Little House on the Prairie

Cabins are without a doubt an American icon. The word conjures up images of fur clad mountain men and rough log homes held together by a mix of mud and sweat. Not the case anymore. Today's versions range from simple bunkhouses or hunting retreats to luxurious log homes that rival the most elaborate mansions in beauty and size. Whatever you're looking for, there's a blue print out there to suit your needs.

The Basics
Whether you're a hunter looking to build a rustic weekend retreat or a more civilized individual in need of a small guest house on the back of your property, there's a full line of simple and inexpensive cabins (starting at a few thousand dollars on up) available to you for purchase. Options range from a simple roof over your head and a bunk to sleep in, on up to small cottages equipped with all the modern conveniences of running water and bathrooms. And as for design, the sky is the limit. In fact, you'd be amazed how quaint these little hideaways can be built to look, or how roughshod. The choice is up to you.

Looking for a Little More?
Of course, not everybody's okay with sleeping six to a room with no toilet. If that's the case for you, and if you're okay spending a little extra, there's an entire line of mid-level cabins on the market that range from single room bungalows to multi-room and multi- level cottages. These structures make for excellent vacation getaways and even modest homes for those looking for a simpler alternative. And because they are so popular, there are literally hundreds of home plans to choose from. To add to the convenience, many companies offer pre-fabricated homes in this and more basic styles. All the necessary materials, right down to the screws and nails, are sent out to you. All you need to do is find a contractor to piece the puzzle together and you're in business.

Biggest Cabin I Ever Saw
Some prospective homeowners want all the luxuries of a modern home with a rustic feel to boot. Not to worry. As mentioned earlier, there are "cabins" out there than can be built to rival the most lavish houses on the market. Hot tubs, bars, game rooms, great rooms, wrap around porches—you name it, it can and has been done. And if you live in the mountains or in a more remote area, you won't find a better fit for your surroundings. Because these homes stay true their predecessors in exterior appearance if not in size, they blend into rustic landscapes rather than sticking out like a sore thumb.

Talk to a Builder or Contractor
Regardless of what you're looking for, the best place to start finding out about these wonderful buildings is to talk to the professionals. Talk to log home contractors and builders, pre-fab cabin companies, or other experienced contractors in order to find the right building plan and price for your needs. Weekend retreat or dream-home, there's a cabin out there that will fit the bill.