Log Home Living – A MTN Town Tradition
For inhabitants arriving on the gold rush scene in the mid-1800’s, a locally sourced home had been the tradition in Colorado’s mountain towns with the harvest of local logs and one of the only ways to create shelter.
This log home, owned by Jason Rodon in Summit County, is a combination of two homes from that era. The front cabin, known as the Fletcher cabin, was built in the late 1860’s and was moved from across the old Colorado Mountain College in Breckenridge. It survived a roof fire previous to the move. The back cabin, was known as the Carter cabin, was built in the late 1850’s and was moved from behind the current Carter Museum. It was Edwin Carter’s first house and later his taxidermy workshop where he preserved specimens that still exist around the world. The cabins were moved to their current location in 1975 by John Todd.
Jason, who owns Trimworks and Meta Yoga Studios, still primarily heats the home with an 1892 Franklin wood stove which will run in the winter with a continuous fire for several months at a time.
He has also modernized the home with updates to the kitchen, bathroom, and other areas. So much history still exists in the house. You can see where the newspaper was once layered to help with the home’s insulation and the colors of age have been brought out by the current owners. Of course, as already mentioned, the place has a wood stove and not one of those top modern boilers that work well for both home heating as well as domestic purposes. Some things are better without change.
In recent years we have seen the rise in desire for log home living. With beetle kill has come the availability of products for flooring, finish work, furniture, doors, cabinets, cabins and houses.
If a log home is in your future be sure to do your research for years of comfort and beauty. Be aware that these homes require special upkeep and maintenance. Here are few things to remember so you can enjoy the feeling of warmth and comfort from the golden glow of polished logs.
Dust your walls at least four times per year. Because of the wood grain there are many nooks and crannies where dust, dirt and pollen can get lodged. Bugs like to live there too so it is good way to keep you house pest free too.
Wash your logs carefully with Murphy’s Oil Soap once per year. Be sure to inspect your logs inside and out to avoid water and pest damage. Walk around the exterior often to spot any problem areas. Maintain your exterior finish; if you see any mold growing wash the affected area immediately.
Logs need to breathe. Don’t coat your logs with products that seal in moisture and prevent them from breathing. The coating will peel and crack creating a lot of refinish time. If your not sure then consult with a log home specialist to help you make good decisions.
~MTN Town Magazine
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