A New Chapter of Joy: Our Warm Log Home Has Transformed Our Lives

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“We’ve always embraced multi-generational living,” explains Sharon White, as she relaxes with her husband Paul in the spacious living area of their beautiful new log annex home, nestled at the end of their daughter’s idyllic rural Home Counties garden.

“We bought our bungalow 30 years ago and were happy to have my father-in-law live with us. After he sadly passed away, Mum moved in, and she was a cherished part of our home for 17 years.”

“When our daughter and son-in-law got married, and we started considering downsizing, it simply made sense for them to take over the bungalow, allowing us to explore other options,” she says. “We quickly decided on an annex at the back of the garden and initially found a company to supply one, but unfortunately, they let us down. It was then that our daughter discovered Norwegian Log online.”

“I have to admit, my first reaction was that I wasn’t particularly keen on log cabins,” Sharon laughs, “but she persuaded us to visit the show home in Reading. The first one was lovely but quite compact. However, when Ed took us into the larger one, I walked in and thought, ‘Wow, I could truly live here!’ He explained their construction, how incredibly well-insulated they are, and even showed us how the walls could be painted – that’s when I was completely sold!”

The Whites' sustainable solid log home is a picture of comfort, boasting two generous double bedrooms, a family bathroom, a practical utility room, a separate washroom and toilet, and a large, inviting living/kitchen area with bifold doors that bring the outdoors in. All the walls and the impressive lofty ceilings are finished in a contemporary pale shade, creating a bright and airy feel. “I didn’t want anything to feel too dark or like a typical wooden holiday home; I wanted it to be light and welcoming,” Sharon explains. Underfloor heating, stylish oak doors, and a cosy log burner complete the modern and inviting atmosphere.

Once Sharon and Paul had settled on a bespoke design that perfectly suited their needs, they were keen for Norwegian Log to handle all the planning aspects. The company efficiently applied for a certificate of lawful use, and because the annex would be exclusively for family use and situated within the bungalow’s garden, consent was quickly granted by the local authority, allowing their dream home to become a reality.

Work commenced in the summer of 2022, and by November, the couple were happily moved in. “Norwegian Log erected it in just eight weeks,” Paul explains with admiration. “The two lads who worked on it were absolutely fantastic; they were amazing. The whole ethos of the company is centered around pleasing the customer.”

Settled in their new, energy-efficient home, Sharon and Paul couldn’t be happier. “Our lives aren’t consumed by the demands of looking after a large house anymore… it’s given us a wonderful new perspective on life,” Sharon shares with genuine contentment. “I simply love it here. When the base was first laid, I worried it might not be big enough – how wrong I was! It’s so easy to keep clean, and it’s incredibly warm and welcoming.”

With their daughter expecting her first baby later this year, living just across the garden will take on a beautiful new meaning for Sharon and Paul. “It’s not only relaxing living here, almost like being on a permanent holiday, but we’ll also be right here to support our daughter,” Paul says with anticipation.

The next generation is soon to benefit from the warmth and welcome of Sharon and Paul’s gorgeous new log home, creating even more cherished family moments just across the garden.