A Haven of Calm: How a Log Home Transformed Our Family's Life

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“If we ever had to leave the farm, I’d want another log cabin exactly like this,” Marisa insists, sitting in her beautiful open-plan kitchen beside her dad, Robin. “It’s truly difficult to express just how life-changing this has been for us.”

The cabin in question is a stunning four-bedroom log annex, a cherished home for Marisa, her husband Jason, and their two teenage sons. Nestled on her parents’ expansive 80-acre family farm in Surrey, with picturesque views stretching across neighbouring fields, it sits just across the garden from the main farmhouse, where her dad Robin, mum Jacqui, and sister Tracey reside.

Their youngest son has additional needs, and family life in their previous nearby terraced house had become increasingly challenging. “My son is disabled, and sadly, our old home couldn’t be adapted to properly suit his needs. The stairs were unsafe for him, the noises from neighbours caused him significant stress, and his safety was a constant worry because he could easily wander out the front door,” Marisa explains with heartfelt concern. “We looked at bungalows, but living in Surrey, they were simply beyond our reach.”

Hope arrived when Marisa’s dad saw a Norwegian Log cabin featured in a magazine and suggested a visit. “As we were planning a holiday to the Cotswolds, we arranged to meet Ed in Reading on the way to see the show home. The moment we stepped inside, we were completely wowed – not just by the beautiful cabin itself, but by the incredible feeling it had, the sense of calmness and cosiness,” she recalls.

With their hearts set and a cabin style chosen, Marisa thoughtfully set about designing the interior layout, meticulously tailoring it to her family’s specific needs, with a clear focus on future-proofing for her son.

The next step was navigating the planning process. “To be honest, I thought it was a bit of a pipe dream, that planning would be a real hurdle,” she admits. But because the land had been used as a garden, and Norwegian Log’s cabins are transportable, the Atkins family were able to obtain a Certificate of Lawful Use for their family annex from the local planning authority, and their dream could finally take shape.

“It was truly lovely for the boys to be involved, watching the construction of their future home unfold,” Marisa shares. Just seven months after the Norwegian Log team started on-site, the cabin was ready for them to move in.

Their new, single-level home has brought about a remarkable transformation in their daily lives. Both her sons now have spacious bedrooms, and the fourth bedroom has been thoughtfully designated as a therapy room, a peaceful retreat where her youngest son can find solace when he needs quiet time. Marisa is also able to support her son with his therapies in this private space, away from the hustle and bustle of family life. A walk-in shower in the master bedroom’s ensuite offers accessibility for everyone, and every cupboard in the kitchen is designed to be within easy reach. The spacious home also features a large, welcoming sitting room, a bright and airy kitchen/dining room, a practical utility room, and a family bathroom.

“The difference for our youngest son has been dramatic, both for his overall well-being and physically, because he’s no longer restricted by our old home. He can now take his dog for peaceful walks in the garden here, and he’s noticeably less stressed. Our son is so much calmer, and that has had a profound and positive impact on our day-to-day lives.”

The peace of mind extends to the whole family. “We can now leave him with Mum and Dad knowing he’s safe and secure. I sleep so much better because I no longer have that constant worry about our son’s safety on the stairs. I hadn’t even realised how badly I’d been sleeping until we moved into the cabin. And the fact that this cabin doesn’t need decorating is also a real bonus, providing a consistent and calming environment for him. Plus, there’s very little dust, and it’s so easy to keep clean.”

Her eldest son is also thriving, enjoying the close bond with his grandparents. “When things get a bit overwhelming at home, he can pop over to see them next door, and he has a fantastic Lego room set up in their farmhouse which he absolutely loves,” Marisa says with a smile.

Her parents are equally delighted with the arrangement, as Robin explains, “It’s so good to have family close by. The cabin is magnificent; it’s such a wonderful setup.”

“Thank you so much to Norwegian Log,” Marisa adds with genuine gratitude. “They don’t just finish the build and disappear; they’re always there to answer any questions or offer advice. I messaged them the other day about some patio steps we were having built up to the cabin, and they responded immediately. I think these days, we’ve almost come to expect being let down. Well, Norwegian Log didn’t let us down once. They have been brilliant, absolutely first class.”