Freedom and Family: My Choice for a Joyful Life in a Beautiful Log Home

View all 14 photos

“I hate housework with a passion!” Freda Helme laughs heartily. “And really, why do you need lots of clutter? I knew exactly what I wanted: to stay right here but without the endless cleaning of bedrooms and all that brass! This is just so wonderfully easy.”

Freda is sitting comfortably in the bright, open-plan living/kitchen room of her stunning, glass-fronted new log home. It’s perfectly situated next to the rural bungalow she lovingly shared with her late husband, bought back in 1976. That home now belongs to her son and daughter-in-law, while Freda’s contemporary Bergen annex enjoys a prime spot at the end of the garden, offering breathtaking views across the beautiful Herefordshire countryside she adores.

When her husband passed away three years ago, Freda decided it was time to downsize and initially explored some local retirement properties. “I went to see them in my local town, but they just felt rather soulless,” she explains with a thoughtful expression. “So, I went online and found Norwegian Log. In June 2020, we made our way to Reading to see the show homes, and I immediately knew this was exactly what I wanted. I loved the whole feel of them; the team was so accommodating and not at all pushy.”

With her decision made, Paul Williams from Norwegian Log visited Freda’s garden to advise on the ideal placement for her solid log annex. Because it could be situated within the garden’s ‘curtilage’ and would be solely for her use, the company efficiently organized a Certificate of Lawful Use from the local planning authority. “They took care of absolutely everything, for which I was so very grateful,” she says warmly.

Despite the UK being in the midst of the deepest lockdown, the dedicated Norwegian Log build team was still able to commence construction, and by late March, Freda’s beautiful new log home was complete. “The team was staying at a local cottage, and so I made them all breakfast every morning, even managing to do so without being in the same room as them!” she explains with a chuckle.

By July, her annex was fully kitted out and ready for her to move in. Cosy and stylishly furnished, it features a comfortable bedroom, a modern shower room, and a welcoming kitchen/living area. “What more could you possibly want?” Freda asks with contentment. “I can pop next door to see my son whenever I like, and we enjoy weekly meals out together. I truly believe this is a wonderful alternative to traditional retirement living. You’re still close to your family but without any of the usual stresses.”

“I don’t have to worry about a slate coming off the roof or ordering in logs for the fire. And it’s so easy to clean because there’s hardly any dust – I only need to go around with a mop once a week!” she adds with delight.

Freda remains an active and valued member of her local community, continuing her role as the local church warden. She also lovingly tends to her beloved garden, which she can easily keep an eye on from the comfort of her living room. “I desperately wanted to stay here and be surrounded by this beautiful landscape. I’ve decluttered, and it’s just so liberating. I have control of everything – I built this, I paid for it, and now I can truly make the most of life,” she concludes with a radiant smile.