October 7, 2025

If you’ve ever visited a lakeside community where the hum of a floatplane echoes across the water, you already know—there’s a certain kind of magic in places where log and timber homes meet aviation.

There’s something timeless about log and timber homes. They fit naturally into forested shorelines, mountain valleys, and tucked-away coves. They feel permanent and strong—like they’ve grown right out of the land they sit on. Now add a float plane tied up at the dock out front, and suddenly that picture of rustic charm gets a thrilling twist of freedom.

For the folks who live this lifestyle, their plane isn’t just a toy. It’s a pickup truck, a commuter car, and sometimes even the family SUV rolled into one. Need to get to town for groceries? Hop across the bay. Got friends coming to visit? Pick them up at a nearby airstrip. Want to fish a lake that’s thirty miles off the road system? No problem—you’re there in minutes.

What makes this combination so special is the balance. The log or timber home grounds you—solid walls, warm wood interiors, fireplaces crackling on a crisp night. It’s about slowing down, connecting with nature, and finding peace. The floatplane? That’s about speed, adventure, and possibility. Together, they create a lifestyle that’s equal parts rooted and free.

Of course, it’s not all picture-perfect. Owning a float plane means dealing with weather delays, constant maintenance, and the occasional soggy takeoff. Owning a log home means some wood care (vs vinyl boredom) and stain schedules, of course. But ask anyone living this dream, and they’ll tell you: the rewards far outweigh the challenges.

Because at the end of the day, when you step off your plane, tie it to the dock, and walk up to a timber porch overlooking a glassy lake—you know you’ve carved out something rare. A life where wilderness, craftsmanship, and adventure intersect.

It’s not for everyone. But for those who get it, nothing else comes close.

And, yes, we do hangars, as well.

September 22, 2025

One of the most exciting (and honestly, kind of intimidating) parts of building or refreshing a log home for our clients is choosing the color. Unlike slapping a coat of paint on drywall, a log home has personality, history, and texture built right into it. The color you choose doesn’t just sit on the surface—it becomes part of the vibe of the whole property.

So, what’s trending right now in log home colors?

1. Warm, Earthy Neutrals

The classic honey and chestnut stains aren’t going anywhere. They’re timeless, and they keep that cozy, traditional log home feel alive. But the trend is moving toward softer, more muted tones—think warm taupes, driftwood browns, and slightly gray undertones that feel grounded but modern.

2. Dark & Moody Tones

If you’ve scrolled through Pinterest lately, you’ve probably noticed a surge of log homes with deep espresso or even black stains. These darker shades give a sleek, dramatic edge while still letting the wood grain peek through. It’s bold, but it pairs beautifully with black metal roofing, natural stone accents, and modern windows.

3. Nature-Inspired Greens

This is the year of green. More homeowners are experimenting with mossy or sage tones in their stains and trim to blend into forest surroundings. It’s subtle, but it makes the home feel like it grew right out of the landscape. Bonus: greens pair perfectly with copper accents and warm interior lighting.

4. Two-Tone Contrast

Mixing it up is officially in. Some log homes are going lighter on the logs themselves while using darker trim and shutters for contrast. Others flip it—keeping the logs deep and dramatic while adding a pop of lighter, natural color in the details. It creates instant curb appeal.

5. The Weathered Look

People are loving that aged, rustic feel—like your log home has been standing strong for generations. Gray washes and semi-transparent stains are trending because they create that lived-in look without losing the character of the wood. Think “mountain retreat meets modern farmhouse.”

At the end of the day, trends come and go, but your log home is built to last. Choose a color that makes you happy every time you pull up the driveway. If you lean into the current trends—whether that’s dark and dramatic or soft and natural—you’ll be right on point. And if you’re torn? Test out a few sample stains in different spots before committing. The wood grain and sunlight can completely change how a color looks, and it’s better to know up front than to regret it later. Or come visit us and drive around “the neighborhood”. “You can’t swing a cat in northern Michigan without hitting one of our homes”…

Contact us for more information!

August 8, 2025

We often talk about the TEAM, the CORE GROUP or the COLLABORATIVE we are made up of and what it takes to be invited into this circle — that 110%, overachiever, extra mile attitude thing. I’m not referring to just our Town + Country family, but all involved in the journey of handing over the keys to your dream. Every aspect, every level, at every step of the process, at every intersection. These are all the people that really make it happen …or not. Read more

May 8, 2025

…and not for Northern White Cedar this time

You all know how Mother Nature has blessed us here in northern Michigan with Northern White Cedar, the gold standard for our log homes, timber homes and Cedar homes, as well as, of course, sprinkled us with her elusive culinary pixy dust, the morel mushroom. But there is another edible she has hidden in these woods of ours – Ramps! Read more

February 4, 2025

…or, a house without an dog is not a home, especially a log home

All dogs are perfect, period. But they aren’t always the best roommates — they shed, they climb on furniture, they drool, and lick themselves incessantly. There is no denying that a dog in the home causes some challenges, particularly design-wise. Here are a few select things we have learned through our years… Read more