An East Coast Log Home With West Coast Style

Home and Photos Courtesy of Real Log Homes | Photography by GBH Photography

Lake Tahoe has a reputation for being one of the most romantic destinations on the West Coast. Straddling California and Nevada, the shores of the crystal-clear freshwater lake are dotted with mountains prime for ski excursions, beaches for relaxing and parks for nature hikes. 

It’s not surprising that on a trip to Tahoe in the early 2000s, two East Coasters fell in love, but they were already a happily married couple. The object of their desire was the architecture. In addition to its natural beauty, Lake Tahoe is also prime log-and-timber-home country, boasting cabins, chalets and lodges throughout the region. 

The couple enjoyed the area so much, they considered moving West to be closer to their son and enjoy the relaxed lifestyle and beautiful landscape. However, when his plans changed and he moved back to the Northeast, they decided to stay put and bring the rustic western architecture they fell in love with to them.

“They compromised by bringing some of the West to the East, designing and building, what they considered a Western-style log ranch,” explains Joelle Taylor, marketing manager for Real Log Homes, the producer behind the home.

They may have had a change of heart on the location of their log home, but the site the couple found, with its panoramic views of New Hampshire’s mountains, was no compromise.

After over a decade of researching and idea gathering, the couple chose to work with Real Log Homes. Since they planned to do much of the work themselves, they were drawn to the company’s pre-cut log package, Interlock™ Joinery System and package options that were offered. 

The owners were very involved throughout the entire process. They designed and built a lot of the home and completed many of the finishes themselves, including the barn doors, the live-edge wood countertop and the reclaimed-wood fireplace surround. The result is a 1,740-square-foot, 3 bedroom/2 bath home that they love even more than the Western log lodges that inspired them.