Cabin restoration (Updated 07-14-2022)

[Triple C]

In 2019, I bought an old farmstead to build our retirement home. 56 acres. It had an old log cabin on it that was built in the 1800’s. The family had done a modest restoration job on it back in the late 70s.

Problem with it was that it was located right on the side of the highway. Back then, highway was a wagon rd and apparently folks built there cabins right on the side of the road.

Decision was to sell it or have it moved to another location on property, which meant tearing off porches and the chimney. Decided to move and restore as the local paper had done a nice article on the cabin and original family back in the 80’s which the family had kept and gave to me after buying the property.

Cabin when I acquired property in Jan 2019.










We started construction of our home in Jan 2020. Shortly after, I hired a house moving company that had moved many log cabins to relocate the cabin toward the back of my field on the edge of the woods. Unfortunately the porch and chimney had to be torn down to move.




Set in new location

 

[Triple C]

Finally started restoration project last Monday. I’ve been waiting on this guy for 7 months to begin. He specializes in timber frame construction and has restored several old cabins.

Removing a few of the rotted original logs and adding new back porch was first on list.




Timbers we’re sourced from a local mill. Eastern red cedar posts and white oak decking for flooring.

Porch on front is much larger. Should finish front nxt week. Rough sawn pine done in either board n batten or lap side will cover the gables.


My son brought his forestry mulcher over and opened up a nice view from back porch of cabin looking down toward a food plot.

Before n after view.




I’ll update with more pics as restoration continues. Think it’s gonna turn out nice.

 

[356]

That is a neat cabin. You have done a great job of preserving history while improving the property. Here in Missouri we still have a few 1800s log cabins, and most have been moved for the same reason…they were build just off what had become a main road. What is your planned use for this space?

 

[Ed Brodt]

You will never regret this decision. Nice work.

 

[goatman]

Good for you. There's no way I would let that go.

 

[Triple C]

That is a neat cabin. You have done a great job of preserving history while improving the property. Here in Missouri we still have a few 1800s log cabins, and most have been moved for the same reason…they were build just off what had become a main road. What is your planned use for this space?

As for planned use, at this point, I haven't decided. I'm leaning toward leaving it primitive with the interior restored to as close as possible to original period type furnishings. Envisioning the wife and I enjoying a glass of wine off of the back porch in the cooler months with a nice view down thru the woods. Thought about modernizing with power but just not sure I want to do that as of now.

 

[Triple C]

You will never regret this decision. Nice work.

Having it moved and now the restoration is a money pit. More than I could have sold it for. But...I think you're right. I don't think I'll regret it once it's finished and hopefully in great shape for many years to come.

 

[Triple C]

Good for you. There's no way I would let that go.

Thanks. Gonna add a nice touch to our property once finished.

 

[Tree Spud]

Interesting & cool project. So only foundation to the ground are rock slabs?

 

[Triple C]

Interesting & cool project. So only foundation to the ground are rock slabs?

Yes. Just like they set em in the old days. Several pillars underneath as well.

 

[Bill]

That's just cool

 

[hillrunner]

That is super cool, losing the chimney would have been painful for me if it was original.

 

[Triple C]

That is super cool, losing the chimney would have been painful for me if it was original.

It was painful. The chimney was rebuilt with original stones back in the 80's when the family moved it and halfway restored it. Kept the original stones when I moved it but don't think I'll use them when I add the new chimney. They were just old, odd shaped field stone with no shaping done to the stones. Plus, a lot of "baked on" mortar from previous rebuild. I'm sure I'll use some of the original stones. Will continue to post pics as project continues.

 

[Peeps]

Wow I’m very impressed!!! Keep us updated. That is a true piece of history you have.

 

[Triple C]

Update from last week. Only 2 days of work. Finished front porch.




4 of the logs have to be replaced on the side of the cabin that once faced north and was always shaded. Otherwise, remaining logs still in good shape.

Very surprised to discover that the logs removed were pine. Core of rotted logs were hard as a rock from the pine pitch.

Replaced with pine logs from the farm left over from recent timbering.


Bottom left log is new log.

 

[Kooch]

What are you using for chink?


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[Triple C]

What are you using for chink?


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Gonna let my stone mason figure out how to re-chink when he builds fireplace.

 

[Triple C]

Progress continues on the log cabin restoration. Since last update, porches are finished along with new metal roofing. Went with what I'd call a mud color metal roof. Rough sawn pine boards replaced the old wood in the eaves along with a stoop and new steps for side door. All the old chinking has been removed. New logs replaced the 4 original logs that needed to be replaced.


Following carpentry work, the chimney will be rebuilt.


New ceiling installed with tongue n groove pine along with a couple of new beams.


Gonna wait to make a decision on covering the old flooring following the completion of all caperntry work, chimney rebuild and new chinking. Old flooring is in great shape but definitely not snake/mice/critter proof with normal size cracks between boards that you would expect.

 

[Turkish]

Can you pull that old floor up and have it jointed and reinstalled? It may take a little additional wood, but, thoughtfully placed, I bet no one would ever notice.

 

[Triple C]

Can you pull that old floor up and have it jointed and reinstalled? It may take a little additional wood, but, thoughtfully placed, I bet no one would ever notice.

Hadn't thought of that Turkish. Gonna discuss possibility with the guy doing the restoration.