Modern amenities blend with the appeal of historic and rustic architecture in The Hillview, an award-winning, custom- designed 3,167-square-foot log home in Jefferson City, Mo., that the owners plan to enjoy as they grow older.

An example of modern log home construction, the home owner designed the property to take full advantage of magnificent views of the surrounding countryside from several vantage points.

She also added aging-in-place features, including wider hallways, three-foot-wide doorways, a main-level owner’s suite and other smart elements.

The lead designer of log home manufacturer Expedition Log Homes based Oostburg, Wis., provided structural guidance and practical modifications. 

The home earned Expedition a 2011 Excellence in Home Design: Log award in the NAHB Building Systems Councils Excellence in Design & Marketing competition.

The entryway staircase features half-log treads and an open riser.

A Step Above

The half-log treads and open riser of the home’s entryway staircase acts as an impressive focal point. Recessed lighting gives the space a warm glow, as does the stain's “brown sycamore” shade.

The use of mixed media helps create a sophisticated kitchen.

A Chef’s Oasis

The use of mixed media — including log posts and purlins, knotty alder cabinets, granite countertops and a sand-toned subway-tile backsplash — comes together to create a sophisticated kitchen.

Varied ceiling heights help create a variety of areas for entertaining.

Rooms Without Boundaries

The overall floor plan is open and airy, but varied ceiling heights of the great room, kitchen, dining area and entry keep the space from feeling hollow and empty. The technique also creates a variety of areas for entertaining.

The front view of the home exemplifies its rustic and historic allure.

Outstanding Views

The home’s medium-gold exterior stain really shows  at dusk — especially on what the owners call the “view elevation” because of its wall of windows that helps blur the lines between outdoors and in.

The catwalk to the upper bedrooms and loft overlooks the great room.

The roofline is complex from a design standpoint, but the fact that it was hand-framed on site elevated it from an elaborate construction project to an art form. The open loft and catwalk contribute to the home’s exceptional flow.

The owners also wanted an angled sunroom off the dining area to foster architectural interest and to vary the views.

First floor Click for larger view.

Second floor Click for larger view.

Features and Specifications

Build Team Manufacturer — Expedition Log Homes, Oostburg, Wis. Builder — Mike Andrews Construction, Jefferson City, Mo. Features Three-bedroom, 3,167-square-foot custom log home with wall of windows and angled sunroom to take full advantage of hillside views Foyer featuring a rustic staircase with half-log treads and an open riser First floor owner's suite First floor laundry room Two second-floor bedrooms, one with a full bath Loft and powder room on second floor Great room with stone fireplace and wall of windows Kitchen with knotty alder cabinets, granite countertops and a sand-toned subway-tile backsplash Two-car garage Mudroom Aging-in-Place Features Wider hallways 3'-wide doorways