A Life Rooted in Memories: Jenny & Dom’s Norwegian Log Cabin Story

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In the gentle landscapes of Northamptonshire lies a very special log cabin. One that holds not just warmth and comfort, but also a lifetime of love, family, and memories. For Jenny and Dom, their Norwegian Log cabin has become much more than a home. It is the next chapter of a story that began over 50 years ago in the very same village where they still live today.

Although not born here, Dom moved to the village in 1960, and Jenny arrived in 1967. You could say they’ve lived here virtually all their lives. It was in this very place that they first met, fell in love, married, and just last year celebrated their golden wedding anniversary surrounded by family and friends. Their ties to this community run deep. After raising their family in their home of more than 30 years, they knew they wanted to remain close to the people and the place they love. Downsizing was on the horizon, but leaving behind their memories, or Dom’s much-loved garage where he works on hot rods, was never an option.

At first, they explored extensions and even looked at alternative living options, but nothing felt right. "We wanted something solid, something that felt like a proper home," Jenny recalls. It was during this search that they discovered Norwegian Log. One Saturday, they visited an Open Day and stepped into the Cresta show cabin. “As soon as we walked in, we knew,” says Jenny. “It just felt right.”

Within a few months, Norwegian Log had carefully installed their new cabin at the right side of their garden. The build process was smooth and stress-free, with the Gardners praising the professionalism and friendliness of the team. “It was fascinating to watch it go up,” Jenny says. “There was no drama at all – just good people doing a great job.”

As part of their project, Jenny and Dom also chose to have the full fit-out completed with Norwegian Log, including their kitchen, bathroom, and utility room. For Jenny, a handless kitchen was essential – designed to seamlessly match the style of the kitchen in their original home, offering both familiarity and convenience for her health requirements. This thoughtful detail means moving between the two spaces feels natural, while ensuring the cabin is perfectly tailored to their lifestyle.

One year on, Jenny and Dom couldn’t be happier. Their daughter and her family have moved into the original house, and the cabin has given them the perfect balance of independence and togetherness. The grandchildren are always popping in, sometimes for a quick visit, sometimes on a mission. “Only yesterday, our granddaughter popped over to borrow a couple of eggs so she could bake cupcakes for us,” Jenny laughs. They were delicious!

For Jenny and Dom, the cabin has been about much more than just downsizing. It has given them a life of freedom. No more endless decorating or maintaining a large house. Instead, their time is now spent on the things they love, Jenny in her “hobby hut” crafting and sewing, and Dom in his three-car garage working on his beloved hot rods. Together, they also enjoy regular weekends away in their motorhome, exploring the UK and spending time at their nearby lake, where jet-skiing and family gatherings bring even more joy to their lives.

Practicality has played a part too. The cabin’s clever design means it’s cool in summer, cosy in winter, and remarkably easy to look after. “It’s so simple,” Jenny explains. “I love how easy it is to keep clean. It means we can spend our time doing what really matters.”

But above all, the cabin is rooted in heart. It allows Jenny and Dom to remain in the village they have always called home, surrounded by the people they love, with space for their hobbies, their business, and their family traditions. “This place means everything to us,” Jenny reflects. “It’s where we grew up, where we raised our family, and now where we’re enjoying this next stage of life. Why would we ever want to leave?”

For Jenny and Dom, their Norwegian Log cabin is a continuation of their love story, a hub for their family, and a space where they can live life exactly as they want. With freedom, joy, and the people they care about most right on their doorstep.