5 Log Cabins That Redefine Rustic
Visualize a cozy log cabin in a small mountain town. What images came to mind? Weathered barn wood, moleskin fabrics, woodburning stoves, clawfoot tubs, fur throws, perhaps some taxidermy?
While those are still classic log home staples, these four cabins in quintessential Colorado towns stir the “traditional rustic” pot, so to speak. From European countryside influences to rustic-chic approaches and contemporary touches, these inviting mountain homes redefine rustic.
1. CABIN MEETS CONTEMPORARY:
This stylish log home in the Burgess Pines neighborhood of Steamboat Springs blends elements of a rustic log cabin and a chic, contemporary urban condo. Located near the Thunderhead high-speed chair lift, the 5,200-square-foot home boasts 5 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, and numerous textures and design details—hickory flooring, Montana logs, travertine, granite, high-end art pieces, just to name a few.
PHOTO: David Patterson
ARCHITECT: Katie Kiefer, West Elevation
INTERIOR DESIGNER: Lisa Kanning, Lisa Kanning Interior Design
SEE MORE: Cabin Meets Contemporary in Steamboat Springs
2. A LOG HOME MAKEOVER:
When a Denver-based family purchased this fully furnished Bachelor Gulch vacation home, they loved its substantial size and picturesque setting, but wanted something that felt less log-traditional and projected a sunnier disposition. “Bring in the light” would have been a worthy mantra. So in early 2013, the new homeowners hired a team of designers to execute a more modern space where they could effortlessly entertain extended family and friends—all in time for Thanksgiving dinner.
PHOTO: Kimberly Gavin
ARCHITECT: Brian Judge, AIA, VAg Architects
GENERAL CONTRACTOR: Robyn Boylan, Beck Building
INTERIOR DESIGNERS: Lucy Oesterle and Eddy Doumas, Worth Interiors
SEE MORE: Before and After: A Beaver Creek Log Home
3. RUSTIC RIVER HOUSE:
Flanked by the Elk River and two small lakes, this river house just 17 miles north of Steamboat Springs sits as if on its own island. The 7,575-square-foot estate is a tribute to the beauty of Colorado—with European country-inspired interiors, a rolling 137 acres, and plenty of fishing opportunities.
PHOTO Hall and Hall
ARCHITECT: Joe Patrick Robbins AIA
SEE MORE: A Rustic River House in Steamboat Springs
4. MODERN WITH AN OLD-HOMESTEAD TWIST
This house in Edwards, Colorado, is built to look old. Really old. In fact, the master suite encompasses an early-1900s log cabin. Sort of. “Architecturally, we wanted the home to appear like an old Colorado homestead that evolved through the years,” says builder Tommy Gregg. “It looks like two different buildings—a log cabin and a barn—were connected and added onto over time.”
PHOTO: Kimberly Gavin
ARCHITECT: Bill Nutkins Nutkins Design Group
BUILDERS: Jim and Tommy Gregg Gregg & Co. Builders
INTERIOR DESIGNER: Laurie Gregg, Laurie Gregg Interior Design
SEE MORE: Modern With an Old-Homestead Twist
5. A REMODELED CABIN IN THE WOODS:
Interior designer Susse Budde, co-owner of Dimension Fine Homes, spotted a quaint—and tragically neglected—log cabin in an aspen grove near Steamboat Springs and knew she just had to investigate. The complete reconstruction included gutting the main and lower level (as well as excavating to allow a walkout basement) and “popping the top” to create two master suites at tree level. When it was completed the next year, Budde and her husband decided to leave Los Angeles and live in their cabin in the woods full-time.
PHOTO: David Patterson
INTERIOR DESIGNER/CONTRACTOR: Susse Budde, Dimension Fine Homes, Inc.
SEE MORE: A Remodel of a Cabin in the Woods
