Amish-built cabins have never lost their appeal to a very particular audience: those who are looking for simple yet durable houses that are made by hand. The same old tradition goes on in today’s architecture that fuses the practicality with the old style. Most of these cabins have roofs decorated in the style of a gambrel that are typical of American barns of the past. The cabin lifestyle has been attracting much more people lately, who are aiming to find a small, sustainable place that will allow them to be closer to nature and will also help them avoid the hustle and bustle of the city. This new trend is clearly visible in the increase of off-grid installations, vacation hideouts, and cozy family dwellings. The approach which the Amish use is perfect for such a feat, as their builds are sturdy and their designs are flexible. At the top of the list of options is the two-story 30×34 Gambrel cabin which has porches on both sides that are 8 feet deep. At $75,995 the kit price is like a bare shell that you can complete inside, so it could be deemed the best representation of the current trend.
Design and Layout
This cabin’s plan is not only practical but also inviting. It’s 30 feet wide and 34 feet deep which makes it a grand total of 1,020 square feet spread over two floors. The gambrel roof gives it a charming silhouette while also allowing for more vertical space inside. What is more, there are two 8-foot porches that run along two sides which means that you will get not only an additional 544 square feet to use, but also a better connection with nature. The package is a shell with a sub-floor and a board-and-batten exterior made of Eastern White Pine, and your frame is all set for adding your own customizations. The work of putting the inner walls, floors, and systems in place is left to you. Your money ($75,995) will be spent on the outside structure and the needed basics, meaning that the rest will be for you to decide – create rooms, a kitchen, or even a place to work by adapting the given plan to your ideas.
Construction Quality
This house is a true Amish masterpiece, as it has been built by experts from places such as Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky, and it still stands as a testament to a legacy of fine workmanship. The very steep roof of the gambrel type gives it a very good protection against snow that is very heavy or strong winds, as it is very good for this kind of weather. The siding of the Eastern White Pine is not only charmingly rustic but also it is a great heat insulator. Besides that, the shell, which was constructed on your property, is the main frame and porch foundations being them the studding thus with a 16-inch distance between them; if more sturdiness is needed, you can upgrade them. At the kit price of $75,995, it includes only the outside and the floor base, but any kind of wiring, plumbing, and insulation are your responsibility. This is a very traditional way for the Amish to do it, i.e., they always allow the owner to personalize the interiors, thus keeping this DIY spirit alive through the years.
Versatility on Site
The special thing about this cabin is its adaptability to diverse spots. You pick the base—maybe it is a firm, solid concrete slab, support piers, or even a full basement—and the 30×34-foot build fits well on different surfaces such as a hill, an open field, or a forested area. Its height makes it a perfect place for a countryside getaway or a spot near a town. The porches on the two sides provide covered areas besides spreading out the views, and the roof’s shape also offers the option of putting storage upstairs or even adding on later in case you need more room. While SweetCabins takes care of the delivery, you still need to make sure the site has enough space for the build, access, and also permits and hookups. It is a joint effort, and this also allows the cabin to blend in at places across those three states, of course, only if the place allows it.
Living Possibilities
After it was finished, this cabin is suitable for anyone who just needed it for different living styles. With over 1,000 square feet divided up between two floors, you have the freedom to add bedrooms, bathrooms, and living spaces to make it comfortable for your family or friends. 544 sq. ft. of porch area can also be your outdoor living space for relaxing or hosting. If you decide to start from the sub-floor shell, besides the kitchen, you can install a craft space while customizing as you go. Priced at $75,995, it’s great for a full-time residence, a vacation spot, or even an income property. The unfinished inside means it can be transformed to suit your lifestyle better as long as you invest enough in it.
Placement Considerations
There are certain things to consider when putting this cabin into place. The 30×34 size is perfect for larger parcels, farms, or grouped cabin areas, but zoning for living, storage, or business use must be checked. The porches require quite a bit of room in the front part, and you also need to have a space area for the truck and the crew if you want to get it delivered. In any case, you will be responsible for the installation of water, waste, and power by yourself, which is the typical situation for kits and implies compliance with locally-issued regulations. Being a design that is highly versatile, it will be well received by communities in Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky; if the spots and builders are available.
Personalization Options
You have a lot of opportunities for customization when you are a kit. The main 1,020 square feet plus porch area start as a strong base, with the roof and pine exterior giving that cozy vibe. From the sub-floor up, add partitions, surfaces, and services to create rooms, a meal prep zone, or storage. You could choose to have porches screened-in, you could extend them, or you could keep them simple, going with your choices of materials. If you want more, like fancy insides or extras, reach out to the builders—SweetCabins can adjust. Being set at $75,995, it serves as a stepping stone to realize your dream place in locations that are suitable and provide room for various alternatives.
Lifestyle Appeal
This cabin is the embodiment of a lifestyle that values self-sufficiency and a deep connection with nature. The Amish-made shell, featuring pine walls and a sloped roof, is of very good quality and it represents the perfect combination of indoor comfort and outdoor access via the porches. A self-completed project in this case symbolizes a more conscious and slower lifestyle, which is great for hands-on people or those who support the green movement. It is suitable for families, older people, or those who want to invest, providing a space that can change with your assistance and nature’s characteristics.
Future Growth Potential
In the future, the plan allows for plenty of space to be added. Initially, you might want to make use of the existing 1,020 square feet and perhaps convert porches into rooms, add below-ground space, or install windows for light. Depending on the property’s space, you might want to divide the indoors in terms of a home and an office or add gardens outside. Local laws will govern what you can do but the kit’s design enables you to easily adapt and change over time making it a perfect choice if you get a builder to help you adjust it.
Path to Ownership
Your journey to one of these starts with SweetCabins. This 30×34 two-story Gambrel model, a shell with 1,020 square feet and dual 8-foot porches, costs $75,995 and includes the pine exterior and roof, assembled on-site in select parts of Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky. It is a kit which will require your interior work and it is a great solid start for a custom haven. The company is also there if you want other models or options.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 30’ x 34’, 2-story |
| Siding | Eastern White Pine, board-and-batten |
| Roof Style | Gambrel |
| Porches | Two 8’ x 34’ |
| Interior | Shell with sub-floor, unfinished |
| Studs | 16” on center (upgradable) |
| Optional Features | Basement, dormers, closed-in porches, etc. (call for details) |
Source: SweetCabins