Several years ago, while looking for a weekend getaway cabin, Jim Gega of Trophy Amish Cabins in Michigan was disappointed by what he found in the park model industry. What looked like an actual cabin, was just 2×4 construction with pine log siding. After finding an Amish craftsman in Ohio, Jim decided to build small log cabins made with Eastern White Pine and Eastern Red Cedar that truly reflect the classic log cabin—just a bit smaller and portable.
“We started out building high quality solid log hunting cabins, then the business grew due to custom designs and affordability,” Jim said. “We are different because our clients can actually sketch their own floor plan. Our clients also send us a map of their property so our designers can custom design their cabin for their specific site and needs. In 2010 we started building furniture that could ship inside a client’s cabin and added rollout storage drawers beneath the bunk beds. We have evolved into a high quality custom log cabin company that will deliver to your property throughout the Continental U.S.”
Jim said that log cabins have great thermal mass and are as efficient as the best insulated stick built homes. Log cabins are also build with natural materials without the use of fire retardant chemicals. The Trophy Amish Cabins are used primarily has weekend homes or hunting lodges. A few clients live in their cabins year round. The largest cabin is 12×32 feet, and the smallest is 10×16 feet with a small porch. Because of their weight, Jim does not recommend attaching the cabins to a trailer.
Each cabin starts out as a completed shell, then the client selects the interior cabinetry, size and shape of the bathroom, custom island kitchens, hutches and cabinets. The client can also add a loft, bathroom wall and door, vanity, kitchenette, more windows or more electrical outlets.
“Very similar to ordering a new home or car, you start with the basic package and then add options as desired within your budget,” Jim said.
Currently Trophy is offering 10×16 turn key Promotion Cabins that include three windows, porch or no porch, tin roofs and your choice of exterior stain color. Customers may draw their own layout, window and door placement. The prices will depend on your delivery distance, amount of state permits required and lodging for the drivers.
Photos by Trophy Amish Cabins, LLC
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