What Is It Like Living In A Log Cabin?

A lot of people want to live in a log cabin as a fulfillment of a childhood dream. Perhaps they have fond memories of a family vacation in one of these humble homes. Maybe they read about it in a book or heard of it from a friend. Plenty of these is available on the market. Property owners can also build one of their own if they want to. Before taking a step, however, it would be prudent to learn more about the realities of living in a log cabin.

The Setting

Part of the charm of these small homes is their usual location. The cabins are often found deep in the woods surrounded by lush trees. They are far away from any hint of civilization. In these places, you can momentarily escape from the world and go back to basics. Instead of beeping gadgets, you will hear the chirping birds, the swaying leaves, and the rushing waters of nearby rivers. You can explore endless trails, discover wildlife, and enjoy a peaceful existence. Even before you step foot inside the cabin, you will already be embraced by nature in all of its splendor.

The Design

As for the structure itself, you can find a wide range of designs and create a unique style of your own. Making your dream a reality is always within reach. Most of them are fairly small with a rectangular boxed wall under a sloping roof. Some may have front porches for an indoor-outdoor experience. Nowadays, you will be able to find larger cabins with more complicated designs. Some are big enough to rival suburban homes and house a large family. Talk to an architect if you have specific features that you want to build into yours.

The Simplicity

Many are drawn to cabins because these are symbols of a simpler life. Given the fast pace and complexity of modern society, some are tempted to leave it all behind and just isolate themselves in a cabin in the woods — temporarily or permanently. It can be therapeutic to wake up to a small wooden house and the sounds of animals outside rather than the angry alarm clock pushing you to hurry to the office. Here, everything is back to basics from fetching water to chopping wood for a fire.

The Durability

These may be tiny houses but they are big on longevity. They are designed to last for a long time. Some log cabins have been around for hundreds of years and are still going strong. As long as they were built the right way, owners can expect theirs to stand for several generations. Massive repairs will not be necessary as long as the place is well-maintained. Owners should keep their eyes on bugs and birds.

The Versatility

The cabins can be turned into vacation homes, writing retreats, Airbnb rentals, or even permanent housing. It all depends on your needs and wants. Try living in one for a while and see if it suits you, then adjust accordingly.