Frequenters of home shows, Ron and Pam Musick of Montgomery, W.Va. enjoyed admiring beautiful log home options that companies had to offer. But it was always from afar.
“I would talk to Tom [with Appalachian Log Structures] and my wife would tell me, ‘quit bugging him, you’ll never build a log home,’” Ron recalls.
But the couple changed their tune when they bought 100 acres of old farmland in Greenbrier County. At first, Ron used the land primarily for hunting and purchased a camper to stay in on the weekends.
“Pam liked the property and thought it was nice and quiet,” Ron says, “so I decided to build a hunting camp. That turned into a log home.”
“We wanted something the whole family could enjoy,” Pam adds.
Choosing Their Style
Throughout their marriage, Pam says, the Musicks dreamed of having a log home.
“We’ve always been attracted to the rustic look, and the laid-back, country atmosphere they denote,” she adds.
After deciding to build a home on the farmland, they researched other options, including modulars, but always came back to the log design. They worked with Appalachian Log Structures of Ripley, W.Va. to choose a plan that fit their needs.
“We were very involved in the design process and were able to make slight changes that we wanted,” Pam says. “Appalachian Log Structures was very helpful.”
Choice of log style was simple thanks to the wind and snow that often strikes West Virginia in the winter. The couple decided on a heavier, D-shaped log for insulation purposes, strength and to have a flat surface on the interior walls.
Spacious, Relaxing Atmosphere
Completed in 2009, the Musicks’ 2,400-square-foot home features three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a loft, full basement and a wrap-around deck. The loft – a favorite for the couple – offers a “bird’s-eye view” of the surrounding scenery.
Downstairs, Pam attributes the warm and inviting atmosphere to the kitchen, living room and dining room trio all being open to each other. Plus, the living room’s high ceilings lure the eyes to the favored loft.
“We’re close to retirement age, so we put everything we want on the first floor,” including the master bedroom and laundry room, Pam explains. “When planning, we tried to keep the future in mind.”
The interior walls are 100 percent wood, Ron says, and the couple tried to make the home as “green” as possible, installing heating and water systems that would prove the most efficient.
Ron uses the home during hunting season as originally planned. But the Musicks also go there to relax or spend time with their son, daughter-in-law and two grandsons.
“We try to do different activities while we’re there,” Pam says. ”We’ve hosted Thanksgiving dinner and we had a party for the builders once it was complete. It’s a place we want to hand down from generation to generation.”
Open Mind is Key
For people sharing the same dream as the Musicks’, Pam suggests knowing exactly what you want in a log home, and being willing to make changes.
“Shop around for a good company with good references that will work with you,” she says.
Because interlocking logs is such a specific process, Pam explains there are certain restrictions that may not permit all of your desires.
“I wanted an open stairway up to the loft, but regulations wouldn’t allow it,” she says. “You just have to be more open-minded,” and remember that using logs “makes it that much more unique.”
