MY NEW “OLD” LOG CABIN
Hi!
Today is an exciting day because Brad and I just closed escrow on another fixer-upper cabin in Big Bear Lake, California. Well, to be more specific, it is located in the village of Fawnskin, ten minutes from the City of Big Bear Lake. This time we bought an old 1930’s Log Cabin.
This latest cabin is considerably different than our other Big Bear Lake property, The Bird’s Nest, which is more of a “cottage” than a “cabin”.
But, like The Bird’s Nest when we purchased it, (you can read all about its renovation here on the blog) this cabin is also a major fixer-upper.
Built in 1932, it was owned by the couple who built it until just a couple of years ago when they passed away. We will be the 3rd owners of this charming, 82 year old log cabin.
Not much has been done over the course of the past 82 years to update the cabin. It still has its original claw foot tub in the bathroom (which I plan to keep)…
and it still has the original, rough-hewn kitchen cabinets. The few updates that were made were done in very poor taste, such as the fake brick backsplash. I can’t wait to take a sledgehammer to that!
The interior of the cabin retains the original wood paneling and the potbelly stove, but OMG, the dated ceiling fan and the recliner chairs and sofa have got to go! And I can’t wait to rip out that horrid shag carpet and refinish the original hardwood floors hidden underneath.
Brad and I are so looking forward to relaxing with friends and family on this covered porch…
in the rocking chairs I plan to add out there. However, I will need to replace this falling down deck before we host any dinner parties out there.
I plan to leave the charming built-in bench made of logs, and will probably dress it up with a comfy cushion and pillows. And I’m going to manufacture a hand-forged, wrought-iron log holder to store all that firewood.
The near half-acre property is in a very quiet neighborhood that backs to the National Forest and has a beautiful forested view.
Our land is strewn with gigantic boulders…
that I can just imagine my grandchildren climbing on one day.
The neighboring cabin is a larger version of ours, and was likely built around the same time. I simply adore it!
I can’t wait to meet the owners and hopefully get a peek inside.
They have an old row boat out front for decoration. Can it get any more charming than that?
Our log cabin is also just 2 minutes from the lake, where folks can launch their boats and canoes. And see that green patch on the side of the mountain over there? That’s the ski resort, also just 10 minutes away.
Unlike our private hometown Lake Arrowhead, Big Bear Lake is open to the public. This way, when the cabin is renovated and I put it on the vacation rental market, my renters will be able to enjoy the lake too. In the meantime, you can rent my other cottage, The Bird’s Nest, by clicking here.
My plan is to share the upcoming renovation with you, so stay tuned for lots more blog posts on the subject. I hope to get your advice and input as well, so please feel free to chime in at any time with suggestions!
So there you have it: My New “Old” Log Cabin.
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