If invited, would you live in a log cabin - in your son's garden...?

Well I'm afraid I do like my comfort, part of getting older. I don't want much really but if it were insulated, no damp, central heating, constant hot water, shower room, wood burner, washer/dryer, fridge/freezer, small outside area, a promise that all that wood wouldn't attract spiders, near all conveniences I might consider it. You will see that I am prepared to rough it if necessary.

milly

Yes, what milly said. Plus a big telly and good WiFi. And a bathtub.

It sounds all very Urban. Have you already got planning permission for a full time residence?

No, no a thousand times no. You seem to be an active ,independent person do not give that up. My daughter suggested a granny annexe some years ago when I was alone. Since then her relationship has broken down and she has moved house. I moved on remarried and am really happy. Nothing to do with the building or surroundings, the future is an unknown country so think carefully about your next move.

I would also be very wary about living on somebody else's property. Living in a granny annexe works for us because we own all of it, including the main dwelling (bungalow) where DD and two DGSs now live.

If anything happens with her current relationship and she decides to move, we will have the choice of either staying put or selling up and moving somewhere else.

I think that a lots of responders are thinking sheds rather than log cabins.
The scandinavians live in them and it's usually colder there than here.
They can be fabulous ( as I'm sure yours will be)
As long as you have your own front door and a bit of privacy I'm sure you will be very happy.

It depends on so many things, if you have no money and this is offered I would probably take it, if not definately no. With your own property you have choice, in someone else garden, none.

it's very hard to get proper planning for this sort of thing in the UK if you declare that it'll be resided in for more than 28 days a year.

If you do have planning for a permanant dwelling, that's great, but IMO there has to be independant access.. if you have to go through the DS and DILs house to get to your house it sounds awful all round IMO

Not quite so, notanan. Some log cabins are classed as moveable (like mobile homes) and don't need full planning permission. The planning permission will, however, state that whatever the construction, the cabin is treated as part of the main dwelling and cannot be regarded as a separate entity.

you can't stay on a caravan on your own land for more than 28 days without moving it (and not around same plot of land) without one of the sorts of planning permissions merlotgran.

You don't need full permission for movable structures, but its still very diffucult to get permission for even movable structures that are inhabited for more than 28 days per site

This even applies to tents and trailers.

I think different rules apply for differing situations. A friend built a small office in their garden, under permitted development, they assumes. Not so it requires full planning permission and is under retrospective review, at the moment.

the usual exceptions are livestock on the land that need someone on site to tend to them, sheep don't count but pigs do.

If you have pigs you can stay on your land for more than 28 days in a mobile structure.

Also if the permission gained was for a "granny annex" you cannot sell it as a separate dwelling in its own right at a later point (without a hell of a lot of planning hassle)

Planning in UK is very restrictive, more than people often think!

If you build a garden office, and later use or try to rent it as a dwelling, you need to go through the process of dividing a single dwelling (as the permitted development and house whose garden it's in counts as one dwelling as far as planning is concerned)

Not easy to split a dwelling at a later date at all, there's no easy loopholes

The planning permission will, however, state that whatever the construction, the cabin is treated as part of the main dwelling and cannot be regarded as a separate entity.

Which is the same as...

Also if the permission gained was for a "granny annex" you cannot sell it as a separate dwelling in its own right at a later point (without a hell of a lot of planning hassle)

Caravans/mobile homes are allowed without planning permission but are not insurable if none is obtained. It all depends on whether there are likely to be any objectons from neighbours etc.

We've done this, notanan so I do have first hand experience.

Thank you J52. Day 3 and construction is thorough and solid. Son's garden a building site. Think of it as a holiday cottage but permanent. More stylish than a static caravan and layout to my own simple spec.

Think you have to decide yourself, sounds lovely, but are you close to your son, 24/7. If I were alone maybe I would!

I would not be moved

Hi all! Update on living in a log cabin...thought some of you might like to know the story thus far. Moved in the rain (of course) Friday 25th Oct. Planning approved in August so my role as Project Manager began. Hardly grand designs no hard hat or hi viz gilet but, oh boy, the chasing local traders bit and offering work for 2-3weeks was unbelievably frustrating. Unanswered txts, emails and phone messages seem to be the norm. How do they manage to keep working? 'No job too small' they advertise...anyway, eventually, fitting out my new independent domain became clearer. Plans on paper, daily trips to my local DIY store choosing colours, flooring, tiling etc., etc., Excess furniture went on eBay. I was already used to living in a small cottage but I now had to 'down down size'. Amazing how you can adapt, re-cycle. My privacy is respected. Family, 4 teens (!) have quickly accepted their gran in the garden. We manage our separate lives with ease. I'm an extra driver when required as chauffeur or shopper. It works. A garden party to celebrate is planned. Son and daughter-in-law laid back...after all, it was their idea!. Result.

I would love it - always wanted to be Mrs Grizzly Adams but sadly he's dead now and forgot to ask me . So this might be the nearest thing - sounds great DeeTales, but what happens if relationships change ? I don't know why you're not paying council tax , either . However you sound like an adaptable ,able to cope with anything nomad - enjoy this fun.

Sounds amazing lucky you

Pleased it went well for and you're enjoying life near your family.

That sounds wonderful. You can relax and enjoy it all now. Thank you for the update.

Good morning DeeTales I heard your interview on Woman's Hour this morning, thanks for mentioning GN, I've read your thread now. I'm very happy all turned out so well for you, not without some stress it sounds. I think your home sounds lovely and you'll never be lonely.
Best wishes