited to get to watch the building of the log cabin ALL DAY New Year's DAY! What a treat!
I'm in for 2008! I'll take the San Jacito for sure! I am looking forward to following this one.
My birthday is in October so a log cabin on the lake would be a perfect birthday present!

While the Willow Lane and Dream Swept are nice in that they have all the rooms on the main floor, I love the wrap around railed porch of the San Jacinto. The dormers give an awesome look to it also. Also the windows are wonderfully placed for excellent views.

I'm in love with the San Jacinto plan. The wrap around porch and the loft are what sold it for me. I also like the concept of each bedroom having its own bathroom. That would be a dream for our family!

I can't wait to get started voting! Each plan I see has it's merits. I like San Jacinto because ordinarily I am a one story home lover. If I imagine myself vacationing there, it would be nice to have something different than what I have at home.

That said, of the one stories, I like Dream Swept best. It seems a more unique floor plan. I love the master bath area in this one. I also like a kitchen island.

Honestly, like pretty much all the bloggers that have posted so far, I would take any one of these and be happy as a clam. What a wonderful building site! I'm waiting patiently to get this kicked off. I missed out on voting for the 2007 house, but was blown away by all the unique and thoughtful ideas. The host was great, I too hope she is back.

For now, I'm enjoying the re-runs! Good luck to all and hope to see more of you. B

I also like the San Jacinto... The wrap around porch is one of my favorite features with the fireplace outside it allows more time spent outside with your views. Can't wait to see the choices for the interior.

The San Jacinto - hands down. The separation of the bedrooms by floor is very desirable. It also allows a view from all bedrooms. The top floor is great for guests, the loft also allows guests a private place to "regroup".

The kitchen lay out in Dream Swept is more desirable. It allows those preparing meals to feel apart of all activities. Unless of course you are using it to get away - in which case the San Jacinto would serve that purpose better.

I really like the Dream Swept Model. It is simple and practical.

We just watched the 2007 Blog Cabin show on DIY and I loved it!! Amy, you do a great job and I love that you put so much of yourself in this "work". That is what makes this kind of project fly. My husband and I are looking forward to participating in this years Blog Cabin. We love the lake front and have always hoped to have a home on a lake. Loved the floor plan San Jacinto. Wow! Cindy

I like the San Jacinto but would swap the mast bedroom and kitchen areas around.

I really like Dream Swept, compact but usable for a few or for a family vacation, a lot! Kitchen is very workable, a nice floor plan overlooking the outdoors...my kind of home. Placement of the windows in the master bedroom on the side walls makes for a not so balanced room when arranging furniture like the bed.

I have to say the loftiness and look of the San Jacinto make it my first choice. I would make the kitchen a bit bigger, more open. The only thing that concerns me is the master bedroom opening up into the Great Room, but the rest of the house is just DREAMY.. The elevation views are just great for a lake view cabin. The loft and private bedrooms upstairs make it so homey. Imagine a slow cooker roasting a pot roast wafting from the kitchen throughout the whole house. I can see myself lighting a fire in the great room, hanging out with my family and all the comforts of coziness right at our feet!

I love the Smokie mountain area and hope to ride my harley by the 2007 blog cabin. I am really looking forward to the start of the 2009 cabin in Tennesee. And yes it is great that it is on a lake. I hope next year the team thinks about a cabin on one of the Finger Lakes in NY preferably Keuka Lake. h yes my vote goes to the San Jacinto model.

Love the San Jacinto. The perfect floor plan for the site.

I absolutely love the San Jacinto! On the water, it's wonderful to have the height so the view can be appreciated from different perspectives. With it's big stone fireplace and wrap around porch, it's sure to be a hit for vacationers or permanent residents. (Although permanent residents may get a few more visitors than they used to!)
For a family, the extra privacy provided by the two levels makes for more peaceful living. Also, having the kitchen off to the side is much more appealing to me because it allows a separate cooking and dining area as well as a living room.

We've just discovered you show on TV and really enjoy it. We've lived in a Barna log home for ten years and love it (would make a few changes if we were doing it over again). We like the Dream Swept because of the open living area and fireplaces. The lake view would be a wonderful bonus.

Your choice of location speaks volumes. It is serene and beautiful; what a peaceful location! The San Jacinto cabin would be my first choice for its open concept and lakeviews.

The San Jacinto floor plan is my choice. I like the wrap around porch and spacious layout. The bedrooms upstairs will provide the quiet needed to sleep without interruption. The view of the lake reminds me of camping. If wood floors are installed that is a plus for me!

If you build it, especially on a lake, they will come! The San Jacinto, with its magnificent porch
overlooking the lake, is the dream of a lifetime.
The vertical stone, exteriorly, outlining the fireplace of the interior great room, is the perfect balance to the breathtaking length of the
horizontal porch. After a day out fishing and boating, the grand porch is the relaxing setting
for the family to kick back and retell those fish
stories from the past and present. The 1st floor
plan is centered about the focal point of the fireplace and the great room with the adjoining
rooms placed not only functionally but with a sense of fluid motion passing between them. The
second floor should have an addition of a gathering place for relaxation, reading, or meditation centrally located in the loft area,
with comfortable furniture filled with pillows
and soft lighting. The roof should be open to the
sky to reveal the sunlight and night sky for star
gazing. To be able to conserve energy and reduce
energy costs, the second floor should have its own
power and water sources which can be turned off when the house is being occupied using only the first floor. DIY has picked another gorgeous setting where nature and man can come together to share a coexistence of unparalleled beauty and appreciation!!

I love the San Jacinto because it has a second floor. Is it possible to add a second floor to the Willow Lane? Like the Blog Cabin 2007, the 2008 cabin will need a screen porch.

WOW the lake lot is so beautiful. What is the weather like there, 4 seasons? This porch will need rockers, and a way to look out at the stars. MMMMMMMM

The San Jacinto gets my vote. Got to have the wrap around porch. Outside views from the downstairs master and family room, all the areas you use most of the time you're inside. Love the outdoor living areas. The upstairs is great for kids/friends now or kids/friends when they visit, or his/her and her/his work spaces. Don't go overboard with "extras" its a lake cabin, keep it honest/simple, like a wooden screen door that's spring loaded and smacks everytime someone runs outside. Perfect.

All three floor plans have good ideas. However, being one who always has to re-arrange the rocks in the cave, I would suggest the following:
They all need storage space for xmas decorations, tools, yard equip., winter/summer things, etc. Will there be any basements/crawl space like 2007 with outside entry? How about a garage/carport? Something to get you out of the weather while loading/unloading the car. The open/great room style is great, but the kitchen is too small. You have the room, move the stove to the island, move the sink/dw down, and put a counter across the liv. rm. end. Maybe a raised breakfast bar effect. Nobody really enjoys looking at the kitchen clutter during/after meal prep. when you're entertaining. I'm partial to ranch style homes, and with a re-vamped kitchen, this would be the winner. The Dream Swept home has a nice layout. But once again, I would make a change in the kitchen. I would move the pantry to the foyer corner, and create an un-interupted sweep of counter work space. The laundry area really needs to be a laundry room. The reality for most families is that laundry gets sorted into piles in close proximity to the washer. That means stepping through the laundry in the hallway on wash days when the w/d is in a hallway. So, based on my observations, the San Jacinto has the largest kitchen, a laundry area out of the main traffic area, and an adjacent area for pantry, broom closet, etc., and a back entry/mud room area, and received my vote. The location is great, the views outstanding, all three homes are lovely, and if I won it, and all it came with was a tent, I'd still be happy. Looking forward to the project.

I love the San Jacinto design. I love the big porch facing the lake. I wish that there would have been a porch on the second floor overlooking the lake as well. I am not sure if in the design it calls for it in the design, but I know that next to the kitchen is the laundry area and there seems to be a big open room, I wish that it could be a walk-in pantry which would be great.

San Jacinto - but with some changes. OK, first, what's with the porches on the lakeside, but no stairs off of them? I'd like to be able to just walk out the back, across the porch, down the stairs, and head out to the lake. For the San Jacinto, right behind the Great Room would be a good spot.
Secondly, I'd move the outdoor fireplace of the San Jacinto over to the other side of the house, off the dining and kitchen. It would make a GREAT entertainment area. To off set it, bump out the porch on the master bedroom side, just enough to add a jacuzzi or spa.
I agree with some of the other posters... more windows. A nice large picture window off the back of the master bedroom looking out over the lake would be killer.

San Jacinto is best hands down when it comes to the look of the house as you drive up the front. The other houses have great floorplans but boring entrances, I could imagine the splendor of driving up to the San Jacinto layout.

The San Jacinto seems to have more outside living area with the porch and the fireplace.

San Jacinto is my pick hands down, love the wrap around porch, bathrooms in every bedroom makes each room a private retreat, plus master bedroom is downstairs. I have a few minor changes in mind but overall a great floorplan! How do I vote?

Love the San Jacinto. Mostly for the porch that just wraps all around the lakeside. Plus, the master on the main, so if you are there alone, everything is on one floor, but with guests, they go upstairs!

I chose the San Jacinto design because I liked its symmetry. However, there are a few things in the design that make it look slightly rough. Firstly, someone stated earlier that the patio with a fireplace would look better off the kitchen instead of the master suite and I agree with that statement. Secondly, the banister upstairs would look better being a straight shot between the bedrooms on the second floor instead of having the jog. Other than these two changes, I think that this would be a great house for the show and it would provide many areas that the DIY network could add flair.

They are all beautiful! I like the San Jacinto because of the seperate upstairs bedrooms and loft area. It Feels spacious as well providing more privacy. If I had a wish list it would be no grids on any of the windows facing the lake. The kitchen window needs to be larger (add uppers above the bar if needed)and add windows to the side walls of the great room. Windows up above in the gable would be great too. When your view is a lake, you can't have too many windows!

I think the Willow Lane floorplan would suit me best.

Dream Swept is my choice...hands down. I especially like the "Owner's Poarch"! How wonderful to step out on your own private poarch to take in the view. Everything on the floor plan is absolutely perfect for me. I would like to know where the stairs lead though...basement maybe? Anyway, they are all wonderful but single floor definitely wins out in my book.

Okay, I totally fell in love with the San Jacinto plan. Someone suggested a hot tub on the side porch off the Master bedroom? Great idea.

Also, needs bigger windows. Huge windows but with screens so they can be opened up and enjoy the fresh air without those nasty mosquitos. Will certainly need screened in porches as well.

A small boat dock, I hope are in the plans as well, to enjoy swimming and fishing from, not only boating. All the plans are great though, but this one was my fav. Thanks and wishing already. Looking forward to watching this one go up.

Terra Fitts

We love your show and we are excited about this new log home. We are outside people and love a good covered porch. The weather is always better from a lake front covered porch. We think San Jacinto would be nice.

San Jacinto hands down. The loft creates that extra misc space that everyone needs. And no dream home is complete without at big porch especially near the water. Elaine, you are so right about the water. We lived the best year of our lives right off the Guadalupe River in TX and my husband has been appologizing for moving us ever since.

My two kids have got their upstairs bedrooms picked out already. I only wish there was a way to scoot the bathrooms over toward the center loft and make one big walk in closet for each - maybe even put a doorway between the bathroom and the closet to make one big happy dressing space.

I've never really stopped long enough on DIY to realize this was going on there. My husband and I have always dreamed of designing a log cabin so I'm all in.

My vote is for the second floor plan because it has potential to add other rooms to the space say you needed 4 bdrms the office has the potential to be that other space already in the design, But I like the look of floor plan # 1.

Love the San Jacinto with it's wrap around porch. Would love to see many windows for the 360 view from every room in the home. Even when not facing the lake the wooded area is tranquil to look at also. This is the home for me

I really like the San Jacinto cabin. The fireplace patio off the master bedroom is wonderful. We would really enjoy it if we were to win this cabin!!!

I REALLY liked the San Jacinto floor plan but I thought the kitchen in the Dream Swept was really nice the way that it was laid out. I watched the BLOG CABIN for last year and like all the rest of the losers was so disappointed when I didn't win. I am disabled, a single mom of five and I struggle like so many people to get by. It would mean the world to win something like this and for it to be so beautiful and in such a beautiful place...well what more could a person ask for?

i fell in love with the san jacinto floor plan. having 5 kids and there being a seperate floor for them would be great. and the porch being almost the whole way around the cabin makes for a great place to get the whole family together but still give us space to work on seperate projects.
the lake views look excelent and it would give the family many breath taking views to remember long into the night. the seperate bathrooms for everyone is a great thing. and the location is awesome there is plenty for the kids and adults to enjoy.

i fell in love with the san jacinto floor plan. having 5 kids and there being a seperate floor for them would be great. and the porch being almost the whole way around the cabin makes for a great place to get the whole family together but still give us space to work on seperate projects.
the lake views look excelent and it would give the family many breath taking views to remember long into the night. the seperate bathrooms for everyone is a great thing. and the location is awesome there is plenty for the kids and adults to enjoy.

i also wanted to say that i think there should be bath tubs in the bathrooms on the second floor of san jacinto. there would be enough room if you got rid of one of the walk in closets in bedrooms 2 and 3.it would open up the space and it wouldn't feel like the sink and toliets were on top of each other. and i would like to see a look out porch off the loft area it seems like it would be a very relaxing place to sit at night and just watch the water.the outdoor fire place off the master bed room looks like a nice place for mom and dad to relax after the kids go to bed.
is there anyway that the stairs could be sprial that way you could open up the space and let you be in the kitchen and still see into the living room and foyer? barna homes has an awesome picture of a sprial staircase on their site. i know that there are certain load bearing walls and such but it was a thought.

I like the San Jacinto floor plan over the others with its large porch and mildly separated kitchen. In addition, the master bedroom and bath looks like it has great potential and that great room truly is great. Keeping with the idea of a log cabin, I would like to see a large stone fireplace and possibly exposed wooden beams in the ceilings.

LOOKS GREAT!

San Jancinto would be the one I would build but need to make some changes. One the bathrooms up-stairs need to be moved center of the house leaving one larger closet for each bedroom.

On a practical side, the mud room style utility area was the deciding factor for me to vote for the San Jaquinto.

I think the single story design with 3 bathrooms gets my vote. Love the idea of having an office. Oh yes the lot it just magnificent. You know what I think would be like really neat would be a 2 car garage with an old fashion breez way connected to the garage. You need a place to work on your hobbies like stain galss or building bird houses and feeders. It wouldn't take long before I'd have those geese eating out of my hand.
Cranky

I like the San Jacinto model best-however I would love to relocate the 1st floor powder room to the room across from the laundry space.(I would also suggest a corner shower-think wet dirty kids or adults coming in from outside)or possibly locate a outside shower? Will this cabin have a full basement? What type of egress will there be?-walkout? A complet walkout basement would definetly make better use of the lot and view of the lake. What type of heating equipment is to be used, where will it be located? Is it possible to make use of this home location on the lake for solar? how about geo thermal heat pump? How about the downspouts-where will all this water coming off the house go?- (must be my building inspector background kicking in) THINK GREEN Its a beautiful location-and another reason I will be moving to the Smoky Mountain area.

I like the San Jacinto model best-however I would love to relocate the 1st floor powder room to the room across from the laundry space.(I would also suggest a corner shower-think wet dirty kids or adults coming in from outside)or possibly locate a outside shower? Will this cabin have a full basement? What type of egress will there be?-walkout? A complet walkout basement would definetly make better use of the lot and view of the lake. What type of heating equipment is to be used, where will it be located? Is it possible to make use of this home location on the lake for solar? how about geo thermal heat pump? How about the downspouts-where will all this water coming off the house go?- (must be my building inspector background kicking in) THINK GREEN Its a beautiful location-and another reason I will be moving to the Smoky Mountain area.

All three plans are great but the lot orientation should be the overriding factor. It seems like the San Jacinto plan would work better in a North/South orientation which would be more pleasing on a lake lot.
Thanks,
Pat D

I watched the blog cabin on January 1, 2008 and it was the best It would be adream home come true.The outdoor Johnny bought back memories. I had a girlfriend who had a 3 seater we thought we were rich. It bought back great memories. Our dads always tried making the best outside Johnny.

I watched the blog cabin on January 1, 2008 and it was the best It would be adream home come true.The outdoor Johnny bought back memories. I had a girlfriend who had a 3 seater we thought we were rich. It bought back great memories. Our dads always tried making the best outside Johnny.

Willow Lane wins my vote! It has an office for scrapbooking so the great room will stay tidy. All one floor, laundry next to the boys rooms for all those dirty clothes from fishing and digging for worms. I'd take Willow Lane built anywhere, anytime!!!! BEAUTIFUL!

Loved the walk-in pantry in the San Jancinto but wish the outdoor patio and fireplace was on the kitchen side of the house. Would make a great entertaining area. Wouldn't want everyone to have to go through the bedroom to get to the entertaining area. It has always been our dream to have a cabin on a lake. The Dream Swept is also great - nice being all on one floor. Wish it had a walk-in pantry like the San Jancinto.

Hello. This is my first time blogging. But I just seen your show last night on the cabin in the Smokey Mountains. So I wanted to check out your web site. I really like the floor plan for the San Jacinto. I have always wanted a front porch like that. I think it is just beautiful. Can't wait to see more.

Andrea Willey
Colora, MD

I like the San Jacinto with the open porch and Fireplace on the porch. The porch does need to be screened in.I would like to see views of the both ends of the house to be sure.

The San Jacinto is definitly the best, but I would put french doors in around the fireplace to access the deck. Stairs at strategic places on the deck so the lake (and the house) can be accessed better are a must! Also the half round windows need to be carried over to the rear foyer or not used on any of the windows. We look forward to the build!!!!

I love all the cabins, but I think that the Dream Swept plan is best for me. Hopefully it has a basement and the one floor layout is easier and more economical. No wasted heat or A/C with the 2 story San Jacinto.

I thought this was a cabin, not someones home. I pefer the Dreamswept for this reason. Build a cabin not a house.

I love the San Jacinto because of the loft with seperate bathrooms and good closets. I love the outdoor Fire place. However is there a basement in the Dream Swept? what is with the stairs? If there is a lower level i might change my mind.

Leaann

I am sooooooo excited about the floor plans here to pick from but I have absolutely fell in love with the Dream Swept plan...This is exactly the layout I would pick for my dream home,if ever given the chance..I love EVERYTHING about this home and I hope and pray to be able to experience it firsthand.Dream Swept can be a Dream come true,atleast I know it would be mine!!!!!!!!!Thank You all soooo much for this opportunity and chance at a life of comfort,peace and happiness!!!

If the 2007 voting was any indication, a large porch is a necessity. Look at the lake views! A portion should be screened. I am partial to wrap arounds. Although, there are advantages to a single story I would rate the San Jacinto as #1 and the Dream as #2. I prefer the exterior aspect of the San Jacinto.

I like the Willow because of the floor plan and the office. I think I'd make it into a library or den with a flat screen TV and built-in speakers for an audio system.

Willow lane is a no.

The other two each have good points and bad points.

Dream swept is nice because it's all on one floor.
San Jacinto is nice but all the bedrooms are upstairs and the laundry is downstairs.

I've had a house like that and lugging those clothes up and down gets old fast. Just for that reason alone, I vote for the dream swept floorplan. (unless they can add an upstairs laundry room to the San Jacinto...then I would vote for that one!)

I think I like the "Dream Swept" style the absolute best. It is so cozy and open. Having the bedrooms all on one floor is the best way for the family to all be close and that I believe is why I like the one floor aspect of this home. Maybe the square footage can be increased slightly though?

San Jacinto is the "hands down" winner. Great choice with all three plans though. What cabin would be complete without a second floor and loft? Think about the multiple views when you include that additional level. I'm looking forward to seeing what direction the floor plan will face. As far as the location, you've picked an outstanding spot with so many possibilities as a result of being an awesome lake front setting.

San Jacinto #1! I love the big front deck (I guess with a log cabin, it's a porch), The rooms are all awesome. Love,love,love the master suite on the 1st floor. Kids & grandkids upstairs.Can't wait to see it all come together!

Your show is better than awesome!

I liked the San Jacinto florrplan the best because I think it would make a perfect get away home and the porch is also great. The loft and the wrap around porch would be an ideal place to relax. For anytime of the day.

For me, it's San Jacinto, hands down ... I love the porch spanning the back of the cabin, the dual walk ins in the master, and having the two bedrooms upstairs (with their own baths no less!) separated by the loft for my kids. Functional beauty at it's finest!

I love the San Jacinto.I would like to see a little larger master bedroom.

I really like the Willow Lane, however; bedrooms 2&3 could bee a little larger. All the homes are great and living at the lake would be so great. Blog Cabin 2007 was so much fun to watch, we really enjoyed watching how everything came together.

We like the San Jacinto...with a few changes it would be ideal...the dormers make it look too cut up...and the fact there is no eat in kitchen for the family to gather is a drawback...the wraparound porch is an excellent feature...and the upper bedrooms with their own baths is an outstanding feature...this home would meet all our needs...hope we win...Paul

I like the San Jacinto as it is 2 levels more spacious.

The San Jacinto gets my vote. Not because I like it so much more than the other two, but because I think it will work better for the property....and it needs to be blogged (evil grin).
First of all, this will probably be a second home for whomever wins it. And because of the lakefront location, this cabin is going to have lots of friends and family visiting. The other two plans are awesome, but don’t seem as good for large gatherings (another evil grin).
If this plan wins, a few things I will blog to be changed are: 1) The bar closes the kitchen off. This space needs an open kitchen with island, more conducive of entertaining. 2) Larger laundry room and a pantry. A closet for the w/d would explode with my family using it LOL! 3) Larger Master suite with a sitting room or window seat.
PS. Amy, Chris and Simon, you guys Rocked last year! I hope Amy’s hosting again, and I want Chris and Simon back for this round as well. Better yet, give them a show of their own. :)

I love the San Jacinto with the full porch and two chimneys! Can't wait to view more design details!

Hi, I like the San Jacinto's space and foyer. The kitchen could be more open too. My favorite though is Willow lane I really like the layout.
We have done a lot of remodeling and a kitchen addition. so, it will be fun to see which one is picked.

I love the San Jacinto. The porch is love at first site. The floor plans are perfect. The location boasts of family fun time.Each bedroom having it's own bathroom is another wonderful feature for my family of six. I could see us spending a lot of much needed family time on the lake and in this house... First Floor Master, Great room, kitchen and dining room are all what I would look for in a home. Great floor plan!

I love the San Jacinto and that porch, I can see myself and my family sitting out in the cool evenings overlooking the lake enjoying the sunset and the beautiful lake view.

Some 'cabins'! They seem to get bigger and bigger. My favorite is Dream Swept...a nice, open floor plan with good storage. Dream Swept keeps the family together with it's big great room and still manages to be a simpler plan than San Jacinto, the main favorite. The bedroom closets in San Jacinto are terribly small, the lovely porch is not placed well, and it's just too big for most families to financially maintain. We'd all love to have a big house on a lake...until we have to pay the bills; even when the house itself is free, maintenance costs are not...and then there's Uncle Sam wanting his share!

Well from what I have read so far I must go with the majority as I favor the San Jacinto also. What I really like is the Master suite and the outdoor fireplace would make a perfect place for a hot tub right outside the master suite.

The San Jacinto looks like home. It calls to that place inside that knows home. After 20 years of active duty with the Air Force, where we live now just feels like another place that we're stationed at. This home is so much more appealing than the HGTV Dream Home. I can't wait to see how it unfolds.

I like the large deck and the master bed room on the lower level because my wife has bad hipps and knee,s and cant clime stairs very well any more . And all the main rooms are all down stairs it would be perfect for her. and the view of the lake from the deck would be great . And the cabin is the dream home we have always dreamed of and never could afford. Bough of us nearing retirement soon it would be great to have. We have always wanted o cabin on the lake and in the mountains to would be a dream come true t win it would be the only way we would ever get one And to have a fire place to set by on cold days would be nice we have never had one.The san jacinto is great .

I like the Willow Lane floor plan with the exception of the masxter bath should be at the back fo the house over looking the lake instead of over looking the front yard and driveway. I am looking forward to seeing how this house comes together.

San Jacinto is the one for us. We are empty nesters who spend a great deal of time with our grandchildren. This plan would provide ample space for the grandkids but yet not overpower us when they weren't there.... and who needs a front porch when you have a view of the lake. And what about the porch off the master suite.... how sweet is that. We really like the positioning of the front door, open the front door to the grand view of the lake.. Boggs Family

While I find so many positives about all 3 plans, my favorite is Dream Swept. I love the lay out and the fact that it is all on one floor w/a plan for stairs to a basement (I hope). We are hoping to retire into a log home and are aware that stairs could present a problem in the future if they had to be used a lot. The master suite is superb! It has all my favorite touches: french doors, large tub, walk-in closet & more. Also, I am excited about the living room fireplace and how it affords a fireplace for the porch too - definately a feature I want. The whole plan is cozy, open, airy and it looks like it has a wonderful kitchen that would allow great space for 2 to cook in. I would extend the back porch to include the 3rd bedroom w/a door instead of a window for guests to access the porch too. This is so exciting! I love the show & am gathering many ideas for our own retirement place.

Have to go with the Willow since it has few steps and the SanJacinto does not have an elevator. the wife and I both have knee problems. Too bad there is not a way to sneak an elevator into the SanJacinto.

I like the San Jacinto. It seems to have room to move around and find a private spot to read or just be lone, and yet you have plenty of room to entertain and have family time.

I like the San Jacinto, for two reasons the kids have their space upstairs out of sight out of mind when relaxing. Two the kitchen is at one end not in the middle for ease of unloading groceries and stuff. To me the fewer the walls the better the house.

The San Jacinto is great. I agree with a previous blogger that the outdoor fireplace should be on the other side of the house, more of an outdoor gathering place for everyone. It would also give you access to the kitchen for outdoor dining. The second floor would be perfect for guests or those overnight visits from grandchildren. It is just beautiful and I can envision my rocker out on the back porch, overlooking that beautiful lake.

I definitely like the San Jacinto. If you could just ditch the dormers, I'd like it better, or simply have one large dormer. It has a floorplan that I have liked since I saw a similar one many years ago. It's great for a lake home.

Looks like the San Jacinto is way ahead. I am curious about the location(s). This is the second spot located in the great state of Tennessee.

I just recently bought property (11+ acres) about 15 miles away from the last Blog cabin in Walland, TN.

Regardless, loved the '07 Blog cabin, especially since we are building nearby in 6 years when I retire and being a UT grad LOVE the Koxville, Tennessee area already!!!

After looking at the San Jacinto, I have one recommendation. Move the half bath from the foyer to the space behind the kitchen. It could be embarassing for some people to head for such a conspicuous bath room. I feel the same way about the one story models. People should also reconsider the one story models. A one story would make it easier for older members of the family and any guests or family members who might be handicapped.

Hey ya'll
I beleive San Jacinto would have to be my pick. The floor plans are every big families dream. Spacious and elegant. The deck around the back of the house fits the lake front lot perfectly. I can close my eyes and imagine the view and the family activities that would come from living in such a place. It's heaven on earth and a dream place to share with family and freinds.....at least my dream place anyways. I can't wait to see more options for the cabin.

Hey Ya'll. I am new to this whole blogging thing so bear with me. All of the designs are great and it seems as if the San Jacinto is becoming a favorite but there are are few things about it that just don't work for me, maybe for others too. First the design name just reminds me of a Navy ship, something I would like to forget if by some chance my wife and I could be so luck to win. Second, the 2nd floor is great but not when you have a bad back and terrible knees. The open space and loft is nice and I love the outdoor fire place off of the master bedroom. I really like Dream Swept floor plan. I just like the flow from the front throught the heart of the home, the family areas and to the awesome view of the lake and the fire place, I have never seen such a design, that alone is enough to win my vote. But where does the interior staircase lead to? What foundation is going to be used? Whatever plan is the winner I know its going to be awesome.

I vote for San Jacinto. I thought the layout was the most efficient and it takes advantage of the view...which makes me ask...why do all the plans have the fireplace in the center of the "great view". Can we move that fireplace and put in some larger windows or doors maximizing that view?
My husband and I saw your show for the first time last night. So glad you are doing this again for 2008...you have 2 new fans!

I like the San Jancinto. I like the privacy of all the bedrooms and baths. I just started this. I watched last night with my husband and thouth it great. Don't know if I could ever be blessed enough to win anything close to this but I have six children and would love to relocate to something like this. My husband is a truck driver so relocation is no problem! My problem is I don't know how to register to win. Am I registered just by blogging? PLEASE let me know I'll check this site at least once a day.

Thanks for letting us be a part of something so much fun!!!!

Debbie Gill

I love the San Jacinto, especially all its porches and entries..plenty of closets and bathrooms, the big fireplace and that greatroom

The San Jacinto is the floorplan for me. There should most definitely be a huge window looking off the kitchen outside. Floor to ceiling windows in the great room. A large bay window with a window bench would be great in each of the bedrooms. The view is so spectacular there should be huge windows in every room to allow a perfect view no matter which room you are in. French doors from the dining room, great room and master bedroom leading off onto the porch. A small sitting area off the master suite and a nice table with chairs off the dining room to allow for inside or outside dining would be a nice addition to the house, I think. Also, love the bench in the foyer.

I did not know of your cabin project until yesterday 1-01-08. We just recently have been able to view your network.. We started watching about 3:00pm and watch every episode until 10:00pm. My husband and I really enjoyed the project and I couldn;t wait to get here and bring up the website... I loved the San Jacinto and have placed my vote.. The large porch was the thing that caught my eye... love your show.

San Jacinto looks great-although I will be happy with any of the three!!

Had a log cabin until about 5 yrs ago, and IMO, a log cabin isn't complete without lots of porch space, so my vote goes for the San Jacinto.

Dream Swept is the one I would love to see built. I love the way the space is allocated and I believe that one story would make for a cozier family atmosphere.

Hi I like the SAN JACINTO it has a some what private kitchen, ilike the cooking area to be somewhat seperated. i like the breakfast bar facing the dinning area, but yet still seen in the greatroom area. i like the way the master bedroom is on bottom floor and the others are on second floor. i like the over all plan to this cabin as it is well designed.

i like the cabin by the lake and the cabin in the woods locations. i am a horror movie fan. friday the 13th rocks! (the first one)

I vote for the San Jacinto. The porch fully across the back facing the lake is a must. I think the 'owner's porch' may be a bit large, and another outdoor fireplace not necessary. I'd want to be with the family and friends, not apart from them, so I'd suggest making the porch off the dining room larger and the owner's porch smaller.

I like the San Jacinto. This floor plan allows everyone to have a view from all rooms.

San Jacinto is far and away the better pick. The floor plan is perfect! The covered porch is awesome and TWO master suite closets HEAVEN

I have to say that the San Jacinto is, hands down, the nicest floorplan. I am loving the porch spaces! And it looks like there is a lot of storage, as well, and that is definitly a plus! When can I move in?? lol

I like the San Jacinto mostly for the loft area. It would be great for a play area or a set of bunk beds. I love the wrap-around deck too.
The downsides to this plan is the closed in kitchen. I wish it was open to the greatroom. It would also be nice to have an island.

Love the floor plan, but most of all the outside of the house looks great. I think it would be lovely beside the water.
Jamie

The San Jacinto makes sense for what the lot is and where the cabin is placed. One can imagine sitting on the porch, rocking in a chair, and listening to the water lapping on the shore. Questions though... In the Master Bath, there is space in back of the shower - is that infrastructure there?? If not, it would certainly make a great alcove area in the Foyer (maybe to house the wireless for the house because it's fairly central), or a little shelf are for the Powder room (you can never have too much room for towels!!). Also, I'd put a larger window in the Rear Foyer and let the light come into the house more, since the laundry and kitchen area in every house are the most used areas. Or some solar tubes would work there too. The kitchen looks like it will be a dark area with only that little window.

I like the San Jacinto best.I hope this plan/site allows for a walk out basement it would be great for storage and a place to change when coming in from the lake.I to would like to see a little bigger master bedroom.The idea of screening in the outside fireplace area is a good one especially on summer nights.It would be nice if the Kitchen could be a little closer to the living room to make it one big area so the people cooking dont get left out.

Having lived in a log home of 1050 sq ft we found not enough storage space and found it a must in the way of a garage for storage. We also chose a two story and found the stairs to become a problem running back and forth to and from the lake, we have changed our option to settle on a one storey with lake side views a must with big windows and an outdoor living space with fireplace and hot tub usage.

With our experience in the past we like the floor plans for dream swept, or a one story.

We look forward to updates.

I like the dream swept, except I would not want to clean the 3 bathrooms - combine the 2 for BR 2 and 3 to make 1 good size bathroom and have extra closet space. I am all for 1st floor living!

I voted for the Dream Swept design primarily because I liked it's single story floorplan. I agree with the earlier posting by Beth that the pantry should be moved to the corner therfore creating a longer uninterrupted counter space.

I like the rear enty, potential mud-room entry of the San Jacinto and hope changes may be considered on the Dream Swept to incorporate a mud-room entry. The front entry hall could be extended into the existing kitchen space to allow for a larger 3/4 bath to create a mud room. Switch the Bathtub # 2 to the space the washer/dryer is and move a stacked washer/dryer in the 3/4 bath to create a larger mud room. The front door can be hinged on it's left side if necessary. Also, along the left entry wall a long closet should be made to store sporting items such as golf bags, skis, poles and boots, include a lockable area for sporting arms and ammunition. If necessary, eighty-six the kitchen bookshelf for closet space.

French doors were always my favorite until I looked over the Barna Homes website. Unobstructed views should be the goal for the windows and doors at this gorgeous home site. Consider windows that can be looked through from the inside, but not in from the outside so window dressing can be kept to a minimum.

I agree with earlier comments suggesting egress from the porches towards the lake or sides of the house. Outdoor storage is also crucial for fun items such as fishing poles, tackle boxes, and related gear, swimming and boating accesories, porch furniture cushions, bicycles, and the barbeque grill. Also, storage must be provided for work or outdoor hobbist items such as gardening or landscaping tools and supplies, snow shovels, brooms and ice scrapers.

The outdoor shower idea posted earlier would also prove to be a big convience.

Of course, if there is an easily accesible basement all the storage can be done downstairs.

I am going to live vicariously in this cabin. My best wishes to all for a Happy New Year.

Robbie Orlando

The building site is breathtaking and could be enjoyed by those who enjoy a little bit of fishing, bird watching or just taking in all the beauty of the scenery.
I would choose the San Jacinto plan over the rest. I love the large porch and it appears to have plenty of windows that would allow you to enjoy the scenery let light in. I like the fact that each bedroom has it's own private bath.

I like Dream Swept the best. I am 54 and getting older!!! Two story homes are great if your young but if you live there for a long time you will realize that in reality that a two story house can become too much to handle especially if health wise you are not able to go up and down stairs. For that matter, you can become handicap at a much earlier age than you might expect to.It would be a good ideal to make whichever cabin that is the winner to be handicap accessible. There are a lot of baby bloomers out there.

The style of the San Jacinto is the best of the 3 by far. But I would make some changes to the floor plans. First, I would redesign the floorplan for two bedrooms downstairs w/ a shared bathroom in the middle and the master bedroom upstairs. With the beautiful lake views, I would try to configure a balcony off the upstairs loft area or bedroom. I would put the loft area where bedroom & bathroom# 3 are and configure the other side for a bigger master suite. Me & My Husband prefer a shower to a tub, so I would design the master bath with a large walk-in shower.the tub/shower can be in the downstairs shared bath.
I love the idea of the large fireplace on the deck.that would be a wood burning with the one in the greatroom to be propane or gas(a lot less mess).A gas burning pot belly stove in the master bdrm wouldn't be a bad idea either.Downstairs,the rear foyer would be used as a mud room w/ utility tub for cleaning after working outdoors.

After a close decision, I vote for the San Jacinto. First off it just looks like a cabin w/ the loft. Although the Dream Swept has a better Master Bathroom design the over all look and feel of the San Jacinto was the clincher.

My choice was the San Jacinto model. I found the "farmers" porch at almost 3/4 of the house the best point. If that could be extended to a full wrap-around porch, the owners would be able to relax and view all the beautiful surrounding area at any vantage point.

I love willow lane and would choose that one if I had the opp.

I really like the San Jacinto design. It would be nice if you could add some glass in the gable to either side of the chimney. It would open up the lake view from the loft.

Love the Dream Swept floorplan. Simple,one floor,lovely windows across the back, dual fireplace and sensible kitchen floor plan. That's just for starters!

This is my second post regarding the floor plans. I still like them all, but I think I'm definitely going to vote for Dream Swept. It seems more cozy, more traditionally cabin-like, with the added bonus of being one level, and I can definitely visualize all the cool things the show is going to do with this gem.

I do remember a builder I spoke with one day told me that wrap around porches have a tendency to collect lots of "stuff" on the sides of the house. I'm sure not everyone would have this problem, but I could definitely see my family be guilty of this! I still really like the plan though! Okay, I'll shut up and go vote!

Each of the plans have things I like. The Willow Lane is one story and I like the office area. The kithen area seems to have very little counter top around the sink and cooking area and the rectangular bar or work space just did not look inviting to me.
The Dream Swept has my favorite master suite lay out and size. I like the way the kitchen is tucked away behind the foyer but still open to the great living area. I am not a big fan of the cook top in the isle but it does look to be setup for more than one person to be busy preparing food. I could not see the second floor plans. But I really do like the first floor plans. There are great views from the master suite, great living areas and at least one of the bedrooms. It would be nice to see the second floor plans but without seeing it I went for the San Jacinto.
The San Jacinto has a great wrap around porch and it looks like a number of room have doors to go out onto the porch. The favorite part of the porch is the master suite opens onto an area that looks to have a fireplace. It makes it very inviting to spend time outdoors or just watching the birds on the lake. The kitchen is not open to a great living area but it seems to have plenty of counter space and a storage area near it which could help with no pantry. It does look smaller but that could be because it is not open like the others. I did not like having a window with a view of the lake. There seems to be a small window over the sink looking out the end or side of the house. I was not really pleased with the way the master bath does and the two smaller closets than the other plans. But that looks to be no problem in the rooms upstairs. Both look to have plenty of closets and storage. I do like the loft area. That is what really made this one my pick, the upstairs loft and storage areas.

If I could see the second floor lay out for Dream Swept I might have it as my favorite since I like more about the downstairs. Will that be made avialable or is there a place I can go and see the second floor plans?

I love San Jacinto kitchen. The other 2 don't look at 'working friendly'.
One thing I don't like is the master bath tub in the front yard! I want to soak and watch wildlife - at least move it to the side wall.
I think upstairs is more for company and kids-grandskids. This way everyone has private space.
San Jacinto got my vote!

I think the Willow has the most to offer . Everything on one floor and the wrap around porch can be enclosed (all or some) and this would give you more room for family and friends. I know the children in our family would race to sleep out on the porch . As long as we can light it and lock it , they are for it. They did a great job on this plan

My favorite is the San Jacinto

I like the san jacinto

(Kathy) If the Dream Swept is one story why is there windows upstairs?

How long does it take for comments to appear? I love all the plans, all have strong features, are comfortable and beautiful. My preference is for the Dream Swept - You've just finished a 2 story cabin & I would be very interested in seeing what you could do w/a 1 story cabin. I have worked in hospitals and with the elderly - a 1 story is so much safer. Dream Swept is just that - a dream - cozy, interesting, great for visiting family - perfect for a retiring couple.

Love the San Jacinto with the loft and outdoor fireplace. I'd take any of the 3 choices though, all will be stunning in that fantastic location.

I like the San Jacinto with the open porch and Fireplace on the porch. The loft could make a great media room, like the bedrooms with seperate bathrooms and good closets. I love the outdoor Fire place. However is there a basement? A walk out basement on that lot would be great.

My choice is San Jacinto - mostly for its spacious layout, including the wonderful porch area, loft, and the fact that the guest bedrooms would also have fantastic views. The only bad thing is the kitchen needs to be opened up more to the living area, if possible.

I liked the other two floor plans, but in the Willow Lane plan, it has a very small kitchen, and I don't like that you have to walk through the master bathroom to get to the walk-in closet.

In Dream Swept, bedroom #2 has very small closets. I would rather see one shared bathroom for the two guest bedrooms - where bath #2, the hall closet and utility closet are at. Make the two little closets for bedroom #2 into one large closet. Then make bath #3 into the walk-in closet for bedroom #3, and the existing walk-in closet would become the utility area.

Just some ideas. But, I love all the designs and am looking forward to voting on other things. I missed out last year......only saw the final television shows. But will definitely participate this year. Thanks DIY.

On New Year's Day my husband and I were scanning the TV channels for something to watch. We stopped on DYI as BLOG CABIN began running the entire 2007 season. We both watch DYI regularly but never this program. We watched the entire series all day long and are completing hooked. We look forward to following each step, voting and like all others wishing, praying and hoping to win!

All three plans are nice , but all have some drawbacks. The San Jacinto needs to have the plan changed to put the covered porch off the dining room -kitchen. It makes it a long way to the kitchen to get a snack while on the porch. Who wants guests cutting through the master suite to get to the porch. Covered porch would be great to place a spa or endless pool . It would be nice to have capability to enclose in winter months to allow use all year.

I chose the San Jacinto. It is really similar to the log house that my wife and live in now. It is very open and I like the loft with the balcony overlooking the great room. Also the fireplace on the deck/patio is a great feature for entertaining outside.

San Jancinto is my favorite, warp around porch, view of the lake looks great!

I love the master sweet in Dream Swept, it looks like you could shut the doors and be in your own little world. I also like the way the kitchen, dining and great room are so open and the fact that it is all one level, I thought the two downstairs bedrooms were too close together and to small.
My vote is for the San Jacinto because I loved having the master downstairs and the other two bedrooms upstairs and with their own bathrooms. The wrap around pourch is something I have always wanted, one house we lived in had a large covered front pourch with a swing and I just loved it, we spent a lot of time out there. Inclosing a portion of the pourch would be great to excape from the bugs.
I agree since there seem to be several disabled and older people that there should be a way to get wheelchairs upstairs. I know that even though I am disabled that I would just live in the lower leval and have help taking care of the top floor.

I originally voted for the San Jacinto design. After further review, I think the Dream Swept design is more appealing. I agree with Bonnie's comments (Jan. 1, 11:14 am). A single floor plan with a spacious great room and divided living space is best. The porch off the master bedroom is the clincher. I am assuming it will be screened in. It would be used a lot more than a wrap around deck.

San Jacinto for me all the way. I love the outdoor living space. I'd spend all my time on the side porch room where the outdoor fireplace is.

I love the San Jacinto floor plan EXCEPT, wouldn't it be better for the porch to be off the dining room kitchen area? Seems like to issues would be addressed -- distance to haul food for outdoor eating and privacy and noise issues for the Master Bedroom

I really like all three choices, but the San Jacinto just says lake home to me. Having grown up on a lake, I know a few things this place could really use. The first being a boat house, big enough to store your boat in the winter, as well as any water toys, fishing equipment, and other summer recreational items, heated would be even better, although not necessary, something that would keep winter temps inside, above freezing, would make winterizing your boat easier. Next would be a garage, at least a 2 car, and maybe a covered circle drive past the front door to make entry easier during bad weather, as I think an attached garage would take away from the beauty of any of the cabin choices. The 3rd thing that would be really nice, is a full basement under the cabin, this makes a good, out of the way place for all the mechanicals of the house, plus, extra storage. Oh, I almost forgot, a nice dock, and shore station for your boat in the summer.

#1 Dream Swept - Like that it's one story.
#2 San Jacinto - really like porch!

Love the San Jacinto plan. This will look great on the lake. Can't wait too see more.
This is my first time responding to blog cabin.

So glad the San Jacinto is in the lead. It's nice having the fireplace porch off the Master Suite but if you can't have it on both sides, it'd serve better function off the kitchen/dining room.

Loved the San Jacinto -- as soon as I saw the pictures of the lot I knew the house had to have a great big porch and there it was in the San Jacinto. I also like the open feel of the greatroom and the fact that each bedroom has its own bath. You're off to a great start.

I love the San Jacinto! Romance....the wrap around porch and the privacy of the master suite, just beautiful. No fussing about the bathroom upstairs for the kids, heavenly. Very open and homey, who wouldn't love it?

Amazing - over 300 comments and going strong! Keep it up everyone, the energy around Blog Cabin 2008 is incredible!

I'm noticing a definite tilt toward the San Jacinto design, which means...we need to hear from the Dream Swept and Willow Lane folks - are you out there?

Also, don't forget to view the larger images so you can make the best choice possible, because once the votes are in, they'll be pouring the slab in no time.

Cheers!
Watson Hawkins
Manager, DIYnetwork.com

The more I go over the p;ans the San Jacinto is still the best. That deck and fire places clinched it. I'm a southern boy wanting to come home.

loved the porches on the SAN JACINTO. The view from the upstairs bedrooms on the lake will be fantastic.

I love the San Jacinto, I love the floorplan, the master bedroom on the first floor for us who are getting older and dredding stairs, and the huge loft and bedrooms upstairs for the younger adults, children, it gives everyone their space, and then there is plenty of together space. I love the wrap around deck, I would use it daily to sit out there drink my coffee and see the serene view. Great location and great layout. I LOVE IT, would be a dream home

Dream Swept is the best option based on how the trees are growing. The second plan will show the trees bare trunks then leaves. Growth will only increase the length of the tree's trunk. Dream Swept will cover the trunks and look more full I guess. It also has a busy front to offset the trunks nicely.

I love the San Jacinto. The main thing that draws me to this floor plan and design is the large outdoor deck facing the lake view. I can't wait to see the other choices. I also love the bathrooms off each bedroom.
Barb

My number 1 choice vote is for the Willow. Single level cabins are best when your guests or yourself may have trouble negotiating stairs. The idea that both guest bathrooms have tubs is also a plus. Small children and some elderly prefer a tub over a shower, and the San Jacinto plan looks like it only has showers. The overall layout of the Willow is perfect for weekend relaxation or full time living, The floor plan provides ample private areas as well as nice open common areas. At 68x53 feet the cabin has plenty of space. I’m not sure how it would be placed on the lot, but my suggestion would be to face the great room looking out onto the water.

My second choice would be the Dream Swept. But I don’t know that I like the entrance to the master suite from the great room. Why make the turn? It makes it harder to get furniture in and out of the room and almost impossible for a person in a wheelchair to negotiate. I suggest you eliminate the entry nook to the master suite.

The San Jacinto is by far the best of the three floor plans. The lot location looks fabulous. Love the outside fireplace. I would make the kitchen a little larger. The powder room on the first floor should come out of the front foyer (bad feng shui). The powder room would be better by the back foyer. Can't wait to see it built.

Where's my comment???? I posted about 3 days ago :(
Anyway, I absolutely adore the San Jacinto...I would love to live there and I can't get enough of the great State of Tennessee!

So, how exactly do you make sure you're registered for the giveaway? Or does it register you automatically when you post a blog?

I need to catch up to blogging speed, obviously!
-NickieSIXX

All of the blog cabins were incredible and the beauty of each was awe inspiring. Okay, I was partial to the master bath french doors and outdoor fireplace of the Dream Swept. A single story is also a lot easier on the knees. You guys are awesome! This will be a blessing to whomever will win.

Wow what a great thing to do! I found this on New Years Day and watched all night! I thought my favorite was dream swept but after really looking @ the plans i have to go w/ the San Jacinto. Would love to see a couple changes though. Move the washer and dryer into that other room across the hall so i can @ least enjoy the view while I'm stuck inside. It looks like it'll line up with the plumbing for the kitchen so shouldn't be a huge change. Then take that space and open the kitchen up a little more. It will allow more light to come in and may be able to add an island. Also i love the fireplace & since you're going to give me my cake and gonna let me eat it too with the fireplece and the lake let me enjoy them both. Can the fireplace be moved to the corner so that whole back wall could be windows?

I like the looks of San Jacinto from the outside the wrap around porch is great! However, I prefer the floorplan of Dream Swept, the way the kitchen is open to the living room. Is there anyway you can change the floor plan of the San Jacinto so the kitchen is open to the great room?

It's the San Jacinto for me. I liked the overall layout of the floor plan and the large porch. I agree with the viewer who stated it would make more sense to have the porch off of the kitchen area.
I look forward to this season's build.

Looking over the plan again I am even more convinced that San jacinto is the best. The privacy in all the bedrooms is great. The upper bathrooms are a little small and at least one of them could use a tub if there were any way to work it in. The master is awesome and totally private. The master bath is huge and the extended tub area is fantastic. Again the the greatroom with a prow front (or back if you wish) with windows to the top would really set it off. It would also allow any one in the loft area to take advantage of the great view. Naturally the deck shape would need to be changed to follow the prow.

I love the open concept of Dream Swept. I don't like to be cut off from the rest of the family if I am in the kitchen. One question, there seem to be steps to where? Is there a second floor loft? After living in a 2 story home with a basement I would be ready for a one level home. Barb

This would be my dream come true. Great location and all 3 floor plans are great, though my favorite would be the Dream Swept plan. I am hoping that the stairs lead to a basement where I could excercise and do some home projects.

I'm voting for the Dream Swept. It's perfect, to bring a family closer together. I love the foryer, kitchen and greatroom in the middle of the cabin and the bedrooms are split (master bedr. on one side and the other two on the right side). I love the porch off the master bedr. My home I live in now has a door that goes from our bedroom to our patio and I love it. The location is great. I have lived in OK for the past eight years but I was born and raised in TN. What a beautiful lot and the lake, what can I say, it's one of the best.

Pam

I love the wrap-around porch on the San Jacinto!

Hello,
We are also building on Watts Bar Lake in Spring City! This should be a very interesting Blog Cabin!
I will follow this year's project with even greater interest than last year, and this year I will participate, instead of just watching and reading!

To Mr. Hawkins:

We single story folks are out here...and being vocal! I think the reason San Jacinto is a "runaway" is that the folks who want a two story cabin have only one choice, but those of us that would prefer single-story are splitting our votes. In a perfect world, I'd like to see a "run-off" between the two story design and whichever of the one-stories comes in second. (As appears certain.) You might find yourselves with a real horse-race then! Otherwise, it seems certain that San Jacinto will win.

I prefer Dream Swept's layout--for all the reasons I mentioned above...best separation of living space from sleeping space, like the open kitchen, really want a single floor option. (We have dear friends with a child in a power chair.)I'm considering shifting my vote to Willow Lane, but only because a single story is REALLY important to me...and it is currently ahead in the "single vs double race."

PLEASE consider a run-off. (Probably too late for this time--but in future.) Or, next blog cabin, offer one single story and two double story choices!

I liked the San Jalinto floor plan how ever the walk in closets could be a little bit wider. At only 3' wide the walk way to the back will be a bite narrow.

Wow!!

My post on the 3rd was credited to Sandy, and the
post under my name wasn't mine?? Oh well, as long the votes are counted.

I voted for San Jacinto. I've always wanted a house with a huge porch to sit on and what views will be had on that porch overlooking the lake. I also like the floorplan for the house. I saw that many others would prefer a one story house, but I think the essence of a cabin is multilevels. I like also how this floorplan has bathrooms for each of the bedrooms and my what a great room!! I look forward to the final decision and seeing the building process begin.

So far it looks like the majority prefer the largest of the 3 plans. I am still unswayed - Dream Swept is the perfect retirement home and the one I am voting for building. The site is so very georgeous - Dream Swept would make the best use of it - especially if it has a walk out basement (which looks possible from the pictures) - allowing for great walk around area & a separate garage if one isn't put underneath the cabin. I have been looking at log homes for more years than I want to admit due to age & am so excited about this whole process. Since a 2 storied cabin has already been done it would be so much more interesting to see the talents put to making a one story just as lovely - and safer for a retirement property - that's my wish.

It's the San Jacinto for me. The wrap around porch makes the cabin. To be able to sit on that porch,in a comfy rocker, with my honey, watching nature at her best, would be simply, "Heaven on Earth".

The San Jacinto is a great floor plan, being on the lake is a wonderful thing. Waking up every morning to a view of the lake is a great thing to do. The only other thing I would like to see is a basement. It would be great for a game room, a play room for the kids, ect.

San Jacinto is running away with the votes, which is good because it's a great design.

Pour that slab. I can't wait to see this thing start coming together. I've always dreamed of living in a loghouse on the water. Atleast I'll get to see this one come together.

Marty I in Virginia but I'm Tennnessee born and bred.

San Jacinto hands down. Perfect for a lakeside retreat.

So which one is your favorite? My favorite for The DIY Blog Cabin 2008 floor plan is the Dream Swep it's so incredible.

Tell us why? I like the Dream Swep cabin floor plan much better because of the way the lay out is so outstanding & I love the whole the view of the cabin inside & outside all the way around & ever inc of the cabin the cabin it's a dream come true & it priceless, What even better it's down the earth make you feel like your part of mother nature & the warm cozy feeling. Inside of the cabin it so roomy that I had never seen so much room in a cabin it leaves ya speechless with a great feeling. It very nice & open views & wide it so wow.You can do a lot in the The Dream Swep cabin home with having 2 fire place, inside & outside of the cabin for an year around events that cool & all the rooms& so much more.

Oh wow the back the porch it's a true breath taking just thinking of the great view year around with mother nature no mater the weather is like. My family & freinds & I sure can enjoys the view from the back porch & beening with the great outdoors the same time as I can see the birds eating from the feeders. I like the way the living room & dinner room is it's roomy great for get togather there with friends and family or just talking it easy. The way the mater bedroom layout is it just right it makes you feel at ease. And it what also is nice how you can walk out from the mater bedroom to the pouch that nice than enjoy having your morning cofffe or tea. And with the other 2 bedrooms having their own bathroom that very good. The kitchen is so nice I like & same time I'm cooking & I can see everyone I really like that & I love to cook.

The front pouch it so cute than when your enter the Dream Swept cabin it's say it all welcome. Also the basement could have many rooms like family game room with wood stove, guest rooms, washroom, a nice den-reading room, art & cratf room, a full bath, nice france door when walk out you can see also a great veiw from under the poch as well & you can also sit under to see the wonder of the outdoors under the pouch or enjoy a nice cup of hot coco drinks.The Dream Swept cabin sure dose has a lot to offer more than words can say.

R.Wallace & Cooper

Wow, San Jacinto is really pulling away from the other plans. I'm going to mourn the loss of my favorite, Dream Swept. The more I look at that plan, the more I love it. The simplicity of it, the functionality of it. There's a heck of a lot you can do with a simple house plan.

Come on Dream Swept fans...place your vote ;)

I like the San Jacinto for a lot of the same reasons. I also like that the two-story design helps to minimize the footprint on the lot. I would definitely open up the window wall in the master BR and agree with the suggestions to swap the fireplace to the "public" end of the building. Perhaps putting a hot tub on the "private" end would be a better use of the space - although it might be preferable to have it close to a non carpeted entry. I hope you'll consider features that make it easy to shut the house up for those who might make it a retreat rather than being able to live there full-time. I can think of roll-down shutters, a tankless water heater, remote monitoring capability. What are your recommendations for those wanting to make a vacation cabin easy to lock-up/open-up?

SAN JACINTO
As soon as I saw the porch, I knew I would want to sit on it and take in the view. This is the one that gets my vote.
I would sit and tell stories to my son, on that porch in front of the fire, and maybe sing a few songs even though I cant carry a tune.

I LIKE THE SAN JACINTO THE BEST. I REALLY LIKE THE OUTDOOR FIREPLACE AND THNK THAT IT WOULD BE REALLY GREAT IF IT WAS MADE INTO A FOUR SEASONS ROOM TO BE ABLE TO REALLY ENJOY ALL YEAR ROUND. THE IDEA OF BATHROOMS IN EACH ROOM IS AN EXCELLENT IDEA BUT WOULD LOVE TO SEE A FULL BASEMENT AND A DETACHED GARAGE. ALSO MAYBE A RADIANT SNOW MELT SYSTEM FOR THE DRIVEWAY. BUT AS ALWAYS LOVE THE JOB YOU GUYS DO.

Secondary structures have been suggested to complement the cabin. Lakefront Estates developement plans feature a boathouse and dock area. Besides budget related considerations are there any development related restrictions about building docks, boathouses, storage sheds or garages?

Also, what is the depth along the lot's shoreline. Is placing a raft on the water during the swim season permitted. Perhaps that would be an ideal outdoor feature. If so please design it with an easy transition in mind for swimming out and lounging on the raft. Also, an easy means to pull the raft out of the water for off-season storage ashore.

Thanks and looking forward to 2008 Blog Cabin.

I like San Jacinto I love the porch the way the main rooms get the view of the lake. I especially love all the folks that build the cabin and put so many of their skills on the tv to share with us. It is great to see them work together and share their knowledge.

I only became aware of the show last week and have dvr'd and watched constantly until I got all episodes watched!
I have doubts of ever winning considering the odds, but it is still fun to watch,vote and day dream.
Our grandson has recently relocated to Nashville and to be that close to him would only make the home more inviting. However, a tent would do if it meant being closer-you know how grandparents are!
Congratulations to the last winner.

Your New "Fan"
Linda Smith

My husband and I dream of a log cabin by the lake. I think the San Jacinto is the best, because of the porches and the loft area. Every cabin has to have a loft right? :O)

I have only just gotten into the blog cabin shows and WOW!!. I have voted every day so far for the 2008 cabin. The lake views are wonderful and there is plenty of room to add a place for out boats as well as a nice garage. One thing at a time, the cabin FIRST!!I think the San Jacinto cabin is the best. The big porch and master bedroom on the ground floor and the fireplace outside are wonderful. My husband and i will be retireing soon and this would be ideal. We have lived in Florida all our lives. We have been to Tennessee a few times and this lake is beautiful. I just wanted to say the choices were difficult.Thanks for giving the everyday "JOE" a chance for something this spectacular.

Even though the Dream Swept blueprints don't show an "upstairs" the outside elevations show a window up there so I am hoping that means it would be usable space above the main living areas! So that is the one I voted for, even though first instinct pointed me to the San Jacinto plans.

My husband and I have become DIE-Hard/DIY-Hard Blog Cabin followers. We loved all three cabin choices, but easily voted for San Jacinto. We especially loved the wrap around porch and lake views. We found the master bedroom and the roomy floorplan ideal...It would be great if they made this all weather retreat as Green as financially possible! From Solar Power, Solar Shingles to Geo-Thermal Heating and Cooling, even a rain collection system for grey water.

Why would you have a great view of a lake and not have a HUGE porch to enjoy it??? Therefore San Jancito!!

Hi,
I have been wanting a cabin for a long time and the San Jacinto would be the one for me. I think it has the perfect floor plan. The big windows in living room would give a great view of the lake. The large covered porch are a plus for this home. Just imagine yourself setting on the porch looking at the peaceful lake

I am so impressed with all of the homes and so happy to see that the voting has started. The lot and lakeview are awesome. The winner could just walk right out the back door with the poles and have the grill warming and hopefully have a fish fry for supper. This home will be so much fun for the winning family. I wish I had a checked earlier. Missed 4 days of the voting. But that's ok. I love all 3 of the homes. I'll be happy with either one. But I have young children and want them within earshot. So I am voting for willow today. It had the best use of space to me. Especially for young families or older couples. I do love the open living areas, Nice views, love the seperate office or "my craft room". And the seperate washroom. And thank you, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!!!! for all of the bedrooms having their own baths that is such a sweet blessing! Especially nice dreaming for my family when we are victims of having only one bathroom, with a family of 4! We are forever on the race for who gets it first. If we win the bathroom race or hold it dance will be over. And We will have a bathroom of own. Now that is sweet dreams! Great job designers. Beautiful house plans.

I really like the San Jacinto but agree it needs a few changes the out side fireplace needs to go on the other side right now the only way to access it from inside without going all the way around is thru the master bedroom, but as it is wouldn't it be great to have a large spa sitting right next to your bedroom and it also needs a nice large shower area in the master bath.
I like the idea of each bedroom having there own bathroom but one of the rooms upstairs needs a bath not just a shower.
I also feel no mater what plan is chossen they need to have a garage large enough to have a car and room for your boat during the winter time

Great site with 3 wonderful floor plans. I love them all, but would choose Dream Swept. I like 1 level living and I am hoping that the stairs lead to a basement where I could exercise and do projects. A basement garage would also be nice. For me this would be a dream come true.

I am new to Blog Cabin. My favorite is Dream Swept. Very simple, open design. Love the layout and designated bathrooms for each bedroom. The stairs in the plan are a little confusing since this appears to be a single level. Is this the basement/crawlspace access? "My" dream cabin would have the master and the great room taking advantage of the lake view. A must have! Any of the plans will be beautiful when completed and a great get-away. Looks like San Jacinto is the leader...

Hello to all!! This is my first blog on this cabin and I must say that of the three choices, I would most prefer the San Jacinto as it has the large porch to view the beautiful scenery. We live on the eastern shore of Virginia and are surrounded by water but to have a log cabin on a fresh water lake would be like going to heaven. I'll keep checking back again this year and continue making my choices.

I just realized they had started voting! Wow! I love all three floor plans, but the San Jacinto is my favorite! Spectacular view too!

I like the San Jacinto. However, I would rework the kitchen amd dining area. The kitchen is too chopped up and I would eliminate the bar. The dining area is too small. A great cabin like this should have a spectacular kitchen and dining room. Also, I would eliminate the railing in front of the front door so you don't block some of the view of the lake. And, for the handicapped bloggers, put in an elevator to the second floor.

What does it take to get my blog posted? Just curious. Thank you and have a Happy New Year!

I really like the San Jacinto. With a few changes it would be perfect. The upstairs functionality would increase with a central bathroom with a bathtub, instead of a smaller one in each bedroom, with no bathtubs. Bathtubs are neccessary to bath the kids, or for the people who prefer baths to showers. Another reason for it is if guests come and there is no room in a bedroom they would have to go into someone's bedroom to shower and get ready.

Another addition would be a basement. This would allow for more space for storage, and leave room for a possible workout room, and an office.

Hands down the San Jacinto floor plan is the winner! A cabin has to have a wrap around porch and a loft to fulfill the experience of cabin living.

San Jacinto -- but, modify it as some others have said: move the outdoor fireplace to the kitchen end & add countertops & some cupboards to make an outdoor kitchen; make the Great Room fireplace a double so there is one on the back deck; stairs from the back deck to the outside rear; hot tub on the porch by the Master Bath; take advantage of the slope & make a basement area with more storage; have dock on the waterfront w/ gazebo nearby; screen the porches (so they are useable longer)

We just loved the San Jacinto for the size and the gorgeous wrap around porch and outdoor fireplace. We are a family of four living in a two bed roon apartment so this would be a dream come true for us. We have visited tennessee once and we loved it there. We love the show and we will keep on blogin :)

SAN JACINTO... WHAT AND AWESOME CABIN! The rear cabin view is as wonderful as the front view and the floor plans are to die for. My family and I live in Louisiana and we all love to fish, WE LOVE THE WATER! How dreamy it would be to walk out of your back door and go down to the Lake and fish and to enjoy nature as God intended. And on those not so pretty days you can still enjoy the view from every main room in the cabin and of course don't forget the porch. Now! What would a cabin be without a porch? And how awesome it would be to have family and friends visiting you for the summer. WOW!! It would feel like we were all vacationing together. Except when they would leave our vacation wouldn't end. Hey, when I dream, I dream BIG and there's nothing wrong with that!

I love the large porch and outside fireplace on the San Jacinto--very appealing features for a lakeshore cabin. I was just curious about the demensions of the lot chosen and in which direction(view)will the cabin face? I just started watching Blog Cabin a few days ago, DIY channel ran all the episodes from the Blog Cabin 2007 that day and now I'm hooked on this program.

Looks like i'm not the only one who thought the San Jacinto was the best of the three, the bedrooms seperate from the master and the porch were what grabbed me about this plan, the only thing i'd like to see would be some more windows and the small room off the back across from the Washer/dryer, why not make that the laundry room, it's good a happy window in it.

I have just been watching on tv the 07 blog house shows. I had no idea this was going on. I have set my dvr to record evey episode. sence I am new I am not sure where the lake front property is located. Can you tell me? I now live on a hwy near lake front (but it is in a trailer). I will keep up with this evey minite I can I would love to win.

My husband and I have recently stated watching Blog Cabin. WOW!! What a great show. I am so excited to be a part of the new season and help determine which cabin it will be and all of the features in the cabin. My choice for the floor plan is San Jacinto. What a great porch to sit at. The whole cabin is very functional. Keep up the great job you all are doing.

I really like the outdoor fireplace on the dream swept plan. Can that be added to the San Jacinto plan?

I already live in a 2-story log home with a basement. That's two flights of stairs that do a daily job on these old knees. I dream of a big, one-story sprawling ranch log home in my future. Every room on the same floor. Ahhh, my joints would thank you for that.

A Outdoor Fireplace Is must. It Good the Cain. Or Just Good Must. Or Just Big Fire Pit That Can Be Place To Look At The Lake At Night.

I like the San Jacinto, but I feel there sould be an other bedroom on the first floor in case you have someone living wih you that cannot go up and down stepp, or put in a lift chairfor them. I would also like to see a basement. I also would like to se a new walk in shower with jets for the person that has a hard time ostanding to bath,safty rails to get up by.

Thank YOU Goldie

The San Jacinto!!!!! My favorite. The log home of my dreams always has a beautiful cozy loft..Love it.

Without a doubt, I believe that the San Jacinto floor plan should be the winner. I feel that this plan takes full advantage of the location - the large porch area on the lakeside, ALL the main rooms will have fantastic lake views as well as all of the bedrooms - I imagine even the kitchen window will offer a peek at the lake. I like the idea of the 2 upstairs bedrooms being virtually mirror images of each other - no family member/guest would feel slighted.

Some one mentioned larger windows, which I would normally tend to agree with, but it IS a log cabin (actually "cabin" is a bit of a misnomer for this layout!) after all, so the window size is not too objectionable for the project - besides, you could always step outside to the generous porch for a better view!

Moving the fireplace that is currently off the Master bedroom to the Kitchen side of the house and adding the necessary items to create an outdoor kitchen and dinning area are excellent suggestions, as is making the living room fireplace double sided - though not all that necessary as there would be another fireplace right around the corner.

Adding a basement/recreation/storage area would not be a bad idea and obviously easier to add at this point in the planning process than it would after completion should someone want a basement - how much of a slope does this lot have? Would it actually be feasible to have a basement that is open to the lakeside of the lot? A dock would definitely be a reasonable and worthwhile addition to the package.

No matter which plan wins out in the end, the lucky winner (hopefully me!?) will end up with a wonderful year around or vacation home, with a view that just won't quit. Can't wait for this year's Blog Cabin to air!

Well the floor plans are great but did any one do there home work for the site? Watts bar is very near an older ageing nuck plant right?

I have to say, overall I was disappointed in the layouts. Sure, I'd be happy to have any of them, but expected more from Blog Cabin. I just feel like they're not as useful of a layout as they could have gotten.

But for me, of the 3 choices, the San J. wins hands down! What's a lake house without a loft? I understand the concernes of those with medical problems, but something as wonderful as a Blog Cabin should be shared; surely you have someone who would use the upstairs.

The one thing I really feel is lacking from the San J. is the front porch. Of course (when I win) I expect to spend most of my time on the lake side, but we still want it to feel inviting to come to. So even if it's not fully covered (I know that all ties into the look of the lines of the roof from the front, can't we have the current front entrance porch extend to the bump outs on each side of it?

I also agree with the basement comments. We need a place to store the swimming/fishing/boating gear.

Finally, storage (a.k.a. closets) are always a big deal, but are 4 small closets in the upstairs bedrooms necessary? I'm assuming given the roof structure that the closets will have sloping ceilings so you won't really be able to walk into them. Perhaps on one side of the room we could have bookshelves (gotta have something to do on the rainy day curled up next to the fireplace!) full height or atleast on top with cupboards underneath?

Love all the floor plans! Love log homes & learning how to make them even greener. I am very much looking forward to the start of the new Blog Cabin. On Dream Swept I would extend the porch to the guest room and put in a windowed door instead of a window on that side. No matter which floor plan wins - a walk-out basement would be great. A place for a hot tub would add to the healing features!

I can see myself and my family in all 3 choices, i like the great rooms with the lofts best though. so please every one vote to build me a great cabin this year as i sure wanna win one.. ha ha just kidding good luck to every one.

I loved the 2007 Blog Log Home. I have all of the shows on my DVR. I grew up on a lake in Michigan and the San Jacinto is the way to go for sure. You live on the porch in the summer outside next to the lake.

The San Jacinto has the best layout for this lot and gets my vote. The outdoor fireplace with options for either an outside dining area or maybe a jacuzzi/spa area would be a great bonus.

I have one point to make with all the designs and, in fact, almost every building of this nature. The rustic railings, while lookng the part from the outside, actually are a huge constraint to a clear view from inside or when sitting on the porch. If there have to be railings please make them either lower and out of the line of sight when one is relaxing on a porch chair or much thinner and less intrusive into the view. After all, it's not the railings one wants to see but the view. Preferably I would remove most of the railing and leave the view unobstructed with broad steps along most of the lake side for safety and to allow a gentle step down to the yard. There could be hand rails up at either end to assist people with limited mobility and a ramp for easy wheelchair access up one side. Broader steps would make this easy and allow much more wheelchair mobility along the lake side of the home. It would also be easier to move large items of furniture or even my wife's grand piano into the house.

Love The Place For DYI Bolgcabin.
just hope the luck winner loves like i do.Just hoping we keep down to earth... keep things GREEN!

The San Jacinto is the one. The large porch is great, could just imagine sitting on it and watching the wildlife at night.

Three more quick comments.

Last year you built a cabin with the traditional Appalachian dovetail logs. I am personally a fan of the 8-inch single “D” profile that gives you a rounded log look exterior with a tongue & groove interior. Even if you log side the gables, you can still match in T&G 8-inch board for the Cathedral ceiling and loft. I think the San Jacinto plan would look great in that log style.

I’ve read some comments about moving the fireplace to the master bedroom wall side to allow more glass on the lake side of the cabin. It would also open up the opportunity to add a smaller fireplace in the master bedroom with a double chimney. Even without the move though a small vent-less gas fireplace in the master would be a great feature.

The biggest thing that sold me on the San Jacinto was the large covered side porch with the outdoor fireplace, though I do agree with some of the other comments that it would work better on the Dining Room side of the cabin. Add a log table and chairs and it becomes a great place to eat out.

I can hardly wait for you guys to start work. This is going to be a great cabin.

I like all three especially the building lot. I voted for the Willow. Very exciting DIY and thank you for allowing everyone to help and watch the building process.

I love the back to back fireplace of the Dream Swept, I prefer the over-all layout of the Willow Lane but who in the world wouldn't want the loft of the San Jacinto?!? It's no wonder it's way ahead in the voting!

The San Jacinto has the best layout for this lot and gets my vote. The outdoor fireplace with options for either an outside dining area or maybe a Jacuzzi/spa area would be a great bonus. All bedrooms have excellent lake views so no one misses out. Having the fireplace on the lake side is an excellent design allowing one to sit in the cozy warmth and still enjoy views without craning ones neck.

I have one point to make with all the designs and, in fact, almost every building of this nature. The rustic railings, while looking the part from the outside, often are a huge constraint to a unobstructed view from inside or when sitting on the porch. If there have to be railings please make them either lower and out of the line of sight when one is relaxing on a porch chair or much thinner and less intrusive into the view. After all, it's not the railings one wants to see but the view. I would remove most of the railing and leave the view unobstructed with broad steps along most of the lake front side. There could be hand rails up at either end and, possibly, at regular intervals to assist people with limited mobility with a ramp for easy wheelchair access up one side. Broader steps would make this easy and allow much more wheelchair mobility along the lake side of the home. It would also be easier to move large items of furniture or even my wife's grand piano into the house. A cabin like this must have music of nature and man.

My apologies...I thought the name of the person who blogged would be within the lines, not under the line.

The San Jacinto is the perfect home for the wonderful location you have chosen. What else could anyone want but to be able to sit out on the beautiful porch with some soft music and a good cup of coffee and greet the morning sunrise and watch the woods come alive with the wild animals and birds. That would be my dream.

One of the things I would like to see is a garage for a boat & a Car. Thank you

I like willow lane the best. The doorway, from what I could tell was highly visiable. For me, the door may seem like an odd detail to pick on, but it is the first thing people notice on a house--seriously. Is it welcoming? Does it have a warm color? Are friendly people behind the door? The rest of the house is built around it as far as I'm concerned. I like the fact that the living room is central. Of course, the fireplace is just wonderful and I like the fact that it isn't located on the front of the house.

So many are choosing the San Jacinto. I need to take a closer look. The idea of the wrap around porch is nice. Lots of those in Louisiana on the older homes. I am still leaning toward Willow Lane.

I'm a first time blogger, but followed last year's Blog Cabin and was totally taken in by it. So I plan to become part of the Blog Cabin family for this year. I love the San Jacinto home, the wrap around porch has always been a favorite of mine along with the outside seating area and fireplace. I agree with some of the other blogs that the cabin needs lots of windows to take in the beautiful lake view - the hours you can spend staring out the windows, especially during the fall season would be heaven and oh so good for the soul! I look forward to checking in regularly and voting on future design elements to make this cabin truly exceptional lakeside living.

All three designs definitely have their merits. While I understand the desires for a single story home; I like the San Jacinto the best for a lakeside cabin. The wraparound porch is a must for the view and what an even better view from a second story. I agree with the comments about moving the outdoor fireplace to the kitchen side and making it an outdoor kitchen. I thought the spa outside the master bedroom would be great.

I love the San Jacinto. I love vacationing in the woods with a water view and I would seriously consider moving into this one to make it a year-round residence. The huge porch would be a great place to sit and relax if it overlooks the lake view. I love the idea of a covered, outside fireplace in addition to the inside fireplace. I can imagine many nights when I might want to be able to sit outside with the fire but couldn't due to rainy weather--that porch would allow that and more.

While I appreciate the comment somewhere above that said they'd like to see the porch off of the kitchen area, I also love the idea of romantic and semi-private porch area off the master BR. Don't know how the structure would allow, but the bigger windows facing the lake, the better. With the porch's overhang, larger windows would allow more natural light to come inside--not to mention allowing more scenery for the inhabitants.

Can't wait to see how this one will end up....

While I prefer the exterior of Dream Swept, San Jacinto's interior layout is impressive and really makes the most sense, given the lovely setting. I agree with Marcy--larger windows would be nice!

I like the San Jacinto for its strong lines and large porch. Also, the design has a balance that unifies the structure. I think it's a winner!

I voted for San Jancito just based on the outside floor plan- never even saw the inside plans until after I had voted. This particular one got my vote just based on the porch ALONE! If you are going to build a log home on a lake you need this type of large open gorgeous porch to enjoy this grorgeous lake view! I think this will be one blog cabin I will be setting on the TIVO and entering myself to win!
Cant wait to watch and vote on this grand home!

Love the San Jacinto! Floor plan is great. MasterBedroom on ground floor is perfect. Love the wrap around porch with fireplace. Lovely lot!
Daylight basement would be nice. But I'd take it w/out. It will surely be a WOW cabin!!
It would be my retirement home for sure!!

This is a great location for truyly any of the three models. Laura Purvis

You would have to have a large porch on a cabin!!
It would scream for you to enjoy a toddy while watching the sunset or a cup of coffee in morning solitude. It would be a good place for the kids to play if it rained, memories are made on porches like that....

i totally agree about the front door...i sometimes point out peoples beautiful front doors (yes...i really do this) to my teenage son who just doesn't get the appeal. i have to go with san jacinto though. it is just the perfect match with the lakefront...what a wonderful design with the great room and master bedroom downstairs, pick me pick me!!

YES!!!!I LOVE THE SAN JAC. !! I love the show try to watch it every chance I get. I and my family have ALWAYS dreamed of living on the lake in a beautiful cabin. I have 4 boys and I must say with me being the only female in a house full of fishermen ,you better learn to love to fish ! I just love to wake up every morning and see the view you guys have picked out !! AWESOME
GREAT SHOW ,GREAT CHOICE .Thanks to all that voted as I did ,it is a breath taking cabin,rooms are big,plenty of bathrooms,and I love the back porch facing the water ,for those morning coffee drinkers who wants to see this beauty everymorning.. GREAT!!

I LOVE THE SAN-JACINTO WITH THE BIG PORCH.
CAN'T YOU JUS'T SEE YOUSELF STANDING THEIR WATCHING THE SUN GO DOWN OR UP? OR FISHING ON THE LAKE WITH YOUR DOG AND OF COURSE FAMILY NOW THAT WOULD BE A DREAM COM TRUE

It took about two seconds to choose the San Jacinto. It's long porch looks so inviting for family gatherings. I can imagine sitting on that porch overlooking the lake in the evenings watching the setting sun and enjoying the birds and retirement with my husband. We bought 11 acres of mountainside property in eastern Kentucky 25 years ago with plans to build a log cabin for our home. Four children and college education later and very much broke, we're still dreaming of a log cabin in the woods. My husband loves to fish. I would probably be sitting on the porch watching the birds by myself and waving to him on the lake if God blessed us with this beautiful home. Thanks to DYI and Lumber Liquidators for being so generous and making one lucky person's dreams come true.

San Jacinto is a beauty and I voted for it. Can't wait to see it begin. I grew up near the ocean and I think this lakeside community is a wonderful choice for this years Blog Cabin. For myself, I would love the smaller log cabins. However, with 2 sons in the military the extra bedrooms on the second floor with the loft, would come in mighty handy for those leaves that come way too seldom! And the view looks wonderful. But, like most, those walk in closets and that HUGE master bathroom just called my name! I agree that the railings should be minimal (or at least low) to maximise the view. Have fun with this new project .. we will enjoy watching!

All three floor plans are just great but I vote the San Jacinto. The best features for the San Jacinto is the 1. rear foyer [a place to take off muddy shoes, etc], 2. the loft [more room for sleeping if you need it or a place for the kids to hang out and play games on rainy days/nights], 3. lots of storage upstairs also love 4. all the porches. I would rather have seen the porch with the fireplace off the dining area or the great room, having a door on either side of fireplace. That seems to be more sinceable for family gatherings. A place for grilling, afternoon siestas or nighttime gatherings.

The San Jacinto has my vote, I can just imagine sitting on a really cool unique swing or better yet a swinging couch and swinging chairs. I could sit there looking at the lake daydreaming all day. I can picture myself on that porch it's big and roomy just like I've alway's dreamed of. I can't wait.

love the san jacinto house! i'm from east tennessee and would love to get back there, closer to family and the beautiful mountains (watts bar lake is fantastic for skiing, too!) the only change i'd suggest would be to the upstairs bathrooms; make it a big jack and jill w/ two toilets and a nice size bath/shower.

Sorry folks but San Jacinto, although the most popular choice, has a closed in feel. Look at the size of the kitchen?? Small and closed in. The cook would be apart from most people while cooking. Don't know about you, but in our family, we always wind up in the kitchen.

Willow Lane is open, allowing for folks to share in all the activities. The office can be set up as a cozy, quiet away room. It too has a great porch. Also has a wonderful stone foundation and fireplace.

Finally, one modification of Willow Lane would be to make the fireplace open to the outside porch giving you the inside and outdoor fireplaces without the expense of building 2 separate ones.

Reconsider you choice. Take another look and vote for Willow Lane!

I just love the Jan Jacinto floor plan. I could already see my family there. We go to visit the Tenessee mountains at least twice a year. I search the web for weeks till I find the perfect cabin to stay in. The last visit was in Oct. with my brothers and sister, that was so nice to get to know each other again. It would be a dream come true to go visit the beautiful mountains in our own cabin, then it wouldn't be so sad to leave knowing it will always be there to welcome us back!

Love the fireplace and the huge porch.

I love the San Jacinto layout the best it will look very pretty sitting in front of the lake. I think the windows that are faceing the lake should be big windows so you can see the great views. And another nice thing about San Jacinto it has big poarchs around it that will make it great just sit on and take in the view. And haveing the fireplaces are great it would be great if there could be another fireplace outdoors like the 2007 blog cabin that was a very nice. I can't wait to get to started on the rest of the voting on the blog cabin 2008

The San Jacinto floor plan with that gracious front porch is absolutely devine. WOW! Everything one needs to enjoy the view from the lot and the waterfront. Great job, Team! Keep it going.

San Jacinto is by far my choice for this setting! It has always been my dream to have a home on the lake. I can only imagine waking up every morning to a view like this. I love the outdoor fireplace. I agree with some of the other comments about making a few changes in the plan but I could live with it just the way it is "if I have to". I can't wait to see what transpires as the show goes on... I'm addicted to blog cabins!

I love the porch on the San Jacinto. I can just imagine sitting in an adirondack chair looking out on the lake from the porch.

Hello from the Adrondacks in New York, I prefer the San Jacinto, My Husband and I both come from big families, although we are empty nesters now we love to have our families visit. This cabin looks perfect to enjoy are families together.

Great Cabin with the wrap around porch. Can't get in to view and vote on floor plan.

BTW, my personal choice is the Willow Lane due to it being all on one floor and having the most usable space of all. I personally like have the the office space which would serve as a craft room or any other specialty space.

I like them all! I believe having a one story is more pratical for everyone but the San Jacinto is pretty and does not have that trailer look to it. I hope they are doing radiant floors. It really does not matter to me....which floor plan wins. Please no wormy wood doors, I agree that the door means alot in a home or cabin. Wishing you all good luck and wish my husband good luck....he would love to have a cabin.

I can't beleive I am getting in on the very first part of the Blog Cabin. I am so excited. I think a big screened in porch would be great where you could sit and look at the water and enjoy your coffee early in the morning. I like all the designs but of course picked the last one as my favorite. Can't wait to watch all the different episodes on TV.

I think that Dream Swept is a wonderful choice for me...retirement is coming in just a few years and this floor plan would be perfect for family gatherings, etc.

The lot is so beautiful! I would love to walk it. I am very excited to have the show starting tonight. To win this would be more than a dream come true. But, its the process!! So lets start Building!!!

hi this property looks great .I choose the San Jacinto as I believe it would look GREAT with a porch that goes all the way around it as the logs would be better protected from the weather, You would have excese to the BEAUTIFUL views year round. the wild life, and the lake.I could see myself sitting on the porch year round in a rocking chair with hot or cool drink

The San Jacinto caught my eye right away. Then, when I saw the lot setting it would be in I knew it was a great match. I am really looking forward to watching the place grow from the ground up.

Overall, I like, and voted for, the San Jacinto, but I have one comment on it.

I'd modify it to swap the side porches around, having the large porch with the outside fireplace open off the dining room, and the smaller porch open off the master bedroom.

Entertaining outdoors is a lot easier with the large porch off the dining room, and guests wouldn't be tempted to wander through the master bedroom to get in and out.

You could also move the powder room into the (I assume) walk in closet area across from the laundry area. I'd probably move the laundry to where the powder room is anyway, the idea of carting laundry through the kitchen doesn't appeal to me. Having a powder room/mudroom between the kitchen and "rear foyer" (a misnomer, imo, it's next to the front door) makes more sense, both for guests as well as residents in poor weather.

All 3 plans are gorgeous!! But, the WILLOW LANE- or DREAM SWEPT would be wonderful for a small family or someone who is disabled---who can't climb stairs-etc- SAN JACINTO would be ideal for a young family w/2-3 kids/

I prefer Willow Lane because it's a more accessible home for handicaps like me. I'm an incomplete quad & am in a wheelchair 9-11 hours a day so I need a home that is totally accessible. I'm not able to get upstairs, without a ramp or elevator, so that's why I picked Willow Lane.

I like Dreamswept the best for some reason. I like that it is a little smaller and less formal than the others, but I think home should fell more cozy. You can't go wrong with any of them though.

I chose the San Jacinto because I like the porch on the front. Another thing I like is a big kitchen so I can have room for all my appliances, and counter space to make all my favorite dishes.

I love Dream Swept. When I think of a cabin I think of a place where it shoud be cozy and homey where my family and friends could enjoy relaxing and enjoy each other. The layout for cabins is this just that at Dream Swept. It would fit perfectly in place looking out over the lake with snow on the ground. A roaring fire in the fireplace and having your family all around. I could see my small daughter and my father having a blast trying to catch fish at the lake during the summer and my husband who loves just sleeping laying in a recliner when he doesn't have to work which is 24/7 most of the time while me and my mother are cooking in the kitchen. My oldest dauther would love it because her friends are from North Georgia. It would be great place for my parents for them to finish out their last few years in the mountains where the air is cooler for my mothers lungs( She has COPD). My father is addicted to fishing and he could fish everyday. I have always wanted a fireplace, my husband is not to fond of them . My husband has many friends in Tenn., since he is in the air national guard and travels all over the states. The floor plan would allow guest. This floor plan just seems so homey thats just how I see it. It's just the perfect place for anybody who ever wins it.

Love the floorplan. My husband and I visit the mountains at least twice a year, it would be so nice to have our own cabin. I search the net to find the perfect rental cabin to stay in and pretend it's ours while we are there. Can't wait for this cabin to get started.

We really like the double fireplace in the Dream Swept design, and vote for it even though it is probably smaller than the other two.. Could the double fireplace be incorporated into the San Jacinto??

I agree, the windows facing the lake need to be larger than what is on the plan. It isnt hard to adjust that however....just pruchase the bigger windows and the builder will adjust the setting of them

WOW!! All wonderful! San Jacinto for me, as someone who moved from 42 hundred sq.ft. home last year with lakefront property,boat dock,lrg pourches,sundeck and all. I sure do miss it! Maybe I will win this one. Good luck to all. This is fun.

There really needs to be a garage, no matter which floor plan is chosen. 3 car (or two cars and a Harley) minimum.

Love the San Jacinto model. It offers more room and still has a bedroom on the first floor for people who can't climb the stairs.

One of the important factors I have determined for my own cabin's plans is the wrap around porch. Weather is becoming increasingly difficult to plan. Shade, horizontal rain and hail not to mention snow issues are an important reason to include this feature. Will a ramp access be included in the future plans ( back or side access ) it's not just the elderly that need them. Moving furniture and ski accidents!

san jacinto is the best of the bunch,with the large porch an the nice size rooms.

My, my, my. What a wonderful place for myself and my wife for retirement. Along with our children, grandchildren and g-granchildren.... who would vist us......would be a dream come true setting. I can see us now on the lake with our boat fishing. Since I am retired I could certainly enjoy this beautiful home and lake. The San Jacinto is right up our alley and perfect for all our family to come for a visit. The rest of the time.... me and the wife could sit on that porch and just marvel at the lake and beauty all around it. I know this home is going to be beautiful and serene!

Oops! I jumped the gun a bit! I have been so anxious to see the new cabin going up that when the 2007 Blog Cabin started over - well, I thought it was the new season. I need to slow down and breathe! Sorry about that. So far it looks like the San Jacinto is leading by a wide margin. It is beautiful. They all are. But I would like to see a one story with lots of consideration for energy efficiency and handicapped accessibility. But even saying that, I still like the idea of a walk out basement on what ever plan is built. Lot 5 is so very beautiful - it truly takes my breath away. Good job Amy on picking that one out!

I LOVE Willow Lane. It has 2 features that are special. The entire square footage is on one floor, therefore accessable to all. If you have guests who have difficulty with stairs then they can still visit because all the bedrooms are on the ground floor. ALSO, perhaps even more important, Willow Lane has a UTILITY ROOM. I don't understand why this isn't important to more people. Everybody has to wash linens and clothes, so having the utility room is essential, unless some of you just like going to a Laudermat.

So many of us have some constaints regarding a staircase and also have parents or relatives that can't manage a staircase. WHY are all these folks voting for San Jacinto which doesn't allow for guests or home owners who have bad knees or hips or other hindrences for using stairs? Evidently you are all in perfect health with parents in perfect health and don't anticipate that changing in the next 20 years or so.

Willow Lane has the perfect floor plan for people at ALL levels of functioning. Think about it.

Kudos to DIY for Blog Cabin 2007--a great idea with even greater execution. I enjoyed last year's season as a spectator, and look forward to taking a more active part in 2008.

I join lots of other bloggers in expressing my appreciation for the San Jacinto. It is a fundamentally good design. In hopes that the opinions of yet one more "cook" might not "spoil the broth," may I offer the following?

--If the outdoor fireplace area is to be a "public" space in the home it should not be situated off the MBR suite. I'd consider relocating the extended porch to the kitchen end, or if the site recommends otherwise, reverse the interior space uses.

--While the roof line is sufficiently horizontal to complement the lake, if possible, even a modest extension of the depth on the covered porch on the DR and MBR sides would greatly enhance the effect. Consider a small outdoor kitchen to the porch extension to further extend the roof line and for added functionality.

--I appreciate the symmetry of the 2nd floor plan, but an interior view of 6 doors would make the room feel like a labyrinth, no matter the scale.

--Assuming that some guests might have young children or that adults that might prefer a soak, a bathtub for the 2nd floor might be an important consideration, perhaps even worth sacrificing some BR floor space to include.

Well, that's my .02 worth. I'm looking forward to the day Blog Cabin 2008 airs!

What's up with Amy not coming back? Ahmed is OK but he's no Amy.

I really like the location that was chosen. It is breathtaking!!! I also love the Cabin design. However, I really would like to see the porch extend all the way around the house so others could access the outdoor fireplace from any direction. The indoors are well organized as far as space is concerned and it is really going to be lovely.

As someone who has split hundreds of cords of firewood, thank you, thank you, thank you for including an option for a GAS fireplace.

Glad to see the San Jacinto floor plan has won so I hope you will consider putting in larger windows and screening in the porch.

What a great site do you have taste or what? The floorplan picked is just right for the site. Can't wait to see you build it!

TT

Alright! Looks like I was in the majority that voted on the San Jacinto, so it feels good to note that will be the actual floor plan for this years Blog Cabin. [My original post never made it for some reason though - maybe there is a blog saturation limit, or the "editors" felt I added nothing new to the conversation] Whatever the reason, I am hoping this post actually makes it to the conversation.

For the second round of voting it seems quite natural to ask what sort of log cabin would we want to see built on this beautiful lot with the majestic lake?
My vote went to the D-Log and right now that seems to be the majority. But, I would be just as happy with the 8in round as there seems to be very limited and slight differences between those two systems. The third choice on the other hand is vastly different and I am hoping doesn't gain a lot of steam. [personal choice here].

The other voting criteria also made since which was what sort of fireplace would you want in the cabin? After all, if the gas fireplace won out there would have to be gas lines taken into consideration. Looks like the majority [at least right now] is leaning towards the wood burning fireplace, but I voted for the gas fireplace. Whether this cabin becomes a full time residence or a seasonal family getaway the gas burning fireplace just seems more practical than the wood burning one. I have a gas burning fireplace in my home now and it has a "master" valve which prohibits gas flow until it is turned to the on position, and then there is an internal valve next to the fireplace that serves as a secondary control when your actually using the fireplace. Very practical, very quick and efficient. [Now, if the wood burning fireplace wins out, I doubt I will become Paul Bunyan, as I am sure the "office" for the community will sell bundles of chopped wood for those of us who might not own the trusty and required tool set for log splitting, one of which being an axe - lol]

The final vote was for a [hang with me for a minute guys] Sconce or a Hanging Pendant [I hope I got that right] Basically, do you want the entrance light to be coming out of the wall [sconce] or hanging overhead [pendant, or was that a pendalent?] anyway, at first glance I will admit the Penda..errr...hanging light looks better. But, then I got to thinking about winter and falling ice and I decided to vote on the one that is connected to the house on the wall. I am sure either system is great, I just figured for safety in case any winter storms blew in I would prefer a light that was a little more secure.

Well, that's my take on it to date. I am looking forward to reading over your blog inputs to see what you voted for and why.

RECOMMENDATION: DIY, do you think you could maybe spin off a secondary section for "suggested modifications" I noticed during the floorplan voting there were quite a few well thought out recommendations that seemed both practical and worthy of doing without major structural changes. Of course there were also some more elaborate recommendations but that's easy to get caught up in when your visualizing it as "your new home" after all, that's part of the excitement. It's sort of like having one of those "If I won the lottery..." conversations, there is just no telling where it will end up.
I believe, for ease of reading if some of those "recommendations" are separate from the voting input and general conversations input it will spark more conversation AND make it easier for you guys to sort through some of those recommendations that might come into play down the road. [Some of them might even cut "down" on the overall cost of the cabin - while others, uhmmm, well - not exactly].

Sincerely,
Ron "I'm-in-it-4-the-cabin" fm San Antonio, TX.

Hello y'all out there, This is the first time I participate in voting and blogging and I am excited. Everybody should own a log home. The San Jacinto is my favorite for so many reasons. The mud room. The great room facing the lake. Bedroom on the lst level and on and on. I'll be watching eagerly as this project gets under way!!!!!

On the Stucture log style assembly should be the 8 inch round type logs, sure the other log styles are cool looking. but ask yourself one question if your in the woods and you need to fix something and its 10yrs in the future. Its going to take a lot more time to find a D-log in the woods. It's easyer to find and 8 Inch round tree in the wood to fix your house if there a problem. Right...
And with having friends who live in far out locations all around alaska. who live in log cabins when they have problems from damages from weather. just go and find the thickness they need and we make the cuts and install,secure seal and we are done. And if we had to find a log and cut it in a D-log style it take a hella long time to fix that Right!!

If possible switch the large porch from the master bedroom side to the dining room side. This would be far better for entertaining.

I just can't stay away from blog cabin. I love the way the outdoor fireplace is located from the MBR. All I can say is WOW can you imagine you and the love of your life walking outside from the bedroom to a beautiful outdoor fire!!!

I love the general layout for the house, but I think the outdoor fireplace would be better suited off of the kitchen. It would make more sense for entertaining. I personally wouldn't want friends and family to have to walk thru my bedroom to get from the kitchen to the patio, or to have to walk all the way around the outside. also try to open the kitchen up to the greatroom. The patio may be romantic off the MBR, but I can see it getting more use off the kitchen.

The San Jacinto is the best floor plan among the 3 options. All the previous inputs are great and functional…the kitchen’s measurement of 13x9 seems a bit small considering the overall space though. It’s a concern since it’s were family and friends tend to gather most of the time during cold seasons or even cool ones. It would be nice to extend the kitchen to the right, and enlarge the sitting counter? 15’x15’ as the overal kitchen space at a minimum would be nice…

Hi DIY:
The floor plans for the San Jacinto are absolutly Georgous!!!What a dream home!!! I wish
I could help design the interior. I Love design.
I would like to see you use as many Green building
materials as possible. Sky lights, solar and wind
power. Holding tanks for rain water collection.
windows over the sinks in the master path to let in natural light. The master vanity at counter height, with a counter height stool in front of a center mirror. I Love the outdoors, and love bring the outdoors in. I am anxious to see the new cabin in progress.

Wow, everything I voted for is coming in second!! I really like the round logs and I have a gas fireplace and never use it, what's the point if you can't get that log burning smell, especially if you're "at the cabin". We Minnesotan's know a thing or two about "at the cabin"!!

I thought the handing light was nice, but it seemed out of character "in the woods"!!

The other choices were nice and I'm sure all will work out.

Wow,I finally got to see blog cabin from the beginning, usually when I catch you guys the voting is all done and the cabin is almost done being built. I'm so excited to catch you guys this time at the beginning. I am a log cabin freak I have dreamed my whole life of owning a log cabin at the end of a dead end road with a lake as my backyard, so all of your floor plans as fantastic to me. I voted for your d-log system cause I kinda think flat walls would be the ticket for inside walls and would be so much easier if you were thinking of hanging someting on them. I also voted for a gas fireplace, thinking not only of the work of cutting the wood for the wood=burning fireplace, but the clean up of the ashes also, and the out side light, I just thought the sconces on this log cabin for some reason would make more sense, and guys when I was dreaming of my log cabin never in my wildest dreams did I ever dream of the heaven of walking out of the bedreeon onto a porch with a fireplace, what a heavenly idea. Can't wait to see what the next vote is. Way to go guys. Thanks so much for the dreams.

Again, as was so strongly mentioned about the 2007 cabin - storage, storage, storage - and and "island" in the kitchen - now that may require some other changes to accommodate, but being an avid lover of the kitchen and what I get to accomplish an island is really a necessity. I love cooking and baking and my grandchildren love sitting on the island and helping me!! Wish I had had one all my "gammie" life, but only the past 6 years have I been fortunate to have one. I know whoever wins the 2008 cabin would enjoy it.

The San Jacento is great. I would prefer the covered porch to be off the dining room isntead of off the MBR.

It would also be great if the covered porch was enclosed in glass, so it could be used year round. Maybe glass panels that could be changed out for screen panels in the summer.

Wow - a really hard decission. I like the San Jacinto. Hopefully you will decide to include a few more window.

I like the one-story style of Dreamswept, but I'd love to add the outside fireplace of San Jacinto to that plan!

I just got back on nd voted for my choices of the porch light, fireplace and type of logs. It eems that I have a different opinion on most things, so here are my choice and reasons. I chose the sconce for the porch light as it seems to fit a log cabin better than the hanging light. The fireplace I chose the gas logs because wood burning fireplaces are pretty messy sometimes and I like the comfort of having the fire without all the mess and hard work. (lazy I guess) My choice of the logs is the 8 inch round logs as they seem more realistic for a log cabin. I also believe they would fit the San Jacinto better than the D logs. I'll keep checking back to see if I swayed anyone's opnion.

Hi all, Isn't the house great!!! the one thing I would change is the 1/2 bath room and the laundry room(put the door in the mas. closet). Alittle more privacy and nice to have a bathroom by the back door. the room across from the laudry room would make a nice hobby room.I hope they don't change that.The open loft area above the Great room would make a nice place for an extra room. With lots of windows for the veiw. Know matter how it turns out it will be GREAT !!!

Although I prefer everything on one floor, the choices were all fabulous. One thing, however; With all the porch that surrounds the house, and I DO love porches, there is NO porch at the street view entrance. I feel that the entrances of a home should have the largest amount of porch.

I wish it were a 4 bedroom with tub/showers in each of the 3 "spare" bedrooms. We don't have a large family, but have 3 kids spaced apart enough they need their own rooms. For those without kids, it would be the perfect place for all the relatives to visit during all the holidays - you need more bedrooms to accommodate your guests.

Also, a gas log fireplace would really be nice. The cabin is in the mountains of Big Bear and therefore, is in a fire danger setting. Real fires are so nice, but the safety factor is much better with a gas log - no flying sparks. Not to mention no smoke/soot in the house, either.

I love the floor plan of the San Jacinto,its really great. I voted for hanging lights because lights near the doors on a wall are dull!!!!!!!

My wife and I love the San Jacinto Plans and the site looks awesome. I would like to see a matching storage shed to keep Mowers, bicycles, and such. Maybe even a detached Garage! I maybe getting too realistic for a dream home. Keep up the good work! Great Show!

I would change the floor plan. The large area of the porch where the fireplace is should be on the dinning room side of the house close to the kitchen because that's where you would entertain. It would be handier to carry food out. You would have a better flow from the great room and dinning room. I wouldn't want people to be going in and out my bedroom.

The cabin & the location are awesome! It sounds like from everyone's experience, the round logs would not be too great on the inside. Although the D logs look more traditional, i've voted for the square logs as it seems that the spaces between either the round or D log systems would be prone to ice and moisture collection, requiring more manitenance.

If you want something on the deck outside the master suite, how about a hot tub? I agree the fire place sould be outside the kitchen/dinning area for entertaining. Add a built-in grill too! Considering the fire hazzard issue, it might be more important that the outside fireplace be gas, and let the inside be wood burning. Add some ductwork and a blower to the indoor fire place to help heat some of the rest of the house. Steps off the deck near the fireplace for carrying in firewood is also a must. How about a door on the outside for loading the wood into the fire place or holding box so we can get rid of the "real" fireplace mess? Don't forget the electrical outlet on the mantle for my Chrismas lights!

The bathroom off the great room/foyer is a little wierd but I don't see a better place for it without revising everything else. The empty room behind the kitchen would be a good place for it, except you need to move the laundry room over there. One of the things i've seen that I loved in a floor plan is to have the basement steps come up into the laundry area, so when someone comes in thru the walk out basement they can leave all their dirty stuff right there in the laundry room. (We have a basement, right?) Also, a built-in ironing board in either the master closet or laundry room is a great feature.

I'm not sure why the plan doesn't inclued a garage but it needs a three car garage, preferrably attached or with some kind of walkway or arbour, as it looks like you'll need pleanty of yard equipment storage.

As far as the outside lighting, it's hard for me to tell how large the overhang is in front but to address the wind issue, I was envisioning the pendant hanging pretty high into the overhang so it wouldn't catch the wind so much, then you could use the sconces as well. Considering all the beautiful decking around the back and the rest of the house, the front entry is pretty
unimpressive. I think the overhang could extend out a little more and it should be bigger with maybe rock base pillars to hold up the overhang and a big huge rustic front door(red), maybe with side lights. Incorporate a nice stone walk under the overhang coming from the driveway and some planting areas. Perfect!

I love the San Jacinto and really love Lakefront Estates. You guys have out done yourselves this year. The house and area are absolutely beautiful! Here are a couple of things that I think would enhance the San Jacinto, though: (1) A small office - this could be built behind the dining room (2) Extend the Master Bedroom and create a sitting room; (3)Enclose the room w/outdoor fireplace with windows that have screens, so that it can used year round; and (4) extend the exterior deck to accomodate the office and sitting area. OR Move the washer/dryer to the rear foyer area; make the laundry room a pantry, and make the area across from the laundry room a small office. Thank you......kem

San Jacinto for me, a cabin on the lake just has to have a large deck to enjoy the lake view....

It could be a tool shed for me as long as it had a view of the lake. I love log homes, they are awesome, they make you feel close to nature & are so easy to care for.If we are going to dream big dream, How many lawn chairs can put on he back deck? (where us girls can sit, chat, view the lake and maybe have snacks)
Will there be a boat dock down by the lake? so my husband & friends can go down there and fish the day away after he retires.
TN. is where the heart is & hopefully someday soon home.
I rest assured that however you built the "Blog house" it will be wonderful and who ever is the lucky winner of it will be very grateful!

Amy/Ahmed,
Can't wait for the new project to start on TV, thank god I’m going back to work Feb. 11th.

I have been sitting here catching up on my blog reading and see where the “Metal Roof” is winning the vote for roof style, just a few words on that subject.

I don't believe people are thinking about the climate in this area while voting. If they were, they would understand the majority of the weather conditions will be hot or at least warm, sunny with great humidity. Yes! A metal roof will withstand these conditions but think in terms of cost to cool the home. The metal roof will require a lot more energy to cool the home then its sister composite material roofing which will carry about the same life expectancy. Unlike it’s predecessor the cabin in the woods this home is being build on a lot that looks like most all housing communities were many of the trees have been removed for build and construction purposes. I know for myself I would use composite materials as much as possible due in part to the climate issues and in part to the care and maintenance.

I did go contrary to my above statement with the showerhead, I love a long HOT shower, if the heat could keep up, I would stay there all day lol lol. My choice for the kitchen counter was Granite; love the look and ease of care. Everything else I would keep energy efficient keeping in mind the cost to operate and energy consumed.

Many will disagree with this viewpoint, living on a lake is very nice, but the upkeep on a home by a lake is rough, the home takes a beating and care and maintenance are key factors for a life of enjoyment. It’s similar to having a swimming pool, great fun, but someone has to take time out each day to care for it, and a couple of hours on weekends. I don’t know about you, I want to play on my time off.
Another factor that seems to be slipping by is the neighborhood, are we keeping up with the neighbors or surpassing them in the appearance of our home, this could become an issue with the homeowners association if there is one.

As a Industrial Engineer, I fore one think about longevity in the materials I use to spec out a manufacturing plant, what will give the best value and bang for the buck, after all, that’s what it’s all about. Tenant enjoyment and ease of care and maintenance.

Bob

I voted for the San Jacinto, too. Just seems like there's more opportunity to fine tune the design to truly customize. And I love the outdoor fireplace.

A couple of suggestions:
use the lake to irrigate the grounds/landscaping;

include a high tech security system that allows remote (visual) checking on the property - important when there's a "remote" vacation home that only sees seasonal use;

how about building a gazebo with screens/glass windows near the water? If it could include a built-in firepit, that would be awesome. Imagine sitting by the water roasting marshmallows or just sipping a nice glass of wine, watching the play of light on the water.

Boy, am I there!

A screened porch is necessary to enjoy the deck. Ceiling fans are needed on the porch and inside, too.

I love the idea of exposed beams.

Could an entrance to one bathroom be opened to the upstairs loft to allow access without going thru the bedroom? I like the use of pocket doors in small bathrooms - no butt-bumping!

Storage is key - you really need under building storage for a kayak, boat supplies, etc. Also, an outdoor shower to rinse off the mud before tracking inside.

Since I live in Knoxville, TN, I plan to go down to the development to watch the progress of the build. We visited the 2007 cabin in the Smokies and loved it. Was so disappointed we didn't win - along with about 3 million others!

I love this idea of blogging to design the cabin. They say that a camel is the result of a committee trying to build a horse. I'll ride this camel anytime!

I have not seen or heard of recycled paper composite but it seem like a great idea as I am in to recycling.

The San Jacinto is nice if you anticipate plenty of time when just the two of you will enjoy it. You can essentially forget the upstairs. But, if you think there are going to be a lot of family around using it the one story models are better--easier to clean (no dragging cleaning supplies upstairs, carrying dirty/clean clothes up and down. Also the upstairs is nice for high views of the water while the wraparound porch of the San Jacinto is nice if you have essentially 360 degree views--both sides as well as front & back--ideal for a point of land sticking out in the water. Site placement is probably the most important aspect of deciding which plan is best AFTER you decide how you're going to use the cabin most. For me, San Jacinto.

Hey Guys
It's me again.I just can't believe the latest round of selections. They are just fabulous. Things I thought only dreams were made of. Power showers, granite counter tops, arts and crafts cabinets, metal roof tops, and if you are gonna have a fireplace it just wouldn't look quite right unless it had a real stone suround on it and of course it has to have a wood ( preferably a real half of atree for a mantel ) to really set it off just right. My mother in law has one and hers has a real half of a tree on the top and on each side it looks perfect( something to consider.) no she doesn't live in a cabin but close enough. I just want to say who ever is lucky enough to get this place, I hope they decide to live in it year round I know I would . Keep up the good choices guys, can't wait to see what's next.

I like the floor plan a lot. I think that the wall with the fireplace should have more windows that go up to the second floor. This way you can see the lake from the loft upstairs. I have a log cabin as well in the mountains. We do not have the extra high or extra windows to see the mountains from the loft. I just thought that would be a wise choice to put the extra windows in.

I THINK THE SAN JACINTO IS POSITIVLY BEAUTIFUL AS ARE ALL OF THEM JUST MAKE SURE WHICH EVER ONE IS VOTED IT HAS PLENTY OF BIG WINDOWS FOR ALL OF THAT BEAUTIFUL VIEW.

Sorry this is so long, but it’s my first time, so I have to catch up. I’ve built several homes, and my family has had a couple of vacation cabins. I currently have a copper island counter (not sealed). It is naturally antibacterial, and fruit juice and ketchup have not "etched" it, but they do actually clean the finish, which has turned bronze over a couple of years of constant use. Eggs and dairy spills also leave "new penny" shiny copper spots for some reason. I just wipe it clean with soap and water. I voted for granite, but I love my copper island. I didn't log on in time to vote for the fireplace, or the floor plan, but who wants to chop and carry wood, and clean out the fireplace. Gas logs fireplaces are clean, convenient, provide plenty of heat, and don't pollute. You also don’t have to worry about leaving the cabin with warm ashes in the fireplace. I’m very sorry that wood won the vote, but hopefully the new owner will be able to add gas logs to the fireplace after they win the cabin. I love the idea of screening part/most of the porches, and using them for “sleeping porches”. We always fought over who got to sleep on ours at the family cabin in the Smokies when we were growing up. I also agree that the “rear foyer” and laundry rm need to be reworked to allow for a ¾ bath. All those wet kids and dirty fishermen need a place to clean up and go potty without tracking through the house. I love luxurious bathrooms, but I would rather the master bedroom was larger than have all that open space in the bathroom, and, with only a huge great room, the master really needs a little sitting area away from the common areas. I don’t care for the master tub sticking out on the front of the house in plain view. The window there would be totally useless, because you would have to keep a shade down at all times to prevent everyone from looking into the bathroom as they drove up. The vanities could be in that area, with the tub on the side with a big window, or the whole bath could be moved to the side, and the front area used as the sitting room. The master closets definitely need doors. The dining room also seems a little small for the large family gatherings that I am envisioning, and I would agree that the outdoor fireplace would be better in an outdoor dining room than off the master. Please consider when planning the HVAC that this might be a part-time residence, and you need a system with quick recovery. We had a house in the CO Rockies which was heated by warm water pipes in the floor. If we turned down the thermostat even to 65 when vacant, it took all weekend to heat up, and we were often leaving before it got really comfortable. Finally, upstairs, I would move bath #2 to open off the loft, so the loft could better utilized as overflow sleeping, and move bath #3 to the corner, and add a side window, leaving one large closet on the side of each bath, instead of 2 tiny ones, unless the roof slope prevents it. A bathtub upstairs is essential. Where are you going to give the kids or grandkids a bath, otherwise? I’m looking forward to enjoying many wonderful family gatherings with my family at this wonderful cabin on this beautiful lake!

This is my first time looking at this site. How do I access information (pictures) of items already decided on? I found the house plans but haven't been able to see the other options that were voted on.

The furniture in the cabin should be obtained from Cabela's Outfitters. They have the type pf furniture which should furnish a log cabn.

I am happy to see that the cabin will be built in my home state of Tenn. I am down in Florida and miss my mtns, rolling hills and the wildlilfe. You have picked a beautiful state and great people in it to welcome your company and the blog people.I am down here with my daughter where she met her hubby back home and decided to live in Flordia.Thats only reason I am here. I miss my home state. Go Vols.....

Hi
This is such a great idea. I love the concept of cabin living where your home is connected to the earth and the concepts of using process and products that are green. Log Cabins are really homes that feed the soul and many of the designs are also connected to things that help renew the spirit. As you design, could you keep in mind those of us who have those extra physical challenges that make stairs and uneven surfaces a challenge? If there is anyway possible to make this cabin truly fully accessible inside and out it would be the perfect place. There are so many cool ways to do that with the technology that now exists with stair lifts, elevators in out of the way spots, and gentle slopes. It is nice to dream of winning something like this but even better to dream that it would be something everyone could live in. Thanks!!!!!

Great designs beautiful cabin LOVE IT.

I see that the side by side refigerator with a freezer on the floor is ahead.
I have always been informed that having the freeezer on tghe top is more energy efficent.
Am I wrong???