Log "Cabin" done right

We've been a little quiet lately, and that's because we stole away for a few weeks to visit friends and family in Ontario, the land of lakes!

I wanted to share with you the beautiful Lodge we stayed at in Georgian Bay (Lake Huron), because it's just so so beautiful, whether a log home is your cup of tea or not!

Our friends scooped up this beautiful piece of lakefront property on Georgian Bay a few years back. An old girl guide camp stood where they eventually built the log home of their dreams.

Before:

After:

If you're into good workmanship, you'll definitely want to stick around.

So first things first, apparently not all log homes are created equal! Our friends interviewed several builders and had it narrowed down to a couple of companies in British Columbia, but the winning bidder was Lake Country Log Homes who were able to do the beautiful flared detail on the king beams running through the home to the outside, as pictured.

I was stunned at the precision at all the joints. How these builders were able to get such snug fits when working with logs this size is beyond my pay grade!! The widest log in the home is a whopping 5' in diameter. That's my height basically. Isn't that a brain buster?

Lake Country Log Homes built and assembled the entire structure here in BC, then had it shipped across the country to reassemble on site.

Let's take it inside, for some more drool-worthy angles. Check out the trusses in the great room.

Our friends' worked with a team of awesome local contractors and designers but I was honoured to help them with some questions and suggestions they had as they arose! Mostly a few finishes in the kitchens and bathrooms, and some styling with what they had on hand while we were there visiting :)

I recommended painting the the ceiling white, to create a sense of airiness in the space. It also makes the trusses really stand out.

Cabinetry is knotty alder painted off white along the wall and a deep charcoal for the island. Granite countertop tops the white cabinets while a beautiful translucent marble tops the island for some cool contrast. Lovely work by Brooklace Kitchens!

Flowers picked by my best 4 year old helper ;)

The pantry, also designed by Brooklace Kitchens, uses the same cabinetry as the bank of wall cabinets in the kitchen.

The bar features cherry cabinetry and a shot of old-world glam in the mosaic backsplash is such a cool juxtaposition in this space! Design by Brooklace Kitchens

We used to run a coffee shop with these guys, and this espresso machine hails from our old Shop! It was so much fun to play barista again on that beauty. Like riding a bike!

Front sitting room

Front Entrance

Dining Room - check out the authentic Elk chandelier - a log cabin is about the only time I’d specify one of these but man, does it work here!!

Master Bedroom

Master Bath

Guest Baths

Guest Bedroom

Our friends have had a vision of a log home in mind for decades, and they did such a fantastic job bringing it about. I so appreciate new builds that exemplify thoughtful design and good craftsmanship! If you're gonna build, do it right!

If you've got a log home in your future, whether a vacation home or your primary dwelling, my best tip for you would be to look for opportunities to create contrast. A log home is a lot of one material. These guys did a clever job creating much needed contrast in the following applications:

- using a rich mid-tone stain on the hardwood floors.

- staining the ceiling white.

- painting the drywalled areas white (BM White Dove).

- painted cabinetry, or wood cabinetry in a darker tone.

I also love the black metal roof to add contrast to the exterior, and also helps this log cabin to feel very much "of today."

At the helm of the build, keeping everything on track, was Rose Point Contracting from Parry Sound. Well done to the whole team!

Oh and before I sign off, check out this beautiful Finnish sauna they incorporated into the basement gym area. Beautiful, relaxing and healthy too. Winning all around.

We had an amazing time visiting these guys and getting to enjoy their beautiful space in this stunning part of the country.

How about you, have you stayed in any beautiful places this summer? We'd love to hear from you!

Until next time! Meghan

When you feel good in the place you dwell, you come alive.