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When a grandparent decides to move closer to their family, the expectation is often a move to a smaller property. But for Avril Thomas, her beautiful new log cabin has delightfully defied that expectation, offering even more space than her previous home, with the added joy of being just a few steps away from her daughter Julie’s house.
With its generous sitting room, inviting open-plan kitchen diner, practical utility room, two comfortable bedrooms, a dedicated craft room, a convenient ensuite shower room, and a separate bathroom, space is certainly not a concern for Avril in her new abode.
“Her old house was actually smaller than this! It had two bedrooms, one of which was quite tiny, and it was a 1920s build with a very narrow and steep staircase. Mum’s new cabin is not only beautiful but also more cost-effective, so it made perfect financial sense too,” Julie explains with a smile.
Following the sad loss of Avril’s husband Chris, it became clear that staying in the old family home was no longer the right fit. “We looked around for smaller properties for Mum to downsize to, but we soon realised there wasn’t anything suitable that truly felt like home. That’s when my sister Sally had the brilliant idea of a cabin. ‘You have the land,' she said, ‘so why don’t you build something on it?’ She then found Norwegian Log online, and we all went to visit their show homes,” Julie adds.
Realising the potential of an underused area in the large garden owned by Julie and her husband Bernard, the decision was made, and Avril sold her previous property. She moved in with Julie and her family just in time for the groundwork to begin on her exciting new home. Norwegian Log efficiently organised a Lawful Development Certificate with the local authority, a process Avril greatly appreciated. “That was a real plus, as they took on all the planning-related aspects,” she notes.
“My brother has lived in Norway for over 40 years and even built his own log cabin, so we already knew just how wonderful and well-built they are,” she adds, highlighting the family’s trust in log construction.
Groundwork commenced in March, and the dedicated Norwegian Log team arrived on-site in June, completing the build by early August. “Mum was here on-site and could easily keep an eye on the progress and address any questions that arose,” Julie explains. “Jamie and Sam, who were later joined by Sean, were absolutely brilliant, working so hard despite the unpredictable British weather – torrential rain one minute and scorching 40-degree heat the next!”
The lodge boasts stunning views across neighbouring fields and woodland and enjoys a peaceful setting next to a beautiful orchard brimming with fruit trees. A south-facing terrace, bathed in sunlight, is easily accessible through large, inviting French windows in the sitting room.
“The sitting room is bathed in sunlight for most of the day, bringing a wonderful light and warmth to the room, even on the chilliest winter days. The cabin feels so homely and not at all like a mere ‘add-on’. It means that after work, I can easily pop up to see Mum, and my son can let her dog out if she’s out for the day. In fact, our dogs and cat happily wander between the two buildings! I get to see so much more of her now,” Julie shares with joy.
Avril wholeheartedly agrees, “I can easily pop down to the house if I run out of milk, and we meet up most days for a game of Wordle. It’s just always felt like home from the moment I moved in. It’s lovely and so incredibly well-insulated. I haven’t even needed underfloor heating, just four small oil-filled radiators that I can programme to suit my needs. I didn’t need any additional heating at all during the winter.”
As well as being a financially sound decision, Avril’s new home provides valuable options for future living arrangements. She explains, “By having an extra bedroom and bathroom, if I need more help in the future, I can easily accommodate someone. And in the long term, it could even become a lovely home for my grandson Tom.”
A sensible, practical, and wonderfully spacious choice for the entire family.
Next Owners’ Story
It's warm and it's cosy; it's solid and it's quiet. The fragrance of pine reminds you of Scandinavian forests and summer evenings. Your imagination starts to take you places. You imagine a wood burner, perhaps a desk or why not just some space to think?
Our show home is 36 years old, yet customers still say it looks and feels brand new. That's the quality of our workmanship and the materials. When you step into a Norwegian Log building you're stepping into a feeling and just like our buildings it's one that will last.
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