Builder Eddie Tysinger lived for many years in a log home that dated to 1794, but after many additions, the best of which was his wife, he wanted to showcase his company's talents in a new home. "We'd dreamed of an uncompromised log home for years," explains Lisa. "Eddie and his dad had been in business for over 20 years. They sawed and built log homes for various manufacturers, but after researching companies and then building a home from Jim Barna Log Homes, they decided it was the company they wanted to represent." "Jim Barna's reputation was excellent throughout the log home industry," Eddie says, "but they had no one in this area to sell and erect the homes. We felt they would only enhance our company and in turn we could do anything from shells to turn-key for our clients."
Eddie and Lisa's desire for their own home grew along with the need for a model home. Eventually, the plans began to jell. "We chose a standard plan, which we customized," Lisa says. "Primarily, we redesigned the back to look like a front side to increase the appeal, since both sides of our home are visible from roads." The Tysingers proved the old adage that it's best to have your land before finalizing floorplans. In this case, the land came through family ties. Eddie's parents gave each of their children an acre. "My sister lived in the city, so she sold her adjacent acre to me, and then we bought some more so that we have five and a half acres altogether," Eddie says. Roads run parallel to the lot lines, with about 300 yards from each to the center of the property. The couple cut down heavy undergrowth on the site, saving mature pine trees.
The home's porches and decks allow the Tysingers to fully enjoy their quiet surroundings. They often spend evenings watching wildlife in the meadow below the cabin.
"Once it was cleared, there was far more room than I imagined," Eddie recalls. In fact, the result was so attractive that the couple added a screened porch and wraparound deck overlooking a creek. The setting feels delightfully isolated, in spite of the proximity of the roads. For their 3,890-square-foot house, Eddie and Lisa chose round logs with saddle-notched corners. Drywall on part of the interior allowed Lisa to choose earthy colors to complement the logs' warmth. Huge hand-peeled hemlock logs serve as support columns and accent the prow.
An open kitchen with custom maple cabinets and granite countertops ensures that the Tysingers aren't cut off from guests when preparing meals.
With their custom home complete, the Tysingers know that combining their passion for logs with their family business helped them grow their company—and gives them the pleasure of fulfilling other people's dreams, too.
Home Plan Details:
Square Footage: 3,890 Log Provider: Jim Barna Log Homes Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 3.5
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