How To Build 20 Log Cabins > The Hermitage
The Hermitage was designed to hug the hill, which means that its bedroom wing is on the high grade. However, since the main entrance is at the side, it may easily be reversed by extending the concrete sections supporting the bedroom wing. The additional space could be used as a screened
porch, extra room or cellar.The roof is a simple slab with exposed 3x3-in. rafters pitch-shaped 4 ft. on centel's. Structural insulation slabs over these provide an economical roof and ceiling finish. A final touch is added to the chimney by a cast stone plate which not only dresses it up but protects it from rain. The walls may be log construction if this is feasible; otherwise, regular frame construction may be used. Windows are the standard wood awning type with fixed plate glass panels. These are set between studs or in window frames with wood moldings and puttied. Both methods are inexpensive yet provide pleasing results. Floors are of regular wood construction. The rough flooring may be finished as desired with plywood, linoleum, asphalt, Vinyl, rubber tile or carpeting. Hardwood flooring such as square parquet or' pegged hardwood boards may also be used.
At the entrance of The Hermitage, an attractive balcony is guarded by a simple wrought iron railing which may be enclosed with wire mesh, plastic glass or similar material, as the owner prefers. The door and the solid panel to the right may be of hardwood matching-grain flush plywood, such as mahogany, birch, corina or walnut.
Inside, the foyer is located on the highest level, in the center of the house. An indoor balcony is created by leaving the foyer open on the living room side and installing a simple contemporary wood railing supported by wrought iron pilasters. Open design wooden stairs leading down to the living room complete the effect.
The L-shaped plan of The Hermitage provides a larger area inside than one might expect from the exterior. The large living room flows into the dinette section and kitchen, separated only by an open counter. Two bedrooms, a bath complete with tub and shower room, and four storage closets use available space to the best advantage.The living room itself is beautified by a natural stone fireplace set into a rough stone wall. Some of the stone slabs extend out from the wall to be used as shelves for ornaments. Here, savings may be made by constructing the fireplace of brick and facing it with one-inch-thick silvara stone veneer slabs which cost no more than brick veneer. Between the living room and the kitchen, the open counter serves as a bar for entertaining or between-meal snacks.
The ceiling may be finished in two different ways, both of which are indicated on the building plans. Exposed beams, as shown in the illustrations, create an informal, rustic effect. However, regular framing for shallow-pitched roofs may be used instead, if desired.
Mr. Hermanovski's genius for getting the most out of all available footage-both visually and actually-is one of his many talents. The multi-window treatment of
the main area, including the dinette since there is no wall to separate or cut this off, gives the illusion of an extra wide space (over twenty feet) for living. The open balcony and varied textures of the fireplace wall strengthens this illusion. The actual measurements of the living room are 13 ft. 8 in. x 14 ft. 6 in. The dinette and kitchen area measure 7 ft. x 14 ft. 6 in.The same illusion of openness is apparent in the bedroom section. Actually 7 ft. 4 in. x 9 ft. 5 in., the bedroom to the left seems part of the main bedroom to the right (which is 7 ft. 7 in. x 9 ft. 5 in.). This is accomplished through the use of the wide doorway plus the open space above the central wall.
Prices on all of Mr. Hermanovski's cabins can range from nominal to a bit more expensive, depending on the materials used. The average building cost of the Hermitage, for example, exclusive of the property, would be about $4,500.00. The average cost of The Eagle's Nest (page 4) would be around $9,500.00. About $3,800.00 is all that's needed for The Gypsy (page 12), while The Four Winds (page 16) would cost $6,500.00. Deduct 30 per cent of these costs if the cabin is built as simply as possible
studs showing, no heat, etc. Add 20 per cent if a more finished interior is planned. 8
Want to build your own log cabin, or maybe start smaller with a few simple woodworking projects? These wood working plans will show you how to build everything from a deck chair to a barn.
Introduction
The Eagle's Nest
The Hermitage
The Gypsy
The Four Winds
Leisure House
The lillie Lodge
The John Alden
The Six-Shooter
The Rustic
The Logger
The Scout
The Spring Bay (Part One)
Spring Bay (Part Two)
The Trailblazer
The Vagabond
The Hunter
The Seneca
The Hideout
The Hiawatha
The Fireside
The Triton
Where to Build It?
Pumps and Plumbing
Heating the Cabin
The Widgeon
The Snipe
The Wood Duck
The Bluegill
The Pike
The Boss
The Tidewater
The Cozy Cove
Carports
How To Build A Log Cabin
The Cabin Movement- Pre-cut Log Cabins
Where and Wherewith to Build
Foundations
Log Cabin Material
Log Cabin Walls
Log Cabin Floors and Roofs
Log Cabin Porches and Interior Details
Modern Log Cabins
Other Types of Cabins
Doors, Windows and Shutters
Building Fireplaces and Chimneys
Furnishing Ideas
Modern Conveniences
Beautifying the Cabin
Longer Life for Your Cabin
Hunting and Fishing Lodges
Profit-Making Tourist Homes
Wayside Stands and Other Things
Inside Cabins
Summer Homes
Specifications and Estimates