Inside This Restored 1930s Lakefront Log Home, Discover the Rustic Finishes

The Bay Lake Lodge located in Bay Lake; Minnesota is a Historic 1930s lodge set on a private peninsula that was in need of a complete restoration. The casements on the cabin building had been chewed from within by trapped squirrels; there were 15 inches of water in the basement and snow blew in through gaps between the logs. The clients who owned the cabin building goals were to preserve the beautiful character of the log house lodge, improve the natural lighting, modernize the wood cabin layout, and create an effective cabin building envelope. To bring in more natural light to the log house and improve the lake views, Albertsson Hansen Architects added a large dormer and several new windows, each window replicated by a custom millwork company to match the original 1930s windows in every detail.

The cabin building restoration also got a new kitchen inserted into the existing space of two small bedrooms and a bathroom. The structure for the new dormer concealed in depth of new roof insulation, while still keeping the original ceiling intact. The log cabin building guesthouse was moved back 25 feet and aligned with the main log lodge to help improve the compliance with zoning. The clients were quite happy they were able to restore the cabin building, not just for them, but for the entire lake community. The log lodge has such an important place in the history of the lake says the owner.

This log cabin building restoration is a good example of a classic wood cabin build, just like many people will remember from their childhoods. There is plenty inside of the cabin building to be inspired from. Everything is done to perfection including all of the stonework in and around the cabin building. The stone fireplace and chimney are a beautiful addition to the wood cabin, along with the stone pillars leading up to the wood cabin and the beautiful stone addition at the side of the cabin building. Stone fireplaces are one of the best features you can add to a wood cabin and something if you can afford to include can go a long way in the appeal of the cabin build.

Another lovely feature of this stunning cabin building is the screened in porch. This is another feature of log cabins that goes a long way, especially in locations where there tends to be a lot of mosquitos. Screened in porches are an excellent place to hang out, eat or simply relax after a long day of activity. Inside this log cabin building is a good source of inspiration with log and wood throughout to include the kitchen cabinets that match the color of the logs used in the cabin building. Wrought iron fixtures are used throughout the wood cabin which also lends to its rustic appeal. Log railings and log beams further add to the beauty of this log cabin build, along with the log furnishings. The exterior of the wood cabin also makes use of the log details with log railings and log details on the screened in porch.