The idea of secluded living is one that divides people. There are many who would tear your arm off for the opportunity to get off the grid and live simply. There are others who say, quite without shame, that they would go crazy after half an hour of life in the wilderness. But there is clearly something about it that appeals to a lot of us. After all, even with all the technological developments life has given us, people are still heading for the hills.
Anyone who has watched TV for long enough has seen at least one episode of a show where the cast decamps to a log cabin for a weekend. The setup is that it will be a chance to get away from it all and relax. Something always goes wrong; they lose cell phone service, and in the end, everyone learns a valuable lesson. Despite this conditioning, people are still building log cabins. Why? And is it something that might be for you?
Pro: Log Cabins Are The Ultimate In Sustainable Living
You won’t get much greener than a log cabin when it comes to renewability of resources. Many people who choose to build their own even use dead standing trees for the wood. Clearly, the important point here is to make sure that the wood is not rotting or rotten. But if chosen right, you have a durable, sustainable housing material.
Con: Finding The Right Land Isn’t Always Easy
Building your home gives you certain freedoms, not least of which is location. The reason TV shows so often feature a log cabin is because they are off the beaten track. But then again, there is a reason why that track isn’t beaten. Land that has not been developed for building can be tricky to build on – so you may need to scout around for the right patch.
Pro: Maintenance Is Simple, The Home Is Durable
Forget the story of the Three Little Pigs. The third pig, who built his house of brick, may end up smugly housing his brothers (or mourning them, depending on the version you read). However, in reality, the pig who built his house from wood could have withstood the huffing and puffing too. As with any home, some patching may need to be done from time to time. A touch of chinking from Weatherall or similar, and some weather coating from time to time, and you’re done.
Con: Are You Sure You Want To Be “Off The Grid”?
Many of us tell ourselves that we’d be much happier if we went away to live in the wilderness with just our nearest and dearest. Many of us reconsider this after half a day spent in a log cabin on holiday when we realize how far away everything is. This isn’t a reason not to do it – just remember that what seems idyllic in your mind needs to be practical in reality.
Pro: Modern Day Log Cabins Are More Advanced Than You Think
Those sitcoms where everything goes wrong? They aren’t documentaries. It’s more than possible to have a cabin that looks rustic from the outside but advanced on the interior. Yes, you can have superfast broadband, on-demand TV and all the tech you have at home. The difference is, when you switch it all off, it gets dark, which is better for your sleep.
Add to this the fact that they can be very cheap to build, and it becomes an even more attractive proposition. So are you ready to step off the beaten track?
