CABIN: A Guide to Building the Perfect Getaway

My own plan to build a log cabin in the wilderness had not progressed much beyond the daydreaming stage when a friend recommended this little book. Before reading it, I had not thought in a structured way about the many critical, possibly irreparable, choices I would need to make about such things as location, design and materials. I didn't find overly much in the way of blueprints or technical construction guidance (although the authors include a bibliography of print and web-based resources for when I'm ready to move beyond the planning stage). What I did find is a soup-to-nuts discussion, in non-technical language, of all the variables that – having thought them through carefully before hand – hopefully will make building and living in my cabin a unique and satisfying experience. The book has a bias in favor of simple, inexpensive cabins built for living off the grid and constructed, to the extent possible, with readily available materials and inexpensive tools. Just what I was looking for. “Simplicity, functionality and character” are the the authors' mantra. The principles discussed, however, should have equal application to larger, more elaborate structures, if that is where you are headed. The book is enlivened with humorous anecdotes and practical suggestions gleaned from the authors' own experiences. It is an excellent introduction to the subject, and one to which I will return often for guidance.

In preparation for my own cabin build, I was looking for a practical book with a more "extreme" approach to building with nearly no materials and using site-specific information. This book was exactly that and it definitely gave me a wide perspective on all the basics that are so important to think of at the early stage. I really enjoyed reading it. It also has a unique writing style and I will definitely continue to pick it up every so often as I get to more advanced stages of building my own cabin "in the woods" :)

This lovely book reads as though you're having a engaging conversation and gaining pearls of wisdom from the author as you sit by the fireside! I enjoyed that it is light on the how to specifics assuming you are practical or will get that info somewhere if not and instead spends time recommending or making you think about your build ideas and reasoning.After reading this book you'll know why you are building the cabin you intend not just how.

This book has a bunch of random info sort of organized to resemble a how to book. Doesn't give any specific plans or ideas on building a cabin.

Anyone contemplating building a recreational cabin will benefit highly from this book. The information is succinct, thorough, and easy to read. The author brings a lifetime of experience, contemplation and research. I especially would recommend this book for a young person that has a cabin dream and wants to fill in a ton of informational gaps, and needs some guidance. The short chapters continually stimulate thoughts and ideas. I would have considered this a bible if it had been available to me when I was 18 years old.