Fly With Me

A metropolitan family gets along swimmingly in their little fishing cabin.

Almond, North Carolina, is just the opposite of America's fast-paced cities. This sleepy little town offers towering trees, diverse wildlife and ancient mountains that extend further than the eye can see.

Recessed lighting and ample seating create the perfect spot for campfire storytelling.

And that's exactly why Atlanta residents Michael and Lynn Holton picked it for their family's vacation home. On the night before Old Yale Log Homes in Chilliwack, British Columbia, was to start cutting the wood for their log shell, the couple made a split-second decision: opting for an entirely new floor plan. [gallery exclude="21808"] "It took us two to three years to decide on the log home design that fit our lifestyle, and it took about a minute to change it," says Michael, chuckling. That evening Lynn suggested they just didn't need a vacation home that was bigger than 1,500 square feet.

Stainless steel appliances and Australian cypress floors add modern elegance, while rustic cabinets and pine spiral staircase offer classic comfort.

So Michael started searching online?and a little after midnight they had a new plan, which Michael customized to fit the family's needs. Their resulting 1,375-square-foot home utilizes 15- to 16-inch-diameter, hand-peeled western red cedar logs with over-scribed, saddle-notched corners. Other features include:

Fly-fishing-inspired decor throughout the cabin. We're talking fish-themed salt-and-pepper shakers, pillows, hardware, wall art and more. Yet the home still feels contemporary and stylish?never overdone.
A double-sided fireplace stacked with tan Tennessee fieldstone, which faces both the great room and the master bedroom.
A first-floor master bedroom with private access to the outside deck and a sweeping view of the great outdoors.