LOG RAISING:March 16, 2013

2012 Dealership of the Year: T&M Log Homes

Recipe by Lodge:Tennessee White Chili

NEW LOG HOME PLAN:Cambridge

Jan - Feb , 2013

Planning Makes Perfect!

2 • Honest Abe Living • Jan - Feb 2013 www.honestabe.com

contents

get connectedblog & news room

3 Cover Story: Planning Makes Perfect!

Join Us For A Log Raising on March 16, 2013

2012 Dealership of the Year: T&M Log Homes of Albany, Indiana

Honest Abe Log Home Featured on the Cover of Log Home Living Magazine

Tennessee White Chili Recipe by Lodge Cast Iron

Custom Floor Plan: Cambridge

Visit the facebook fan page of Honest Abe Log Homes and join the growing community!

Articles, resources, photo galleries and log home news, all shared fi rst through our Twitter account.

Log home and cabin related videos ready for viewing on our YouTube station.

If it is in our library of photos, it is likely in our Google Picasa photo gallery as well.

blog.honestabe.comFind these articles, stunning photography and more information at Honest Abe Log Home’s blog and news room.

Jan - Feb, 2013

13 14

15

Honest Abe is now found on...

1618

www.honestabe.com Jan - Feb 2013 • Honest Abe Living • 3

Planning Makes Perfect!Article & Photography by Josh Beasley, Honest Abe Log Homes

Photography Also Provided by John Pleacher, Home Owner

A passion for country living. That’s what drove John

and Anita Pleacher for years as they chased their

goal of settling and managing their own small country

homestead. John spent much of his life around the

busy suburbs of Washington D.C. as an accountant, but

always longed for a place in the country. His wife Anita

knew all about the lifestyle her husband so desired, as

she grew up on a small farm herself. She shared in John’s

desire, and throughout their professional careers and

life together, they worked toward a more simple, slower

paced, style of life.

The couples interest in log homes grew as they vacationed and traveled the United States. John and Anita frequently visited national parks, renting cabins whenever possible. “That’s really where our love for log homes grew.” says John.

In 2000, the couple started planning more for retirement and moved to the Leitchfi eld, Kentucky area. Over the next few years, they would move in

and out of homes in the area, some in subdivisions, others not, but none of them were the homestead they had in mind. Their Realtor was on constant watch for the couple’s ideal property, a small 100 acre farm, secluded and private, just like everyone else on the market wanted. Real estate at the time was booming, and their options appeared slim. John and Anita both began to wonder if they were ever going to fi nd the farm of their dreams. Their agent showed them various listings, but each had

4 • Honest Abe Living • Jan - Feb 2013 www.honestabe.com

Jan - Feb 2013 • Honest Abe Living • 5

something out of place. Then, they received the call of a lifetime. Their agent had learned of a property not yet on the market, but prepared to sell. It was much larger, at 300 acres, than they had wanted, but all other aspects he felt was perfect. The couple agreed to give it a chance, and as they pulled through the wooded drive-way into the property and up on a small hill, the trees gave way to a gorgeous view of the farm’s pasture. It was perfect!

The existing brick home on the farm, though older, was in great condition. The couple made the purchase and now owned the farm of their dreams. They settled in to country living and their new brick home, but a few years later it hit. All those years of vacationing in log cabins, along with their new property, made them realize the home they were living in wasn’t really theirs. It was someone else’s dream, and their’s wasn’t quite complete. Their farm needed a log home.

So began their research. John noted, “We traveled to area home shows and log home shows, visited company web sites, and of course we have subscriptions to all the magazines.” The couple, both being detail oriented, researched for years comparing the diff erences in construction, materials and designs. “We knew nothing about construction,” says John. “So when we started getting more serious, we knew we needed a turn-key solution and that eliminated a lot of companies.”

In 2009, John and Anita met Ellis and Sandy Kiper of Rocky-K Log Homes, an independent dealership of Honest Abe products. Sitting in their sales model, John and Anita realized they had just found the home they had always wanted. “We sized our great room exactly from their model,” Anita

said. From there, Rocky-K worked on an initial fl oor plan, taking the couple’s ideas and needs, then incorporating them into the Pleacher’s own custom

fl oor plan. John and Anita were able to make changes, in which they removed any hallways from the initial layout and eliminated any space they felt would be wasted. They incorporated a spacious kitchen to accommodate Anita’s love for cooking. A sun-room built off the side of the home gives them an incredible panoramic view of their farm, and they suddenly became audience to an abundance of wildlife. Overall, lots of

planning went into their project. “We tried to live in the house from the blueprints before it was ever built,” commented Anita. “Our whole idea around the design was to be able to see our farm. It’s visually interesting as there is always something

going on with the wildlife to watch.”

The couple approached the project in two phases. First, they built a garage with living area above it using ICFs (Insulated Concrete Forms), which they had originally considered using to construct their new home before realizing log was their real dream. Rocky-K covered the structure in log siding to match the home that was soon to follow. The Pleachers now had a place to live while the construction of their new home began. The second stage began with removing the existing home. Wanting nothing to go to waste, they chose to give the home away to an Amish couple if they would see to moving it. It

was taken down, piece by piece, then relocated to a nearby community and rebuilt. With the brick home gone, Rocky-K was now clear to start construction of their log home. Overall, the construction went along with relative ease. As is typical, a couple of job-site modifi cations were made. The enclosed

“We tried to

live in the

house from

the blueprints

before it was

ever built.”

www.honestabe.com

6 • Honest Abe Living • Jan - Feb 2013 www.honestabe.com

www.honestabe.com Jan - Feb 2013 • Honest Abe Living • 7

connector between the garage and the home was originally drawn to be eight feet wide. Brad Cummings of Rocky-K suggested the couple consider making it ten feet, a change the couple has been thrilled with. “It was an enjoyable process and the planning was fun and exciting,” states John. “We were blessed with quality work, not just from Rocky-K, but also from their subcontractors as well.” John went on to tell a story about how the excavator brought in by the company used precision and care to avoid damaging a fresh water well found just feet from the home’s front porch, as well as a small dogwood tree they wished to save. “It’s that kind of care that makes things go so well,” Anita added.

While the view of their farm is superb, that’s not the only use the couple make of the property, and it’s actually quite functional. “We’re not ‘doomsday preppers’ by any means,” noted Anita, “But we have built our home and are working this farm to have contingencies and be prepared. It’s more about being good stewards, self reliance and sustainability if it is needed.” Over the past several years, the area

8 • Honest Abe Living • Jan - Feb 2013 www.honestabe.com

has received notable winter ice storms, crippling the utilities for days and weeks on end. Recent summers have likewise been diffi cult, as dryer than normal conditions have hurt the area’s ability to produce crops. To off set these specifi c issues, the couple installed a generator, capable of meeting all or portions of the home’s energy needs for quite some time. In addition, water run off from the home and barns on the property is collected and stored in tanks, then used in the summer to water their large garden. Whatever the couple doesn’t eat from the garden in the winter, gets canned or frozen for storage and later consumption. Energy effi ciency also plays into their sustainability goal. “We’re heating and conditioning over 5,800 square feet and our most expensive utility bill has been about $200.00, which we consider outstanding.”

While John and Anita have kept a practical approach about planning the home and working their farm, the emotions the home itself stirs is not lost on them. “I’m closer to this house because we put so much into it, we put in a lot of ourselves,” says Anita. The vaulted ceilings and exposed heavy timber rafters

www.honestabe.com Jan - Feb 2013 • Honest Abe Living • 9

10 • Honest Abe Living • Jan - Feb 2013 www.honestabe.com

www.honestabe.com Jan - Feb 2013 • Honest Abe Living • 11

create a wonderful atmosphere and mood, which are thrust upon visitors when they enter the front door and go directly into the great room. “It’s a calming, comforting and secure house,” John adds. “I couldn’t imagine living in a conventional home again. We look forward to coming home to it, and in fact, we’ve really not had an urge to take a vacation since moving in. We just want to be here.”

For those considering building a custom log or timber home, the couple encourages them to plan and do so without fear. “Being an accountant, I tend to be cautious and calculating,” notes John. “I realized as we were researching this that many of the fears expressed to me by others were misplaced. Building a custom home is a lot of work, and it takes preparation, and that doesn’t matter if it’s made of log or conventional materials.” Anita added, “Planning may be hard for some people, but the more you do, the happier you will be in the end.”

Now, after year’s of dreaming and suburban life, John and Anita Pleacher have the homestead they had dreamed of for so long. Patience, a vision, and careful planning have put them on a course of better self suffi ciency, and many more years of peaceful and simple living together in their beautiful log home.12 • Honest Abe Living • Jan - Feb 2013 www.honestabe.com

Join Us For A Log Raising!

These demonstrations allow you to see fi rst-

hand how an Honest Abe Log Home is built.

We’ll show you how to stack the log walls, install

beams and ceiling, and apply the roof system. Tour our

manufacturing facility, and have the opportunity to

speak with the people involved throughout the process.

The log raising will be hosted by Randy Fudge,

President and Jackie Cherry, Vice-President of Honest

Abe Log Homes. Honest Abe staff will be on hand to

answer any questions you may have. It is also very

common for some of Honest Abe’s dry-in construction

crew leads to be on hand to answer questions.

So join us at our National Headquarters in Moss,

Tennessee on March 16, 2013 at 9 AM CST. Seating

is limited, so please call for more information and

reservations at: 800-231-3695.

View a YouTube preview by clicking below!

March 16, 2013

www.honestabe.com Jan - Feb 2013 • Honest Abe Living • 13

We are thrilled to Congratulate Tonia and Mike Coulter of T & M Log Homes in Albany,

Indiana for being Honest Abe Log Home’s 2012 Independent Dealership of the Year.

They started their Dealership in 1997 shortly after building their own Honest Abe Log Home.

Tonia recently retired from her family’s hog farming operation to allow herself more time for other pursuits, including working their log home business. Mike and Tonia are both “hard-chargers” in life. Along with Mike’s work at Rolls Royce as a Senior Engineer, they operate a successful Life Leadership Development Business.

Tonia and Mike have been a joy to work with. I enjoy seeing how Tonia analyzes clients as she works with them, and works diligently to determine how she can best help her customers achieve their goals. Meeting with the client is their fi rst priority when

establishing a relationship. Their meeting and relationship building with prospects and clients is certainly one of the keys to their success. Another of the aspects of their business that thrills me is their willingness to reach out to other Honest Abe dealers that are builders. T & M had three of their projects this year built by other Honest Abe dealers. This collaboration has been a win win for all involved.

All of us at Honest Abe Log Homes are proud to have dealers like Mike and Tonia as friends and clients. Their work ethic, drive and determination are motivational.

Congratulations on a Great Year. We look forward to many more to come.

By David Everitt, Dealer Manager, Honest Abe Log Homes

2012 Dealershipof the Year:

T&MLog Homes

of Albany, Indiana

14 • Honest Abe Living • Jan - Feb 2013 www.honestabe.com

Honest Abe Log Home Featured on the Cover of

Log Home Living Magazine

The home of Keith and Katherine Joyce was fi rst featured in the September, 2011 edition of Honest Abe Monthly. Our readers response was so great to both the article and the home, that Honest Abe presented them to industry magazines for publishing consideration.

Last year, Log Home Living picked up the project. Roger Wade and Debra Grahl were hired to photograph and style the home professionally, and Log Home Living’s editor, Roland Sweet was so impressed with the original article by Katherine, that they chose to us it in the magazine feature.

Congratulations to Keith and Katherine, and look for the March 2013 edition (seen above) of Log Home Living on your local store shelves!www.honestabe.com Jan - Feb 2013 • Honest Abe Living • 15

Tennessee Tennessee White ChiliWhite Chili

“The Lodge Cast Iron Cookbook: A Treasury of Timeless,

Delicious Recipes” - Oxmoor House. 2012

We hope you enjoy this recipe from the new Lodge Cast

Iron Cookbook: A Treasury of Timeless Delicious Recipes. The cookbook can be

ordered from the Lodge web site or from Amazon.

For more information about Lodge and their cast iron

cookware, visit: www.lodgemfg.com

serves 6

1 tablespoon canola oil

1 cup chopped onion

1 teaspoon minced garlic

1 1/2 pounds chopped cooked chicken breast, cut

into small cubes

3 (15-ounce) can Great Northern beans, drained

2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro or 2 teaspoons

dried cilantro

2 tablespoons ground cumin

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Chicken broth (optional)

Shredded Monterey Jack cheese and crushed tortilla

chips (optional)

recipeIro

TT

orsit

For Lod

cookwww

1. Heat the oil in a 5-quart cast iron Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender.

2. Stir in the chicken, beans, cilantro, cumin, salt, and cayenne and simmer 30 minutes. If you like, you can add chicken broth as you prefer.

3. Ladle the chili into bowls and sprinkle each serving with cheese and crushed tortilla chips, if desired.

16 • Honest Abe Living • Jan - Feb 2013 www.honestabe.com

www.honestabe.com Jan - Feb 2013 • Honest Abe Living • 17

www.honestabe.com

FLOOR PLAN OF THE MONTH: Cambridge

This latest log home fl oor plan by Honest Abe, the

Cambridge, incorporates design elements from two separate customer’s plans, both previously featured in log home related magazines. The DeSocio II is a customer favorite and can be found in our Customer Creation’s set of fl oor plans online. The Foster home is often featured in our advertising, and is currently on the cover of our fl oor plan catalog. Each are much larger in size than the Cambridge,

however we wanted to show how specifi c design elements can be incorporated into a home much diff erent from the plan those elements originated from.

The elevation seen above mimics the Foster home the most, with it’s tower rising through the porch, and the steep gable porch roofs welcoming it’s visitors. The right side of the home, appears more like the DeSocio II, with a larger entrance onto the porch and more window area.

The interior is simply suggestive, and the home could be increased in size to accommodate more bedrooms and living area. The home could easily be constructed on a basement.

For more information on the Cambridge download the PDF available through the members area of Honest Abe Extra!

18 • Honest Abe Living • Jan - Feb 2013 www.honestabe.com

FLOOR PLAN: Cambridge

Want More Great Plans?

Check out the fl oor plans section dedicated to log and timber home plans created by Honest Abe Log Home customers!

Honest Abe Floor Plan:

Cambridge

Square Feet:First Floor: 1,440

Second Floor: 298Bedrooms: 2

Bathrooms: 1 1/2

www.honestabe.com Jan - Feb 2013 • Honest Abe Living • 19