Log Home Living … in Texas?

You don’t typically find log homes in Texas — and understandably. Timber is few and far between. The sun is strong and hot. It’s difficult to even find local log home builders.

Building a log home in Texas is a challenge. But Town + Country Cedar Homes never shies away from a challenge.

Griff and Sandra Thomas approached Town + Country at the recommendation of a neighbor about building their dream log home in Austin. A call turned into a trip to the Petoskey, Michigan, mill, which turned into one of Town + Country’s southernmost projects: a home built from white limestone and hand-hewn Northern White Cedar that naturally combines log home style with southwestern architecture.

Essential to this blended design is Town + Country’s innovate panelized wall system. Exterior walls feature insulation between half-logs to create a full log look. The Northern White Cedar was kiln-dried before installation to minimize shrinkage and movement, and the wood’s naturally durable and weather-resistant qualities stand up to the harsh Texas elements. Clever design decisions were made to reduce maintenance and weather-related issues on areas of the home that are most exposed to the sun. Logs were used minimally on southern and western exposures. Anywhere they were installed, even indoors, porch and roof overhangs add protection.

When you step inside the space, you’re transported from Texas to a lodge “up north.” Large windows overlook Lake Buchanan and LBJ, as well as Long Mountain. Interior logs on select walls creates the look of a traditional stacked log home. On those walls, hunting trophies are on display. Log trusses draw eyes up the 28-½-foot ceiling in the great room, and large, wood-burning fireplaces add to the cozy cabin feel.

Who knew you could experience log home living deep in the heart of Texas? These homeowners, and Town + Country Cedar Homes, never doubted it for a second.

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.