wWhen the time was right for Kevin and Sue Henke to build their log home, they had specific ideas, but were open to suggestions. They wanted plenty of windows to view their backyard forest and meandering stream, a large deck, outdoor entertainment space, and hoped to get all within their budget.

After touring many Wisconsin model homes and poring through many magazines looking for ideas and designs, the Henkes settled on the Golden Eagle Log Homes floor plan called the Eagle Prow 5. “The plan had huge central space with room for a kitchen, dining and living room. It also had a large prow that extends out from the home and brings you even closer to the woods,” says Kevin. “We were hoping for an even bigger spans of glass then what the original plan offered.”

“We often have clients who take one of our plans and make adjustments, like adding windows or moving walls,” says Jay Parmeter, co-owner of Golden Eagle Log Homes in Wisconsin Rapids. “In order to help them achieve their goals, we re-worked the layout and adjusted the total package so they could afford the extra glass on the prow wall.”

“We really love the prow windows in the great room,” says Sue.

“It feels like you’re sitting outside in the comfort of your couch next to a warm, crackling fire.”

The Henkes also opted for a sunroom in place of one of the bedrooms with even more windows and a sliding glass door. “We love this cozy space where I can watch the birds or Kevin can catch a nap on the weekends,” says Sue.

Their wood-burning fireplace is an extra large and efficient Magnum ZC that can pump out 75,000 BTUs. “We use it five to six nights a week in the winter,” says Kevin.

And when the Henkes turn in for the night they continue to feel the warmth of the fire from their master bedroom, which is in the loft. “When we originally visited one of the model homes

A backyard view of the home provides the optimal view of the two-story prow and walkout lower level.

Win-win budget decisions To accommodate the Henkes’ wish to add glass but to stay on budget, Golden Eagle swapped out the original half-log profile with butt-and-pass

notching on the exterior walls with quarter-log siding and vertical log trim corners. This saved the Henkes about $15,000 and kept them in their financial range.