The ultimate cabin in the woods

Windy, tree-lined country gravel roads punctuated by rolling prairies help set the tone before arriving on the doorstep of this private family cabin located near the scenic Missouri River bluffs just outside Jefferson City. Whether used for a much-needed romantic getaway, family weekend with the kids or entertaining friends, this rustic, southwestern-style retreat acts as a natural barrier to the hectic agenda-filled lifestyles of today. It’s a relaxing oasis where one can enjoy the great outdoors by hunting, hiking, four-wheeling — or doing nothing at all. Described by its owners as a man cave that snowballed, the space is now a dream hideout that allows the homeowners to catch up, build memories and stay close as a family.

Stats & Features

2,000 square feet, 3-bedroom, 3-bath, 340 acres, Gourmet kitchen, Large stone fireplace, Outdoor patio, hot tub and grill, Upstairs loft, 2-car garage, Extensive network of hunting, hiking and four-wheeling trails

Labor of love

Described by its owners as a man cave that snowballed, the space was originally envisioned as more basic, and the homeowners originally planned to execute a majority of the labor themselves. However, those plans changed after they began to realize just how involved and time consuming the 2,000-square-foot project would be, and they decided to hire a contractor to finish the cabin in late spring of 2012. The couple’s next plan includes adding an outdoor living area with a cobblestone patio and fire pit just off the main family room area in early summer.

Family affair

A large two-story stone fireplace anchors the main family room area with a fully equipped kitchen. “We probably spend most of our time lying in front of the fireplace in the family room watching movies, hanging out in the kitchen or the back patio where we like to grill steaks, drink wine and visit around the fire pit,” the homeowners say. “We also love to make s’mores by the fire or homemade ice cream.”

Southwestern charm

The eclectic and innovative mix of rustic architecture and southwestern accents materialized from the homeowners’ love of and talent for interior design and helped created the authentic lodge-type look and feel they wanted. What started with ordering a pretty discount sink from Overstock.com led to additional details and furnishings that eventually transformed the cabin into a four-star space.

Natural connections

Vaulted ceilings, large windows and a spacious open floor plan allow the homeowners to delight in close-up views of wildlife that naturally draw them outside. The tree-covered hillsides provide a tranquil area for laidback barbecues or soaking in the hot tub on the outdoor patio out back.

Hard wear

Rusted tin was collected from various scrapyards to line the interior ceiling of the cabin, and beetle-killed spruce timber was hauled in from Colorado, then soaked, burned with a blow torch and chiseled with chains to give the cabin’s main architectural features a true, natural, distressed look. The same timber was also used to line the interior walls and hand-build custom furniture pieces such as the master bed, loft bunk beds and banisters.

Lofty details

Unique lighting and custom-made southwestern coverlets and pillows created for the two bunk bed sets located in the upstairs loft are just a few of the rustic details of the cabin. With three bedrooms, three bathrooms and an upstairs loft with additional sleeping quarters, the cabin can comfortably accommodate up to 10 guests.

Creative salvaging

In the fully equipped kitchen, marble remnants and out-of-date oak cabinets in the kitchen from a previous home were stained and repurposed to match the floors, which were also salvaged from a local surplus store. Additional details such as vintage saddles and old steer heads were collected from an old saddle shop that was going out of business and one of the homeowner’s parents’ property.

Comfortable accommodations

Located on 340 acres of woods north of Jefferson City, the three-bedroom, three-bath retreat featuring an upstairs loft with additional sleeping quarters can comfortably accommodate up to 10 guests while providing ample room for recreational fun on the  property’s extensive network of hunting, hiking and four-wheeling trails.

Resource List

Builder: Donny Welch Construction

Cabinets: Ron Irvin Cabinet Shop

Countertops: Martellaro Marble & Granite

Custom bedding, shower curtains and pillows: Material Matters

Custom log furniture: Larry Nolte

Custom blinds: Two Blind Guys

Flooring: Hood’s TNT Surplus Warehouse

Furniture and décor: Major Interiors and JC Mattress

Interior designer: Brenda Kolb

Lighting: Major Interiors

Stone Fireplace: Best Fire Inc.