Some background information

We have some property on a small bay with a couple of islands on Bob's Lake which is half way between Perth and Kingston near Westport.

The property was quite isolated and only recently did we get a road, power and most importantly a connection to the Internet!

A lot of people have asked how much it cost to build the log cabin. I estimate we have spent less than $50,000.

If you are interested in building your own you should be able to get the logs all cut and dovetailed any where from $10k to $20K. Make sure they are winter cut and spayed with insecticide as soon as possible. Also try to get the widest cut possible. You should specify the average dimension of the log and the average dimension of the chinking gap. I think we specified 15" average width and 2" average gap.

Notching and squaring the logs is not that hard. If you have the time you can do it yourself. A couple of community colleges also give courses.

The log cabin is two parts - the main living area is 26x20 and the kitchen is 17 x20 ft. The logs are eastern white pine.

If you are willing to do most of the framing and construction yourself you can build the place for approximately $30K. I went to shingle wholesalers and bought brand new end of line shingles at a fraction of the price of new shingles (less than $500). I also bought used windows and doors from window company for a total of $400.00!! Then over a couple of years I slowly replaced the used windows with new ones. The interior trim, plumbing, etc can easily be the most significant cost and this has probably brought the total cost to $50K.

If you want more information I would be happy to exchange e-mails with you on some of the construction details. Please send e-mail to bill.st.arnaud@gmail.com

My latest project was building a towable backhoe. This is one of the most useful things I have ever owned. It is perfect for digging ditches, repairing roads, building gardens, etc

Horses hauling logs across the lake

https://youtu.be/tc2yPwoT18U

Home Movies of Bobs Lake 1932-1935

I have transferred Bill Brink CDs of his home movies of Bobs Lake 1932-1935 to YouTube for all to enjoy.

Bill tells me that they are also viewable at the Bedford Historical Society at Glendower Hall

Bill Brink CD 1 https://youtu.be/P5L_NWVQTVU

Bill Brink CD 2 https://youtu.be/DZVUtBfQ3cg

Special thanks to Bill Brink for allowing me to copy these wonderful treasures and post them on YouTube and Facebook