A Great View Is Everything
A gorgeous view is so much more than just a beautiful backdrop for a custom log or timber frame home. Here's how good design can make the most of a scenic setting and offer a multitude of rewards.
"Location, location, location" — the three most important things in real estate, and an expression you're likely familiar with already if you've ever bought, sold or shopped for a house before.
For many homebuyers, this is rooted in considerations like school systems, tax districts and work commutes. But for lucky log and timber frame homeowners, location is often one of the driving factors in their custom-home building journey for far more enticing reasons: stunning views, access to pristine nature, and, often most importantly, the simple luxury of space to spread out.
We at Golden Eagle Log and Timber Homes say that no other construction style draws on Mother Nature as a muse so overtly than a log or timber frame home. From the use of natural building materials to the influence of a property's topography on the floor plan to the siting of the home to optimize for passive solar heating and cooling, a log or timber frame home and the land upon which it sits are inextricably linked.
Perhaps the most unifying factor of all though, is the way a custom home is optimized to take in the views. Maybe you dream of a grand lodge up in the mountains, a sprawling ranch tucked into a golden prairie or even a modern escape, perched on the edge of a lake. In any scenario, log and timber frame homeowners always share one wish: perfectly placed windows to maximize views.
Not only do stunning views elevate mundane parts of daily life (for example, transforming one's daily coffee from a mere morning habit to a restorative ritual...), strategically designed windows can improve your home's value and even your health — in more ways than one. Here's how, as well as a few tried-and-true design ideas to make the most of your unique property views.
Aesthetic Appeal
Perhaps the most obvious appeal of all, and the reason so many homeowners build log and timber homes in far-flung destinations, is the way a spectacular view of nature can define a home's look and feel. Ordinary moments turn into memories when set against the backdrop of sparkling lakes, towering mountains or verdant forests. The ultimate artwork for a custom home, a window to nature is a masterpiece that changes with the seasons.
Connection With The Environment
That being said, it's not just about looking at nature – homes nestled in natural places help you reconnect with it. As Gary Snyder, an American poet, put it, "Nature is not a place to visit. It is home." For many log and timber frame homeowners, this sentiment couldn't be truer; it’s why they choose sustainable construction methods and natural materials to build homes that draw inspiration from and showcase the best parts of the landscape. Stairs that take you from the deck to the dock in a matter of steps, ski-in and ski-out passageways and giant window walls for watching the sun's rise and fall — custom home design provides a chance to reconnect with the land at every turn.
Improved Health
Reconnecting with nature feels good. Now, science is proving it is good for you. Increasingly, studies show spending time in, near, and looking at nature can have a profound effect on mental and physical health. Take for example a study that found spending just 20 minutes connecting with nature can lower stress hormones. With that, a growing body of research has proven spending time with and in nature can help regulate the nervous system, and in doing so, potentially lower one’s risk for chronic disease and illness. When nature is just out the window, these long-lasting wellness benefits are always just a few steps away.
Natural Light
Speaking of health, soaring windows don't just enhance the view – they also flood the home with natural light, a coveted bonus for any homeowner. Abundant natural light enhances the daytime ambiance of your interiors and can even improve your mood and increase productivity. Optimizing your design for natural light can also help reduce electricity usage by minimizing the need for artificial lighting during the day.
Increased Property Value
Finally, designing around a home's views isn't just about looking and feeling good. It's savvy spending. While log and timber frame homeowners often build their dream getaway with forever in mind, there’s no denying a breathtaking view typically commands higher prices on the real estate market. Should you ever desire to sell or even rent out your property, a scenic view (and a design that optimizes for it) only enhances the value of the property.
As You Can See, grand windows to frame up the stunning landscape outside come with a multitude of benefits beyond good looks. Custom log, timber frame or hybrid home design gives you the chance to optimize for your property's unique views and your own goals, budget and style. Infusing your interiors with the inimitable beauty of nature through thoughtful window design not only elevates your day-to-day lifestyle (and that of any guests, renters or future buyers) but also ensures long-term value and well-being.
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