Liz's Norwegian Log Cabin: A Cherished Return to Family Shores

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On an unseasonably rainy June day, we had the pleasure of meeting Liz in her stunning new Norwegian Log cabin, nestled just a stone's throw from the picturesque Bembridge Beach on the Isle of Wight. Even after only three months, Liz had already beautifully landscaped the front garden, a testament to her impeccable organisational skills and foresight.

The Vision for Retirement: A Return to Roots

For Liz, the idea of a log cabin wasn't a sudden whim but a carefully considered vision for her retirement. Facing the eventual sale of her family home, Liz was determined to remain in Lane End, Bembridge, the place where she grew up and held deep historical family significance. "This part of Lane End, where I grew up, is incredibly important to me," she explains. Her research led her to discover Norwegian Log cabins online, and she immediately recognised them as the perfect fit. She envisioned a home that would harmonise seamlessly with the natural surroundings of the Isle of Wight, fulfilling her long-held desire for her own home in Bembridge. The outcome, as Liz describes, is a profound sense of contentment in having achieved her goal: "And now, I have a home here in Bembridge on the Isle of Wight, which is exactly what I always wanted for my retirement."

A Seamless Build, Driven by Meticulous Planning

The journey from vision to reality was remarkably smooth, largely due to Liz's proactive and organised approach. In June 2023, she initiated the process by visiting Norwegian Log in Reading. "I met with Carole from Norwegian Log in June 2023 to kick things off, and that went absolutely amazingly well," Liz recounts. This initial consultation proved pivotal; experiencing the show home firsthand solidified Liz's decision to pursue planning permission. "The really great thing about Norwegian Log is that they have five show homes, where you can go and experience the product firsthand. I was completely blown away by the feel of the interiors."

Once planning permission was secured, the construction phase proceeded "absolutely swimmingly." Liz credits the Norwegian Log team, specifically Paul Preston, Sean, and Kieran, for their exceptional work and communication. "What was great about Paul was that he'd talk me through everything that was happening. I honestly think I could explain how this cabin was built now." Her meticulous planning extended to every detail, including having Paul cut the hole for her Charnwood Fireplace, which she sourced locally on the island. "Paul even cut the hole for the fire! I got that fire from Charnwood on the Island. The internal fitout, led by Sam, was also superbly done."

Liz's inherent organisation and reliance on lists and timelines were significant assets. "I'm naturally quite organised. I rely on lists and timelines, always looking weeks ahead." Being located just down the road from the build site, in the winter let, allowed her to frequently visit, take measurements, and coordinate deliveries, ensuring everything was in place for her targeted move-in date of March 1st. Her collaborative relationship with the team at Norwegian Log was also key, giving consideration to the initial floorplan right through to kitchen adjustments to achieve the ideal layout, with minor kitchen adjustments made. Even during the groundwork phase, Liz was on-site, overseeing the process and impressing the ground screw team with the perfectly level land.

A Career in London, Her Heart in Bembridge

Liz's journey to her dream cabin was a culmination of nearly 40 years spent in London, where she forged a successful career, culminating in 25 years at PwC leading the UK Immigration and Global Mobility teams. However, her return to the Isle of Wight has brought a newfound appreciation for the outdoors and a healthier lifestyle. "I barely saw daylight for much of my working day, which I've truly realised since being back here – how much healthier I feel being outside all the time."

A Home of Comfort, Thoughtful Choices, and Future-Proofing

Liz finds immense comfort and peace in her new home, often remarking on how well she sleeps within its natural wooden embrace. "When I come back after being away, I just feel delightful. I sleep so well." She describes it as a profoundly relaxing space, valuing its homeliness over any desire for it to be a show home. Having moved in on March 1st, she looks forward to experiencing all seasons in the cabin, particularly a cosy Christmas. "I've only been here three months! But I'm looking forward to the summer, and Christmases too – it'll be so cosy." She feels "very, very fortunate with my life. To know that I've got my home here is just lovely."

Design choices were made with careful consideration. The kitchen, a central hub for cooking and entertaining friends, was particularly important to Liz.  She designed it with an open, social layout, featuring a breakfast bar and ample food preparation space. "So, I wanted a really open, social, entertaining space, hence the breakfast bar and an extensive food preparation area. The kitchen for me was quite important – it truly is a hub." The cabin also serves as a repository of cherished family heirlooms, seamlessly blending new and old. "And it’s wonderful to have space for my mum's and grandmother's kitchen things." "I've mixed things. I kept various items from the family home – cushions, vases, glassware, crockery. That swan plant pot up there, for example, was in the Milverton's porch. They're all things that remind me of Milverton and our time there. It's all really positive."

Liz's design philosophy prioritised flow and natural harmony. "I'm a great believer in flow; I wanted everything to just flow." She opted for various shades of grey, choosing a "pebble" kitchen to reflect the nearby beach stones, a colour palette that perfectly complements the coastal location. She expresses absolute satisfaction with every aspect of the build and her choices, reiterating that the entire experience was stress-free, "I wouldn't change anything about the build, the experience, or what I've chosen. Everything has been perfect. When people ask me if it was stressful, I always say, 'No, not at all!' If you choose the right company and people to work with at the outset, that's the tricky bit."

A Seamless Move and A Clutter-Free Future

From her very first night, Liz felt completely at home, stating it felt "110% right." The process was effortless, with no stress whatsoever. "I can honestly say it was effortless. There was no stress whatsoever. I couldn't be happier. It's just been a fantastic experience."

Looking ahead, Liz is resolute in her desire to keep her cabin clutter-free, utilising the outdoor storeroom for organisation. "I don't want to bring too much in. I'm lucky to have the container or storeroom in the garden, so I can be even more organised." Her lighting choices, with subtle glass fixtures on dimmers, contribute to the natural feel and allow for atmospheric changes at night. The cabin's beautiful flow and the connection to the sea through the "pebble" tones are truly striking.

The peaceful ambiance of Aquila Cottage is undeniable. "It is quiet in here," Liz affirmed. Liz cherishes the proximity to Bembridge Beach and the opportunity to reconnect with old school friends, reinforcing her strong roots in the area. "It's great just having the beach at the end of the road. And since I've been back, I've caught up with people I was at school with. It is quite nice to come back to a place where you have roots. It's nice to have this space now. It’s the next chapter for me. I feel very fortunate."

Beyond the mere structure of timber and glass, Liz's Norwegian Log cabin reveals itself as a dream made tangible, a cherished sanctuary meticulously brought to life by miliant planning and a profound connection to her past. Here, beloved memories don't just reside; they breathe and intertwine with the vibrant tapestry of her new beginning. It's a place where the comforting embrace of natural wood echoes the enduring strength of her spirit, and the calming whisper of the nearby sea cradles her in its timeless peace.