Down's Home
Lakeside Life

As seen in the January 2008 Issue of
Country's Best Log Homes

Story by: Ronda Mollica
Photography by: Jon Janzen
Home by: Hickory Ridge Log Homes, LLC and Real Log Homes

Along the shores of a southeastern Wisconsin lake, surrounded by century-old oak trees, is a half-acre lot gently slopes to the water's edge. A wetland across the lake attracts migrating white swans, whitetail deer, and red fox. What better place for a retirement home?

That's what George and Susan Downs thought when they retired from their suburban Chicago jobs six years ago. The question: What type of home would work best in this setting?

At one of their research stops, the Downses toured a model log home to see if it was something they'd like. The instant they walked in the door they felt at ease. "We loved all the wood," says George. "It was a drastic change from what we were used to and that's what we wanted. That made the decision easy."

The Downses then decided to attend a log home show to research the various log home companies. There they had met Ray Gilden, a representative for Real Log Homes. "He had lots of experience with the log building process," says George. "Not only did he provide us with references of log homes he had built, but suggested we visit a Real Log home that was under construction."

The plan for that particular home was called the Richmond, the newest floorplan that Real Log Homes offered and it grabbed the Downs' attention. They loved the open central chamber built on one floor, flanked by a master suite on one side and guest bedrooms on the other.

"Being retired and not wanting any stairs to go up and down, the single-story floor plan was perfect," says Susan. "The great room was bright, airy and big enough for Christmas get-togethers and summertime parties."

One area that they decided to alter from the Richmond plan was the designated office space near the master bedroom. It was segmented into a walk-in closet and a food pantry facing the kitchen, and the adjoining master bathroom was enlarged.

Even though the Downses made the interior wall change, they still qualified for a 3% discount on their home, Gilden says. The discount is available to customers who choose to build from Real Log Homes stock plans.

Once the design was finalized and construction began, "we were able to get them in their home in about four months," Gilden says.

The Downs were also able to save money based on the location of the site. The excavator who was to dig the foundation told them there was enough slope to the lot so they could build a walk-out basement, rather than a standard underground one.

"We had to spend about $3,500 more dollars on the log siding, windows and excavation, but it added so much value to the home it was more like an investment," says George. "Susan and I finished the lower level ourselves and added back the office they lost upstairs, plus an additional bedroom, bathroom and huge game room."

The homeowners also saved thousands of dollars by landscaping their lakeside lot themselves: Installing a rustic rail fence and a boat dock, planting trees.

Inside the home, the multiple windows and French doors allow the occupants to feel as if they are outside. "When I wake up in the morning and look out the window, I see the deck railing and the water, and it reminds me of being on a cruise ship. It can be very relaxing," says George.

The focal point in the great room is the handcrafted spiral staircase to the spacious loft. The loft itself serves as both sleeping quarters and overflow for the great room; it's open and well-lit, thanks to overhead windows that provide a treetop view.

The large but efficient kitchen boasts multi-grained hickory cabinets that contrast with the golden-stained pine walls. A breakfast island topped with dark green granite countertops doubles as a buffet when large groups come to visit.

"Once a year we invite about 60-70 friends and relatives for a summer picnic," George says. "Between relaxing on the deck and fishing on the pontoon boat, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Our guests refer to this as 'going to the lodge,' which makes us feel great. We are so happy about how things turned out."