Custom Log Home For Sale: A Hidden Treasure

In 1991, ninety-nine trees were felled-then-trucked 330 miles West to the site of what would be home to lumber wholesaler Matthew Hobbs and his journalist-wife, Susan Swan. The logs, cut by Hobbs on his family’s tree farm were hand-debarked then decked well-above ground onsite in Monroe to continue drying. After four seasons, in 1992 the log raising began using the butt-and-run (B&R) method of construction.

Once the logs were placed, specially milled 26’ long 4x12’ Douglas Fir joists were scissored-then-hoisted into place atop the 54’ long ridge log. The home was capped with metal roofing, the prow design providing log wall protection on all sides given ample roof overhang. Following that, another year of air-drying, free from chinking material between the logs. The B&R method allows logs to shrink in diameter, the horizontal gaps between thus stabilizing, showing segments of the 990-20” pieces of rebar introduced during erection. By vertically drilling a receiving hole into one log, placing rebar vertically, then sledge-hammering the steel into the log beneath, each log is suspended in place, and no settling occurs.

In 1993 window and door openings were created, wrapped in 3x12” vertical grain Douglas Fir. Quantum Wood Windows of Everett, Washington, known for exceptional quality workmanship, was enlisted for wood windows, two sets of exterior doors and screens. Interior doors are from Seattle’s Millwork Supply.

Summer 1994, every log surface in the interior was sanded smooth, and prepped for chinking using backer-rod and Perma-chink material, proven to expand and contract seasons.

For the following seven years Matt & Susan, living onsite in a single-wide mobile home, labored on the interior design, the electrical and lighting, commissioning the stonework, cabinet work and plumbing. Sauk River Woodworking was provided the clear-vertical grain Douglas Fir that would result in custom cabinets in kitchen, laundry and bath. Two stonemasons erected the fireplace and entry. Photos of every step in construction were taken, cataloging process and design decisions. Designers helped with plumbing choices, using components and valves suggested for their quality and longevity. Copper plumbing, Weil-McClain and Wirsbo brands with domestic storage tank compliment the radiant/hydronic heating system. The boiler’s double chimney was installed by G & S Heating in Monroe, and inside, a Vermont Castings fireplace insert with stainless chimney liner was professionally installed by Stanwood Fireplace pros. The insert with blower can heat the entire home thanks to the louvered shutters on the home’s second level; work commissioned using vertical grain Douglas Fir, material provided by Hobbs.

In the Summer of 2000, although the log home wasn’t entirely complete, an occupancy permit was issued by Snohomish County, requiring only that a kitchen, bath and safety features/railings were in place. In 2001 the interior finish work, door and window trims, painting and staining were put on hold while family obligations took center stage. With a reliable heating system and a sound building envelope, the furnished home remained unoccupied for the following decade. It wouldn’t be until Summer 2014 that work re-commenced, and in January 2015 the home was again occupied so all finish work could be engaged. On July 15, the home was finally completed.

The South, passive solar side. Prow design roof mitigates summer rays.
The house stays comfortably cool in summer months.

Sunset on the Western face

Monroe, Washington

A Craftsman-style, 2,200 s.f. custom log home on five acres is currently being readied for sale. It has never before been listed, never rented or leased, has enjoyed only one owner-couple for under two years of actual residency, and the occasional companionship of one darn-good Lab, and one notably neurotic Blue Heeler.

A real estate broker (Windermere) dropped-in last week, he's a neighbor. After a tour he said, "It's like a brand new house that's fifteen years old".

That was the idea..

Open floor plan
A shy 500 s.f. master bedroom suite, with walk-in closet and full master bath on the home's second level
A guest bedroom and guest bath on main floor
Hydronic heat in floors throughout home
Tongue and groove Larch (Tamarack) and Southern Yellow Pine solid wood flooring
Kitchen, laundry and bath have custom Shaker style cabinetry with upper cabinet crown molding using solid vertical grain Douglas Fir
All plumbing fixtures, mixing valves, copper tubing, lighting, and hardware are best available grade
Master suite has vaulted ceilings, with Douglas Fir custom commissioned louvered shades partitioning bedroom from great room below.
Tile showers on main and master bath
Double head shower in Master Bath
Expansive loft could become a 3rd bedroom, exercise room or office space overlooking great room below
Custom joinery railing system on interior and exterior of home
Custom welded bracketing and supports
Custom welded steel deck post caps, powder-coated for durability
Quantum Wood Windows, wood screens and French double doors to largest deck
Full laundry, Kohler porcelain over cast iron deep-well laundry sink in custom cabinet
Domestic water storage, valves and controls for radiant floor heat are located in mud room
Exterior propane fired radiant boiler enclosure with removable north side for servicing
Vermont Castings wood stove insert, stainless steel chimney liner
Passive Solar south side prow roof offers shelter for second story deck of Brazilian hardwood from sustainable plantation source
27' tall, 5x10' footprint, Rhyolite (volcanic stone) central fireplace built to withstand an Alaskan earthquake (R.S. 10)
Stairways built using 3x12" DF treads
All wood window and door bucks are 3x12" DF
All doors 36" to accommodate aging-in-place
Granite Countertops in kitchen - Dakota color. Link to color example.. http://www.capitolgranite.net/products/natural-stone/granite-indian-dakota-kitchen-and-bathroom-countertop-color/
Laundry chute from master bath to main floor mud room
Stainless high-end appliances and top of line fixtures
Lovely private setting on five acres, not visible from street 700' to South
Cedar sided shop with ample storage inside, in loft area and outside under wings
Insulated shop equipped with propane fired hanging furnace/heater
Wonderful wildlife viewing and birding opportunity daily
Soil on parcel is rock free, rich dark earth, well aerated and wonderful for gardening
Highland Water District provides water (no well)
Virtually unused septic system due to owner's absence
Monitored security system on both house, and shop with safeguarded phone lines, inaccessible outside home or outbuildings
Comcast high-speed Internet is available
Over 1,100 s.f. FSC certified Ipe-Brazilian Ironwood decks and ample privacy to enjoy
No window coverings needed in this very private setting

Ipe (pronounced ee-pay) is a rich brown, then with time it silvers like cedar.
Ipe is considered a forever-deck because of resistance to moisture and insects.
New steel roof 2005 due to roofing manufacturer red color chalking
Gutter Helmet maintenance free gutter system installed 2005
Interior doors of pine, solid wood. Exterior doors custom-made or by Quantum
Ceramic (porcelain) tile entry, and mudroom/laundry flooring

This quality crafted home was intentionally over-built, intended to last generations. The Arctic entry has a vaulted ceiling with the amber glow of a craftsman lighting fixture on the ridgepole.

A photo album and video of every phase of construction reveal an excellence of process and detail uncommon in modern construction of less than $1,000,000.

Monroe, Washington with a population of nearly 18,000 is seven miles West of the log home and has an excellent hospital, medical clinics, alternative practitioners, pharmacies, retail stores, movie theater, restaurants, Lowes home improvement center and three quality grocers.

Sultan, Washington has a family grocer, several eateries, pizzeria, bakery, clinic, and wonderful community center/library.

Stevens Pass Highway (State Route 2) is a designated scenic highway and within one mile of the log home. Stevens Pass ski area is at the summit, and less than fifty miles East. Hiking and camping are all minutes away. In fact, nature is only twenty feet out the back door where the property reaches into a ravine with second growth timber. Here's a glimpse.

Seattle is less than one hour by roadway but the setting seems a world apart from that busy hub. The log home could be a private get-away, a place to recharge, to park the RV or motorized toys. The decks are is utterly private and the setting inspires creativity.

The motorcycle riding season begins by mid-March and often can last comfortably into early October in Western Washington State. Below is a photo of an unusual winter snow in 2010.

The East and North sides. Radiant boiler, stainless chimney shown at right.

Note: While the home exterior was completed in 2000, it has been unoccupied (yet heated and maintained) since shortly after that time. A caretaker watches the property and maintains the grounds. The home is virtually new inside, currently being completed with molding detail, and with spring well upon us, landscaping.

In late April that meant mowing, then turning the soil where blackberries had established, exposing the roots. Now we've seeded and are awaiting new growth of Native pasture grass. This is not to be mowed, but grazed or enjoyed. Paths mowed the width of the riding lawnmower are not only used by those who walk upright, but by Blacktail deer and other wildlife passing through.

The prow roof design and ample overhangs surrounding the home have found it well-protected from elements on the exterior. Fall of 2014 the exterior logs were pressure washed and treated with a log home-specific wood conditioner and sealant. Creasy Log Homes of Monroe Washington guided us on what they felt the best products for the task.

Ironwood decking material is intended to silver, but if desired, purchaser could return it to the color shown in photos here.

The home was listed for sale with Sotherby's July 18, 2015 for $625,800.

Here are some photos of the quality of work, and wood species in the home.

12' long kitchen island - Thermador dual - fuel range gas cooktop w/electric oven.
Exhaust is a Thermador telescoping downdraft to exterior of home.

Vertical 6x6's Cedar, all horizontal components are constructed using Ipe/Ironwood.
All stainless steel fasteners were counter-sunk, using square drive small head screws.

Restoration Hardware drawer pulls and knobs. Solid VG Doug Fir Cabinets with pull-out storage drawer behind.

Functioning solid-wood louvers control heat flow from Vermont Castings fireplace insert on first level.
Custom commissioned by Marc Willett, craftsman.

Second story deck shows joinery.

VG Fir 5/4 solid sills UV protected with Daly's.

The shop with bays open; Susan's GMC.

Rocky Mountain Rustic Hardware (the over-sized knocker).
Stone Mason Rodney Jenkins of Sky Valley.

4x12" DF floor joists.

Open floor plan, kitchen to dining. 52" between island and wall cabinets.
Corner hutch at rear commissioned: Craftsman Marc Willett.

Quantum Wood Windows, Perma-Chink, Log Jam and Sickens products used on exterior.

Privacy on second story deck. A view of Mt. Rainier from this level.

April 11-21

The work continues, this past week it’s catch-up yard-care, re-defining areas previously graveled, addressing the takeover of nature from blackberry, salmon berry, finely woven moss to out-and-out sod. It’s quick gratification re: results. This parcel, with its rock-less rich soil, makes ease of digging and weeding I’ve not seen elsewhere.

Morning means Yoga on the deck and companion Bud, our Blue Heeler's demands for Frisbee time. Product alert, West Paw Designs out of Bozeman.. the best value and longest duty soft disk for pets. Bud's wins the dirty Frisbee award here.

Sounds of the train travel through ravines rising from the Skykomish River Valley nearby. Later on this sunny Saturday there’ll be the occasional light plane, sometimes doubling back to have another look at our home nestled in the woods.

The weeding in gravel isn’t a terrible task thanks to a good layer of larger rock knit beneath the 7/8^th minus and places where we put landscape fiber. As I engage all these things, I’m reminded of what Theodore Roosevelt said of nature’s perfection.. that it’s only marred by the hand of man.

So I’ll be treading lightly.

Here are a few progress shots...