A Fresh Start

When a fire destroyed Steve and Janet Swanson’s traditional three-story home on Walloon Lake in Michigan, they turned tragedy on its head by taking the opportunity to build a new custom log home on their lakefront property that made up for the shortfalls of the other. Some of their requirements: a more authentic lake atmosphere, more living space and a log home — a sweet reminder of a house Janet’s parents once owned on the lake.

The Swanson’s entrusted Town + Country Cedar Homes with the special task of rebuilding the vacation home of their dreams. The couple worked with our design department to determine the layout of their new log home. Together we developed plans for a 3,500-square-foot, two-story walkout ranch complete with plenty of rooms — 13 total — for the Swanson family and their guests to enjoy together. Some of the social spaces include a great room with impressive 16-foot cathedral ceilings, a scenic screen porch, a cozy family room, an inspiring studio, and a large deck for outdoor living.

Janet also was determined to make their new home look lived in. She selected hand-crafted and refurbished furniture, and commissioned local craftsman to create the stone fireplace and carved beam and mantel accents. The home also features scribed Northern White Cedar logs, which adds decades-old charm to the log home’s exterior. If you didn’t know any better, you would think the house has sat on the Walloon lakeshore for years.

Download the PDF to tour the home.

  • I have more questions and concerns about getting an oil-change than I do about this project.

    ~ Tom H.