A Sanctuary Built With Love: Terry and Nicola’s Norwegian Log Story

View all 8 photos

Nestled amongst the rolling hills surrounding hills of Harberton, beyond winding country lanes and open skies, sits a Norwegian Log cabin built not simply as an extra space, but as a sanctuary for family, comfort and peace of mind.

For part-retired engineer Terry, the decision to create a home for his daughter Nichola came during one of the most difficult periods their family had faced.

Eighteen months ago, Nichola was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. At just 50 years old, her life changed dramatically. A senior community health visitor managing a team of 15 employees, Nichola was suddenly forced to step away from the career she loved.

As Nicola’s condition deteriorated, Terry knew she needed somewhere calmer, more manageable and closer to family support. What followed was a journey that would create far more than an annexe. It would become a peaceful retreat designed around independence, comfort and dignity.

After researching several companies online, Terry narrowed his search down to a handful of suppliers before visiting Norwegian Log.

“I looked at cheaper options first, but honestly, some just felt like glorified sheds,” he said. “Norwegian Log were the most expensive option I looked at, but once I visited and saw the quality, I immediately understood where the extra money was going.”

With a background in engineering and years spent managing complex Surface Metallurgical and NHS projects, Terry paid close attention to every detail throughout the process.

“When I saw the cabin going up and the way everything fitted together, it made me feel very comfortable. The materials, the structure, the craftsmanship, you could see the attention to detail and the quality.”

Despite Terry's initial concerns around planning approval, the process moved far more smoothly than he'd expected and took just 8 weeks to complete.

“The team were incredibly positive from the start,” Terry recalled. “They told me we’d get it through, and we did.”

Installation began at the end of July and was completed by the end of October. Watching the cabin take shape was something Terry still reflects on fondly.

“It goes up incredibly quickly at first. You stand there thinking ‘wow’. Then the finer details come together and you realise just how much tradecraft goes into it.”

Designed with Nichola’s future needs carefully considered, the layout was planned to ensure accessibility and flexibility as time goes on. Wide passageways allow enough room for mobility aids if needed.

“I measured everything carefully to make sure she could move around comfortably if she ever needed to use walking aids,” he explained. “Everything works exactly as we hoped.”

Inside, the cabin feels warm, deeply personal and filled with love. Floral touches in soft pinks and purples sit alongside treasured keepsakes, family photographs and thoughtful details collected over a lifetime. Sunlight pours through the windows onto two contented cats stretched out in the warmth, while outside, a swing moves gently against the backdrop of the undulating Devon hills.

There is an unmistakable sense of calm.

“It’s become a real sanctuary,” Terry said. “Where she lived before was more urban and chaotic. Here, it’s peaceful. It’s exactly what she needed.”

The transition also brought unexpected positives for the wider family. Nichola’s daughters ultimately chose to continue studying and living in Plymouth, leaving Nichola and her son to settle quietly into their new home together.

“In many ways, it actually worked out better for all of the famly,” Terry reflected. “It helped everyone to make decisions, and now she has this calm environment around her.”

Warmth and comfort were also a major priority throughout the design process. Even through winter, the cabin exceeded expectations.

“She’s been warm as toast in here,” Terry smiled. “And I didn’t need to go for any super high-end heating systems. All the heating and hot water is controlled on a simple phone app that works well”

Built on screw pile foundations, the cabin was designed with both practicality and future flexibility in mind. Terry strongly recommends the system to others considering a similar project.

“If you can, choose screw piles over concrete,” he advised. “They’re much quicker to install, less disruptive, and can easily be removed if the cabin is ever relocated. The piles were installed for this 4 bedroomed Lodge in just a single day”.

Looking ahead, Terry also recognises the long-term value the cabin brings to the property itself.

“I built this knowing that one day, when we eventually sell, this won’t be seen as a negative. It’s an addition. Multi-generational living is becoming more and more desirable now.”

Terry was quick to praise Norwegian Log’s aftercare and responsiveness throughout the project. "Whenever something needed sorting, it was dealt with quickly,” he explained. “That’s the important thing. The aftercare has been excellent.”

For Terry, the experience ultimately comes down to something much more meaningful than construction alone.

Standing on the terrace overlooking the Devon countryside, surrounded by family memories, soft interiors and peaceful silence, it is clear this log cabin has become far more than a place to live.

It is security.
It is independence.
It is a home built with love.