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If
Daniel Boone Could See Us Now!
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There was a time when authentic log homes were only seen at
historic sites and many were just small log cabins built hundreds
of years ago. In fact, they seemed to be disappearing across
the American landscape. But those days are over and log homes
are more popular than ever, according to the Log Home Council
(LHC), a national association that is made up of firms that
build and design custom log homes. LHC says log homes are the
fastest growing segment of the custom-home real estate market
today with more than 8 percent of new homes built annually.
Deep Creek Lake area of Garrett County has become a magnet for
people who are choosing to build homes that fit the natural
surroundings. Local Realtors estimate that 3 out of every 10
new homes built around the lake are log homes.
Two of the companies based in Garrett County that have earned
solid reputations for building high quality log homes are Mountaineer
Log and Siding Company and Yellowstone at Deep Creek Lake. Both
have model homes in McHenry and you can see examples of their
work throughout the area.
Betsy Spiker from Mountaineer Log and Siding says they have
been building log homes in Garrett County since 1979 and have
seen the growth first hand. “Every year it seems we talk
to more people who are deciding to build a custom log home in
the Deep Creek Lake area,” said Betsy. “They are looking
for the warmth and beauty of wood in a log home and it’s
a natural choice for the lake environment.”
There are several different types of logs to consider when deciding
to construct a log home, but Mountaineer’s most popular
log profile is a D-shaped log. The unique design of these logs,
which are shaped like the letter D, makes them flat on the interior
and round on the exterior.
Betsy Spiker says, “We are proud of the quality con-struction
of our logs and the insulation they provide. All of our logs
are graded and feature a double tongue and groove system that
prevents air and water infiltration. In addition, Mountaineer
uses logs that are 7-1/2 inches thick to provide a natural thermal
mass that retains internal heat in the winter and deflects external
heat in the summer.”
Mountaineer has constructed over 800 homes in this region that
include Maryland, West Virginia, Pennsylvania and Virginia.
The use of logs milled from white pine at its manufacturing
facility in Bartow, WV enables the company to be competitive
and capable of delivery of a log home in two weeks, after the
order is placed. “They can be very rustic or very elegant,
it all depends on what the customer wants.”
Yellowstone at Deep Creek Lake is building unique western lodge
style custom log homes in Garrett County. They have quickly
earned a reputation as a leader in the log home industry. Based
in McHenry, Yellowstone was started over four years ago by owners
Art Holland and Mike Cumerlato.
“We are crafting homes with logs ranging from 6 inches
to 16 inches in diameter, harvested in the forests surrounding
Yellowstone National Park and also in British Columbia,”
says Art. “It’s an extraordinary type of log. We’re
harvesting standing, dead timber only, which is the most stable
product to build a log home out of.” Art says their company
has carefully chosen to use standing dead timber in their log
homes because of its stable nature. “One of the characteristics
of wood is that there is always going to be a certain amount
of movement, but we’re harvesting standing dead timber
that has reached its equilibrium. It is another way to ensure
the stability of our homes.”
The owners of Yellowstone are passionate about building log
homes and it’s been that way since they built their own
log homes several years ago. Both Art and Mike bring extensive
backgrounds in the construction trades to their partnership
and when you view one of these homes you will recognize their
dedication and quality.
“We are very hands-on,” says Art of their style of
management that involves being on-site to perform and supervise
the work. “We’re not a mass producer and we’re
not selling kit homes. We get very involved with the owner and
the construction of their dream home.” He says each home
they build is unique and every one is crafted on-site, one at
a time.
Yellowstone works closely with their clients to provide any
special custom accents they might want included in their dream
home. “If they want special logs or a particular feature
we can incorporate it into the design,” said Art. “What
makes our homes special is that everything in the dwelling is
designed to the owner’s particular wants and needs. There
are log posts, beams, log railings, log collar ties, log trusses
and log stair systems.” He notes that even the cabinetry
is hand-crafted locally, which adds to the distinctive character
of a Yellowstone log home. In addition to using the same wood
inside and out, Yellowstone harvests those logs from the same
part of the forest, which is yet another way to ensure a stable
product.
Whatever type of log or style of custom log home you choose
to build, you can be sure it’s a decision that you won’t
regret. Because, according to the Log Home Council, log homes
continue to appreciate in value and sell better than any other
form of custom-made homes. With a strong performance in the
real estate market, it is clear that log homes are a great investment.
A log home is also a great investment in nature — one that
will provide years of enjoyment and a very close connection
with the wonder of the great outdoors. You can almost reach
out and touch the rustic charm and natural beauty that only
wood can provide in an authentic, custom-built log home. |
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