Technology reinvents Vermont's log home industry

Vermont Business Magazine, Apr 01, 2002 by Marcel, Joyce

The Beauchesnes got into the log home field in the traditional way - by building their own.

"We spent a long time doing it, and now we have the opportunity to help other people," Beauchesne said. "Our model log home is also our primary residence. We work with local builders and real estate agents and mortgage lenders and appraisers and tradespeople to provide a service for people who want to build their own dream log homes. We use as many Vermont people and products as we could."

In the wake of the September 11 tragedy, some anecdotal evidence suggests more people are moving to the country. As a result, inquiries about log homes have picked up, Beauchesne said.

"People are reprioritizing their lives," she said. "We're getting a lot of calls from out-of-state people, from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts. And - absolutely, a great deal of it is related to 9/11. People are looking for a totally different lifestyle. They want, the warmth and comfort of a log home, the relaxed atmosphere. Log homes are very open in their floor plans, and they're conducive to family gatherings. Many downto-earth folks appreciate the quality and the environment."