Rustic grace, modern luxuries

New log homes can offer all the modern amenities.

By Tammy Raddle ~ Southeast Missourian

My grandfather was one of those pioneers of southeast Missouri who actually built a log cabin for his family. There was no running water. There was no electricity. It was just a little cabin situated on the banks of a spring-fed river with 40 acres of farmland. But the log cabin did have its own type of rustic charm, and a lot of ingenuity for a pioneer school teacher.

Log homes are again gaining in popularity in Southeast Missouri, but they're a lot different from the one Grandpa built. These are modern homes with all the amenities of any luxury home but retain the rustic grace and charm of a log cabin.

The house at 331 Pine Log Lane in Jackson is such a home. It's situated among five acres, nestled in the woods, much like the one Grandpa built. But this home has a three-car garage on the main level, an additional downstairs garage, four bedrooms, three and a half baths, a wraparound porch, and a beautiful inground swimming pool. Grandpa would have been impressed.

One of my favorite aspects of this home is the wraparound porch, which gives a breezy and relaxing view all the way around. It's a great place for a rocking chair and cold glass of lemonade.

Inside, the tile foyer area quickly expands into a carpeted living room and a dining room to the right. The dining room features a large bay window along with two other large windows for volumes of natural light.

The nearby kitchen has Italian-look marble floors with warm oak cabinetry and clean white appliances, giving it a modern and crisp look. A large kitchen island houses the smooth top range and plenty of additional counterspace and cabinet space. A handsome patio door allows for a step out onto the wraparound deck. Also nearby are a roomy pantry and well-organized three-car garage. A half bath is conveniently just steps away, along with a spacious main level laundry room with a deep sink for hand washables.

The living room is adjacent and open to the kitchen area, allowing for whoever is working there to be included in the family activities in the living room.

The master bedroom on the main level has four large windows, making it light and sunny. The master bath includes a two-person garden-style whirlpool tub enclosed in tile and beautiful oak. Double vanities wind around the corner, allowing for separate his-and-hers vanity areas. The bathroom also includes a step-in shower with a built-in seat.

Upstairs are the home's three other bedrooms, all roomy with plenty of natural light and closet space. All have easy access to bathrooms.

This home also has a finished walk-out basement which includes a second laundry room. The wet bar makes a perfect spot for family activities and entertainment. The family room includes a native stone fireplace with fireplace insert, and a large area for game tables. Sliding patio doors open to the home's beautiful inground pool and pool patio area. Also downstairs is a generous office area with bay windows overlooking the pool area, and a large walk-in closet that is perfect for storage of out-of-season clothing.

This home also includes a separate 40-by-60-foot workshop area with its own bays for storage of additional vehicles, boats, lawn equipment or hobby equipment.

This luxurious log home, with 2,600 square feet of above-ground finished space, and 2,201 square feet of below-ground finished space, is currently listed at $487,500, and is available for viewing through Hamilton Coldwell-Banker Realty, 334-1818.