Some cabins could be thought of as simply cabins, but it would be a mistake for this breathtaking restored 19th-century log cabin in southern Indiana not to be recognized as a cabin that feels like living inside a love letter to the past. Situated on 26 acres of private rolling land consisting of cedar forest and open meadow, this hand-hewn gem furnishes the uncommon luxury of lying under the beams of a building that has been witnessing the American history for more than two hundred years while having all the modern comforts at your disposal.
The moment you come out of the long private drive to the cabin whose simple outlines and old logs are glowing in the sun, you immediately know that this is an extraordinary find. The shape of the cabin – low and wide with a small roof slope and two covered porches – gives the impression that the cabin was a natural product of the land. A stone chimney is visible from the outside, giving a hint of the large fireplace inside the cabin, while the hand-made items like the porch swing and sunburst gable vent tell the story of the love that has been passed from generation to generation.
Coming to the huge front porch the life outside is totally different. The rocking chairs are perfect for slow mornings with coffee while the back porch which is equipped with a hammock and outdoor dining area faces a spring-fed pond that mirrors the changing sky of Indiana. An outdoor shower is there all ready and waiting for you beside the cabin if you want to give your outdoor adventure a little more oomph – there is hardly anything better than washing yourself off under the stars after a day full of exploring.
What the cabin was like back in the 1800s, is carved into its very being. The main room of the house is built around a large stone fireplace which was the source of warmth for the first settlers through their cold winters. It still gives that warmth and charm today, the fireplace is big enough for several armchairs and therefore perfect for long talks when fire is active on the wooden logs which are still marked with axes that date back to the 19th century. The floors made from wide planks, the exposed beams, and the faint aroma of old cedar creates such an atmosphere that it makes you take a deep breath right away.
Authentic as well as completely liveable is the kitchen. The hand-made cupboards, some of which are original to the cabin, are very nicely matched with the new appliances and a large farm sink. No matter if you are making a simple breakfast or a full Christmas dinner, the cooking here is like being part of the long cabin tradition of gathering and feeding. Next to the big windows is a dining table that offers views of the pond and far-off ridges making every meal a scenic experience.
The cabin has a bedroom suite that is nothing but pure calm. Above the upper level under the sloping ceiling is where you shall find a queen pillow-top bed with a double futon that can be used as sleeping accommodation for the guests or kids. Soft beddings, antique lighting, and quiet which can be provided only by thick log walls are the things that will guarantee deep and refreshing sleep. The full bathroom continues the combination of the old with the new: a deep soaking tub or a roomy shower (great for washing away the dust from the trail) modern fixtures, and lots of towels for all.
The outside living is not less beautiful than the inside. The cabin is surrounded by two covered porches which provide various places to read, take a nap, or just watch the clouds drifting across the sky. The gazebo with daybed is there for the afternoon siesta, while the stone firepit surrounded by the Adirondack chairs becomes the natural meeting place for the sunset cocktails and s’mores under the starry sky. The pond which is stocked and peaceful is like a mirror reflecting the cabin and therefore it is perfect for quiet fishing or contemplation.
Private land of twenty-six acres means freedom. You can hike your own trails through the cedar groves and hardwood forest. See the deer eating at dawn. Blackberries can be picked in the summer and mushrooms can be hunted in the spring. The gently rolling land provides the possibility of several building sites if you happen to dream of expanding, yet the cabin already seems perfectly situated – elevated just enough for the panoramic views while being tucked protectively among the trees.
Location is the final layer of the magic. You are in the midst of the quiet and beautiful hill country of the southern Indiana, but still close enough to the French Lick, Patoka Lake, and the Hoosier National Forest for the easy day trips. Spring is for dogwood and redbud blooming, summer brings fireflies and warm nights on the porch, fall dresses the hills in fire, and winter turns the cabin into a shining light against the snow-covered woods. Every season feels like the best one.
The 1800s cabin is the right place for couples who are looking for a romantic getaway, families who want to unplug and reconnect, or for anyone who is longing for such kind of peace which can only be found on a land where you can walk for hours without meeting another soul. It is the rare place where history is not only preserved, but also lived, loved, and shared with people who are lucky enough to spend even a single night under its old beams.
This gorgeous 19th-century restored log cabin sitting on 26 private acres is available as a vacation rental and the booking can be done directly on VRBO to get details, check availability, and pricing: VRBO – Historic 1800s Log Cabin on 26 Acres
Source: VRBO – 1800s Restored Log Cabin on 26 Acres