Across the Garden, Close to Our Hearts: A Log Home for Family Connection

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With the final touches being lovingly added to the smart paving in front of their new log home, Brian and Barbara Taylor are embracing the wonderful reality of multi-generational living.

Just a stroll across their pretty garden, past a blossoming fruit tree, lies the home of their daughter Selina, her husband Rob, their two children, and their dog.

This new living arrangement has blossomed into a joyful win-win for everyone. “Our grandchildren come home from school and their first stop is always here to see us,” Brian shares with a smile. “And they take turns having delightful sleepovers with us every weekend.”

This heartwarming setup is a recent and cherished development, as the couple previously lived an hour and a half away in Cambridgeshire. As health issues began to arise and Brian and Barbara needed more support, Selina’s regular commute became a growing concern.

“We’ve always shared an exceptionally close bond, with daily phone calls, weekend visits, and all our holidays spent together. The journey there and back was quite long, so we kept suggesting they move closer. But property prices around us are unfortunately much higher than where they had been living. That’s when Rob, ever the thoughtful one, suggested exploring the possibility of placing something for them at the bottom of our garden,” Selina explains.

Initially taken as a lighthearted suggestion, son-in-law Rob, true to his word, diligently researched accommodation options and discovered Norwegian Log online. After a visit to the company’s welcoming show home in Reading, the decision was made, with the couple choosing a charming two-bedroom log annex.

With a Certificate of Lawful Use successfully obtained from the Local Planning Authority, the next joyful chapter of Brian and Barbara’s life could begin.

Their new, cosy home features a delightful open-plan living and dining area seamlessly connected to a contemporary kitchen, a convenient shower room, and two spacious bedrooms. Bifold doors open wide onto a new terrace, offering serene views across their Hertfordshire garden, complete with two calming water features filled with goldfish on either side.

“We all find it so relaxing, sitting on the sofa and gazing out at the ponds, watching the different birds that visit the garden. I absolutely love being here, and if I ever need a quiet moment, it’s just a few steps away, as the cabin is so peaceful and wonderfully soundproof. While I’m picking up my eldest from school, my youngest often pops over here and always makes a beeline for the biscuit tin!” Selina laughs. “Also, a fantastic bonus of having them living with us is having built-in babysitters available around the clock!”

Brian adds with contentment, “We have plenty of room in here for visitors, and just last weekend, we had our other grandchildren and great-grandchildren over. We threw open the bifold doors, and it was lovely watching them all play in the garden and having everyone together. We’re so looking forward to our other children coming to stay with us here too.”

“The team from Norwegian Log, Tom and Rob, were absolutely amazing. Nothing was too much trouble, and they simply got on with the job with such professionalism. They were building the cabin in a part of our garden that wasn’t really being used, and to be honest, none of us quite imagined it would look as stunning as it does. Apart from Rob, who actually drew up the plan for the cabin, none of us are great at visualising!” Selina laughs.

“I was a little overwhelmed and a bit apprehensive about it all at first, as it’s such a big change, but we both absolutely love living here. It’s cosy and tucked away at the bottom of the garden, so if anything happens, Selina, Rob, and the kids are always close by,” Barbara shares with a sense of security and happiness.

“We really cannot thank Norwegian Log enough; they made this entire wonderful change happen for us, and from start to finish, it was so easy and is certainly the best decision we ever made,” Selina exclaims with heartfelt gratitude.