Living the dream in a Norwegian Log annexe
John and Pearl Dier left a Grade II listed house that was costing them to keep, and built the log cabin they had been imagining since Finland — in their daughter’s garden.
Wooden cabins exude charm, and many of us have dreamt of what it would be like to live in one. For Norwegian Log customers, that dream is becoming a reality.
John and Pearl Dier are living this dream in a two-bedroom, self-contained annexe by Norwegian Log Buildings, located in their daughter’s garden.
Having travelled the world and stayed in wooden cabins in places like Finland and Switzerland, the couple had always envisioned owning their own log cabin home.
At a glance
- The move: a Grade II listed home was expensive to maintain and John wanted to cut his commuting, so the couple downsized into their daughter’s garden.
- The building: a bespoke two-bedroom design — two doubles, a dressing room, a bathroom, and an open-plan kitchen and living space.
- Why a cabin: years of staying in wooden cabins in Finland and Switzerland; they visited the furnished two-bedroom cabin on display at the company’s headquarters before deciding.
- The route: no planning permission needed — the annexes are designed to comply with the Caravan Act, and as mobile homes are exempt from Building Regulations too.
- Upkeep: almost none. The only outside job is the occasional UV-oil to stop the timber weathering to silver-grey.
Downsizing and semi-retirement
The Dier family found their Grade II listed home increasingly expensive to maintain, and John, a chef, wanted to reduce his work commitments and cut down on commuting. This led them to explore downsizing options.
After family discussions, it was decided that John and Pearl would build their dream log cabin in their daughter’s spacious garden.
Exploring their options
As part of their search for a new home, John and Pearl visited the two-bedroom, fully furnished cabin on display at Norwegian Log headquarters in Reading. Viewing is by appointment, and the Norwegian Log team is happy to arrange a tour. To book, call them at 0118 966 9236.
Norwegian Log offers both standard designs in traditional and contemporary styles, optimised to make the most of the available space. They also provide a bespoke design service, allowing clients to customise the interior layout to suit their specific needs, though there is an additional cost for this service due to the extra design work involved.
Planning permission was not required
After working closely with the Norwegian Log team, the Dier family opted for a bespoke design, creating a home with two double bedrooms, a dressing room, a bathroom, and an open-plan kitchen and living room that opens onto a spacious veranda — a must-have for the full log cabin experience!
Planning permission was not required for the annexe, as Norwegian Log’s living annexes are designed to comply with the Caravan Act. However, Norwegian Log assists their clients by applying for a Certificate of Lawful Use, confirming that planning permission is unnecessary when the annexe is placed within the legal garden for exclusive use by a family member.
Because these annexes are classified as mobile homes, they are also exempt from Building Regulations.
A low-maintenance home
John and Pearl have left behind their high-maintenance Grade II listed house and moved into a new home that requires very little upkeep. While the interior of a log cabin can be decorated, many, like John and Pearl, prefer to let the natural beauty of the timber shine through.
Externally, the only maintenance needed is the occasional application of UV-oil to preserve the wood’s lustre and prevent it from weathering to a silver-grey colour.
