Quiz: Find your ideal log home style

We are beginning a series devoted to log home styles. Take this quiz to determine which style is most appealing to you, keeping track of how many questions you answered A, B, and C.

1. Which door would welcome guests?
A. B. C.

2. Which bouquet would be on your kitchen counter?
A. Stalks of bamboo in a square glass vase
B. A dozen roses in a cut-crystal vase
C. Bright sunflowers in a pottery vase

3. What style of furnishings will fill your home?
A. An graceful iron chandelier over an elegant dining room set
B. An overstuffed leather sofa with a solid mahogany armoire
C. A log bedroom suite with a homemade quilt on the bed

4. How would your stair railings look?
A. Wrought iron
B. Round log
C. Hand-hewn log

5. How would you describe your home color palette?
A. Neutral with bright accents
B. Blue, green, and brown
C. Maroon, hunter green, and tan

6. Which flooring do you prefer?
A. Brazilian Cherry Laminate
B. Oak solid wood
C. Barnwood with pegs

7. How would your fireplace look?
A.

B.

C.

8. What would hang above the mantel?
A. Candles and greenery
B. Photos and memoribilia
C. Your prized deer

Results:

If you answered each letter almost equally, you are attracted to an eclectic style.
If you answered mostly A, you are attracted to a contemporary style.
If you answered mostly B, you are attracted to a traditional style.
If you answered mostly C, you are attracted to a rustic style.

Check back in the next weeks to learn more about each style, see design and decorating ideas, and discover how Beaver Mountain can work with you to incorporate each style’s elements into a custom log home that is uniquely you!

Life on the Lake...

Why choose a member of the Log Homes Council to produce your Log Home?

The Log Homes Council is a national organization with membership comprised of manufacturers of log homes. The LHC is part of the Building Systems Councils, a council of the National Association of Home Builders. Council members are log home manufacturers and producers who have united to develop and promote quality building systems and ethical business practices by participation in both mandatory and voluntary council programs designed to benefit log home customers.

To qualify for and maintain membership status a log home manufacturer must:

• Conduct or participate in a certified log grading program. This insures that customers will get only graded logs when purchasing from a council member. The Log Homes Council recognizes three third-party certified log grading programs: One administered by the Council, Timber Products Inspection and VTT.
• Subscribe to a rigid Code of Ethics developed to ensure well- constructed, code-complying structures and fair business dealings.
• Agree to provide interested persons with truthful and accurate information and educational materials about log home building systems.
• Follow the recommendations provided in the "Log Homes Council construction manual guideline" designed to address issues unique to log home construction as they relate to their individual system.
• Participate in and sponsor research, training and marketing programs committed to raising log home industry standards.
• Make a continuing commitment to professionalism and customer service.
• Be an active member of their local NAHB chapter.

In short, the manufacturers you'll find in the Log Homes Council directory meet the highest standards in the industry. Many are recognized as industry pioneers. Most are known as industry leaders.

Beaver Mountain Log & Cedar Homes is proud to be a member of the Log Homes Council for over 20 years.

Our newest newsletter

Summertime calls for relaxing with good reading material and going on fun road trips. We have just the thing for you.

Download our Summer 2007 newsletter to discover a beautiful Beaver Mountain manufactured bed and breakfast, learn about the differences and benefits of solid log and insulated half-log building systems, meet builder Jim Cammer...and more!

And why not stay at the Keepers of the Flag Bed and Breakfast in Sidney, NY? Get away and enjoy a night in a log home. Shop for antiques nearby, fish in the Delaware River, or enjoy acres of state land. Since you'll only be 30 minutes away from Beaver Mountain, you can also browse through our model homes or attend our special events (specific dates are listed on our website).

Questions? Call 1-800-233-2770. We'd love to make this summer a special one for you.

One story living

Plan Your Visit to BM

The Catskills have come alive this spring! It is the perfect time of year to visit Beaver Mountain. And since you're in the area, why not spend a mini vacation taking advantage of all the surroundings offer? Here is a list of things to do, places to stay, and events to see!

French Woods Golf Course and Cabins, Hancock, NY
Beaver Mountain maunfactured cabins with restaurant and golf course on site

Keepers of the Flag Bed and Breakfast, Sidney, NY
Beaver Mountain manufactured log home featured in newest issue of our newsletter

Eagle Valley Cabins, Deposit, NY
Beaver Mountain manufactured cabins featured in March 22 post, located right on Delaware River

West Branch Angler, Deposit, NY
A minute away from Beaver Mountain, offering cabins, fly fishing, guided hunts, sporting clays...

General information
Upper Delaware Region
Upper Delaware Scenic Byway
Official Tourism Site of Catskill Region
Hancock, New York
Deposit, New York
Sidney, New York

Any questions? Feel free to give us a call at 1-800-233-2770 or visit our website. We can't wait to welcome you to the area!

Would you like a Free Cookbook?

There is nothing like good recipes that have been passed down through generations.

The Log Homes Council has created a cookbook full of these tried and true recipes taken from the kitchens of log home companies that are members of the LHC. We at Beaver Mountain have shared some of our most treasured recipes - including Grandma Clark's BBQ sauce.

But the best part is that 100% of monies raised from this cookbook's sales will be given to the National Cancer Awareness Foundation. You can either buy this cookbook....
or enter to win it! To show our support to the LHC and National Cancer Awareness Foundation, we are giving away copies of the "Cookin' for a Cure" cookbook. Just e-mail us your name, phone number, and address at blog@beavermtn.com and we'll enter you into the drawing!

Contest ends May 31, 2007.

Meet Patti Smith

Title: Director of First Impressions
At BM Since: 1998

Background: Worked for an Insurance Company

Best part of the job: “Greeting people on their first visit here at Beaver Mountain, my co-workers, the atmosphere…it’s a real family-oriented business that trickles down to all who work here.”

Interests: Going for walks, reading Scripture, spending time with her family and new granddaughter, traveling to see her son play college football, having friends and family over for dinner, arts and crafts, photography, fellowshipping with the adults and youth of the church she attends and is involved with

Summer 2007 Newsletter is available!

Our Summer 2007 Newsletter is now available! Packed full of information, this is one issue you don't want to miss!

Browse through pictures of the "Keepers of the Flag" Bed & Breakfast and read the story of how the Anderson's dream came to life with the help of our team of professionals! "About the Builder" will introduce you to Jim Cammer, who constructed the Anderson's dream home.

Still trying to decide if Solid Log or Half Log is for you? The "Craftsmen's Corner" featuring the differences between Solid Log & Half Log will help you choose! Plan your visit to Beaver Mountain this Summer with our Special Events calendar, and information about our Mill Tours, Log Building Workshops & Home Planning Seminars.

Get your copy today by calling us at 800-233-2770!

Phoenicia Floor Plan

The Phoenicia reflects the authentic character of outdoor life. A 1,624 square foot classic cape design enhances any environment and the practical floor plan will make you feel like home. From the front porch to the country kitchen, the mudroom to the master suite, the living room with its cathedral ceiling to the upstairs loft, this is country charm at its best!

Cookin' for a Cure

Here at Beaver Mountain we've teamed up with The Log Homes Council (and the other log home companies of the LHC) to create the "Cookin' for a Cure" cookbook. 100% of monies raised from the sales of the cookbook will go right back out to families in need through the National Cancer Awareness Foundation. All the printing expenses for the cookbook were supported by private funds and corporate supporters. Click here to purchase "Cookin' for a Cure"!

Now here's the really good part... You can win a copy for yourself! To help support the LHC and this great cause, we're giving away copies of "Cookin' for a Cure"! To enter, simply e-mail us your name, phone number and address and we'll put you in the drawing for a free copy of "Cookin' for a Cure"! Contest ends May 31, 2007.

A Beaver Mountain Dream Home Being Built

"Hi Joan,

You have asked us if we're satisfied with our new Beaver Mountain log home. In short, YES-ABSOLUTELY! From day one we've been impressed by the quality of workmanship that has been designed into your product, which has been carried through with your high quality manufacturing process.

However, of equal importance has been the quality of customer service that you folks have provided throughout the whole program...from our initial inquiry through the floor plan brainstorming, CAD development, production, timely delivery, and now actual construction. It's been a distinct pleasure working with you and developing a personal - as well as professional - relationship that has led to genuine friendship.

As you know, Ann Marie and I have been researching our retirement home plans for quite some time, dating back at least four years. While we were researching various log home manufacturers, one thing we quickly learned is that Beaver Mountain is highly respected even among your competitors! We were frequently ask what log home manufacturers we were considering, and we'd say 'Brand Y' and 'Brand Z', etc., and finally 'Beaver Mountain.' The almost universal response was 'well, those other brands are okay but - yes! - Beaver Mountain is a good company with a quality product.

I would certainly - and unconditionally - recommend Beaver Mountain Log Homes to anyone who is seriously interested in purchasing and building a superior quality log home! Many thanks to you and all the folks at Beaver Mountain. We're looking forward to completion and beginning our retirement years in our beautiful new Beaver Mountain log home.

Sincerely,

Ann Marie and Hank G."

Come visit us in Valley Forge, PA!

This weekend, April 27-29 we'll be at the Log Home Living Show in Valley Forge, PA! It will be held at the Valley Forge Convention Center (click here for directions). Stop by our booth and see samples of our construction, browse our planning guide and talk with Chris or Bruce about your getting your project started! Hope to see you there!

View from the Top

Happy Spring!

Spring has arrived here in the Catskill region of New York!
As you enjoy the warm sunshine and cool breezes, if you find your mind dreaming about log home living please contact us through our website or phone (1-800-233-2770). As we watch the flowers blossom outside, we'd love to help you begin your new home journey.

Q: How do you handle the logs?

A: With TLC. Total Log Care.

It starts at the kiln. Once dried, they are covered by a thick tarp to our manufacturing facility. Here they are unloaded and stored under cover in our large storage buildings, designed specifically to ensure the materials stay dry. Our logs are graded to Log Wall 53, a rating above the industry's standard.

After being cut to exact specifications inside our mill, the logs are drystacked and taken down being reverse stacked onto protective pallets. Once packed, the logs are wrapped with lumber wrap for further protection from the elements. All of the materials are then stored under cover in our shipping yard. Every Beaver Mountain home receives a designated storage bay so that all components are kept together.

When the materials are all loaded on the truck to be shipped, everything is tarped again (rain or shine) and ready for the journey to your construction site. The homeowner is then responsible for keeping the logs and other home components away from the elements on the site.

We find that the extra TLC we put into every log ensures that your home will be a lasting legacy for generations to come.

What do you think?

The purpose of this blog is to benefit you. How are we doing?

Do you like reading the posts? Are the topics varied enough? Or too much? Which do you prefer reading about: testimonials, floor plans, product information, Q and A, upcoming events at BM, customers’ stories…or is there another topic you’d like us to address? Is there too much text in each post? Not enough? What about the pictures? Do you prefer pictures of construction or finished exterior and/or interior? Do we update the blog often enough?

Please e-mail us and let us know what you think. We’ll welcome your comments and suggestions in order to make this blog even better for you!

Another satisfied Beaver Mountain homeowner

Dear Beaver Mountain -

"Just a note to let you know that my wife Terry and I moved into our Beaver Mountain log home just before Christmas, 2006. As you are aware, we shopped around for nearly a year before deciding upon Beaver Mountain. Believe me when I say that is one decision we will never regret!

From the first time we walked into your sales office we felt we were working with people who truly cared about their product and their customers. The support and guidance you personally provided was greatly appreciated and the planning workshops and mill tours gave us the information needed to proceed with confidence. In fact, everyone at Beaver Mountain has been great.

Don Kotulka, our builder whom we chose from among those recommended by you, proved to be an excellent craftsman and has become a good friend. He and everyone working on or just visiting our home have been impressed with the quality of plans, materials, and service provided by Beaver Mountain. I know I heard an awful lot of 'Wow!' whenever anyone came through. And our building inspector even commented upon the blueprints saying they were among the best he has seen. I also think he stopped by several times just to 'inspect' the materials. He was that impressed.

We still have a few things to be done in the spring...but we are snug and cozy in our new home. Thanks again for making the entire experience a great one!

Sincerely, Richard"

Be sure to check the Fabers' personal blog for pictures and postings that document their entire home planning and building process.

Meet JoAnn Drumm

Title: Customer/Builder Relations
At BM since: 1996

Background: Department Manager & Office Manager for 16 years prior at local grocery store

Best part of the job: Working one on one with each customer, helping them work through any problems or concerns they have

Recreational activities: Flower gardening, drawing/painting, cooking/baking, walking, remodeling home with my husband, spending time with my children when they visit

Perfect Paradise

Nestled into a tree line of deciduous trees and evergreens and perched above a calm and sparkling lake, there is a place so relaxing, it seems like time stands still. A place so beautiful, it seems like nature is shining in all its glory. For Joe and Kathy Brillinger, this is home.

They have always dreamed of living in the country and their dream started to come true in 1990. After purchasing a four acre lot with 116’ feet of lake frontage, "we knew we wanted a log home,” Joe states.

When looking for a manufacturer, Joe and Kathy started with the most obvious choice: a log home company that was close by. But after the company failed to return phone calls, “We went to Beaver Mountain,” Kathy says, recalling the times they saw the model homes while traveling Route 17. “Right away we saw such a difference in their attitude and professionalism,” Joe added. “We totally enjoyed working with them from the get go.”

Working with their Beaver Mountain Sales Consultant Joan Decker and designer John Lanner, Joe and Kathy were able to adapt a stick-built floor plan to a log home floor plan. They chose posted corners to maintain the more contemporary look they desired and added a gabled porch “to provide interest to the front entryway.”

Their solid log white pine Beaver Mountain home was delivered in August of 1999 and built by Bob Kelly. “Beaver Mountain was great with getting his questions answered,” Joe remarked. The house was ready to be moved into in June of 2000....


They love living in their 3,000 square-foot home. “It is very difficult to leave.” An abundance of wildlife keep them company: birds, loons, beavers, deer, and the occasional coyote. Joe and Kathy’s two adult daughters and son-in-law frequently visit as well. “This house brings everyone together,” she comments. The large kitchen and adjoining dining room that lie just steps away from the living room are great for entertaining. Living space extends outdoors with an abundance of decks, porches, and bluestone patios. And they both landscaping: perennial flowerbeds burst with color and rose bushes fill the air with a sweet aroma.

Their dream of life in the country has emerged into a lakeside paradise evolving around the sparkling waters of Chenango Lake and their custom Beaver Mountain home. Sitting at the dining room table adorned with fresh-cut flowers in a pottery vase, Kathy looks out at the view. Mesmerized, she says, “It is absolutely perfect.”