Living in a log cabin is something many people dream of. It offers a relaxed way of living, allows you be close to nature gets you away from the hustle and bustle of busy towns and cities. However, there are some practicalities when it comes to your beautiful log cabin. And as someone who lived in a barn up until recently, I have first-hand experience of this! If you’re hoping to make your dreams a reality, here are some tips to bear in mind.

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Will Your Family Grow?

This is the reason we ended up moving out of our barn in the end. As I explained in this post, when we were designing our home we didn’t account for having children. Or the practicalities that we would face after having a baby! If you’re a couple at the start of your journey together, when deciding on your log cabin this is definitely something to take into consideration. If you’re still set on a log home, make sure you have enough bedrooms and bathrooms if your family grows. And that you have easy access to the home with prams and young children in tow.

Are You Ok With Being Away From Amenities?

You might think that being secluded, and living in the middle of nowhere sounds perfect. Peace and quiet, picturesque scenery and a serene environment. But before taking the plunge, consider it carefully. Are you really ok with being away from shops, nightlife, hospitals, other people? For example surrounding our cabin was simply trees, dirt roads, and a lake- we had a school not too far away and a few neighbors but not much else. Living somewhere permanently isn’t like a vacation, make sure you would genuinely be happy to live ‘off the beaten track’. While it’s an incredibly freeing experience for some, it’s not for everyone. If you’re never lived in a desolate area before and are used to having everything you need a stone’s throw away, it could take some time to adjust.

Are You Ok With Maintenance?

Living in a wooden home is different to living in one made of brick or stone. There are various things that you have to take into consideration to keep it at it’s best. For example cabin staining products will need to be used every one to two years. This will ensure that the wood is kept protected from the elements and in good condition. UV guard products need to be used to prevent damage from the sun, and a range of pest protection products are also essential. Critters such as bugs and rodents are naturally attracted to wood and can cause expensive damage through boring, if this isn’t kept in check.

Despite all of this, living in a log cabin is a wonderful experience. If you get the chance to do so it’s well worth considering! Just go into it with your eyes open and knowing the challenges you may face, so you can be completely prepared.

Would you ever consider moving to a log cabin?

** This was a contributed post.

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