I personnally think that the San Jacinto would fit this location better then the others due to the 2 floors.

SOOOOOOO EXXXXCITED!!!!!!!!! LOVE THE WEBSITE AND THE CHOICES SO FAR... C U L8R B=^=C

After several computer glitches, I was finally able to take the 360-degree tour and see the incredible cabin site! It is truly lovely. Nice work with the selection!

As much as I loved following Blog Cabin 2007, this lake view is spectacular and I'm starting to get excited about this years' log home build!!

Thanks for this project (and, of course, our chance to win this wonderful home). Rebecca

I love the symmetry of the San Jacinto.
Houston

It get's better every time. Can't wait til the construction starts.
Mike

Just voted. Now the period of memories in the making begins .... I am filled with Sweet Anticipation for all that is to be in 2008.

Beautiful photos! I've been voting on the floor plan, my favorite being Willow Lane. But it appears that the San Jacinto is going to be a runaway hit. Now if you had only included one single story choice... I bet all of us single story folks would have put the San Jacinto in second or third :o) I'll keep voting though, maybe we can still pull it off. Happy voting everyone. ~Betty~

are you going to put a gulter on the roof to let the water fall in and run from the cabin

Although the San Jacinto is a dramatic 2 story, the layout of the kitchen and utilities inbedded into it are not practical for an entertainment use of the plan. The Willow Lane is a much more practical design and especially more user friendly for guests to utilize utilities independant of the kitchen area. These details are important in a vacation/entertainment type venu.

Love the floor plan and extra bathrooms upstairs. That is such a huge plus. The wrap around porch is an outstanding asset for lake viewing, and the covered fireplace area is wonderful. Thanks for another blog cabin..

HI DIY, JUST WANTED TO SAY HELLO. I'M REALLY ANXIOUS TO SEE HOW THIS BLOG CABIN TURNS OUT TO BE. PERSONALLY,I THOUGHT THE NEW FLOOR PLANS ARE GREAT. BUT I'M PARTIAL TO THE SAN JACINTO. BUT I WISH EACH PLAN PROVIDED A MORNING BREAKFAST AREA WITH LOTS OF WINDOWS TOWARDS THE LAKE.
I VIEWED THE COMMUNITY AND THE LOT SITE. ITS AWESOME. SOME ONE IS GOING TO REALLY ENJOY OWNING THIS HOME. THANKS BOB

I like the San Janinto and Willow Lane the best. A tough vote between the two - I liked the Willow best because of the office. "You know some of us just can't get away from the office."

This floor plan has an office, not everyone has an office but it would be sweet to actually have a place to put all your paperwork and computer away from the everyday living.

By far the San Jacinto floor plan is our favorite. Growing up we both had the blessing of having family with lake property and enjoyed lakes both in Georgia and North Carolina. Let me just say, the rear foryer in this plan is a must if you plan on having friends and family share in the enjoyment of this cabin. The foyer will allow water soak childrena and adults be able to enter in this space and make sure they are completly dry before tracking water and sometimes mud through the cabin, which will have the owner constantly cleaning instead of enjoying the time spent together. With each bedroom having it's own bath, there should not be any embarrasing moments that happen at times when an entire family spends a week together. It has always been a dream of ours to have a lake front home, close enough to our home to enjoy every weekend and for weeks at a time, but as you can imagine limited funds hinder dreams. As people vote, I hope they will vote with their heart and not with the intention of what will resale value each vote will mean. This is meant to be a home, a place to enjoy and to share with family and friends, not to win and sale. I look forward to watching this cabin come to life and see all the choses made to make this cabin a dream come true for someone who deserves it.

I like the Willow the best although all three are nice. The willow has an office which I like. I would have not thought to add one on. the floor plan is simple yet alot of bathrooms. Great!

i like the willow lane floor plan the best because being one floor. stairs are getting to be a problem for my wife and myself. i really like the layout of the willow lane and the veiws.

I have just voted for the cabin that i like. If one the ones that doesnt have a porch should be pick a wrap around porch should be added. What is a cabin without a porch?

I have mixed emotions about the floor plan choices we have. I really like the Dream Swept and was surprised that it seems to be falling out of the running. I felt it had a great flow and an amazing kitchen. Willow Lane on the other hand I couldn't believe was even a option. It had no kitchen and I didn't think it flowed very well at all. Ultimately I voted for the San Jacinto not because I was particularly awed by the floor plan, which I didn't mind, but because it had a loft and I think all cabins should have a loft. It just adds to the cozy feel and when all the family is there it's nice to be able to get away from everyone a little.
So, how about moving West a little and find a quaint little town in the Rocky Mountains for the next cabin!

i love the san jacinto!,hope it get"s voted in,though i would move the fire place to a more centrol location.

It's time Blog Cabin Comes The California.
Like Tahoe Ca. In The Area Of 2007 Fire. It could Be Nice Home For Someone That Was Burned Out. And Good P.R. DYI.
Nice Place To Try Blog Cabin out for the west DYI. LOl
Oh I can Help Out too. I have worked in the trayed.. T.G. Smith CERES CA.

I would love to win this 08 blog cabin. Do we Know where the new location is going to be?

Hands down on the San Jacinto!! I love the window at the kitchen sink and the "Beatiful" wrap around porch. My grandaughter likes the upstairs area. She has always wanted an upstair bedroom. The lot is great. And "The View"!! Such a beautiful site you guys have picked as always. Thank for having this Contest, so that we may all "Dream"!! What a wonderful Dream it would be to "Win" it!! Good Luck to us all. Susan

These floor plans are all so unique it is a hard choice! Everyone should be able to enjoy this wonderful home. I would really like to see at least on the main floor dorways and bathrooms to accomodate wheelchairs. The site is beautiful. such peace!
I grew up with a 2 room log cabin built by my mom and her brother from a kit in the early 1930s. So much has changed!

Love this floorplan, a wonderful choice for this beautiful lot. I can picture relaxing on the porch drinking in the environment here.

I just love the San Jacinto. Who wouldn't want to wake up in the morning and see the lake. I can just see having morning coffee on the back porch watching the sun coming up over the glistening water...ahhhh. So peaceful and serene a location has been chosen. I would love to have it, at least in dreams, I can.

I voted last week for the San Jacinto because of the incredible porch space. I also really like the second foyer for coming in from the lake, as I am certian that will be an asset. I would like to see a dock put in as an additional project, or a hand-built kayak! Wouldn't that be great?!! The view reminds me of many of the lakes I have enjoyed throughout my life, and the winning family will be incredibly fortunate. It is really neat to be able to feel like I am taking part in this venture.
I also want to express my thoughts on folks blogging with a hope to win an investment property to resell. I guess once you win it, it is yours, but... I think it would be wise to have a disclaimer that would prevent the resale of the home within a set duration of time to prevent such a thing from occurring. So many of us can imagine our children or grandchildren, siblings, parents... FAMILY enjoying the home, while others might be imagining something more "self-serving." I would hate to see the Blog Cabin sold to make a quick buck. It has become too personal to too many already.

My husband and I picked the San Jacinto for many reasons. We absolutely love the outdoor space with fireplace off the master. Can just picture having coffee or a nice glass of wine by a crackling fire and wonderful breezes coming off Watts Bar Lake. Also love the loft and that each bedroom has its own bath. The plan is so livable with the combination of indoor and outdoor spaces. Also the community looks absolutely fabulous. Can't wait to see more!

I agree that the winner should not be able to use it as an investment, and sell within a certain period of time, but then real estate taxes and other fees need to be addressed. Usually, if you buy a home, you take into account the real estate taxes and any homeowner dues. What happens if someone wins that does not have the means to cover the taxes or any other fees required. Also, there are Federal Taxes on the value of your winnings. It may break their heart to sell it, but have no choice. These people can't be lumped in with the people just trying to make a free buck.

Now, back to the San Jacinto. Many people have stated that the fireplace by the master bedroom should be moved over toward the living space. I comletely disagree, another one should be added. This way there can still be a special spot just for you and your significant other to snuggle and enjoy the fire, while the rest of the family is enjoying the other one.

Waiting to see what green features will be included in the 2008 Blog Cabin.

Cistern would be nice (to collect water off a recycled metal roof)

Of course, low electric light bulbs & energy efficient appliances

Tankless water heaters

From the beginning, maintaining the site to preserve as many trees & shrubs as possible & the tree litter too

Use of porous pavements where pavements needed

Orientation to take advantage of natural lighting (& heating) as much as possible

Maybe a wood stove to help heat

Solar powered electric car plug-in (should be able to find a spot in amongst all the trees that will work, as this is small) or maybe an electric boat plug-in

Solar panels (to help with house electricity) would be nice too -- but hard to work with that many trees

Perhaps geothermal tubes to help with heating & cooling (but, expensive to do initially)

Use of lots of recycled materials & then locally grown & produced materials if can't get recycled locally

Low emission paints/stains

...

And, as others have said, make as accessible as possible -- with door widths, door levers (instead of knobs), low thresholds, levers for water (instead of knobs), high temp controls for those who may not be able to tell when it's too hot, alarms & flashers for smoke CO detectors, large button keypads where keypads are used, ...

And, lots & lots of unique, very individualistic, items, such as hand-carved mantles & posts, handmade storage chests, etc. [Think of the 2007 Blog Cabin & expand it.]

Oh I am so very disappointed that so many people have overlooked the benefits of having all bedrooms on one floor. Yes the 2 story model is beautiful, but the advantages of having everything on one floor is ever so nice when your knees give you problems and stairs are a challenge even if they are only one or two. I am surprised that everyone thinks that living on two floors keeps the kids up and away.

You should consider others and how they might have to use it. I also no on in the family has a handicap to be able to use the guest rooms upstairs.

I have lived in both single story and am currently living in a two story home. What you don't think about who may use the upstairs. Parents are not always able to climb stairs anymore etc.

Oh well, you will probably get your wish for San Jacinto, but I can live with it if I WIN!!!!!

Some of us were hoping that this cabin would be different from the first log cabin. When we vote on doors, windows and roof hopefully we will be more GREEN, I hope and I do not mean the color green.

When I made my decisions about what house to vote on, I had others in mind and not just myself. I know there are others who blogging here that have consider the possibility of being handicap accessible. I know the cabin will be fabulous, because I was blogging the first blog cabin and the work done was exceptional and professional.

I am looking forward to seeing how this one turns out. Good luck to all who are looking to win....

I really can't believe the San Jacinto is so far ahead in the running! While it is gorgeous (all three of them are), there is just too much wasted space in that plan! Also, anyone coming in from the back foyer will have to trek through the fairly closed kitchen.

At my age (56) and with a disability (MS), I shy away from any two story homes and am into Universal Design for all homes. We never know when we might need assistance getting around (car wreck on the way home from work?), and, of course, Universal Design usually improves the resale value of a property.

Willow Beach is very nice, and much closer to a Universal Design, but I don't like the front door opening into the kitchen/dining area.

Sweet Dreams has my vote. Look again at that floorplan and all of the storage. Kitchen is very nicely arranged, with large island open to the greatroom area. And the back porch is beautiful, although I'd put a porch all the way around the house for the different seasons.

Check it out again, and see if you don't want to vote for Sweet Dreams the next time you vote.

What a view! So of course you have to have a porch. Can't wait to start voting on the floor plan.

Phyllis

That site is absolutely beautiful!

I like the San Jacinto floor plan except the outdoor fireplace should be off the kitchen. I am pretty practical. I am wondering about all the bathrooms and run off into the lake. What kind of septic system is going to be used? Will all the water but the toilet water be naturally filtered back into the water table or used around the grounds?

I love the Willow house plan for the fact that it has nice veiws from the house and that bedrooms 2 & 3 are evenly laid out! No fighting amongst the kids who's room is bigger etc. And thank God for the bathrooms in each bedroom. Everybody needs privacy when getting ready and it will keep messes contained to the messmaker! And having private baths is great for guest who will definitely show up. I would like to have swings and rockers on the back porch and it screened in. Because bugs are usually bad and annoying near the lake. For the back yard, a rock patio, easily accessing the screened in porch, with a fire pit, nice loungy adirondack chairs surrounding the fire pit. This would help drying up all the swimmers all around it, and warm everyone on a cool evening. A bar or table for 8 with a huge grill with easy access to the porch and kitchen. Some sort of storage for all the big stuff, vehicles, rv, yard tools, Christmas stuff and fishing lake equipments, would be nice like a garage or storage building organized for the everyday storage needs. Don't forget some sort of tree house/fort/swing combo for the kids. A small dock would be also nice also for the boat or fisherman. I can't wait to see everything come together. This is such a great piece of property to just go wild with your imagination and just relax have fun!

So which one is your favorite? My favorite for The DIY Blog Cabin 2008 Floor plan is the Dream Swept it's incredible I just can't imagine a more perfect outstanding home than the blog cabin.

Tell us why? I like the Dream Sweeps 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 it nice rustic look all the way around of the cabin the cabin it's a dream come true & it perfect. What better it's down the earth make you feel like your part of mother nature & the warm cozy feeling there is nothing better than sitting down together with your love one friends & family gathering together enjoying their company on the holidays & thru out the years with having a nice home cook meal cook inside the cabin or outside on the grill in the back pouch it's a home cozy feeling. And with Dream Sweeps floor plan it's much better with on the 1st floor it has truly has a lot to offer a lot to offer with some of my friends who are wheel chair uses, walker it be easy for my friends getting around..

Inside of the Dream cabin it's roomy that I had never seen so much room in a cabin before it leaves ya speechless with a great feeling & the ideas of the surrounding of green the great outdoors, It very nice & open views & wide it so wow. You can do a lot with The Dream Swep cabin with having 2 fire place, inside & outside of the cabin for an year around events & all the rooms & so much more & I've been day dreaming about life in your new DIY Blog cabin 2008 I can't imagine a more perfect home then the blog cabin.

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 what 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 just see it now the birds eating from the feeders. I like the way the living room & dinner room it's roomy, great for get togather there with friends & 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 back pouch that nice than enjoy having your morning cofffe or tea or reading. And with the other 2 bedrooms having their own bathroom that very good. The kitchen is sooo nice I like it & 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. There is nothing better than sitting down together with your love one, friends & family enjoying their company & a having a nice home cook in the kitchen or out on the grill on the back pouch it's home cozy feeling that just feels so good. I know the you & all the builders & all the crews who working with ya doing the DIY Blog 2008 for will have a great time enjoy building the cabin.

R.W & Cooper*- (*service dog)

I have a few suggestions for the next blog cabin location.
I just love the Mt Shasta area in Northern calif. it would be a fantastic location also in the lake Tahoe area would be nice.
I would really like to have a location with more property for those of us who love Horses what is a cabin trip with out a nice trail ride to take in all the great views.

My wife and i just love the San Jacinto plan. Love the porch with the lake view, BUT there are no stairs or exit off the back porch to get to the lake!!! And yes your own boat dock would be nice.
Glenn/Stephanie
Las Vegas,NV

My wife and I really love this show. We watch it all the time. We both picked the San Jacinto floor plan and we think that it will really fit into the surrounding property and lake front. We love the big porch, we have a dream of sitting on a porch in rocking chairs together under the stars. The outdoor fireplace is so great for entertaining, family gatherings or just for two. The floorplan is great having seperate bathrooms is an excellent way to make sure no one has to wait!!! This floorplan really is inviting for family gatherings, with the porch, outdoor living area and great room. My wife and I are heavy into family and we hope whoever is the lucky one to win this understands how lucky they are to recieve such a wonderful gift and opportunity to enjoy it. Being a part of making someones dreams come true is really blessing. Can't wait to see it develope.

I love the San Jancinto floor plan. My husband & I have longed for a lakeside lot and log home for years and have many editions of Log Home magazine, as well as many log home builders saved as favorites that we look at and dream. What an awesome opportunity for someone to win! I hope that we win, but who ever does win it, is truly blessed! The floor plan on the San Jancinto is open and represents the type of floor plan that we have always picked as our "dream home". Good luck everyone!

I would like consideration to be given to handicapped/disabled persons in the design of the floorplan. That is the problem with San Jacinto. With San Jacinto a person who is disabled, or breaks their leg could get up the stairs to the bedrooms. I notice disregard for the aging or disabled a common problem when designing houses for either for the DIY network Blog Cabin, or the HGTV Dream Home.

great location

Hi, I love the San Jacinto but agree with the earlier post that the large deck would be best on the other side, off the dining area.

I picked the San Jacinto because I liked the flow of the main floor plan. The view from the property is gorgeous and remind me of a lake I used to go to many years ago. I can't wait to see how this all comes together.

((Luna))
Hope this information answers some of your questions and perhaps more.
Lakefront Estates has underground utilities that include water, sewer, telephone, electric and cable. All the roads are paved and curbed. There is a minimum square footage for homes being built there and all must be approved by the Architectural Control Committee prior to construction. The minimum square footage for a one story home is 2000 sq.ft. and the minimum for a multi story home is 2600 sq. ft. There will be a very low Homeowners Fee, around $50.00 month and will not start until 2009. Kathy Seals

I can't wait until construction starts. This is exciting!!!

I like the Willow Lane's floor plan the best, but I like the fireplace on the porch in the Dream Swept. Watts Bar Lake is beautiful and the lot is really great. Whichever floor plan is chosen, I know it will be spectacular.

I like the Willow Lane best... What a beautiful cabin site. I look forward to finding out which plan wins so I can give some input on the interior.

I have a few suggestions for the next blog cabin.
#1 a must (to collect water off a recycled metal roof & store to use yard warting.
#2 low electric light bulbs & energy efficient appliances.
#3 Tankless water heaters are must.
#4 Solar panels (to help with house electricity) would be nice too -- but hard to work with that many trees
#5 Use of lots of recycled materials & then locally grown & produced materials if can't get recycled locally
#6 Low emission paints/stains.
#7 Nice fire/gril on Lake side of the Cabin to enjoying outdoor all year..
I am looking forward to seeing how this one turns out....

I can't imagine a beautiful lakefront home without an awsome covered porch. That's why I voted for the San Jacinto floor plan. I think it will be exciting to see how this blog cabin evolves.

I have always wanted to live in a log home. I think it is impressive how log home technology has advanced so much. I also like the fact of taking an old way of building a home, and combining it with the luxuries of today.

I WONDER IF A BASEMENT COULD BE INCORPORATED IN THE PLAN OR IT COULD BE INCORPORATED SO AS ONE COULD EASILY BE MADE AFTER THE NEW OWNERS MOVED IN, IF THEY SO CHOSE AT A LATER DATE.

Hi Blog Cabin, I am so excited to see you doing one for 2008. I stumbled on the show last year & fell in love with it. Sadly I missed the voting, but I'm ready for you this year! What a fantastic location. As far as floor plans go, I have to say the San Jacinto is the way to go. that wrap around porch will be a heavenly place to sit & keep an eye on the lake, just to make sure none of the fish walk away from it :) I like the idea of the master bedroom being away from the others. As the kids head off to theirs, Mom & I can have a little sanctuary of our own! That's all for now, but I'm sure you'll hear more from me. Barry

My choice was the San Jacinto even though I am disabled and in a wheelchair. I think the two story problem could be solved with a chair lift going up the stairs to the second floor. I know; you would have to have another wheelchair waiting for you at the top of the stairs but it would be worth it to be able to access that area. I also think that there should be a ramp both in the front and back of the house. A nice 4 person hottub in an area of the porch where you can have privacy would not only be nice for those intimate times but would also help for therapy.

Great location and views. It would be great if the home could be built with a basement, unfinished so us DIY'ers could finish it off ourselves and put our skills to use.

I agree about using a water run off to help with yard watering, great idea!!! I also think a tankless water heater is a must, uses less off are natural resources and a great way to save energy. It would be nice to see gas appliances being used I think they are way better to cook on. Also Green appliances throughout the house. Trying to maximize the natural lighting would be beneifical to cutting electrical costs. I don't know about solar in Tenn. I do know out west it has advantages because of the sun all year round. I hope the fireplaces are stone, maybe local stone for the area. I love the way natural stone looks as opposed to brick. I don't know about people just selling the cabin if they won it. I think that takes away from the whole point of the blog cabin. I know for sure that I would not sell such a beautiful gift. I do know about hard times. I lost my wife over two years ago and was left to take care of three kids, run a house and have a full time on call job. I recently remarried to a wonderul woman. She recently has been struck down with an illness no Doctor can diagnos as of yet. She is out of work. I also recently was diagnosed with a heart/neurological condition and have been on STD benefits. It's been rough for a while, but we have made ends meet even with a cut in our budget. The whole point is, if you have a house that doesn't have a mortgage then it's just taxes and insurance plus whatever fees on a monthly basis. Also the monthly utilities. Yes it can be costly but if you budget right you can make it. If someone wins the house that can't afford it, then pass it on to another family memeber that can. Don't sell it, it's a gift that should be enjoyed.

I hate to see the Dream Swept not doing better. It is a great floorplan. Am I the only person seeing a stairway in the plans? Where do the stairs go? Is there a loft or something upstairs? There is a second story window in the front view. I agree the wrap around porch is great but see the porch for Dream Swept and maybe they could do a wrap around porch.
I think tomorrow is the last day to vote. The San Jacinto plan has a few problems, kitchen hidden, rear foyer really off the front but a side entry, wasted space and the large porch area with fireplace should be where all can enjoy and not just an exit from the house through the master bedroom. Would you want people walking through your bedroom to go in and outside? I don't mind people seeing my bedroom but it is a private area and I would not want traffic through it and especially if they just want to use the restroom. The dinning area seems crapped since it is bound by walls and the kitchen. The open areas for Dream Swept are just that and the kitchen faces out enough the cook would still be part of the action and have a great view of the lake.
If someone knows what the stairway is for in the plans, put it out there. The loft is a big plus on the San Jacinto plans.

I really like the San Jacinto, except wouldn't the large porch (which I assume is screened) be better placed off the living area and closer to the kitchen. To barbeque or eat on that enclosure would currently require quite a hike with food.

I like the San Jacinto floor plan but cann't help but think that that wall faceing the lake with the fireplace is screaming fore more windows. A prow maybe? It would also be nice to have a garage to store small boats ect. when not in use.
thanks
Keith

Was watching last night and saw the episode "Setting the Logs". during the episode you flash a 3 second pan of a modern log home with lots of odd angles which appears to have an enclosed bridge that hovers over a stream. where can i see more pictures of that home. phenomenal!!

I have to go with the San Jacinto. The shape fits the apearance of the lot with so much lake-facing porch. The outside fireplace area to the side is a great bonus and the extra storey would give lake views for all bedrooms and a bonus loft area.

Love The site... Just Keep It Down To Earth.
Not Hot Tubes. In Or Out Side The Cabin.
Just Not good On The Green Thing.
I have a few suggestions for the next blog cabin.
#1 a must (to collect water off a recycled metal roof & store to use yard watering..
#2 low electric light bulbs & energy efficient appliances.
#3 Tankless water heaters are must.
#4 Solar panels (to help with house electricity) would be nice too -- but hard to work with that many trees
#5 Use of lots of recycled materials & then locally grown & produced materials if can't get recycled locally
#6 Low emission paints/stains.
#7 Nice fire/gril on Lake side of the Cabin to enjoying outdoor all year..
# 8 Need Lots Of Sky Lights Too..
#9 Mybe look at the trees cut them away frome the house FOR fire The Soler facter. more for the safety from fire..
I am looking forward to seeing how this one turns out....

I think the San Jacinto is the best plan because it has two stories with a loft which I think would be a beautiful dream come true. Of course, it is lovely on the exterior also. The first floor plan with the masterbedroom is great. A log home has always been my dream although I will never be rich enough to have one.

It's so hard to choose. All three of the plans have some really great features. If you could take all the good stuff from all three and put them in one...that would be a cabin. But, since we have to make a choice, my first choice would be the Willow and my second San Jacinto. But whichever is built, the location is beautiful. I am so excited to be involved from the start this year. My husband and I came in someplace in the middle of building for Blog Cabin 2007, so I couldn't choose any of the "stuff". This time I get to choose. Hurray! We will be looking forward to see the build and keeping our fingers crossed. East Tennessee is a beautiful place to have a vacation home or permanent home.

The San Jacinto is definitely the floor plan to use for the site. It has great balance and provides more than adequate porch space to enjoy the beautiful views. I would make modifications to the plans in only a few areas. First, windows should be added on either side of the chimney under the gable or the second level. Placing windows at this level would open the main living space of the cabin up and reduce the need for artificial lighting in the great room and create spectacular views from the loft area. Another modification to consider is the kitchen. The bar greatly restricts traffic flow from the kitchen into the dining and great room. A center island unit may be more practical and open the space up to make people working in the kitchen still feel part of the rest of the family in the great room. The only other modification would be to the windows in the master bedroom. While the two small windows are placed there to flank each side of the bed, I don't believe they will take advantage of the lake views. A large, centered window, perhaps even a bow window, would bring more of the outdoors inside. The two small windows do center the bed in the room nicely but the most spectacular feature of the property is the view of the lake and a larger window takes full advantage of that. I'm looking forward to seeing what other options there will be to vote on.

My husband and I loved watching the log cabin being built in 2007. We're excited about this new log cabin in 2008! We voted on the San Jacinto model because we loved the wrap-around porch. We both love the outdoors and can imagine sitting on that porch in any weather enjoying the view and each others company. My husband just suggested that it would also be nice to invite relatives and friends to enjoy this vacation 'hideaway.'

Love the San Jacinto butiful porch for the view of the area.

The San Jacinto style was everything you could ask for in a lake front home. Low profile fireplaces and that huge proch to sit on and drink your morning coffee or late evening beverage as you watch the sun set . Looking forward to seeing more about it.

Hello everyone! I like San Jacinto plan. Can you tell me please when new sweepstakes to win this cabin will start or did I miss it already?

I love the San Jacinto style, EXCEPT having the porch located off the master bedroom. I think this would be inconvenient for carrying food from the kitchen. Is the porch screened? It would be a great place for picnics. Sandy

My family grew up not to far from Watts Bar and we all spent many hours on my grandparents porch entertaining family and friends. The San Jacinto model with the wrap around porch is perfect for this beautiful lake.

The San Jacinto has my vote. I think it fits the site perfectly and has opportunity for a lot of outdoor living. A screened porch would be a nice addition. The location is wonderful. We liked Kinzel Springs (we actually stumbled upon your construction when we were on vacation up there) but I think this is great!

Looks as though the San Jacinto is going tobe an easy winner here, voted for it myself...but it is limiting for those that are mobility impaired.
Stairs are deffinatly out for my wife and myself, but it can be worked around.
Noticed a comment earlier about a hot tub as a no no because it isn't green, now I know this isn't the southwest but I have seen several off the net homes,(no electric) that have spas and even pools, water supplimented by the rain runoff (catch in cisterns, incorporated in design) and power from solar voltaic.
Very comfy and quite green.

Love the San Jacinto. I like that it has 2 stories and a loft. The wrap around porch is fabulous.

So how I enter to win?

Voted for San Jacinto myself

Michael

Like many other comments here, My wife and I loved the exterior fit and feel of the San Jacinto, but the kitchen and entertainment flow was disappointing. We have found that most of the guests stay in the kitchen and the more spacious the area, the happier the guests (and hosts). Hopefully a redesign of the kitchen could be arranged.

As a wheelchair user for 34 years, a few changes in the San Jacinto would be easy and make life better for anyone who wins. People age ya' know. Just because you're up and around today...you get the picture.

The master bathroom should NOT have the toilet ENCLOSED! That is so inconvenient, not to mention a bit hazardous if a little one wanders in and gets locked in! Remember safety means universal design--if it's good for people with disabilities, it's great for anyone else!

Oh--having the porch with a screened in area is a must--the skeeters and water bugs in TN will drive you batty! Maybe there could be an automatic screen feature with an automatic roller system you can lower and raise--as a group or individually. Remote control would be a must for any user. Plus some large ceiling fans on remotes on each side of the porch would be a boon for cooling the interior in the early summer months.

Ramping the porches is always an issue. You need to lay a foot of ramp for every inch of height, with a toeboarrd to keep the wheelchair from falling off, and railings at least 3 ft. high on each side the entire length of the ramps.

So instead of stairs and a bulky ramp on each entrance, why not have gradient entrances? It would look ten times better than a ramp, and be easier to keep debris and snow free. You could build a stone half-wall with a handrail beginning at the low point to the high point, trimming it with installed flower boxes with automatic watering with grey water and a decorative tree at each end. Wouldn't that be great to light in the evenings and on the holidays?!

Making ALL of the entrances accessible is a must for fire safety. Right now I live in a one story with just one of three entrances ramped. If there's a fire--I'm a goner. I have a fire extinguisher next to my bed, but it won't do a thing if the fire is a big one.

well--nuff said for now. I hope the architects read this!

I can relate to what some have said about having a one-story home, but I do love the full porch and outdoor fireplace of the San Jacinto. If I was building my own cabin I'd have a Master & one guest room downstairs (for those older or disabled guest who can't do stairs) and still have the loft and extra bedrooms upstairs for kids and younger/able bodied visitors. Since none of the plans had everything, I had to go with the San Jacinto for its best use of features. Look forward to more choices!

I hope deeper tones are used on this cabin, a more rustic feel will be better for a lake side home. I also voted for the San Jacinto because of the large covered porch, a must to enjoy the view.

I'm assuming it is in an area that has cold weather - was there a state named? Anyway, that really makes the fireplaces important and that great outdoor space with fireplace in San Jacinto makes it perfect.

I love the San Jacinto home, as for the stairs adjustments could be made as in adding a stair lift or letting your older guest stay in the master suite while visting. There should be a way to catch the rain water to use for the toilets, washing machine and for the grey water to water the outside plants. Incinerator toilets are a good option as well.

The San Jacinto is the one! I can just see the winner sitting on the porch taking in the view of the lake. Later in the evening in front of a nice roaring fireplace during the winter.

Love the new plans. Cant wait to see more of the choices.

I think everyone is picking the San Jacinto because of the porch, who wouldn't love to sit and enjoy the beautiful lake! I think it needs more open window areas towards the view. How is it being placed on the lot, facing north, south, east or west? This will have a lot of impact on light and air flow. xoxoro

I was drawn to both the San Jacinto and Dream Swept but ultimately placed my vote for the San Jacinto due to its functionality for entertaining guests, the first floor master bedroom, the practical foyer and finally and foremost, the amazing wrap-around porch! To enjoy to the utmost such a breath-taking location such as it is, the porch is a necessity, in my opinion. I can picture the winner's family (hopefully mine! :o) spending many cool fall evenings and warm, star-filled summer nights entertaining on that porch!

Oh my! I can already imagine our home based business becoming our Log Home Based Business! I love all of them, but the San Jacinto simply has the features that appeal to what we would like. How adaptable will this home be for someone confined to a wheelchair? Our 18 year old son has Spina Bifida and will likely live with us for the forseeable future.

Missed the voting last year, but in for the long haul this year!

Loved the San Jacinto. I realize for some, myself included, the stairs are a bit of a problem, but then again I will leave them to the younger crowd, as I would use the master bedroom.
The wrap around porch is fabulous!!! The outdoor firplace is great. (Although by the kitchen would have made more sense.) Also, there needs to be stairs out the back side to the lake. I bet they builders have already figured that out though.
The site is just beautiful(congrats on the find) and the house will undoubtably be cherised by whomever wins it. Sure wish it could be me, but it will be fun dreaming and watching. Good luck to all and thanks DIY!!!

How exactly is such a huge square footage more "green" (as Amy promised in her goodbye email last year after the last contest)? This is a mansion, not a cabin! Slim down the size, use locally harvested wood, and site it far away from the water to decrease roof-runoff pollution...or better yet, don't destroy such a lovely wild spot with a house at all. I'm sorry to be a brat, but all this faux "green-living" marketing makes me really ill. If we are going to leave anything worth breathing, drinking, or eating to our children, our culture needs to sacrifice NOW. We need to downscale.

i might be blind or i'm just looking to hard, but i dont see any rules.
is this sweep/contest/give away thingy anything goes or are the rules just hiding??
OR am i just looking way to hard

I too voted for the San Jacinto, The loft, the wrap around porch with the fireplace is unbelievable!

The location is breathtaking!

As for the hottub gree issue, I saw a web site for an off the grid house in Colorado where the owner was using a wood fired stove from a company not sure we can list names here.

As to the mobility impaired, I think it would workout ok since the Master bed & bath are on the 1st floor. Upper rooms would be for guests.. At least this is how I see my dream cabin once I retire...

A must for a lake front house is a large porch. The San Jacinto is perfect. The second story will give wonderful veiws of the lake. The more outdoor space the better.

The San Jacinto is a wonderful house plan. However, I think everything on one level would be the best. I vote for The Willow Lane.

I voted for my favorite the Willow Lane. The best part is the open kitchen, the office and most important it is single story.
Even though it doesn't look like Willow Lane will be the final plan, I am sure the cabin will be very beautiful! Looking forward to all the voting and choices.

I like the look of the cabin, one thing that I don't like and would love to see changed is the second floor bathrooms and the WIC. Maybe instead of having two WIC for each bed room, how about making it one. That way you could have more room in the bath for maybe a linen / towel closet. I like the idea of a screened porch facing the lake. Going Green is very important so using solar while keeping with the looks of the area and cabin will be very important.

The San Jacinto is the best plan. The wrap around porch would be great. Plus the loft area would allow a nice game area for those raining days on the lake. Beautiful lakefront property.

I LOVE THE SAN JACINTO! I truly can envision myself sitting in that Beautiful porch soaking in the tranquility and being enveloped with the array of bursting colors! Can't wait to see the masterpiece! Ana Maria

I just couldn't resist the porch on the San Jacinto. The property you've picked out is certainly breathtaking. Who wouldn't want to live in a beautiful, serene place like this? As much as I enjoyed last season's blog cabin, I think this year's will be even more exciting. I'm looking forward to all the details that are forth coming. Thanks for the chance to participate.

Cabin on a lake needs no office. The idea is to get away from work, not bring it with you. A wrap-around porch is great, and needs to have views of the lake for the view and the breezes (helps keep the bugs away!). Landscaping should be minimal--no grass mowing!!

The San Jacintha is the more favorite choice of the three homes. Laura Purvis

Wow didn’t miss this one, Love the San Jacinto layout. Hope the exterior fire place and porch has a great view of the beautiful lake. Want to say hello to Amy and say keep up the good work, as every one can see from the 2007 Blog Cabin witch by the way I missed out on most of the voting. Well can’t what for the construction to begin as well as all the selection to come.

I see the San Jacinto seems to winning out over the other floor plans. Personally I liked the Willow Lane better. San Jacinto, though very nice seems rather large and I agree with a few other bloggers about climbing stairs and bad knees. I also agree that Eastern Tennessee is a beautiful place to live or vacation. We vacationed in Townsend last November with a group of photography friends and spent a lot of time in the mountains. Since the 07 blog cabin was in Kinzel Springs I just had to find it and check it out. We did manage to find it and it is even better than on TV .... I was thrilled to get to see it. My vote this time is on the Willow Lane although I don't believe it is going to win.

I am glad to see that the San Jacinto is so popular with the bloggers. I think that it will afford the best views of the lake from both inside and outside the house. I have relatives that had a beautiful home on a lake in New England and I loved to visit there. The house faced west looking over the lake and everybody had to sit watching the sunset every night at dinner. They had flip-up tables all along the screened porch so that everybody had a lake view. If I don't win, would the winner please invite me?

I watched the completion of last year's Blog Cabin and my wife and I both agreed that this is probably the coolest show that we ever encountered on HGTV and we have been watching HGTV for many, many years. So we could not wait until the next opportunity came for us to participate. So here we are. I reviewed the three floor plans an just voted on the Willow Lane. We have moved twice and the first time we wanted a single story house. After looking at many of them we agreed that the H plan was one onf the most floorplans for a single story home. Over the years we have honed our requirements through raising our children, entertaining, and the need for personal space. What drew me to the Willow Lane was the separation provided by the H floor plan. The master bedroom is on one side of the plan and the other bedrooms are on the other. Each are separated by the other living spaces. This provides a great separation without the partitioning that normally happens in multi-story homes. This is wonderful if you have children or guests. You can retire and even if others are still up you close your door to your master bedroom and all is well with the world :). This plan also minimizes the transference of noise that happens when the master bedroom is on the second floor. Sound tends to travel upward. Another wonderful aspect of the Willow Lane is that EVERY bedroom have it's own bathroom - FABULOUS. This is a rare find, even for the most expensive of homes. This also lends to more of the sense of separation as no one has to disturb anyone else in the house when having to use the rest room. Finally, why would anyone want anyone residing over their heads as in the San Jacinto plan. Trust me, after having our bedroom in the basement of a house that we rented and having young children and/or guests above us, I never want my bedroom to be below any other room. Go Willow Lane -- YOU ROCK. Hang in there!!!

Just a couple of things on my mind . Why would any one want the porch on the front or side of a lake house. There all nice but there don't look like a lake house cabin to me .

Now I know why I didn't win the last Blog Cabin! It's because this one is more my style with the water front property!

It does look as if San Jacinto is the favorite but did you guys see the fireplace on DreamSwept? It appears to be double-sided onto the back deck which would be unbelievable for cold winter nights on the lake. Any chance of incorprating this design on San Jacinto?

well, i love the san jacinto...that's about it! it's beautiful, has a beautiful ground level master bedroom just off the great room and lots of windows, and who wouldn't just fall in love with that porch facing the lake!! so amazing...i have to admit i am feeling hopeful!

Can't wait! The SanJacinto will look beautiful on this property. Blog on!!

I’m so happy to be in on this cabin build from the beginning. Last year we missed out on the make up of the cabin. Love the new location and the view! This Cat girl is pumped up for a terrific ride. Whew DIY lets go!!!

My favorite floor plan by far is the San Jacinto. The wrap around porch is perfect for spending lots of time kickin back and enjoying the beautiful landscape and lake. Paradise on earth. I'm so excited to see more as it unfolds. This area in Tennessee is absolutely georgeous and perfect in everyway. Thanks for the opportunity to be even a distant part of the building of the 2008 Blog Cabin.

I too love the San Jacinto. Would like to also see a pier/deck out by the water for boating, swimming or just enjoying the view! a nice outdoor fire pit and a large outdoor entertaining area would be perfect!
I would like to see the bedrooms furnished with log beds! Center island in kitchen, Refrigerator faced like the surrounding cabinetry so it blended in. Lots of cabinets and a large walk-in pantry!

Great location for the cabin. Nothing says country like the state of Tennessee. Wonderful views with peaceful surroundings. It couldn't be a better place to live. The San Jacinto seems to be the best style to show all those gorgeous views!

I like the San Jacinto floor plan, as most people evidently do, but I think the powder room should be moved (I don't yet know where) so that (1) it does not open right onto the living room, and (2) so that it has a window to the outside.

I like everything else about the floor plan. I hope the dining room is going to be big enough to really accommodate a good sized-table, length and width. I also like the fact that when you open the front door, you don't walk right into the kitchen.

The site is beautiful. Where is Kinzel Lakes? What state?

The site is really neat. Just one question though. I know that HGTV builds these beautiful homes and then they give them away but almost everyone that has won the home could not keep it due to the yearly taxes and the upkeep, even if they were to rent the property. Too much money involved for us blue collar workers that I would guess make up pretty much of your viewers...........thanks......

The site is Great!! It was a hard choice on the 3 floorplans but I know whichever one wins will be beautiful!

Why do people want a second level? The master isn't on the second level so if they are counting on a "waking up" to view and the master on the first level is okay then why not vote for everything on one level? Someone blogged that they should not be allowed to sell it. That is stupid. If a person wins it and can't afford the taxes or doesn't want to relocate then there should be no conditions. If you win it then it is yours to do with what you want. I would much rather have this than that insane "Dream Home" in Florida. I entered once for that and wish I hadn't. I hope I don't win that one. This one I would like.

What a beautiful site, I could live in a shed at this location. Kudos to the selection committee!

The San Jacinto is the closest thing I have seen to the dream cabin that I picture in my head. As far as the location, breath taking, right in an area that would put me so much closer to family than where I currently live in PA. I keep trying to get my husband to transfer this would be a great reason.

All three of these designs are beautiful for sure, but after looking at them all.. I do see I would like the San Jacinto one the best for my family...and the site you have picked is the MOST beautiful one I've seen since we went camping by the Lake...GREAT choice...I could imagine the relaxing that would take place there even without seeing the home up there yet...and then how nice it would be relaxing there WITH the home up and running...
GREAT JOB DIY...your projects take my breath away!!!

That wonderful covered porch with the fireplace, to one side--in the San Jacinto floorplan, is going to be a real winner in anyone's book of memories.
Plus, the double doors for the entry. Wow!
Sure hope we get to vote on those entry doors?
I noticed a little room off to the side of the kitchen and near to the back door leading to outside of the home. Wouldn't that make for a cozy, fishing room for the fisherman of the house? Just a little place to hang up your fishing rods and reels and a nice little room so to store your fishing gear? Fishing from off your own back yard is known to be hard work, you know? lol.
I admit, all you really out did yourself with this blog cabin. Bravo! I'll be checking in every single day.

Thanks so much for offering us all, this chance once again to win a true dream of a lifetime. Such fun to watch the progress on T.V. and be able to participate in the design from A to Z. I love all the plans! I would just be so tickled and grateful to win such a wonderful piece of heaven. I long for the serenity of a place like this one, to explore and share space in the great outdoors and to be part of a community that respects nature. I am almost afraid to put in my entry when I feel my own heart beating with such hope. Thanks for the generousity of all the advertizers, designers and workers and DIY who make dream cabin a reality for some very lucky person, GOOD LUCK TO ALL!!!

Who wouldn't feel like they were waking up to a little piece of heaven on earth in any of the 3 designs you are offering. The view is spectacular! I love the one with the wrap around porch but then I take care of my 86yr old mom, I myself are recovering from Stage III B/cancer & I've never won anything I didn't work for but if by the grace of God I every got lucky enough to win the Blog Cabin, the Willow would probably be more practical as it is a single floor plan BUT I sure do like the looks of the San Jacinto. With that view of the lake though whatever is built can't be wrong. Whom ever wins this year is one LUCKY person. CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

Ollah! San Jacinto.

The WRAP-AROUND-PORCH exploits the remarkable beauty of the cabin location perfectly! It makes the 2008 cabin truly exquisite...even before it's built!

I love the exterior of the San Jacinto with the wraping porch in the back facing the lake. I noticed there are not many windows and I believe that with a lake view out your back door one should take full advantage of the view with large picture windows everywhere. I grew up in Il. but we had a cabin in WI. Ine thing my dad did right after buying the cabin was install alot of windows mostly casement so they opened wide at night.
In TN. the bugs are the size of small dogs, you may want to enclose all or part of the porch with screen so people can sit out at night without the bug issue.

Remember windows windows windows, with such a great view.

Great job on Kinzel Springs came out super.

Bob

The San Jacinto floor plan is perfect for a lake side retreat. The porch allows you to take in the beauty of the lake. Most of the time will be spent out door with a place like this.

It has to be the San Jacinto. The other two do not compare to it and don't look like they would fit too well in the surrounding area. The porch is what it is about. Being able to walk around the whole house on the porch on a rainy day and look out over the lake.

Why do I feel the architects of these homes have never lived on a lake? I'm in my second lake home and currently designing a major remodel of someone's poor idea of a lake home. It's all about the view. When you're in bed, you want to see the lake. When you're eating breakfast, you want to see the lake. When you're seated in the great room, you want to see the lake. And you don't want to see it through 6 over 6 windows. A first floor master suite is desirable as is a separate living space for guests and children. You don't want the master bedroom's deck connected to the public deck unless you want your guests or kids walking past your open doors at all hours. And, yes, sleeping, with panoramic master suite doors open to the lake view can be very pleasant. I love waking to the sunrise over the Smoky Mountains at my Douglas Lake home. There will be many times when you will want private space away from the guests and the kids. After 10 years on Cherokee & Douglas Lakes, I've developed some strong ideas on what makes a good lake home right or wrong. Finding architects with similar background is not an easy task.

Loved the 2007 website and sweepstakes. Fascinating to vote and then see the home develop. Look forward to doing the same with this one. And winning it, of course.

I think the Dream Swept has the best floorplan for all persons in anyone's family as it comes closest to Universal design. It appears to be a bit smaller which allows the structure to nestle into the landscape rather than impose itself on top of it. I love the idea of the kitchen island as it allows the Cook to work and mingle at the same time. I also prefer the nook-entry in the Master bedroom area - it feels much more "private" than the other 2 floor plans. If I could add Willow Lane's office then it would be the 100% perfect floorplan.

I LOVE the San Jacinto. It has the perfect views for this property. Wish it were mine already(LOL)!!!!

Oh the floor plan to the San Jacinto is a dream & that porch is awsom.My husband and I want to retire on the lake. We both love to fish and the out doors and that would be just a dream come true! Cant waite for the rest of the choices!

I love all three floor plans, but feel the one level homes are better suited to the elderly and handicapped. I voted for Willow. We lived in Chattanooga, TN for 12 years & we would LOVE to go back to Tennessee to this beautiful area! I look forward to watching this cabin being built and voting on my favorites...

Like the majority of voters, I think the San Jacinto plan best fits the site. The 360 degree tour is a terrific feature. One concern I have is the chimney stack. It is a centered and potentially dominating exterior feature and if finishes are not just right, it can take away from the rest of the plan. I also think a screened porch can have the same affect. With a lake front wooded property I have found that it adds to the experience to have nothing between you and the lake (except the automatic insect misting system). Perhaps a smaller screened in portion of the porch will be the compromise.

Hi everyone, can't wait to get started.

Take a moment and close your eyes and think how wonderful it would be to awake to see the beauty of God's handy work in your own back yard......Ah but a dream.... To one it will become a reality.......Time will tell. The homes are wonderful! My heart is drawn to the San Jacinto model. I love the porch to be able to sit back to enjoy either sunrise or sunset. Personally I don't think I would change anything. I love the floor plan and all. I do agree with others that have posted about bringing many green items into the project. This will be exciting watching the project unfold, comments that are made to see the end result. Who ever wins this cabin in the end will surely be Blessed!

Corinne

Large Deck with a water View. What more do you need to say?

The more porch the better! The one thing I was thinking about with the Dreamswept and Willow designs was"Gee, you could make the chimney do double duty and put a fireplace on the patio." I'm not sure if that would work for the SJ model. Guess an outside firepit/fire patio something like they have with BC'07 could take care of that.

Maybe someone who lives in the area could tell us: how are the skeeters and no-see-ums around the lake? In Raleigh the biting insects come in the form of regular mosquitos and black mosquitos. If it's the same there, it might just be better to add a screened-in porch on the lake side.

I really like the Willow Lane. The San Jacinto is also very nice, but if I were building this cabin on my own dime it would have to be the Willow Lane. The floor is more to my liking and it also has an office which is a big plus for me. Look forward to watch this all come together - enjoyed the last Blog Cabin.

I REALLY love the San Jacinto , but voted for the Willow Lane - if only it had the porch that the San Jancinto has it would be perfect. I think one would have to have more space to entertain and a wrap around porch would do the trick.
The kitchen in the San Jancinto seems a bit cramped or too enclosed for my liking. But I will hold off final judgement until later.

The San Jacinto is the most pleasing visually for the lot, as many have said. The floor plan needs some adjustments, however. The outside fireplace area makes little sense being off the master bedroom. Anyone using that area would have to traipse through the bedroom. Flip it to the other side with a door off the eating area and the plan works much better. I like the separate suites upstairs and master on the first floor. Great rooms with fireplaces are a must for log houses, especially those with a great view like this lot provides. Would love to be the lucky person.

I love the layouts of all three choices! Personally, my favorite happens to be everyone else's favorite. San Jacinto, to me, seems like a very child-friendly and family acommodating choice, which is prefect for my brand new and inevitably growing family. But I also love the kitchen set-up in the Dream Swept floor plan. It's more open than the rest, which would be perfect for entertaining. It just doesn't seem like it would have enough counter space for me. When I cook, I like to have all of my tools/ingredients spread out all over the place. Who doesn't?? True, it's more mess to clean up (and believe me... I'm a messy cook), but it's well worth it.
I voted for San Jacinto today, and I believe today is the last voting day for the floor plans. Otherwise, I think I might have alternated votes between San Jacinto and Dream Swept each day.
On another note, I love the view. Mesquitos will definitely be a problem, but that's a small price to pay for being that close to nature. Absolutely gorgeous! *sigh*

i love the first log home...it had a sense of home and being comfortable.i watched the building of it to the point that i was there with you cause i dont blog much....ive also learned a lot with filling in spaces...the radiant flooring...windows...its amazing what you can learn from your show...and everyone is all so sweet...and explain everything down to the littlest detail.
this new log cabin is AMAZING,,,something ive always wanted so ill be tuning in on this one for sure....but id like to make just one suggestion and that is to have french doors in the master suite,im a bit of a romantic and i think waking up to that view and the air would be wonderful,and if i can add just 1 more item...putting those doors that slide into the walls..they usually go between the hallway and a library but i think it would be nice between a living room and a bed room or dining area,i know there old fashion but they have a taste of style.
well thats it for now and ill be watching you
congrats to the winners of 2007 cabin ....good luck in your beutiful new home and my it bring you years of joy and memories to your family.
margaret

san jacinto def. the kitchen will not be as hidden as some think. and i love love the laundry and rear porch where they are. as far as windows, more and bigger.

Well, after looking over the three floor plans, I would have to say that the San Jacinto should probably win, though there are issues with it that I didn't like. (I voted for it anyway because of its size and the two stories.) I would have preferred a more open floor plan with the San Jacinto, rather than the kitchen being seperated from the Living/Great room. I do the cooking in our family, so I know how it feels to have a group over and I am stuck in the kitchen working while everyone else is visiting in the living room. I like the second story and loft, and hope that there are plenty of windows to take advantage of the views. My wife's family have had a rustic cabin in the forest 'up-north' for the past 30 years, and we love to go there. (For those of you who are not from Michigan, 'up-north' is a catch-all phrase for a vacation place that is at least 2 hours from where you live. It took me almost 6 months to figure that one out.) I haven't found the actual location of this cabin site yet, so am not sure where in the country it is located. If it is in the northern half of the country, I would like to see the porch with the fireplace being able to be converted into a year-round room with removable wood and glass panels along its edges. It would be a shame to waste so much space six months out of the year. Can't wait to put in more suggestions as the options become known.

Hi DIY Network!!

This is my first entry to your blog. I just watched the marathon of Blog Cabin 2007. I was so impressed.... can't wait for Blog Cabin 2008. I will be voting and watching. It's so much fun the sit back and relax while you all are working so hard to build a "special" home for one of us. Hope it's me!!

This is the very first time I have seen this forum. I'm an avid watcher of anything that has to do with buying and selling homes. I'm the biggest dreamer I know and I spend so much time looking at the environment and how my family could find a way to enjoy it without destroying all of beauty that surrounds us. I was very excited about this type of format as I grew up going to a trailer in the Ozarks and spending the weekend. How fabulous, that you have these giveaways for dream vacation homes. Not everyone, including thyself, can afford such a wonderful place to go with family and share. My husband and I rent a cabin at Beaver Lake every year to take our family so that we can enjoy some lake and boat time. I originally loved the Jacinto for the same reasons that everyone else did and then I took a good look at the others and I have to say I loved the dream swept plan, as it has such a great open area with the family room and kitchen and eating area all in one big area. Going to a cabin with a your extended family is about sharing eachother's time and energy and what better place to do so. There is still a lovely porch to enjoy the view.... Either way, these are all lovely designs and any family will find one of these homes beautiful an gracious gift. THANK YOU for supplying the builder and the contractors...Good luck to all.

The lake views are gorgeous. I too am a baby boomer. There's lots of us. An elevator could be added if the two story plan is selected.

Maybe another home, (green?) could be built that is wheelchair accessable. Whellchair and handicapped accessability are TWO DIFFERENT things.

Janice

San Jacinto was my least favorite from the front, but it does have a nice floor plan and gorgeous wrap around porch. I thought I would love Dream Swept since the name caught me immediately. Turns out that floor plan was my least favorite. Because the front of Willow Lake and Dream Swept are so similiar and having a personal prefernce for single story homes I chose Willow mostly for the symmetry of the smaller bedrooms. The other draw is the laundry room so close to the bedrooms. Tracking laundry through the kitchen? :oP One thing that I could live with, but wouldn't choose, is the closet through the master bath. San Jacinto has the master bedroom suite in the bag! :o)

I can already smell the bacon frying. My favorite thing to do when we go to mountains is cook breakfast for my husband. It is our special time together. We always stay in rental cabins, I pretend the cabin is ours while we are there. Whoever wins this cabin is gonna be so lucky!!! Yes I really hope it's me.

I really like dreamswept it has a wonderful floor plan and i dont like the third choice it looks to gaudy. i love the open plan of the dreamswept and i would be proud to own such a house. in the country setting it would be wonderful. I dont understand so many liking the San Jacinto as i could have chose Willow but i really dont like the gaudiness of the outside of the third choice. I would certainly take it if i won it but if i built it i would choose the first one being dreamswept.

I love everything about the building of the blog cabins! What a beautiful lakefront location - just looks so peaceful no matter what direction your eyes fall gaze to. Please don't forget wrap around porches so that nothing goes overlooked when stepping out the door!

Hi Blog Cabin,
Love the San Jacinto plans. The "openess" of the lower level is a great idea with the loft above. The huge porch gives the lucky winner the opportunity to view everything around you and be blessed with this beautiful home and view. This cabin will look awesome beside the lake. Can't complain, any of the cabin choices would look wonderful. Can't wait to see the winning plan!
Hoping to win! Kelley, Hunny, and kiddos!

Wow! I can't wait to see which floor plan wins, but you should have picked floor plans that all had wrap around porches to relax on and look at the views. If I could build a log cabin in this area of Florida, it would have wrap around, screen in porches so I could invite all my friends and family to come stay with me, and we could use the porches as extra sleeping spots.

I love the San Jacinto floor plan and porch but it's getting hard to do stairs. So voted on the Willow......not too excited about the location of the kitchen in the San Jacinto..seems to be away from the family room and that's no fun for the cook. But I do love the porch!!!! But the kitchen's in the other two need some work!!! But love the location.....love the lake......could deal with whatever!!! This is going to be fun....can't WAIT!!!!!!

San Jacinto is the one! The view is great and the wrap around porch is great.

This is a wonderful view!! I can't wait to see it take form. Good luck everyone!!

I love the floor plan but..... this is a fishing/outdoors activities area and this plan has zero storage for fishing gear, boat, swimming gear etc.... it really needs a separate log garage even if it is small but large enough to store the boat till next trip

I have always wanted to live on the water as I find that it has a very peaceful, calming effect on me. Guess that I'm a water baby!!! I LOVE the location that you all have selected and that the log cabin will be located in the Lakefront Estates gated community on the Watts Bar Lake. How extremely BEAUTIFUL!!! I would really love to live here, REALLY, REALLY!!! Your selection is absolutely perfect!!!

I love the site!! My favorite floor plan is the San Jacinto, however, I,like a lot of people have a mobility problem and favor one story homes. If I win this cabin, the upstairs can be left to the younger generation to occupy. I truly think the wrap around porch is sooooo great. What a wonderful way to spend you days sitting on the porch watching the world go by and enjoying all the wildlife with a glass of iced tea or coffee or wine. For my husband it would really be wonderful to be able to go fishing whenever he wanted to. He would be in seventh heaven! I would be to, since it would be a great way to get him out of the house, doing something he loves. I am looking for the opportunity to having a chance to participate in this Blog cabin.Sondra R

The San Jacinto should win. The huge porch reminds me of the ones you used to see all the time. Great for enjoying the great outdoors where this cabin will be located. Having the bedrooms this far apart is great for guests too as it provides a degee of privacy. The open floorplan below could use a few modifications which I'm sure everyone will be mentioning as construction continues. Blog on!

The San Jacinto floor plan is simply perfect. The large outdoor living space is just what i need for Six children(and inlaw children) not to mention fifthteen grandkids and one ggrandchild.As someone with walking problems it seems the best plan. Now get busy so i can see it come to life, loved the last one,it was dreamy, but this one seems like it will be even better.

After looking them all over, I have to go with the San Jacinto. A wrap around porch is a must! I also like the back entry, coming in from the lake, the mess stays in one spot and not thru the cabin. I love the loft.... My husband and I stayed in a cabin in Tennessee on our honeymoon and while this one is much larger, it reminds me of that special time. How wonderful it would be to relive that time in the San Jacinto. The lake view is awesome, the kids and grandkids would get great enjoyment and I bet the fall colors will be truely spectacular. I'm sure we would spend many wonderful hours on the wrap around porch, it's a wonderful way to get back to nature.

The San Jacinto is my choice. As stated so well by someone else in this blog, the floor plan lends it self to family get togethers and full time living. I woould be proud to make this a retirement home and have the kids, grandkids and friends around. I am familiar with the area and feel the look of this design fits the site, country, and local atmosphere the best. Looking forward to seeing the progress.
Tom from KY

When the time comes to add a dock, you must call Advanced Docks and Decks. The owner is a perfectionist and would really be an asset to your build team.

San Jacinto due to the great view of the lake you will have from the 2nd floor. we live on a lake and the view is better the higher up you can get. Also like what looks like a fireplace gathering place on the outside deck.

Great location and great plan in the San Jacinto design. Can't wait to see it being built.

My vote goes to the San Jacinto, but where is the property? I can't find the location of the lake on the website.

The Dream Swept is the best plan.... it is the closest to a cozy log cabin (as opposed to the log 'Mansion' of the San Jacinto)

The Floorplan has the best layout in that the front foyer delivers your guests into to the great room, which will allow ample viewing of the lake... not the kitchen as in the Willow lane...

It figures that the San Jacinto is 'winning' the voting... It represents the largest house and the back porch is very nice, but the kitchen is too far removed from the rest of the living area... it seems just too massive.... after all, how much space do you want to heat in the winter and how many people are going to be visiting. do you need that much space?
However the inside/outside fireplace and the arrangement of the kitchen/great room of the Dream Swept is the best... not to mention the ability to wake up in the morning and simply head outside towards the water... its pure.. its the best.

San Jacinto was the unanimous choice of our family in spite of a kitchen that lacks the openness of the Willow Lane (!) and the Dream Swept floor plans. Any chance that portion of the interior can be revisited by the builder. Another exciting property, great location, terrific homesite, wonderful floor plans -- Blog Cabin 2008 sets the bar even higher than Blog Cabin 2007!
Roger Howard, Indianapolis, IN

The site is beautiful. Floor plans all were great. I had a hard time voting but the wrap around porch and loft of the San Jacinto won me over.

I like the floor plans your offering, however, this is 2008 where is the originality. Why do we do everything in a box, why not round multi layered more like a tree house? Seems to me there must be more creativity out there to choose from. I would also like to I think it is great that your going green nice work. Hope to see a grey water installation, and geothermal heating. Hope this house is inspiring to everyone!

I now live in the Midwest but when I was little I lived on the east coast very close to a lake. This site reminds me of home, I love it! The San Jacinto would be great here. Can't wait to see the finished home.Great job.

I just love the San Jacinto, I love that porch! I can just imagine me and my wife setting out there in rockers just watching and listening to nature.
And my wife is a fabulous cook. I can imagine us and or children and grandchildren all gathering around for the holidays and the smells from that kitchen filling up the air. Man am I hungry now..
The peace and solitude. The beautiful landscape. The fresh air . And the friendly community of people who have a smile on their face and a kind word of welcoming makes this cabin and location the best of the best. Who wouldn't want to live in such a place , in such a home? I know it would be a dream come true for me and my wife.

Love all the floor plans, but the plans for the San Jacinto got my vote.

I admit it..."I am a Cabinophiles, heart and soul." I love the location of this years cabin. It is truly beautiful and the winner will be blessed with many happy memories.
Looking forward to see,which floor plan it will be. Watching and reading the blogs from the first blog cabin makes me want to come work for you all. You are all so easy to love!
More giggles and grins to come...is a blessing in itself! May God's love shine on the 2008 Blog Cabin.

Good afternoon to everyone, This is FireballTed from Atlanta and I will be following this build with a lot of interest. My wife and I will be erecting our Log Home in N. Ga. if everything does accord.

Like almost everyone else- My VOTE went to San Jacinto. Can you just feel the feeling of sitting on the wrap around porch on any evening enjoying the Lake View. Hey! What a Name for the new cabin - "LAKE VIEW".

Growing up in East Tenn., I've been to this lake on several occasions and it is a beautiful lake area.

Until -

Ted M

I viewed the plans before reading the blogs and I really am shocked that Dream Swept hasn't been more popular! One floor, easily accessible, less grandiose in initial appearance and suited to the serenity of the landscape. If San Jacinto is the cabin that is built, please reconsider the plans slightly to incorporate the indoor and outdoor fireplace into one structure. Having the outdoor fireplace at the master bedroom end of the house is too far from the entertainment area of the house... The porch area there is nice but should be more private as it's off the bedroom. It shouldn't be the primary outdoor living area. Also, it's too far to trek food etc unless you traipse through the bedroom. Ick.

All three designs are nice but, in my opinion, the one that would be most appropriate for lake- front property here in Tennessee is The Willow. It's too bad we can't see the actual layout of the inside; that might influence me to vote for the San Jacinto.

Although The Willow is my first choice, living in either of them would be a dreams come true!

All the floor plans have a neat feature or two in them but definitely the San Jacinto has the best feature for a cabin and that is the wrap around porch. It is accessible from so many rooms of the house and just think of all the wonderful sunsets you will see from it as well. Can't wait to see the furnishings that will go in it.

Love the San Jacinto floor plan. Also love the site you choose to build the new cabin on!!

I'm wondering..

I suspect that the property line goes clear down to the lake front? I would hope so, so that no one could build in front of this cabin and spoil the view.

Ok, how about property lines? How far is the nearest neighbor going to be? I would hate to have some one 'REALLY CLOSE' so that you can see them hanging out the wash or something of that nature... Houses too close would spoil the view and if you have lousy neighbors, would ruin the beauty of the place.

Also, you didnt give a plan of the area for availability? Is it near a town? How about groceries and convieniences? Being 'rustic' is nice and cozy, but, you still need civilization to get your prescriptions and all the anemities of life :)

Are you going to have an access road put in down to the lake? So that you can put in a boat? How about a boat dock? Does that go with the cabin?

A huge front porch and an outside 'kitchen' would be excellent also, to enjoy the good weather and give that 'extra room' for entertaining when the weather is great!

I wish you well...

Jesse

I liked the San Jacinto because of the porches, but I think the fireplace porch should be close to the kitchen for better entertaining.

I'm so surprised that Dream Swept isn't doing better in the voting. There's so much to love about it. As an avid cook, I love the kitchen, keeping the chef 'part of the action' of everything going on in the Dining Room, Living Room, and front porch. Also, loving to entertain, I think that the open flow from the Great Room to the large front porch is perfect for entertaining family and friends. The double sided fireplace is beautiful. And, there is plenty of room in front of the outside fireplace for a table and chairs for more three season entertaining.

I don't know where the stairs go ... but, it wouldn't matter to me since there is plenty of one floor living here which is great for those of us getting a bit older or should the winner or any of his/her family members be disabled.

So, all in all, I think that Dream Swept should be ahead by a mile. That said, if San Jacinto continues to be the leader, I agree with the other posts that the deck extension with outside fireplace would be better placed off the dining room/kitchen side rather than the Master Bedroom. I'd also like to see the Master Bedroom have double doors opening to the porch, rather than 2 separate windows. I think that it would give you a better view of the lake while you were in bed doing the crossword and sipping your morning coffee.

Bottom line, you can't lose with any of the designs. How wonderful to have 3 choices where each one is a winner in it's own right.

Where do the stairs on the Dream Swept go to? If there is a basement, then I'd jump on this house. But, if not, then I'd go for the 2 story.

I prefer the San Jacinto plan! 2 stories for great second floor views of the area, wonderful porch, open feel of a loft, great! I am very excited about the blog cabin again this year!
and note: I graduated so now I am Dr! YEAH!

The San Jacinto is great long porch and love the outdoor fireplace.

I love the San Jancinto floor plan with the porch and the upstairs. It is a absolutely beautiful place. I can't wait for more to come.

i wish i will win ,the san jacinto is the best.

I love the wild life,and i think having a porch is important for looking at it. i also love the builders and i know it's going to be good

Much prefer the single level to the two story floor plan. small kids, older friends and family members do not need stairs. I really liked the Willow floor plan better, even thought the office could be another sleeping area, for a baby maybe.
like the ideas about keeping the cabin green, rain water run off etc.. I've heard about using dishwater, bathwater for like toilet flushing, is that even possible??

why can't the outdoor room of ths san jacinto branch off the main living area instead of the master? it seems this is restricting it's use and or giving no privacy to master area. that is the only reason i like the dreamswept better.

Hi, I've agreed w/ several of the above folks when it comes to dealing w/ folks w/ disabilities. I was also surprised when everyone stated they wanted a home more reasonable and realistic that one could afford. The San jacinto though beautiful is too large and not disability proof. I go for the Dream Home.

Okay, I am new to this Log Cabin Blog. Can anyone explain all this to me? Do we just all vote on the floor plan and everything else for the house and then how do they decide who wins the log cabin when it is done? How do you get your name in to win the log cabin? I am a little confused I guess. To me it seems like it is so much easier to enter to win the HGTV Dream Home. But if someone could explain it to me, then maybe it's just me and not the website. Maybe I am just the confused one, sorry everyone I am new to the log cabin blog. I didn't even know that they had one last year. I was just checking through my e-mails that I am getting for registering to win the HGTV Dream House, which is just a dream that I will win anythin anyway, but hey, it's worth the shot just to sign up to win like everyone else and maybe I can get lucky just once in my life, lol. Thank you to anyone that takes the time to explain this to me, I really, really appreciate it!!

well it looks like the San Jacinto has been the most popular so far; the idea of sitting out on the deck looking at the lake is an eye catcher. the bq's with the outdoor fireplace is exciting. i like the idea from the 2007 cabin of the granet counter tops for the kitchen. it's durrable, nice to look at, an the wife she likes the granet for making candies. the wife suggested using the old pie cabinet for cabinet doors with the tin and punch hole design. has anyone else seen this used?

I love parts of all the floor plans! The suite one with the indoor/ outdoor Fireplace the second floor plan with it's office and laundry area centraly located. I live in a house where our laundry backs up to the master bedroom and boy that can get noisey. Also my house has the masters down and two bedrooms above and it works well if the people staying upstairs are teens and you get to hear there noise half the night. The otherdraw back to two stories is the stress on older joints. But the wrap around poarch on the thirs plan is awsome. What about doing a jack and jill bath for the bathroom for the two bedroom together some privacy but not as much floor spase given to bathrooms. Can't wait to see the plan as it develops!

I am so excited to see this years blog cabin. I love log cabins. I never get tired of watching the 2007 programming of the blog cabin. My wish has always been to own one. I have visited factories in 5 states and dreamed. This is great being part of the decision making process. Let's get blogging and building.
Penny

Lake Front living is about the 360 degree views of the site, home and environment. The San Jacinto design complements the view from site. I hope that you look a multiple ways of incorporating green techniques to the Blog Cabin 2008

I picked the San Jacinto.

Does the lot alow for a full basement? With a garage door if the slope would allow.

Can we move the outdoor fireplace portion of the porch to the other end of the house?...and screen it in? And add a set of steps off the rear porch?

Thank you DIY...this is so much fun!

I like both the San Jacinto and Willow Lane. I love the porch in the San Jacinto plans. That would work great with that view, however, I love the open floor plan the Willow Lane has. In the San Jacinto plans, everything seems so closed in. So I would have to say Willow Lane gets my vote!

I also love the San Jacinto. Everyone has such wonderful suggestions, especially I would love to see as many green building materials as possible. The site is just beautiful... reminds me of the mountains in New Hampshire. Keep up the good work DIY.

I can't wait till the building starts. This is the home and site my husband and myself have dreamed of as a retirement home for our 23 years together. Following this particular project with everyone will in one way bring our visions to life, with a little imagination we can belive it is us building with our HGTV family our dream home. (See how easy that was to imagine, (grin).) The San Jacinto is perfect for the lake home because of the beautiful wrap around porch that will enable spectacular views of the lake and property no matter where you decide to sit. Thank you HGTV for giving us a dream where all can particapate and dream, and someone really wins !!!

wow, the cabins are awesome. choosing between the San Jacinto and the Willow Lane was hard. I love the huge outdoor living spaces they both have. The outdoor fire place of the San Jacinto is really cool. But i did like the layout of the kitchen in the willow lane. It looks like it would be easy to work in, and spacious. So i had to vote for it, but it looks like the San Jacinto is gonna win. Both are excellent choices on your part. Great job picking them!!!!!!

It seems the wrap around porch on the San Jancito is winning votes. But really look at the floor plan. The Master bedroom door opens into the great room, not very private. The powder room has the same problem. I really don't want a bath room at my front door. The upstairs bedrooms are great for guests,if they can climb stairs.
Keep the green ideas coming,great additions!!

Oh can one change their mind on the floor plan? LOL.... After much consideration I would change my vote to the Willow Lane. Personally I was considering my own likes, with out considering someone other than myself. What if they had disabilities, if they were up there in age and now were having problems with stairs? That is something we all should considering when we vote. Yes the Willow does have porch, though it doesn't wrap around the house the porch is still there. After much thought the office is a nice touch that the others don't have. Hopefully as they begin to build many green items will be brought into the project. Who ever wins this home will surely be Blessed! Blessings and Good Luck to all!

I think the San Jacinto is the best for this lake front, and I love the two bedrooms up stairs is apart and have there own bathrooms. Anybody who has a teen girl and a preteen boy will understand were I'm coming from. The master bedroom is great but I love the master bathroom. They are all great plans but the San Jacinto is the best for me.

I can see the benefits of having everything on one floor but I too personally prefer the San Jacinto. The porch is really cool. I envision a huge stone fireplace in the great room. Last years show was really good and I expect this years to be even better!

Does the Dream Swept model have a full basement? The San Jacinto is a great model I just think it would be better if the kitchen opened up more into the living area. The kitchen is the biggest hang out spot.

i know the voting is almost done. and looks as tho the san jacinto is a winner. i really like the wind swept 1. you walk in the front door and the kitchen is hidden but yet it is open to the living area. also has a nice pantry. question what is the stairs to??? 2. indoor and out door fire place 3. porch off master for hot tub. another question why not cabinets on r side of kitchen ??
willow lane just dont like the idea of the kitchen view of front door also very limited in cabinets
san jacinto not crazy about the stairs geez we're not all young here! also the kitchen is not open enough to the action. also i agree a island would function better than a bar especially if it was on wheels good pantry like the rear foyer [mud room] . would be fun to decorate any of these tho

I think the SAN JACINTO is perfect for the location. I would do a couple minor changes. I think the Dining room is to narrow, considering there are doorways to manage furniture around. I also think the rear foyer needs bumped out and a show, toilet needs added, for emergency use and clean up, for people and dogs, so one doesn't need to go to the center of the house when they are working in the yard, fishing or other times outside. I think the upstairs is perfect! I'm ready to try is out as soon as it's finished!!!!

Hi everyone, I thought of one thing the new cabin could use....me!!! It looks so good on paper , I can't wait to vote on all the rest!!!

I just want to say all 3 of the floor plans are fantastic, however, I really like the Willow Dream as it has an office, most people have their office and bedroom (guest)combined and sometimes that is very inconvenient for all concerned. I do love the 2nd floor in the San Jacinto(?), however, due to health limitations this is not acceptable for us, and I think to the future for all involved, we all age and sometimes have problems going up and down stairs. The property is absolutely gorgeous and I love the Tennessee area. I will keep up with all the choices to be made in this house for the future.

San Jacinto Cabin is better for a family if you'd:
1.) Extend the back porch straight across back instead of currently profiling around the great room.
2.) Relocate exterior fireplace porch from the Master Bedroom side to either a) the Dining Room side (make it screened-in)or b) in front of the great room (non-screened-in?), creating a dual-serving fireplace location, as in the Dream Swept Model. Move door of Master bedroom. Add more windows to Master Bedroom.
3.) Add a second set of stairs accessing the lake front on the right BOH side.
4.) Move the Kitchen eating counter to the right-side sink wall, creating a clear egress and walking path thru the kitchen.
5.) Reverse the foyer stairs to enter not directly at the front door entrance, but from the great room interior entrance sicne there is a loft above great room.
5.) Move the current foyer coat closet to the current powder room location, opening up a view of the railing going up. Then move the foyer powder room under the relocated stairs in the "riser dead space".
6) Move washer and dryer set into the food pantry room space under the window for cheerier washing duty.
7.) Maybe shorten bump out wall in pantry room (behind the kitchen dishwasher wall) to line up with rear foyer wall. This creates a more open flow for a walking path from rear foyer into kitchen.
8.) Former appliance space walls can be removed to add a rear access door to the relocated powder room. This connects the rear foyer entrance and kitchen for a mock mud room or a lake-water drip room.
9.) Add windows to exterior of upper great room for more outdoor light into 2nd level.
10.) Absolutely keep it as "LEED-green" and "Residential-green" as possible. The outlined ideas by several previous blog entries was adequate. Intelligent, concerned future home-buyers will demand this.

They're all beautiful, but my pick is the Dreamcatcher.
Each one has floor plan issues that would not be user friendly in reality. But there's no reason they can't be tweaked now before construction begins. Below are things I noticed on one or more design:
Roofs with 2 differing slopes are leaf catchers and a nightmare to keep clean. Dormers are leaks just waiting to happen. I do like that all have the chimneys protruding at the peak, which is sound practice.
One had the kitchen bar at an angle: Were it to be made square the kitchen would be larger and it might free up the side wall for cabinets.
Utility rooms should always be able to vent to the outside, and until someone is actually successful in teaching their kids to do their own laundry wouldn't it be easier to have them located more accessibly to the master bedroom and/or the kitchen area?
Similar is the lack of a mud room/back door just off the lake entrance: it's best to locate one close to an area where muddy boots and/or swimsuits can be taken off and entrance can be more discrete. A place for fishing gear might be nice too.
Hallways are a waste of space and doors should open directly to the great rooms where ever possible.
Powder rooms might be an odor issue, and therefore location right next to the front door might not be the best idea.
On one design there is an intrinsic problem even though it's what makes that house the most beautiful: wouldn't you want to be able to fence off the back from the front for security and/or pet reasons? The wrap-around porch would not allow you to do that.

I thoroughly enjoyed reviewing the floor plans, and it was very difficult to choose. I went for the Dreamswept because of the open greatroom and the volume of space with dining & kitchen areas included. San Jacinto has great points, but the Dreamswept just made more sense for daily living and for visits from some of my older relatives. I don't get DIY on my cable network, but have seen a couple of shows at friends'. Visiting your website is almost as much fun. I've never blogged anyone before, so here goes!

I love the porch on the San Jacinto.

The San Jacinto is my choice. The master is on the lower floor, which is great for those of us who are getting a bit older. I would like a bigger laundry area though.

I have been reading and dreaming of a log home for years. The lake front site is wonderful. If I were to win this cabin, I would do what I could to keep it. It would be the home I have dreamed of for years.

What a beautiful site/location. I can hardly wait to watch the construction. I just LOVE porches and wit the views my choice of the home was easy to make.

The San Jacinto is so beautiful. I have this dream of building my own home and this floor plan is exactly the floor plan that I designed for my dream home with very few exceptions. wow it is unbelieveble. This will be so beautiful on this lake property.

A couple of years ago I was searching for our dream home, a log cabin! I found what I fell in love with it but not the location. About a year ago, my husband and I found a reputable financial planner to better invest our money for retirement. When we sat down to talk with him, he asked us to draw a picture of what we wanted. The picture was a cabin home on a lake with the wrap around porch, loft and fire places. This blog cabin couldn't be more perfect.

I voted for the San Jacinto. The layout is great and the wrap around porch is absolutey perfect. The only thing I'm not to thrilled about is the size of the kitchen. I think it needs to be a little bigger. I also think the great room needs a fire place to cozy it up and a great way to bring out both fire places would be to build them out of stone. Keep nature everywhere. A hot tub on the porch would be a great escape. Another nice added feature would be a walkway out the back that leads down to the water.

Good luck everyone and looking forward to the rest of designing the cabin of choice.

I have had to greatest confidence in the DIY selection committee in selecting options for us to vote on. The options they gave us were really the nicest of what I saw on the log home website, though I did not see these homes on the site initially. All the homes presented would present extremely well on the lot selected as well. At first when I saw the San Jacinto porches I was estatic. Upon examination I realized that all that is outwardly beautiful, may not be the most practical and personally selected the Dream Swept for it's single level and split bedroom floor plan because it seemed to offer the MOST options and possibilities and even though the fireplace is in the WRONG place it was more suitable for those with a handicap or other disabilities. Since this was well discussed in the first BLOG cabin I had hoped that this would be a major consideration on everyones part.

I am anxious to start voting on the other options we will have and hope that every one will sincerely vote not so much as what looks nice but with practicality. When I look at the San Jacinto all I see is wasted spaces..... See if we can fill some of them

The San Jacinto design is the best of all the designs. and those voting for the other designs must not to enjoy the full view of nature and the beauty of this area. since I know the area and have spent time around there. and when the season changes it so beautiful, and to be sitting out on the deck year round yea ha. and the ability to grab the rod reel and walk to bank and catch dinner of fresh fish that save trips to the store. and a place were the Dogs will fall in love with having water to swim year round, where the owners would spend more time trying to keep dog out the water. I can wait to see what in store next.

I love the location, and the San Jacinto has my vote.

I don't know how the water is well or public but a system to collect water off the roof & store to use yard watering.

Tank less water heaters.

Nice fire/grill on Lake side of the Cabin to enjoying outdoor all year.

maybe look at the trees cut them away from the house for fire safety (as am a Firefighter) but keep some shade.

Howdy!
We voted for the San Jacinto more because you can use the loft area for an office and the 2 fireplaces with huge deck more than any other reasons. It is the only F/P with a good size kitchen, 2 fieplaces and seprate baths for extra bedrooms. Not in to steps that much ourselves but we are going to be in the main floor master anyway so let's rock and roll!
Big Brad

I really do like the Dream Swept, but it looks like the San Jacinto is going to get it. My husband is a disabled veteran. Would there be any wheelchair access? Thanks Darla

San Jacinto, love it ,want it. Hope I win it!!

The San Jacinto is my pick. The wrap around porch is great. Plus the loft for some after entertaining on raining days would be great. I would modify the plans a bit. I agree with a previous blogger, I think the windows on the great room next to the fireplace should extend up the wall bring in more light and enhancing the view of the lake. Also I would switch the sides of the wrap around porch. I would put the fireplace off the kitchen instead of the MBR. This way make it ideal for entertaining and more convenient for BBQing. This would also give the MBR some privacy. If the owner is anything like my family it could get pretty rowdy on those late summer night. I would also place stairs at the back or the side of the porch to provide some lake acces from the house.

I Love the Willow Lane floorplane! It's proch is so perfect for the lake side. You have the small porch in front and the large party kind of porch in the back! It's beautiful!!!! The inside floor plan in general is beautiful. I Love It.

The San jacinto is perfect. Fishing and Sunsets,paradise.

Having a two story or story & 1/2 is better for the spectacular views. Therefore, the San Jacinto is the best choice for this years Blog Cabin.

I love the San Jacinto. I live just a few miles from the San Jacinto Battleground where Sam Houston's army won independence for Texas from Mexico. Many of the heroes of Texas independence came from Tennessee. My wife says that If we win, she would just have to move!

Well, since I've voted once for the San Jacinto and it's in the lead, that's great, but the when I try to get in again, the site says I can only vote once a day, come back tomorrow. That makes me wonder if I'll be able to enter more than one time total when that part starts.

I like the look of the San Jacinto, BUT it is 2 stories. With limited mobility becoming a more common issue I voted for Dream Swept. I like the kitchen layout and no stairs!

Any of the three floorplans would be a blessing for many and the mere fact that it will be a log cabin, exudes a feeling of "coziness." This is the beginning of a very exciting journey as we participate in the cultivation of this great home! Thanks DIY.....

I really like Dream Swept. I agree with you "Frances in Texas". Also, as I get older, I appreciate a single story floor plan. I feel Dream Swept's floor plan optimizes the view of the lake from the most important prospectives.

I really liked watching blog cabin 07. It was fun picking out the design. I will be watching 2008 also. I would like to try and win this time. I like all of the floor plans. How do you register to win?

I voted for the San Jacinto floor plan. I love the big porch. We have always wanted to live in a log cabing with a wraparound porch. I'm excited to start voting on this year's cabin. I did not get to vote on the 2007 cabin even though I would not have changed anything. Can't wait to see what the next choices are.

Hello I voted for the san jacinto , The style, the view, is really nice, the porch is awesome, it would be so awesome to walk out on the porch and have a cup of coffee, or cocoa and watch the sun rise and fall in the day, it would be nice for someone who does have a disability, big or small to also be able to enjoy the homes you build. They are indeed such beautiful homes and everyone puts their heart and soul into these homes , so one day If we got lucky and won one of these beautiful homes, and invited family and friends, several could not go upstairs, they would have a very rough time, but there is still plenty they could enjoy with us, being together in a gorgeous home, entertaining, and enjoying lifes beauty, also a dock would be very nice, if it were allowed.

We just wish the single floor plans had the deck/porch space the San Jacinto has. We also have to agree that the large porch and fireplace would be better suited for the other side of the house closer to the kitchen for entertaining/traffic purposes. We'd also like to see more/larger windows on the back side of the cabin to take advantage of the lake views. As for the "Rear" foyer... the floorplan actually shows it on the FRONT of the cabin, not the rear so isn't it really a "Side" foyer?
After several back operations, I too have troubles with stairs. True, I would not have to travel up and down the stairs on a regular basis but it would still be nice to have everything on the same level. That being said, this home site demands as much outdoor living space as you can possibly fit! So we are ALL for the wrap around porch! We're really looking forward to getting started on the particulars now.

And We promise... no matter which floorplan wins, we will be MOST gracious in accepting the cabin when you award it to ys and have NO intentions of selling it!!! Honest!! ;-)

After looking at each floor plan, I voted for the Willow Lane plan.My bride of 44 years would love for us to live out the rest of our retirement years in such beautiful surroundings. She loves the floor plans inside and out. All three plans are very nice. Finding myself living in any of them, would make me think my dream came true or I died and God sent me heaven..Blog Cabin is a great show! We are looking forward to see the finishing touches to the cabins. Chuck in Uptate New York...

Hi, I loved the San Jacinto cabin much more than the other two! The first two plans placed the dining room in the middle of the house, however, the San Jacinto house had a separate dining room with windows. With such a gorgeous view, wouldn't you want to enjoy it in every room? Lora

The San Jacinto!! With 2 bedrooms upstairs, my childrens' families would enjoy it as well.

I like the San Jacinto, but would like it better if you could flip the main floor plan to give the master bedroom more privacy with its own porch area, and the kitchen would have access to the main patio with the outside fireplace.

Liking the San Jacinto and would vote for moving the awesome fireplace/deck to the living side rather than the sleeping side. Bet guests would appreciate it, too. Appears to me, at least, that there is space for private area from master bedroom.

According to the voting poll it looks as if the San Jacinto has clearly won! It is a beautiful houseplan. And it will be gorgeous on the lake lot. I do have one question about the upstairs layout though, Is the loft areas accessable for living space or are they open ceiling/loft for rooms below and are the rooms connected via a bridge way? Also may I suggest that the porch off the master bedroom be sunroomed or screened in so owners can take advantage of the outdoor fireplace year round! I love all the porch spaces, They will be enjoyed for sure!

I would also like to suggest that in one of the upstairs baths you add a bathtub. It looks like to me if you could remove one of the walk in closets you could add a tub/shower combo and a linen closet! It would be better help for parents with kids & pets to have access to a tub upstairs, where the kids things are! You don't want to give a dog a bath in the nice jacuzzi tub in the master bath. Or at least I wouldn't! I hope you will consider my suggestions. As for the hot tub issue is there not other ways to solar power warm them, They are expensive to run, I'm sure! For example are there not solar warmers or propane powered hot tubs. That is if propane is considered greener than electricity use.

DIY:
Great location. The San Jacinto has to be the best floor plan for this site. The other floor plans are great but one has to have the deck if one is to locate to such a great site. I can,t wait to move in. I would even pitch my tent until the house is finished.
Gary

San Jacinto is a beautiful floor plan. The wrap around porch is a wonderful feature with the lake scene. What about a fish cleaning station outside? Can't wait to see how this one turns out!

Yeah!! The San Jacinto wins!!! Love it!! Can't wait to see the rest of the votes... and the turnout. This is so much fun!!! I feel like I'm really designing this house.

I read most of the comments. I agree with the porch being closer to the kitchen and screened.
I chose the gas logs because it is easier, no need to gather wood, and definately less messy. (I know I have had both and prefer the gas.)

I love the San Jucinto. What is simply hate is the master bedroom door leading into the great room where everyone will gather for tv, games, visiting, etc. Please rework the powder room, master bath, and foyer to allow for a alcove or small hallway to lead into the master bedroom.

ok now to the important stuff , log style what ever. gas or wood go with wood we live in the mnts of az have a wood stove and have not yet turned on our propane stove. you are not under the thumb of the propane dealers!!! sconce or pendant both would look great but who in a lake home wants to get out the 12 ft ladder to change the lite bulbs??? it has to look great but also be practical.
so are they going to change the plans to open up the kit and stairs to the lake off that fab deck?

How do you get your comments on the blog?

I want to say thank you Blog Cabin for your show. It’s so nice not just watch the show but know you participate in a way and your opinion matters, in fact your opinion is what the result will be. It makes it so much more exciting to watch.

Something to consider before you vote on the log style...

ROUND logs need to be DUSTED!

I LIKE ALL THE FLOOR PLANS, I LIKE THE ROUND LOGS ALSO SO YOU GET THE FEEL OF A LOG CABIN INSIDE ALSO, NOT LIKE PANELING WITH THE D-LOG OR SQUARE LOGS.I LIKE WOOD FIREPLACE AS YOU GET THAT COUNTRY SMELL AND PINECONES SMELL GREAT AT CHRISTMAS TIME. GAS IS EASIER TO MAINTAIN YES , BUT WITH A WOOD FIREPLACE YOU HAVE THE OPTION TO UPGRADE IT TO HEAT THE HOUSE WITH IT, THERE ARE LOTS OF WOOD BURNING HOME HEATERS ON THE MARKET.
I DONT CARE FOR THE SCONE LIGHT JUST SEEMS KINDA CHEAP.
THANKS YOU ALL FOR BUILDING ME A GREAT CABIN TO SPENT THE REST OF MY LIFE IN TO WATCH MY GRAND KIDS AND GREAT GRANDKIDS GROW UP..

I just voted on log style.. Love it... I am so excited about the cabin.. Can't wait to vote on the rest...

I prefer gas in Colorado where wood is scarce and natural gas plentiful, but in Tennessee I would prefer wood since I believe that there are sustainable forests nearby.

Regarding the heating, can the blog cabin this year look into thermodynamic heat and electricity? A lake is a perfect place to sink a recuperative cooling device. They even make systems that generate electricity from the heat differential between above and below ground. They cost something like $30,000 for a medium size house but they give you heat, cooling, and electricity for a long, long time.

Glad to see the San Jacinto won the design although all were good designs. I would love to see the rustic railings removed from obstructing the lake view. This is a major problem with this type of cabin, the rails look picture perfect from the outside but block a massive amount of the view, especially down to the lake edge.

On another point, are other bloggers having as much trouble as I am navigating the website? I tried to vote but the site tells me I already voted (not correct). I can't see the latest options to vote on either. Can the website designers clean up the site and make the links quick and clear. I'm using a new and very fast computer so it's not my machine or the cable that's slow.

I love the new design chosen. The open floor plan is great. The only suggestion I have would be to try to open up the kitchen more to the great room. That way everyone can enjoy the veiws and the fireplace even while cooking. The kitchen is my favorite room in the house but I often feel that I cannot be involved in the "goings on" because many kitchens are separated by a wall...

still looking for a set of rules and a place to enter name/address/phone/email

On the latest voting, for 2 of them it doesn't have to be an "either" choice.

For the light, both a hanging pendant & wall sconces can be used -- it is a wrap-around porch & compatible but different lights for different uses are appropriate.

And, there are at least 2 fireplaces -- can have gas logs inside & wood outside (which would be particularly appropriate if it is moved to the Kitchen side & used for cooking -- can used various kinds of wood for different smoke flavors). But, still hope that the fireplace in the great room can also be made dual sided so there is one on the deck too. And, someone had a suggestion for a wood stove in what we hope will be a basement area.

San Jacinto was my choice and I'm happy it was the winner. It does need a screened area on the porch for dining and please limit the amount of railings in front of the porch on the lake side. They are very intrusive into the view and give a closed-in feel. The cabin is all about lake views and openness with 'room to breathe' wide steps with a ramp for disabled access and handrails up to the verandah is a better design.

With regard to the second vote I went with wood log fire as it is eco-neutral, however, they pose problems for storage, use and clean-up. A hybrid gas/wood fire would overcome that and allow most people to use the fire with ease.

Having just changed from sconces to a pendant light I had to go with the pendant. Much easier for people at the door to see what they are doing and definitely better illumination of the entire door area.

The construction log type was the hardest choice. For me it was either the 'D' log or the flat sided 6 x 12" logs. I went for the latter for ease of working on both outer and inner faces and for something a little different from the usual log cabin look which is what I feel this place needs.

I love the San Jacinto! I'm never lucky enough to win anything, lol, so will have fun putting in my thoughts to someone else's dream come true! I loved watching last years cabin, never blogged but plan on keeping up with the 2008 blog entries. I do prefer the gas logs, with the wood situation as it is and being older cutting my own is getting to be more work than enjoyment, lol. I love watching DIY, I find lot's of information that I put to use remodeling my house. I love it when friends and family see my work, a 58 yr old woman can do anything if she sets her mind to it! Good luck and best wishes to all!

I noticed the hanging porch light is the favorite so far... however should we consider that on a windy day/night it may sway enough to break? I like the looks of the hanging one better but I voted for the sconce. I didn't help design last year so I am looking forward to doing just that this year. More fun than ever.

yeah from me too!! i voted for the san jacinto so i'm happy with the win...i just think it will be beautiful there by the lake with the trees around. voting on the type of log let me throw this suggestion in to the ring: 8" round as opposed to the D style...for this reason: where the end of the log shows will be the complete round end, not the half. just something to think of... brenda :)

I really like the lot that was choosen for the Logcabin. It has a lot to offer a family that enjoys fishing and spending time just enjoying the beatiful scenery. I think that a wood fireplace is a must for the cabin because of the arroma of the burning wood plus it is alternative for heating.

Excited about seeing the San Jacinto on the lot. I just voted for the pendant light, D-logs and wood-burning. I seem to be choosing the stuff that is popular so far. I just think the rounded exterior of the D-logs will look great on a lake cabin, and provide a flat interior surface... I like that. And who wouldn't want to smell real wood burning after a nice paddle around the lake on a crisp autumn eve?? It just FEELS right!

I like the San Jacinto also. The only problem I can see is the closets into the masterbath. There should be doors on the closet. That way moisture from the bathroom does not soak into your clothes and create an environment for mold to grow. Other thatn that it is a great floorplan. The upstairs is great to put the kids or the guests in the evenings and that way the owners of the house has a chance to unwind for the night with a chance to enjoy the house before retiring to their own suite for the night.

I am so happy the San Jacinto won. The floor plan offers room for those wanted or unwanted house guests on the 2nd floor. My Dad grew just about 25 miles from there and I know he's in heaven cheering for me to win!!

San Jacinto....may i suggest a H-style floorplan for the upstairs...w/a skywalk connecting the two rooms...shorten the center wall, making it more open and not so much inclosed...

Love the floorplan that was voted in with one exception. Maybe this could be an item that can be voted in or out. It would be having the porch area that has the fireplace, oriented toward the lake and MOST IMPORTANTLY to be able to enter from the kitchen/dining room. That would make it great place for entertaining on a rainy fall day!!
Also can you edit your web page so that the items that are being voted on can be viewed even after voting on them ( like the way you could display items from the 2007 Cabin Blog)

I loved all the choices for the cabin, And Pam I really love your idea of the fish cleaning station I hope they add a working sink in it! This would make hubby's fish cleaningjob go alot quicker and clean up alot easier!

Dear Blog Cabin

I just realized something about the San Jacinto's
outside fireplace and porch. You should seriously think about this space being switched around to the other side and to where the dining room, kitchen areas are located, so it could be used as an outside eating and dining area. This would afford a much better system and space for BBQ's and Sunday fish fries and for one's personal use and entertainment. Think. Would you want to take guest through the bedroom, so to get to your grand outdoor area, which shows off that beautiful lake? If you want to have a get-together you would have to walk all away around the house to get to this part of the home, which is such a huge feature for the cabin. Please consider what I am saying, if but for the reasons of real efficiency and pure aesthetics.
Thank you for listening.

Why not consider a fireplace that can go with wood or gas? Options are always good.

Sweepstakes are always fun to enter but to be able to actually have a say in what the PRIZE
will be is the best !! (....and actually for people who commented about the chosen floor plan not being 'disabled friendly'...think about the upstairs as potential space for live-in help.
What a beautiful place to live. !

Love the San Jacinto plan!! I'm excited about seeing how the rest turns out. My only input would be on the fireplaces; why not have the best of both worlds (wood burning and a gas starter). You get the convenience of having gas available to get a good fire started and once it's going just turn it off and feed the fire w/ the wood. I grew up w/ this kind of fireplace at home and loved it!! Plus it would give the future owners the option to convert to gas logs if they decided they no longer wanted a wood burning fireplace. Anyway...who can resist the smell of a wood burning fireplace? It definitely completes the log cabin on the lake feeling you'd want.

Is there a way to rearrange the San Jacinto to have a bathroom near the rear foyer? As it is now, anyone that is all wet and comes into house to use the bathroom will track water all through the house. This is a nightmare for anyone with kids.

Also, people keep talking about moving the outdoor fireplace to the living area, but I think one should be added, not moved. I also like the idea people had to have a screened porch area, that can be glassed in for winter use. What a perfect way to have year round use of the area.

Keep up the great ideas! I am looking forward to seeing it all come together.

Well I really loved the last cabin and the locale in Tenn. I have one of my own in the U.P. Mich
and cannot spend enough time there. I chose the D
log wall for the simple inside flat wall is already for finishing materials or to leave as is.
Being in construction this cuts a little time off the work load.. Cant wait to see more of the upcoming shows. DIYTID

i may not be big on rules for prizes of 5000$ or less, but the "green home" and DIY's "blog cabin"
are both well over 5000$ and i dont see rules for either.
am i just not lookiing in the right place or are there really no rules for either of them??

**READ and REPLY** I enjoy making choices on important stuff, not silly stuff like the porch light. I enjoy windows, roofs, floors, kitchens, landscape (hot tub) hint-hint, things like that. I don't feel it is very important and worth my time to choose which porch light would look good. Am I alone on this? Give me some good stuff to vote on.

This is going to be such an elegant & still homey cabin! And LARGE!! OK, choice has been made & its the San J. While gas would be more convient wouldn't that be more of a waste of resources? A few logs on the fire is much more romantic and real logs are a renewable resource. So I vote for a real log fireplace. I have always loved the D-shape logs so again - that's my vote. I'm torn on the light - I live now in a place that can get very windy & have seen hanging lights go all over the place. I voted for the wall sconce but really like them both. I love reading all the other ideas - tin roof, cistern to collect water, solar panels (they have become much more efficient & smaller so could work). Thanks for the opportunity to feel like I'm involved!

I would love to see the big porch area moved also.. easier for outside dining.. but give the master suite a smaller patio for private space for watching the sunsets/sunrises. Why can't the inside fireplace be gas(no cleanup) and the outside one can be wood so you can roast dogs(hot..not the live ones)& marshmellows...
Also is there anyway to slide the door to the bathroom over and make 1 closet so...there is a wall to put the bed on so it could be facing the lakeview... wouldn't that make you want to wakeup every morning.... also agree with having a bath/shower in at least 1 of the upstair bathrooms.. there are some people that don't like showers & if the family has kids you need at least a tub (wouldn't want them always in the master tub with the dirt that could clog a whirlpool tub)..

I would love to see the big porch area moved also.. easier for outside dining.. but give the master suite a smaller patio for private space for watching the sunsets/sunrises. Why can't the inside fireplace be gas(no cleanup) and the outside one can be wood so you can roast dogs(hot..not the live ones)& marshmellows...
Also is there anyway to slide the door to the bathroom over and make 1 closet so...there is a wall to put the bed on so it could be facing the lakeview... wouldn't that make you want to wakeup every morning.... also agree with having a bath/shower in at least 1 of the upstair bathrooms.. there are some people that don't like showers & if the family has kids you need at least a tub (wouldn't want them always in the master tub with the dirt that could clog a whirlpool tub)..

I'm voting for the 6x12 inch square log....but all three are really great choices. I don't think we can go wrong in that department. Gas fireplaces are much better than "dirty" wood burning! Think of all that work you would have to do just to enjoy a little fire... with gas just walk in and push a button! That's what I'm talking about!:-) As far as the outside lighting goes... I have a hanging pendant... it gets so filthy with bugs and dust and dirt... I hate it! The birds love to make their nests in it... because it's up out of the way they can. Sconce all the way... plus it looks more rustic. Let's start voting for the sconce!!!! Please!!!!

Beautiful setting.I am so excited for the show and the log cabin to get started.

Is there another spot were we should be bloging?
It just seems to me there shoud be a page to discuss each current voting topic.
I see so far the magority is for the D logs the problem I have with the D is on the inside you just have a flat wood wall were with the round you get the look of a cabin on all the exterier walls.
The lighting I have a few Questions about will the hanging be up and out of view and can we have 2 sconces 1 on each side of the door?

Kathy -- Right now we can vote to help decide how the Blog Cabin will be built. The floorplan has been decided & at the moment we can vote on the type of log system, whether wood or gas fireplace, & type of lights on the porch. In August, DIYnetwork will start the contest to win the 2008 Blog Cabin. It will be similar to other contests -- able to enter on-line daily &, I think, perhaps able to enter via snailmail also, if like last year.

Hope they use field stone to lay or face the foundation & the chimneys. The San Jacinto did not show stone, but it can easily be done. Would look really good if they also took advantage of the slope & put in a basement across the full width of the cabin. Then there would be room for the fishing tackle storage, a "root cellar" perhaps with a full freezer in one end; a wood-burning stove away from the "root cellar" but to make a rustic game room or family room; etc.

Also hope they do radiant heat in the floors again this year.

A lot of task lighting, to reduce just lighting up whole areas when not needed. Solar-powered outdoor lighting from the parking area to the different doors & from a back stair off the deck down to the dock on the water.

Glad to see the San Jacinto plan won. With the beautiful view of the lake, you need that big of a deck to enjoy it with friends and family. I had to vote for wood over gas. I can smell the fire from here.

I am excited by the direction that people are voting. I seem to line up with most of the favorites. This is so much fun!

Why couldn't the fireplace be both wood burning and gas? We have had several fireplaces this way and it has provided great options regardless of the situation.

Vote On!

along with others I would like to see the cabin be more Earth friendly.

1) Solar panels
2) Fireplace insert for low emissions and blower to warm the room.

Also, a basement or outside underground storage area for storing patio furniture when the home owners are not there or even a nice wine cellar.

I also have MS but voted for the San Jacinto because of the porch. Fuess I will never see the upstairs if I would win since I am confined to a scooter. A ramp would be needed for me to get in the cabin. That why I voted for gas fireplace since I can't be cutting wood.

Your right some of you, I have noticed that most sweepstakes and even reality shows do not address the disabled.

ROUND LOGS PEOPLE ! VOTE ROUND LOGS !!!!!

Good choice on the floorplan. Curious about the square footage requirements however. Didn't seem like 2600 sq. ft. from the details shown. Hope folks consider the potential surrounding homes when choosing log style. Since this is a subdivision with homes very close together (lots average about 3/4 acre), the more rustic look of the round or D logs might not fit in as well unless other homes are of similar design. The square logs fit in either way.

I agree with others that a re-rig in the master suite is called for to give a better view of the lake. I would probably shift one of the french doors in the dining area to the great room since it's a bit of hike from the kitchen area to the deck unless you cut through the master bedroom. Got to screen in some portion of the porch as there's going to be critters in the evening.

Love the opportunity to vote on the features. San Jacinto was a great choice for this lot. Instead of a choice of gas or wood for the fireplaces, I'd put gas in the Great Room and wood in the covered porch fireplace. I've enjoyed both in my homes over the years and each has it's benefits.

Exciting to see that the process has begun! Can't wait to vote on the next available item. This is a lot of fun! DIY Network, thanks for this opportunity!
Kelley

Sconce lights let you see out the door better. A hanging light will blind you when you look out the door at night.
Round Logs preserve the "log cabin" ambiance inside the cabin. D logs and the other slab sided logs appear to be a flat wall inside. Might as well have wallboard.
Gas logs will be better. The lot is only .72 acres -- not a lot of trees available for wood chopping, which means buying wood. For a real fire build a fire pit or use a chimnea.

When does the sweepstakes open?

I was glad to see San Jacinto won. It was the porch that made the decision for me. As for the next voting session...I like all the different style logs, but having a wood stove at home now, I would prefer gas. A gas burning fireplace is better if you are getting up in years and I would think whoever wins this will retire there eventually. I also prefer the wall sconce to the hanging light as I think the hanging one gives to much of a formal type look and being on a lake side...keep it country. Of course, the style of the hanging one could change my mind. My dream has always been to have a home on a lake...this would be perfect!!

omg, what a great floor plan you have all chosen! Great porch, looking forward to retiring soon and would love to have a cabin by the lake....a dream come true. Looking forward to blogging with you all. :)

This is great, the San Jacinto wins, and I cant wait to vote some more, this is going to be a beautiful home, keep it rustic, cabiny feeling,.THis is so exciting,.

Many blogs mention the cabin should be kept and not sold. I agree in a perfect world it would be nice, but... I for one live in Arizona, I could never afford to pay prize taxes, property taxes and insurance on a cabin 2000 miles away. Should I not be allowed to win? As much I love the cabin choices here, I'd sell and then use the money to buy a cabin near enough I could enjoy it nearly every weekend. Remember, we're a big nation.

Also, I agree it would be nice if Blog Cabin 2009 were out west somewhere.

I note some people have commented on whether it's safe to consume fish from Watts Bar Lake. According to the EPA january 2007 report the PCB levels are within safe limits and it's OK to consume unlimited panfish but to limit catfish meals to 1 per week for adults. With that in mind there should be no problem with including a fish cleaning station. However, a dock may not be possible because deep disturbance of lake sediments, which may contain high levels of pollutants, needs to be avoided. Also docks usually have a lot of expensive to comply with regulations that will be a big burden on the future owners.

Is there a separate place to comment about the log shape and the lights, etc., or do we throw those comments in here with the floorplan comments?

I agree with Connie. The gas logs are a much better deal. I have no desire to search for wood. If older folks happen to win this one as they did last year the gas logs would be so much easier for them.

Since I intend to win this place, I'm glad to see my choice of the San Jacinto is the winner ;0). Now, about those changes I'd like in MY cabin..........

I sure hope there's going to be a basement, an English basement, opening on the downhill lake side..will add more area and more views. Great place to build my rustic bar, spare/2nd Master BDRM. Just have an idea for some use in the basement, so plumbing/electric drops can be roughed in. Winner, I mean I can finish the basement to my liking then.

I still think the dimensions should be pumped out a bit in each direction to allow a LARGER Great Room fireplace and increase the size of the upstairs bedrooms and closets. Would also allow for a roomier kitchen. Gotta have room to hang a critter or three on the walls! (Hey, I eat 'em too..don't just stuff 'em)

A garage would be good. Some place to put the ATVs/snomobiles...hide the car(s) when there. Hey the ATV is GREEN! Uses less fuel when puttin' around the area to/from lodge, etc.

Are boats kept at homes or marina? Gotta have a boat on a lake! If at home, a boathouse too outrageous?

Good window! Andersen/Pella/Marvin, etc.? Cuts heating/cooling. Is any solar an option in TN? Too unsightly? As far as run off, there are those rain diverters/deflectors vs. gutters. Or capture the rain via downspouts into cisterns...use it for grass/garden watering.

Happy Bloggin' and dreamin', my cabin lovin' compadre's! -Kim Mc.

I was reading the different blogs an noticed some folks wants some changes made to the placement of the laundry room. The laundry room is in the most practical place for a lake front home. Let us say you have kids and adults who have been enjoying the lake; swimming, boating, water skiing, tubing, etc. By the way, did anyone notice the red clay mud? All these wet people come into the home. They will not enter through the living room all wet and dripping (probably a little muddy). Oh, no, I would hope the homeowner would insist on the wet persons entering through the rear foryer, at which time they can grab a towel, dry off (mud too) and place the wet, muddy towel in the washer that is right there of the rear foryer.
Another change was the outdoor fire pit being moved closer to the kitchen. Ok, winds blow most of the time off the water. Place the fire pit closer to the kitchen, get to buring wood,charcoal, etc., what is going to happen? You will have a house full of smoke. Anyone ever smell burning wood when it is burning so hot it is red? It stinks. I for one would not like a home full of smoke, stinky or not.
On the other hand, a large porch is nice. That was another suggestion that I kinda liked, as long as it keeps with the scale of the plans and is not so large it takes away from the home.

Kim Mc. here again.....

All that talk about building the NEXT next Blog Cabin out west...yeah, all well and good, but I live in Illinois! So, on the off chance the I don't win the cabin on Watts Bar, TN, work your way out west Sloooowwwwly! Via the great midwest. Say Wisconsin next (Door Cnty, near on Lk Mich, so/west in the unglaciated area VERY hilly/oaks/pretty..up not' dere, by Lk Sup, Apostle Islands, central or nort'west, etc lotsa lakes and bluffs, an'...oh yeah, even around Cascade, Devils Head, etc.) OR...Illinois out by the Mighty Miss, Galena is might pretty country too!

There's plenty of time/years to 'Go west young man'!

Dear Blog Cabin: Please Note:
I noticed my post had another person's name on it?
This below was what I wrote: Re

I just realized something about the San Jacinto's
outside fireplace and porch. You should seriously think about this space being switched around to the other side and to where the dining room, kitchen areas are located, so it could be used as an outside eating and dining area. This would afford a much better system and space for BBQ's and Sunday fish fries and for one's personal use and entertainment. Think. Would you want to take guest through the bedroom, so to get to your grand outdoor area, which shows off that beautiful lake? If you want to have a get-together you would have to walk all away around the house to get to this part of the home, which is such a huge feature for the cabin. Please consider what I am saying, if but for the reasons of real efficiency and pure aesthetics.
Thank you for listening.

I would like to know if the 2nd floor could have its own plumbing and electricity that could be turned off eventhough the 1st floor is being used?
This would cut down on the costs and still allow
the first floor to be self-sufficient. I love the idea of the solar panels and maybe some skylights
to allow sun/sky to flow into the loft. Can't wait
for the next set of choices? DIY! You're the BEST!

I'm I the only one who can't get the voting page to load? Everything was fine but now everything comes up but the voting page.

One of the things I wish could be changed about the house is the porch with the outdoor fireplace. I think it would be better used if it were on the side with the kitchen and dining area. It would be much more convenient to use and carry food, etc. out when you entertain.

Log fire place: messy, and a pain to always keep wood stocked and ready to go.
Hanging light: Pain, who wants it blowing in the wind and getting a ladder to change a bulb.
D logs and 6x12: Fake looking, keep the round logs. I agree with Lorri, lets bring it out west in 2009.

Well I was kinda stuck with the fireplace choice. Real logs are so much prettier, but gas is much easier. I guess it doesn't matter both can keep you warm and be the main setting for romantic evenings. With a heat pump you won't have to worry about running out of wood. I thought the 8 in. logs would be leading the vote.

I love the floor plan and like some of the ideas about the windows and the laundry room. The San Jacinto was truly the best of the three choices. I hope some of these suggestions will be incorporated into the final design - especially the bathtub upstairs and the extended porch.

A tin roof should still be a choice, it's energy efficient and rustic!

1. Really do need the outside fireplace closer to the kitchen (or a second one added).
2. A storage area under the home would be a GREAT asset.
3. The Powder Room closer to a "back" (Lake) door entrance is definitely an asset.
4. Shown style of railings really do obscure view of Lake.
5. Do need steps up to deck from Lake.
6. Doors on the Master Bedroom closets ARE a must.
Amy~ I know this cabin is still a 'plan in progress'. You listened to 'Bloggers' before, I know you will listen again.

This is so neat! I never did this for the 2007 home. I always wondered what Amy meant when she said 'Blogging'. Now I know. WOW!

I'm so excited about the cabin, I think it's wonderful to be able to vote on everything. I would love to live in this beautiful home. I have always wanted a log cabin.

D-shaped logs - YES
Sconce for better lighting & convience - YES
Now, fireplace - can it be both? someone earlier said that both real and gas fireplaces do exist - for flexability that would be my vote if there were that option but otherwise I vote for the real fireplace. If I were lucky enough to win this I could never sell it. I do understand that others have a very good reason to do so & it would be a good idea to do a western site in the future. But if I were ever to get a log cabin & actually get in it, I don't know that I would come out for fear the dream would vanish! And I'm really not kidding on this.

Flat sided logs are much easier to clean and hang things on. Round, whether 'D' or the 8" round, will get really dusty quickly and require constant wiping down. Additionally, the 8" round logs will need to be cleaned very often to maintain a healthy indoor environment. Too much work.

Why not a gas/wood hybrid fire? Wood is better for the environment, being carbon neutral, and completely renewable locally to the cabin. Gas is easier and cleaner but less eco-friendly. It's also much more likely to increase in cost and there could be supply interruptions leaving the owners cold in the winter months. A combo could address the problems with cleanliness but also have the more ecologically friendly option and be independent of the big energy providers whims. Who can resist the smell, glow and warmth of a wood log fire?

With the lights a pendant is easier to keep clean and offers better lighting for the entire porch area. Sconces attract dirt and insects living behind them and are fiddly to clean. Also, if our present home and that of our friends is anything to judge by, birds love to build nests on top of sconces and behind them. Pendants are easier to clean and keep bugs and birds away from.

I love the big front porch.
When I win this great new home, the first thing I'm going to do is have a BBQ with my favorite guests - the Amy's (Devers and Matthews of course) - Hey, a guy can dream, can't he?

Reading the blogs I noticed talk about lake pollution. Is it true that a dock would not be a good idea? I guess I liked the idea of a cabin on the lake, why not I have a trailer from the 60's 30 feet from the lake with a dock. Probelm is I am on leased land,(I could be told to move anytime, can't see moving this old 10X47) but such a beautiful lake unpolluted since it is a spring fed river that was dammed to make this lake.

Maybe if I don't win and you are thinking of moving west, try checking out the Medina lake area in Texas.

I really love some of the suggested changes, the best two were making it so that guest don't have to go through master bedroom and the storage are under the cabin.

Still think making it handicaped acessable should be addressed, wasn't cheap to have it done for my plce Thank God that the MS Asocciation paid for it.

I can't seem to find any of my blogs. Am I doing this correctly?????

Hey yall,I love the site for the cabin.Tenn.going to be worm enought for me! and I love to mushroom hunt!I just took a quick look at the plans and my 1st suggestion is a bigger window at the kitchen sink and could give me a litte biger kitchen, no small stove I'm going to be cooking up a storm. Move the upstairs stair case over and put in a seperate jucizze bath tub and a seperate shower, for all the guest hikers/tubers/skinuts, their going to be sore. with so much to do.and please screen in some porch area(s)and please be carful with my tree's roots when you dig the foundation
later kids

this is going to be a wonderful cabin, a dream home for whoever wins. if you all are still up for suggestions on the cabin, i think that an outdoor kitchen on the back porch next to the fireplace would be fabulous. in a setting as gorgeous as that, you want to spend as much time as possible in it.

Sorry I missed this part of the voting. Although I like the San Jacinto, I would have voted for a single story plan for this site. Plus, who wants any company in this beautiful and quiet piece of Heaven?!?

Look forward to the rest of the blog year,
Bob

Hi, Been reading some of the blogs and I agree on the gas fireplace. It is simply easier to just start up the gas rather than lugging wood and stacking and chopping. The option of a combination would be perfect. It would fit the bill for everyone.

The outside fireplace is inconvenient. I think it should be off the kitchen. I realize the ambiance
would be nice off the master, but everyone should be able to enjoy that. I don't think I would want company to be tromping through my bedroom.

There are some wonderful ideas out there! This is exciting.

I like the big porch. That's just one of the things that makes a house a home in my opinion.
I think the kitchen window could be a little bigger to let in more light.

Bathtubs in the second floor baths are a must. Does anyone else think the kitchen and dining room should be switched...would be nice to be a part of what is going on in great room while cooking.

Love the San Jacinto design--fabulous. The loft would make a great area to have a home office. It would be nice to use that storage area near the laundry/rear foyer as a breakfast nook. That way you would have a dining room for dinners and larger groups of people and a smaller eating area for 2-4 to share breakfast or lunch.

All three log homes are beautiful but my choice is Dream Swept. I'm thinking of retired people. It would be so much more convenient & one would not have to climb the stairs unless there was company. I would like to see the floor plan once again. Is it possible? Also, a wrap around porch would be ideal. One ramp for the disabled would be plenty if it were put by the drive way. I know it doesn't seem likely Dream Swept will win but really any of them is great.

K. Jensma

I think the outdoor fireplace should be woodburning and the inside fireplace should be natural gas. If natural gas is available, that would be be a good source for heat and hot water.

Wow What a great home! I'd love to win this one!! The only drawback is that I didn't get to help build it. I can't wait to see the kitchen when it's finished. I'm enjoying the building process!!

OK all you greenies need to get a grip! This is a nice cabin. One that is going to be given away. If you need to reuseyour sewer water for drinking water, or what ever other costly earth saving thing you think you cann't live without please feel free to do whatever the law will let you do when and if you win it. Some of the things that are being "suggested" are just nuts and would double the cost of building the cabin.

I believe a log home is a dream home no matter who you are or where you come from. I grew up on the beach in the south and yet I perfer the view of the lake from the porch of a cabin any day of the week. The madness of the rest of the work week seems to simply melt away when you are at the lake sitting in front of a beautiful fire.

I think the 2007 was just an work of art and to be able to set back and call a home like this mine would be a blessing beyond compaire. I am disabled but believen me with stairs I still would have no complaints how could anyone have anything to complain about? I do think it could be more green effecient all though I try to do all i can to do as much as i can myself for recycleing as i can but waterless waterheaters I think is a great idea myself i would have a hard time trying to decide on which side of the house i would want facing the water is my only problem and the theme would either have to be country or water or a great combination of each keep up the great work and ideas you guys have they are all great.....my sister has a log home and hers is country inspired and its just georgious I believe anything you do will be just grand and something this big I could have all my grand children over at the same time for the weekends because i want them to develope a sense of the love for nature i also possess thanks again for letting me speak and have an opinion,,,,,,,,,,,Brendy

I know that the wood burning fireplace is very popular with all the bloggers, but I would like to mention that this is meant to be a vacation home. Unless there is another form of heating, it can be a real hassle getting up on a cold morning and starting a fire with wood. That doesn't even take into consideration getting the wood into the cabin. I recommed that all choices should be made with ease of care in mind. Who wants to spend their vacation (or retirement for that matter) on cleaning and maintenance. Many have mentioned accessibility. This is an important consideration as well. Until I had my knees replaced, I had a really hard time going up and down stairs. I could certainly be in that position again. This could be anyone someday.

I like many others who have posted, am concerned about the environment. I would be really good to be able to include the latest in fuel conservation. If solar is not feasible, perhaps there could be a geothermal heat pump system instead of a conventional furnace. I agree that there should be a tankless water heater. LED lights would be nice as well.

I would like to add with such a nice porch that at least some of it should be screened.

This is going to be fun!

A log cabin like that would be a dream come true . I like the floor plan because it has all the main rooms on the first floor and would be good for some one that is handy caped . And the big deck would be the ideal place for a summer nap or a party for family. Junior

How many square feet in the cabin?

THe San Jacinto is a pleasant plan, as indicated by the overwhelming response to it. One suggestion for improvement to add to your list. Move the fireplace deck to the kitchen side. It makes sense to enter the deck from the kitchen/dining room area, not the master bedroom. Remove the door that presently leads from the Master bedroom to the deck to create more wall space for dressers, etc.

Thanks

The house plan and location of this year's cabin home is absolutely georgeous. You can bet I will be trying hard to win this for a retirement home and move from the Gulf coast area back to my home state of Tenn. In viewing the plan I would recommend a change in the layout of the laundry area. My only recommendation would be to place the laundry at the end of the kitchen where you now show the rear door foyer. Then, relocate the rear door entry to the right. This would eliminate having to pass through the laundry area (which can be unsightly at times) on the way to the kitchen.

Has anyone thought of window in one of walk in closets? I like a window in addition to having a light (which I have forgotten to turn off).

hey guys whats up I have been waiting and do not see my comments approved I really would like to win this cabin . I have wanted a cabin all of my life and I feel I should be able to comment like anybody else. PLEASE approve me.
Thanks
Vicki Dotson

i really hope this year they will have a jacuzzi/hot tub.i hope i spelled that right,LOL!with a privite area.my husband and i honeymooned in the smokey mountains.it is our dream to move to tennessee.it would be sooo great to live that close.

I think that doing this again is nice I also think that there should be a hugh kitchen and skylights in the living area

i would like to see a small basement for storage. the stairs could be put under stairs going to the second floor(wasted space) and have an outside ground stairs with metal cover. the outdoor fireplace does need to be moved to the other side nearer the kitchen. i could see a hot tub outside the master bedroom.

;would like to see access to a powder room (with a small shower perhaps) from the outside so that folks don't have to track through the house for a fast break from the excitement out of doors.

I love the chosen floor plan, but what are all the doors in the upstairs bedrooms. Inside elevations would probably help. Also, my personal opinion is to remove one set of doors from the dining room and put one on the deck fire place side of the great room or everyone will be trapesing through the master bedroom. Just a thought. Can't wait for this Blog Cabin to get under construction!!!

How about a screened in area outside on the deck by the dining area?

I agree with Sandy D. who posted on Jan 10. She said that there needed to be more windows. I think the Master Bedroom needs more light especially!

Perhaps a simple change like a double-opening french door instead of a standard door to the deck/fireplace area would work. I can imagine putting a bunch of logs in that fireplace in the winter...from the bedroom you could enjoy it through a double door...when it is too cold outside to sit comfortably. Romance! My wife would love it!

Great work so far, can't wait to see it!

everyday that goes by im getting more excited on the building of this log home.i read all the blogs and everyone has great ideas.i love hide away doors myself..to me there classy.the lake is spectacular!waking up to that every morning would be sooo relaxing.
this is my 3rd blog and ive only seen 3 sentences of my first.but thats ok ill just keep on a bloggin...i love it.
nice talking to you guys and your ideas are fantatic,at least we all know what we want ....lol
margaret

hello everyone !
my deepest apolgies on my blogs found 2 of them...oops, i kove you guys and id hate to think any other way...
i was just looking at the san jactino for the millionth time....lol and noticed something that i didnt see and it is awsome and thats the powder room....that is soooo cool. french doors off the dining area i hope , sliders could be a pain sometimes.even off the master bedroom that would be nice.
i love that the master suite and bath are separate from the other bedrooms and its wonderful that both bedrooms upstairs have their own bathrooms.males it very convient for guests and family
well tata for now
and please except my apoligy
margaret

I am excited to see another Blog Cabin for 2008! I didn't get to vote on the floor plans but did for the next set of choices. We have a cabin in the Cascade Mtns (California side) and have some idea of features that work well. I chose the flat sided logs because they blend more seamlessly with what appears to be wood shingles near the eaves. We have seen the cedar shingle/round log combination and it doesn't look that good. I chose the wood fireplace for better heat distribution inside the cabin. We have a gas fireplace at our own cabin that we'll be changing to a wood stove insert for heating efficiency. Plus, propane is $3.00/gal in Calif so it gets very expensive to heat a small 1200sqft place. I chose the hanging pendant light fixture, envisioning how it would look in the foyer. However, I didn't think about it swinging around in the wind! I like the San Jacinto plan. I just hope it doesn't overwhelm the size of the lake front lot!

I am so glad that so many people love our beautiful new log home, and helping in the designing process is SO MUCH FUN, isn't it?! Ya'all come see us. Hospitality is one of our gifts. We are looking forward to fly casting off that beautiful veranda,and lounging in the WARMTH of the area, and those great fireplaces. I can't wait to see what the latest votes will bring us. I am still hoping for a larger kitchen somehow. But I invision wonderul hanging baskets on the porch beams and a veggie garden. And a the matching doggy house built for two,'cause Peewee and Cutty are a hankerin' for a place of their own.

This is a beautiful cabin and site. The porches need to be screened in...at least a portion of them as there WILL be lots of bugs and 'skeeters' at this lakeside location. Please add some triangle shaped windows on either side of the chimney at the second floor level so that the view is available from the loft. The window style should match the others in the house, but it definitely needs windows up there.

Would love to see each doorway be Wheelchair accessible. Perhaps a rough in for a future lift or elevator on the outside of one wall would be nice. Not everyone is blessed with full range of motion and the ability to move well up and down stairs, but they still deserve the dream that this house would have for them.

I don't know if it's too late to talk about the floor plan, is the kitchen open into the great room??

Got to have a woodburning fireplace, love the true feeling of that

I think the floor plans are exccelent.All my other choices are winning.This cabin well be perfect.

I've been watching and anticipating the development of things for this cabin with my wife Mary. We love what we see. I think this DIY cabin business makes a lot more sense than anything going today, for a number of reasons....praticality for one,the Green effort that goes into construction just makes me smile. The DIY team is the best. You guys rock! Amy," I love ya, woman!" To me, the D log works best for finishing interior walls, if desired. A good and efficient wood fireplace makes all the sense in that setting....not gas. Building anything out in the country takes a lot of forethought for a number of reasons. Maintenance has to be minimized, because plumbers and electricians aren't just around the corner. Any simple and efficient way to do something that is tried and true should be given consideration along with the "bling effect", if you know what I mean. I wish you guys the best of luck. You deserve it! Catch ya later! XXX....Mack & Mary :)

I still think that the fire place should have a gas igniter if it goes wood!

The San Jacinto is big on symmetry, with one notable exception: the covered porch off the master bedroom. While it's an interesting concept, I think I would prefer switching that space to the kitchen end, or maybe splitting the difference for true symmetry, and screening it in. That would give a mosquito-free area for outside dining, which would be nice anytime but especially for a party or family get-together, and the fireplace could be used for roasting marshmallows, etc. I would also be in favor of eliminating the rear foyer and the bathtub extension and continuing the porch all the way around the house. (I'm not sure I would want to be sitting in the bathtub watching people walk up my front sidewalk.) You don't have far to go anyway. With the washer/dryer connections moved to the opposite wall there would be sufficient space for a mudroom with floor-to-ceiling cabinets in their current space. Direct access to one of the upstairs bathrooms from the loft would also be nice whether the loft space is used for recreation or for additional sleeping space. All in all, it looks like a great place to kick back and relax.

Looking at the floor plan again I thought the back door into the mud room should be the room that looks empty right now. Move the laundry room into the room that says rear foyer eliminate that door completely. The laundry room could also house a powder room for quick trips in from outside. The w/d closet could then become a computer station/office area. The mud room could have built in cubbies for hanging wet towels, fishing gear, etc. A fish cleaning station outside somewhere would be great too. All kinds of possibilities. Thanks for listening.

I am enjoying the selection process for the cabin and its furnishings - it's like getting the opportunity to build the home of my dreams. Now I am picturing my family gathering and enjoying our time spent on this beautiful lakefront property for many years to come.

Its good to see the preferences coming together. Now add the metal roof, stone fireplace, cherry cabinets, granite counters, move the outdoor porch and fireplace to the kitchen end of the house, and we're all ready to move in. Thanks for offering these special homes and fun process. Most vacation cabins have little close space. I encourage some creativity so the house can be a permanent home also with lots of storage and a garage option. As for computer, having CAT5e pre-wried is a great plus. Thanks.

My wife and I love your show! How about a detached garage? Keep up the good work!

This is Cathy From Texas

I have been staring at the view of the house from the back and the floor plan. Is there any access to the beautiful porch from anywhere except the master bedroom and the kitchen area? If not both of those windows could be coverted to double/french doors to allow the outside in and would be a great expantion for entertaining with the doors open. Also someone suggested that the fire place be moved to the center of the great room to separate the foyer and the great room. This is a good idea it doesn't even have to be a double fire place. Having a beautiful stone accent wall when you first come in would be great; an additional wall/fireplace to the loft area would be a bonus. I also didn't see any exits from the proch/deck to the backyard area. Shouldn't there at least be one and hopefuly two of these?
The roof is giving me ideas. With the drought that this nation had and is continuing to have wouldn't a water catchment system comming form the roof to a systern of some type be worth while. I know of several places here in Texas that use them in town for watering the yard, some people have them for home use and comsumption, also a good example of this is the Lady Bird Johnson wildflower center in Austin. If we are trying to build a greener cabin how about trying photovoltaic/solar electricity. The cells can be incorporated with almost any kind of roof, metal, shingle,what ever, any excess power gernerated is generaly bought back by the power grid. There are gneraly some type of rebates or assistance offered by states for using an alternative power source of some kind.
Finding a way to recycel the gray water from the house would be a good step towards water conservation. Having continous hot water would be better than having a tank that constantly used gas or electricity to keep the water hot.

Cathy from Texas

I think all of the cabins are very homey and open and beautiful.

Hi Ladies and Gents,

I followed the 2007 blog cabin with great interest. I have always dreamed of having or building my own log cabin. Now, in my adult life, I know that I can never build one by myself. I broke my back in seven places several years ago. now to the real reason why I am here. I truly would like to see a workshop of some sorts for all of those DIYers out there. No matter how perfect you all build and furnish this cabin, every person has different things that they like. I am a woodcarver and I truly would not want to get wood chips all over the inside of the cabin. Oh yeah, could the porch off the back of the cabin be a screened in porch? I know from experience from having lived close to that area that the mosquitos come out in swarms just after sunset.

George from Alaska

I was thinking the same thing. A detached garage would be awsome, and would really complete the home. I was also thinking that what would really throw this house into the next level is an outside area complete with Stone Grill and Stone Seating area of some type. Or maybe sometype of outside fireplace so you could sit and enjoy the outdoors at night with out being eaten up by bugs.

Thanks We really Love your show and channel. We can not get enough of either of them :).

Larry & Carol in South Carolina

I love the floorplan but It makes me wonder why we only see 2 and 3 bedroom homes. I know that I would love to see a 4 or 5 bedroom cabin built. being as I have a big family. I love to participate in the voting and will continue to do so all the way to the end

The favorite is the San Jacinto. I like the two stories with the dormer windows, but my favorite feature is the wrap around porch! I designed my dream house in art class in high school (30 yrs ago), and designed a log home similar to the San Jacinto. A window is a must in the kitchen! Good job!

I like the San Jacinto, but I don't like the location of the kitchen. The cook is too far from the guests.

I love the color of the granite countertops. Lovely grain & depth. And what a beautiful location on the lake. I have been to the area and simply love the Smokies. I am new to this blog, and look forward to watching the cabin evolve.