Log bungalows

I am indeed blessed with truly wonderful daughters. I am thankful for them every day of my life. They are all very different in their personalities and interests, but they all share loving ways and unfailing loyalty to their family.

I second Tiggypiros post. Far better to move before you need to and can settle somewhere you'll love, even if the view isn't quite as wonderful, rather than waiting and taking what fate offers.

We can hear the main road bypassing town on summer mornings when the windows are open or when I'm sitting out enjoying the morning sun. I love it! I get a really wicked, mean feeling of satisfaction thinking of all the folk rushing to work! After about nine o'clock after all the kids have been dropped off at school it becomes barely noticeable, drowned out by the breeze in the trees and the bl***y sparrows!

What does your DH think?

As you say it will take time to sort out. Planning for this may be just what you need. You are blessed with wonderful daughters.

There is a difference between a tempory dwelling ie: log holiday homes and a timber built permanent house.
Different planning and building standards rule apply to each.
You need to be clear exactly what you need/want. I would advise taking professional advice from an architect.
Making one choice and really needing the other option can be very costly. X

We have stayed in a beautiful Forest Holidays lodge/log cabin and in was gorgeous, beautifully equipped and insulated and I would love to live in one of those. DDandSIL own a similar lodge for weekends and holidays in Somerset and again it is beautifully insulated, planned ,energy efficient and soooo comfortable but on 2 levels. I imagine building regs would insist on levels of heat efficiency and comfort. Go for it!

I echo everything Ariadne has said about future proofing and getting the best out of being near children and grandchildren.

DD and I act like next door neighbours who get on well. We might not see eachother for a few days even though we're only a few yards apart. I pick up the DGSs from the school bus three days a week and spoil them with tea time goodies on days when their mum has to work late. She knows that if ever there is a problem at work (she's a health and safety manager for a large farming company) we will be there to make sure the boys are safe (and fed!)

It's a comfort for us to know there is someone close by times of emergency or even just a bit of mutual support which we all need from time to time.

That should be long enough then!

One of the websites I have looked at says the proper ones last 400 years!

I am not sure now Elegran. I did have a brief look at it myself, but whatever it was, they said that it only lasts for about 20 years, so they decided not to buy it.

Maybe soontobe's daughter was looking at one of the log summerhouses you can buy. They are not designed for living in, just to sit out in the garden on sunny days. They cost a couple of thousand and usually have doors that don't fit and windows that let in leaks.

The ones designed as homes are much better made. You pay more, of course!

It sounds ideal, but I would definitely enquire about planning permission even if you have been advised you won't need it.

Some dwellings could be considered temporary rather than permanent which probably means that you would have to vacate it for a short time each year. Fine if you are still fit enough to go on holiday somewhere, but perhaps not so good if you are not up to going away later on in life.

As Elegran says as long as you buy a model which is treated it will last a lifetime,just look at some of the fantastic designs that can be seen in places such as Norway and Iceland they are magnificent.

Really? Wow.
My daughter looked at something that I thought it was a log cabin, but it cant have been in that case.

Unless the log cabin is a cheap imitation it wil last a lifetime. The timber is treated so that it doesn't rot, and with reasonable maintenance it won't deteriorate. They are common in Scandinavia where they face worse conditions than we have here.

They are usually very well insulated, and there are some very attractive designs. It sounds an ideal plan to me.

I agree with the timescale too - do it while you can! We are determined never, ever to do it again - it was exhausting and we were 64 and 67 when we moved.

How long is their life span kittylester? About 20 years?

Someone on another thread called this sort of move "future - proofing" and I think it is a very good way of looking at the moves we need to make as we get older. It was certainly on our minds when we moved here - yes, to be near the sea, yes, to have a calmer, quieter life, but also to be near DD.

Although we are not in a great deal of need right now (apart from me and my joint replacements) we have a lovely feeling of security with DD and family nearby. She and I also thoroughly enjoy doing all the things we have missed over the years - impromptu shopping, lunches and so on. And we run the DGC around, take /took (they are now 18 and 16) to the dentist, doctor hairdresser. I love texting DD and saying I am going to Waitrose, does she need anything. Lovely!

You do have health issues, and they are not going to go away. We didn't downsize much, but the location is convenient for all services.

Sorry, I have gone on a bit, but it was the best thing we ever did. Go for it, mishap!

We have a 'log cabin' in the Peak District on a Country Park! We let it out via the park owners but use it quite a lot out of season. Ours is certainly snug once it gets warm and quite big with an open plan living area, three small double bedrooms and two bathrooms. It has huge windows in the living room with a balcony. I suspect they can be configured in any way you choose so you could maybe have two bigger bedrooms instead. Ours is indeed like two static caravans side by side with the 'inside walls' taken out and then it is clad in wood.

I think if you Google manufacturers you might see the internal plan. The company that made ours is called Pinelog.

As for whether you should move - huge leap but as Tiggy said if it is inevitable at some stage, on your own terms is much better by far rather than in a panic. (((Hugs)))

Yes - it needs a lot of thought. And it would not happen for a couple of years I guess - selling, buying, sorting planning permission situation etc.

We have stayed in a log house before - they truly are very cozy. Fantastic insulation from wood and very homely.

We will not rush into any decision; but it is an interesting proposition. I have been very depressed recently and that is not a good time to be making major decisions. When I am better we can give it more thought.

I have always said that I would not wish to leave here; but it is becoming more difficult as time goes by. We are by no means old, but have some health problems - and we know that OH will get worse. He gets very out of breath just going up and down the drive, as he has a heart problem as well as the PD; and is currently having this shortness of breath investigated - some possible lung problem.

It would be a good place to be if either one of us is left on our own; as well as making life easier for my DD who is wonderful popping over to see us while I have been unwell. And one of my other DDs works for her sister and BIL on the site, so we would see more of her too. And maybe we could be useful - taking little ones to school, bringing them home to us for tea if parents wanted to have a day out etc.

To move while you can do it on your terms and with the energy you have now sounds an excellent idea. To wait until circumstances force you to is not such a good idea.
As glamanana says log cabins are so snug and warm I would expect your heating bills to be lower.
Go for it and enjoy the company of your GC. Views are 2 a penny - families are priceless.

We are doing something similar, Mishap only DD is moving down from the village to be with us rather than the other way round.

Have you looked into whether or not you need planning permission? I'm not familiar with log bungalows that are like mobile homes but round here there are lots of Park home type dwellings in people's orchards and paddocks so obviously it's a popular way of solving the 'needing to be nearer to family' dilemma.

Planning departments are twitchy about creating second dwellings where there is only permission for one on the site but they are becoming increasingly sympathetic towards applications for granny annexes.

It all sounds really exciting. I think you'll find that the pros will outweigh the cons and it's probably better to bite the bullet now rather than later so you can make the most of all the advantages which you are obviously already considering.

Good Luck..... I would definitely go for it.

Mishap I personally think it is an ideal solution to the mobility problems that may creep up at a later date,and the peace of mind you will all feel is priceless in the grand scheme of things,the log bungalows you are discribing are wonderful we stayed in a two bedroomed one in Wales and whilst the weather was not good by any means it was so snug and cosy and it would certainly be my choice if we ever had the opportunity.
The noise from nearby Roads will soon disappear into the distance once you have gotten used to the change and just become part of everyday living & and to have GCs near for extra cuddles would seal the deal for me.

I have no experience of log cabins , would it be a purpose built and well insulated? I think it would need to be very well insulated and heated not to feel cold . I can see the attraction of having family on hand and grandchildren closeby it might be a huge weight of your mind not having to cope alone. I think one soon gets used to 'background' noise so I wouldn't let that put you off. It could work for every one but it needs a lot of thinking over and planning to make sure you are warm and comfy in your new place..

This such a huge decision Mishap. As health fails we do have to make compromises. Do you feel that you may be glad of some extra help looking after you OH or maybe he would be glad not to worry so much for you. Also your DDs will have less to worry about if you are close at hand. Thinking a long way into the future, moving to the cabin now could mean that you do not have to face the other dilemma of Sheltered Accommodation or Nursing Home. Don't know if this helps, or what I woild do in your situation.