Log Cabins

You probably think I’m going to write about how to run a business selling log cabins, right?  I could, but not today.  Instead, I’m going to talk about how people are building log cabins for the sole purpose of operating a business out of them.  Could you imagine such a creative adventure in entrepreneurial pursuits?

What kind of businesses can operate out of a log cabin?  Well, any kind of business to be honest:

•  If you sell crafts, open a craft store rather than relying on craft shows and craft fairs to sell your goods.

• Office space is a natural choice not only because log cabins provide a tranquil work environment, but also because it creates a very relaxed and inviting atmosphere when clients come for appointments.

• Create a day spa for hair, nails, tanning booths, or any other kind of luxury pampering where clients can enjoy their experiences.

• Hold workshops for any kind of classes or workshops you choose to hold.  It can be anything from a potter’s studio to a cooking workshop.

• If you’re a doctor or a lawyer operating your own practice, wouldn’t it be a great alternative to offer a comforting environment for your patients or clients?  People are generally uncomfortable in situations involving doctors and lawyers, so this would certainly ease that mood.

These are just a few ideas where log cabins could be constructed for running a business.  Let your imagination run wild, literally!  It’s possible to create a clean design that is easily maintained, so why not choose this option over a sterile boxed construction businesses are typically housed in?

It seems nowadays everyone’s running some type of contest in hopes of grabbing your attention long enough so you might send that hard earned tax rebate money their way. Giant billboards line our freeways with sayings such as “WIN BIG WIN OFTEN VISIT….” Magazines are filled with entry forms promising one lucky entrant “A WORLD CLASS TRIP FOR TWO TO….” Mailboxes all across this fair land over flow daily with promises to make your every wish come true by simply filling out a cardboard square with all your info and popping it back in the mail. Well guess what…YOU CAN OWN THE LOG CABIN OF YOUR DREAMS FREE WITH JUST ONE CLICK OF THE MOUSE!!!!!

Not to be out down by their competitors, Ward Cedar Log Homes of Maine (in business since 1923!!) is offering one lucky 18 year-old or older the log home they have always wanted. I did some checking, read a ton of small print, and this looks like a pretty valid contest. On January 5,2009 a drawing will take place and the name of the lucky person pulled from the ‘barrel’ will receive a Log Cabin Kit valued at $33,700 ($5,000 is shipping costs). The kit will include:

“Solid Northern White Cedar wall logs, precut and numbered, ready for assembly; roof system (rafters, sheathing, feltpaper, shingles and tongue-and-groove pine ceiling sheathing); Andersen windows and Therma-Tru exterior door with cedar trim floor system up to and including subfloor (joists, girders, OSB sheeting); and loft ceiling joists with wood floor. First-level finished flooring, interior partitions and doors/cabinets/plumbing/heating, insulation for the roof, and interior and exterior stains/finishes are not included.”

Like everything else in this world though, this isn’t a completely 100% free cabin KIT. Of course the government will take their cut like they do of all things that have value, but since we are talking about a home (or in this case pieces of a home) there’s a little more to it. Per the rules laid out by Ward Cedar:

“Winner is responsible for any expenses not expressly provided for in these Official Rules relating to acceptance and use of prize, such as any required permits, surveying, site preparation, foundation and construction, as well as all local, state and federal taxes, including without limitation, all luxury, special and income taxes that may be applicable, property taxes and insurance”

Who can blame them for not wanting to deal with contractors and permits, still this seems like a very cool give-away. Especially if you already own some land and weren’t sure what to do with it. So go on over and enter the contest. We will be here when you get back.

There’s something about the winter that makes me want to cozy up in a lodge in the remote wilderness area with a special someone, light a nice fire and drink hot toddies until I fall asleep.

Whispering Pines Cabin in Anaconda,Montana
Whispering Pines Guest Cabin is located on 4 scenic acres in the heart of southwestern Montana just minutes away from Georgetown lake, Discovery Basin Ski Resort, and Montana’s only Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course. Exceptional outdoor recreation abounds with spectacular views of the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness with miles of hiking, mountain biking, and snowmobiling trails.

There is an amazing ski resort nearby, Georgetown Lake is also gorgeous and this time of year the ice fishing is spectacular. The town of Philipsburg is about 30 minutes away and this cute little town will really charm you with its old world, mining town atmosphere. It’s also home to Montana’s best Chocolatier. So give em a call and have an enjoyable and affordable weekend with someone special.

If you remember back on Tuesday of this week I was all psyched about the ULTIMATE WOOD RACK and how it would save me from having to interrupt a romantic evening so that I could tromp outside in 20 degree temps just to get more firewood. In case you missed it my exact words were “the only thing that could interrupt this long awaited romantic moment is having the fire go out. Now relationships being what they are of course this is all going to be my fault since I’m the man, yet at the same time it’s also my fault the fire place was a  mess cause I brought in too much wood last time.”

Well maybe I’ve found or should I say re-discovered something even better than a nice fire crackling the fireplace…taped recording of nice fire crackling in the fireplace. I’m talking about the famous Yule Log Channel!!!. Created waaayyyyy back in 1966 by Fred Thrower, a local television general manager, the log was intended to be a gift to those in New York that lived in homes without the luxury of a fire place. The footage was shot at the home of then Mayor John Lindsay. The annual event faded away due to budget costs in the late 1970’s only to be resurrected shortly after September 11, 2001.

Well this year the Yule Log is going to be glowing brighter than ever thanks to Comcast Cable’s decision to broadcast the beautiful fire in HDTV!! By subscribing to Comcast on demand people all across the country can enjoy sitting with their loved ones in front of a lovely fire without ever having to worry about it going out or burning down the house!

Ahhh all the romance of a fire with none of the lifting of huge chunks o’wood….

Imagine your own Swiss Alps bungalow outside your back door or on that lakeside or forested property you’ve been eyeing. Spirt Wood Woodland Chalets are the versatile structures that are perfect for entertaining, a studio space, guest house or workshop. These are truly fine structures constructed of kiln-dried western pine with 26 gauge metal Dekk-Tile roofs. You will be able to enjoy your custom cabin in no time with the easy assembly of pre-cut walls and wedged tongue & groove joints and interlocking notched corners.

Spirit Wood Cabins make a great quick cabin to drop on that new piece of hunting property, or a temporary cabin while you build your real log home.