Honest Abe Monthly, May 2012

The Lakeside Life Join Us For A Log Raising!

Log Cabin Rentals Boost Marina’s Business Backyard Rustic Romance Nannie’s Catfish Cakes & Come Back Sauce Monthly Floor Plan: Custom Marshall Residence

contents May, 2012

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Cover Story: The Lakeside Life

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Monthly Floor Plan: Custom Marshall Residence

Join Us For A Log Raising Log Cabin Rentals Boost Marina’s Business Backyard Rustic Romance KarSan Log Home Blog Lloyd Construction Project Lodge Recipe: Nannie’s Catfish Cakes & Come Back Sauce

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The Lakeside Life A working retirement home in Tennessee is adapted to the terrain

by Ronda Mollica | photography by Roger Wade | styling by Debra Grahl

W

hen retirement appeared on the horizon for Herb and Barb Marshall, they began to make plans for their long-awaited log home, which ideally was to be built on the sloping shores of a fishing lake.

“When Herb and I were newlyweds and had toured several model log homes, we said that someday we would build one,” says Barb. “But when we established ourselves in southern Florida, we knew the log home would have to wait.” www.honestabe.com

To find their haven, Barb explored the internet looking for land located on water. She eventually came across a quiet home development near Tennessee’s Smoky Mountains. The remote community, located on Watts Bar Lake, accommodates a variety of upscale homes, including log structures.

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The Marshalls then traveled to the Grande Vista Bay Development in Rockwood, Tennessee to check out the lay of the land and see if their log home would match the surroundings. There were several lakefront properties available and they came across a heavily wooded parcel on the side of a gentle hill that seemed to be created for a traditional log home.

With the land secured, they were able to proceed with a floor plan and builder. “The land developer recommended Richard Wilkinson of L & C Custom

Homes to build our home,” recalls Herb. “We felt at ease due to his years of experience and knowledge of log home construction. Richard suggested we consider Honest Abe Log Homes who he had worked with in the past and was very pleased with their quality and quick service.”

From the Honest Abe plan book, the Marshalls selected the Bellewood plan, but felt that a few revisions were needed to make it their own. They included stretching the square footage in all the rooms, removing the wall in the stairway to allow light and views, adding an attached three-car garage, and building in a bonus room.

The traditional story-and-a-half style home is ideal for lakeside living — it features a wraparound covered porch, an open deck area, and an expanse of glass in the great room. Other facets include an

Left & Below: The front porch provides a cool sanctuary during warm summer afternoons and is the ideal location for potted and hanging flowers. The herringbone brick drive and walkway adds to the rustic feel of the log home.

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Left: The staircase was redesigned to be open, rather than enclosed, to allow light and views through the open space. The wrought iron railings have a “bird’s nest” detail.

Below: Much of the dining room furniture is Danish teak. The classic simple lines blend with the clean look of the natural oak D-logs.

eye-catching modified king truss roofing system with tongue-and-groove ceiling, a master suite with fireplace, his-and-her bath areas, and a second-floor exercise room that is accessed by spiral staircase.

a challenge getting the piano up there. Of course it was before the railings were put up and having an open stairway helped,” says Barb.

The sunny kitchen is kept bright with stainless steel appliances, white Corian countertops, light knotty alder cabinets, and lots of task lighting.

Tiffany-styled stained glass pendant lights bring in color and elegance. The bay window above the kitchen sink helps bring the sunshine and provides a place for a little greenery.

Attention to detail goes hand-in-hand with a knowledgeable contractor. “Richard’s eye for improving the plan was helpful in many areas of the home, including the loft space,” says Barb. “Normally the roof line would angle all the way to the floor, but his suggestion of adding a knee wall created some precious storage space and a more usable room as far as placement of furniture is concerned.”

The home also features two office areas so Herb and Barb have their own space. One office is located on the first first floor and has access to the deck.

The second is located in the open loft that now houses Barb’s grand piano. “The movers had a bit of

Dealing with strict building codes along the lake-shore is not new to Richard. When the plan was selected, he quickly made arrangements for the home to be sited in just the right location — set back from the lake with the proper elevations in

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Lakeside planning...

Any type of waterfront property is on the forefront of any vacation homeowner’s wish list. Even with the recent malaise in the housing market, lakefront home sites have generally increased in value because of the age-old rule of supply and demand.

Here are a few areas you need to examine before closing the deal on lakefront property: • Local zoning regulations. These will dictate what you can and can’t build or alter on the property.

• Water quality — both surface water and groundwater. With lakes, the clarity, a measure of how far you can see into the water greatly affects the property values along the shoreline. Stormwater runoff, high levels of phosphorus, industrial emissions, and any contaminated streams or rivers that flow into the lake can not only affect the water’s clarity, but also have deeper ramifications as well.

• As with any property, soil quality is an issue to explore. Look both above ground and below — the soil to anchor the home has to be stable, otherwise the result will be walls that crack, doors that won’t close, sinking chimneys, potentially buckled walls, and uneven, sloping floors. Factors that impact building are the type of soil and the level at which bedrock or the water table is located.

Generally, sandy and gravel soils offer the best stability, while silt and clay are found in varying quality levels from fair to poor.

• Weather exposure will have an impact on the exterior finish of your log home.

Abundant warm sun shining directly into windows and doors is probably not going to be as desirable in Arizona as it is in Maine. The appropriate exterior finish for your log home is very important in protecting the wood from the elements, especially in conditions where extreme sun, wind, or moisture are the norm. Use finishes with high counts of UV protection where the logs are exposed to strong sun, including reflected light from the lake. Regularly check the walls exposed to driving rain or storms and reapply finish there more often than on less exposed walls. Deep overhangs (roof projections) also help protect the logs below from sun and rain.

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Left: A two-tiered boat dock on Watts Bar Lake was high on the wish list for the Marshalls’ retirement home.

Right: The great room features a 24-foot ledge stone fireplace, custom windows, and a modified king truss system. The knots and character of the Australian cypress flooring add to the charm.

order for water to drain properly during heavy rains. This preserves the soil and the lake’s water quality and is a big concern along the 722-mile shoreline, especially with new construction.

“With the sloped lot, we were able to include an exposed lower level for a recreation room and guest space,” says Herb. “We included in-floor heating, a fireplace, and French doors to make this a very livable space and one of my favorite areas of the home.”

Radiant heat was also installed on the main floor with Australian cypress hardwood placed on top of the tubing.

“Our finishing crew took special care when installing the wood floor over the radiant tubes with the use of shorter nails and close attention to the layout of the system,” says Richard. “This took a great deal of patience and attention, but worked very well.”

Another detail that was a welcome addition is the Centra-Lite lighting system that was recommended

by Richard. This allows the occupant to control and automate the lighting systems of the home. The wireless system can be activated from a remote location by phone or remote control and is especially handy when pulling up the driveway to a dark home. www.honestabe.com

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Top Left: Tiffany-styled stained glass pendant lights, reflective stainless steel appliances, and white Corian countertops keep the kitchen bright.

Center Left: A double whirlpool tub is the centerpiece of the master bath. To the left and right of the tub are separate his-and-her areas with personal vanities and closets.

Bottom Left: Master suite amenities include a corner fireplace, French doors to the deck, an oversized master bathroom, and a spiral staircase to the second floor exercise room.

Above: The Marshall’s loft space serves as one of two offices in their home, and also showcases their Grand piano.

Below: The finished basement adds perfect space for family, friends and entertaining.

A back-up whole house generator was also integrated into the home electrical system. “Living in Florida, you experience power outages from time to time and we felt it was an important unit to have,” says Herb. “We were told that in Tennessee there was not a big call for them, but we had it installed anyway. Within two weeks we experienced an outage due to the construction in the area and we were glad we had it to keep the air conditioner going.”

“We are so happy with our home and the restful feeling it provides,” says Barb. “Everything we imagined a log home would be has been realized and was well worth the wait.”

Editors Note: Article reproduced with permission. Country’s Best Log Homes (now Country’s Best Cabins), July 2008, Pages 62 - 67.

Article by: Ronda Mollica Photography by: Roger Wade Styling by: Debra Grahl To learn more about Country’s Best Cabins, buy the latest issue, or to become a subscriber please visit: http://www.loghome.com/countrys-best-cabins/

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Join Us For A Log Raising!

These demonstrations allow you to see first-hand how an Honest Abe Log Home is built. We’ll show you how to stack the log walls, install beams and ceiling, and apply the roof system. Tour our manufacturing facility, and have the opportunity to speak with the people involved throughout the process.

View a YouTube preview by clicking below!

The log raising will be hosted by Randy Fudge, President and Jackie Cherry, Vice-President of Honest Abe Log Homes. Honest Abe staff will be on hand to answer any questions you may have. It is also very common for some of Honest Abe’s dry-in construction crew leads to be on hand to answer questions.

So join us at our National Headquarters in Moss, Tennessee on May 19, 2012. Seating is limited, so please call for more information and reservations at: 800-231-3695.

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Log Cabin Rentals Boost Marina’s Business

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o say that Mitchell Creek Marina, found on the pristine waters of Dale Hollow Lake in Tennessee, has undergone renovation over the past few years would be an understatement. Under new ownership, the marina has been completely transformed from a run-down dock that generated very little business, to a vibrant full-service marina and vacation destination.

The owners built a new marina with a food court and retail space using Honest Abe Log Home’s Timber Frame System.

They also installed new covered boat slips, houseboat slips, fuel pumps, recreation areas and more. One improvement that had significant impact was the addition of three Honest Abe cabins to the property. “The big Honest Abe cabins always rent out first,” says Joey Dyer, the dock’s www.honestabe.com

manager. “They stay booked well in advance, and the rental demand is so great that Mitchell Creek has plans to add more in the future.” In fact, three smaller cabins provided by Honest Abe are currently in the final stage of construction at the marina.

Mitchell Creek Marina serves as a great example of how log cabins can add to the commercial value of a business, especially

those in the vacation industry.

“People love the rustic feel they add to the whole property. Even if they are not lodging in one of the cabins, visitors just enjoy them being there,” noted Joey.

He continued, “Of course people come here for the lake, but it sure adds to the over-all experience when they come in from a fun day on the lake to the relaxation of a cabin.”

Honest Abe has built a variety of commercial structures, including log retail outlets, golf clubhouses, rentals cabins and more.

Article by: Joshua Beasley, Honest Abe Log Homes May 2012 • Honest Abe Monthly • 11

12 • Honest Abe Monthly • May 2012 Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/simplyposhphotography

Photos by: Simply Posh Photography

Backyard Rustic Romance

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oes your sense of decorating need a fresh touch? For those of us who love log homes, often times a fresh touch comes from rejuvenating the old. Guest contributors Janet Wilson, Melissa Schubert and Janette Wilson form a mother, daughter and daughter-in-law team that will provide readers with affordable and creative tips on just how to make this happen.

Their first installment in their series is this unique hanging table made from an old iron bed frame. They chose to place this just inside the wood-line behind their home, but it could be placed under any suitable tree. Materials include an iron bed bought at a yard sale, old barn wood, vintage linens, milk glass dishes, bar stools and of course rope.

The project took only a few hours to collect the materials and build. They also noted that rustic items can often be found at yard sales for affordable prices.

Foliage is incorporated from the immediate area to pull off the look without adding expense. Dry and fresh growth plants were used to create a center piece, and a bit of green vine (nonpoisonous!) was used in place of a napkin ring.

Janet noted, “For about $100.00 worth of materials, we created a unique outdoor space where couples can find a relaxing moment together at the edge of their woods.” Best of all, once a project like this is completed, it can remain all season for continued use. Just add candlelight and enjoy!

See more photos of this project at: http://blog.honestabe.com Article by: Joshua Beasley, Honest Abe Log Homes Editors note: Story content contributed

by Janet Wilson of Wilson’s Taxidermy Studio, Melissa Schubert and Janette Wilson of Simply Posh Photography.

Natural Light Photography | Weddings | Special Events Email: SimplyPoshPhotography@gmail.com

Nation-Wide Taxidermy & Rustic Home Decor Service Monterey, Tennessee

wilsonwildlifestudio@frontiernet.net

931-839-3290 http://www.facebook.com/wilsonstaxidermystudio

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http://www.facebook.com/simplyposhphotography May 2012 • Honest Abe Monthly • 13

KarSan Log Home Blog

Visit the Blog:

http://karjohloghome.blogspot.com/

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logs have become an incredible way for those building a log home to share their experience with family, friends and the world. One customer of independent dealer Arkansas Log Home Connection took full advantage of this tool.

The KarSan Log Home blog has documented the construction of this vacation retreat from beginning to end. The home has a spectacular view of Greer’s Ferry Lake in Arkansas from its mountaintop perch. It is built using Honest Abe’s Genesis log style, which is a 6”x12” with a thin exterior joint for option chinking. Our Heavy Timber Roof System is seen throughout, and features a number of custom options. The floor plan is a custom design, which is sure to be included in a future edition of Honest Abe Monthly.

Congratulations to the home owners! Our guess, you’ll be seeing more of this beautiful vacation log cabin!

Article by: Joshua Beasley, Honest Abe Log Homes 14 • Honest Abe Monthly • May 2012

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Lloyd Construction Project Customer: Tim Lloyd Salesperson: Moss Model – Inez Price Log Profile: 8x8 D-log Crew: Sledgehammer Construction Co. – Ronnie Carter

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im & Carol Lloyd already had the beautiful acreage to situate their getaway cabin, they just needed the cabin. That’s where Honest Abe Log Homes came in. Working with Inez Price out of Moss, Tennessee, Tim & Carol designed their ideal plan.

Located on a small hill overlooking a pond is a 28’ x 46’ log home with a full basement underneath. It holds one bedroom, 2 baths, and a utility room on one side. The other half has approximately 800 square feet of open area that makes up the dining, kitchen and living room area, and a porch runs across the front of the house.

The Lloyds chose to add an extra log course around the perimeter giving them added ceiling height. They also used scissor trusses on the open area, which supplemented the idea of adding ceiling height with the pitched interior look.

Ronnie Carter and crew have finished up the dry-in, and the house looks awesome! Congratulations to Tim Lloyd!

Article by: Josh Watson, Construction Coordinator for Honest Abe Log Homes www.honestabe.com

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Nannie’s Catfish Cakes & Come Back Sauce Serves 4; makes 8 (2 1/2 inch) cakes.

1 sleeve premium saltine crackers 2 tablespoons butter 1/4 cup finely diced onion 1/4 cup finely diced yellow pepper 1/4 cup chopped green onion

8 fried catfish fillets 4 large eggs, lightly beaten 4 teaspoons Tabasco sauce 4 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce Salts & freshly ground pepper 1/4 cup olive oil Come Back Sauce (see recipe)

1. Place the crackers in a food processor and grind to crumbs; pour crumbs into a shallow bowl.

2. Melt the butter in a medium cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, bell pepper, and green onions; cook, stirring often, until tender.

3. Place the catfish fillets in a medium bowl and use your fingers or the back of a fork to mash them into bits. Add the beaten eggs, Tabasco, and Worcestershire; season with salt and pepper to taste. Add the onion mixture and stir well. Pat the catfish mixture into 8 cakes about 2 1/2 inches wide and 1 1/2 inches. Gently dredge the cakes in the cracker crumbs, coating well on both sides.

4. Heat a 12-inch cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add the oil. Gently place the catfish cakes in the hot skillet and cook, in batches, until golden brown on both sides. Drain on a paper bag and serve with Come Back Sauce.

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We hope you enjoy this recipe from the new Lodge Cast Iron Cookbook: A Treasury of Timeless Delicious Recipes.

The cookbook can be ordered from the Lodge web site or from Amazon.

Come Back Sauce

For more information about Lodge and their cast iron cookware, visit: www.lodgemfg.com

Makes about 1 1/4 cups 1 tablespoon grated onion

(using the large holes of a box grater) 1 cup mayonnaise 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1 tablespoon prepared chilli sauce 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 1 teaspoon dry mustard 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1. Combine all the ingredients in a medium bowl and stir well. If the sauce is too thick to drizzle, add 1 tablespoon water to thin. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

“The Lodge Cast Iron Cookbook: A Treasury of Timeless, Delicious Recipes” - Oxmoor House. 2012 www.honestabe.com

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FLOOR PLAN OF THE MONTH: Custom Marshall

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s the home featured in our featured article this month entitled The Lakeside Life, it’s easy to see the many features of this outstanding floor plan.

This three bedroom, three bathroom log home floor plan 18 • Honest Abe Monthly • May 2012

has it all. The spacious master bedroom and bath suite has it’s own spiral staircase to the loft, which serves as sitting room, exercise space, or whatever suites the owners lifestyle. A second bedroom and office is also on the main level, along with the great

room. A wrap around porch and deck provide ample space to enjoy outdoor living.

The second floor features an open loft and study, along with the third bedroom and bath. A multi-purpose room is www.honestabe.com

FLOOR PLAN:

Honest Abe’s Customer Creations: Custom Marshall Square Feet: 3,441 Floors: 2 (3 w/optional basement) Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 3

located just off the loft, and has an abundance of storage opportunity.

For more information on the Custom Marshall, download the PDF available through the members area of Honest Abe Extra!

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Want More Great Plans?

Check out the floor plans section dedicated to log and timber home plans created by Honest Abe Log Home customers!

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