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General => Owner-Builder Projects => Topic started by: grandmasplayhouse on February 09, 2010, 03:11:29 PM

Title: 12x14 with porch
Post by: grandmasplayhouse on February 09, 2010, 03:11:29 PM
I have been a fan of Country plans forum as a guest for years. Just LOVE the pictures and ideas of the many cabin builders. There is a lot of talent out there.
I would like to share a little about our small cabin. We purchased part of the family farm(60 ac.)and have spent the last 3 years gaining access to it through a field by way of an easement,then finally purchasing the easement area to make a driveway.The easement crossed CRP land and that contract had to expire before we could cross it.(Conservation Reserve Program) Last year we put a sawdust outhouse there and moved in a small cabin. We have been snowed out of there for months now and am so excited to start work on the inside again. We insulated and wired for 12 volt and 110 generator power before the big Christmas blast of snow that has never went away. Minnesota has had there fair share of snow. I will post some pictures If I can. Hope you enjoy.(//)[img][/imhttp://www2.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=271847432/a=84597007_84597007/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=snapfish/g]
Title: Re: 12x14 with porch
Post by: MountainDon on February 09, 2010, 03:41:48 PM
 w*  grandmasplayhouse

We'll all be looking forward to seeing some pictures.

If you need help with that just holler.  :D
Title: Re: 12x14 with porch
Post by: grandmasplayhouse on February 09, 2010, 03:52:51 PM
Quote from: MountainDon on February 09, 2010, 03:41:48 PM
w*  grandmasplayhouse

We'll all be looking forward to seeing some pictures.

If you need help with that just holler.  :D
Thanks,I'll need help I guess
Title: Re: 12x14 with porch
Post by: MountainDon on February 09, 2010, 04:23:29 PM
To display images in a forum post the images must first be uploaded to an internet photo hosting site. Many use photobucket.com, others Picasa or yet other available hosts.

Once the image is uploaded there, there is a cose that is copied from the image host and then pasted into the forum message. When the message is viewed the image will appear.

The code will be called  IMG Code   or something similar.
It will begin with  [IMG]   
Title: Re: 12x14 with porch
Post by: Redoverfarm on February 09, 2010, 05:13:09 PM
Another  w* grandmasplayhouse

Looks like part of the {IMG} was left off of the last part.  Would like to see what you have. Everyone here is addicted to "eye candy".

Title: Re: 12x14 with porch
Post by: RainDog on February 09, 2010, 05:23:45 PM
(http://images2e.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp53837%3Enu%3D32%3B6%3E7%3C9%3E239%3EWSNRCG%3D343674%3B658336nu0mrj)

You want to right click the photo and choose "copy image location", then click the "Insert Image" button on the countryplans message page, and paste the copied location in between the two "[img]" codes.
Title: Re: 12x14 with porch
Post by: Beavers on February 10, 2010, 08:09:42 PM
Nice looking place Grandma!

Is that a small loft over the front porch?

Would love to see some pic's of the interior if you have them.  Always nice to see how people make their small houses work. (I need ideas ;) )

w*
Title: Re: 12x14 with porch
Post by: RainDog on February 10, 2010, 08:23:26 PM

Here's the link to the snapfish album, which I gleaned from an earlier post. You'll have to register with snapfish prior to viewing if you haven't already. Free and all.

I assume it's okay to link these, as grandmasplayhouse has already attempted to above.

http://www5.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=271847432/a=1170831028_84597007/ (http://www5.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=271847432/a=1170831028_84597007/)

There are indeed interior shots in the album.
Title: Re: 12x14 with porch
Post by: grandmasplayhouse on February 17, 2010, 03:50:10 PM
Hope you all liked the pictures. Thanks for all the help. Will update in the spring when we can work on the inside.
Title: Re: 12x14 with porch
Post by: fishing_guy on February 17, 2010, 04:27:55 PM
 w*...

Where is your cabin in Minnesota?..I would have to guess either in the northwest (Detroit Lakes area) or SW by Soix Falls SD.

Twin cities here for our house and North of the Iron Range for our getaway...
Title: Re: 12x14 with porch
Post by: grandmasplayhouse on February 18, 2010, 12:54:02 PM
We are located in the southern prairie pothole region of Minnesota. The cabin spot is located on a piece of virgin prairie that was a cattle pasture at one time. Hardly a tree except for along the river that runs through it. Mostly ash trees so they might not survive. I can remember all the nice Elm trees we used to have that are dead now.(the dead trees make good firewood) I have been trying to plant some trees and fight the deer,rabbits and prairie voles every step of the way. Every new tree is like a new tasty treat for them. When I plant a tree in the sod the hole has to be pretty deep to break the roots. Prairie grass has some of the deepest and hardest roots. The native grass there is buffalo grass and big blue stem. Then the new baby tree needs protection from the voles. (A small mouse like rodent that chew all the bark off) I have had success with cement tiles around the tree. Then wrap a piece of chicken wire around about 2 foot tall to stop the rabbits. And if  the tree grows at all, I wrap a 4 foot tall deer fence around that. I carried water to them several times last summer and have saved about 8 red pine, a few spruce,a half dozen bur oak and a couple cottonwood. And one little apple tree that  the deer will never stop trying to eat. This spring I'm planting some black walnut seedlings that I have in pots along with a few eastern red cedar that seem to thrive around here. Maybe stick a couple maple next to the cabin for shade. Can't plant more than twenty trees a year because of all the babysitting they require.(https://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae91/parkvu101/dcp_0172.jpg)(https://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae91/parkvu101/dcp_0079.jpg)
Title: Re: 12x14 with porch
Post by: grandmasplayhouse on February 18, 2010, 05:11:55 PM
(https://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae91/parkvu101/dcp_0209.jpg)
Wow! I think I've got the hang of picture sharing.
To pass the time this winter I've been painting furniture for the little cabin. Here are some before and after shots of some old chairs.I'll share more later.
Title: Re: 12x14 with porch
Post by: grandmasplayhouse on February 22, 2010, 12:04:40 PM
Our weekend journey to the cabin. Weiner roast and hot cocoa. Truly a wonderful winter day.(https://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae91/parkvu101/dcp_0214.jpg)
Title: Re: 12x14 with porch
Post by: Beavers on February 23, 2010, 06:14:04 PM
Great looking place...perfect for a getaway!
Looking forward to seeing how you finish the interior.

Ever since I was little every summer we went with my Grandparents up to a cabin in Minnesota.  Had some great times there!  

I'm sure that your Grandkids will love spending time there.  [cool]
Title: Re: 12x14 with porch
Post by: grandmasplayhouse on March 23, 2010, 04:17:35 PM
Just wanted to share a couple pics of the water level last Sept. and now. I hope we don't lose many trees.(https://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae91/parkvu101/dcp_0079.jpg)(https://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae91/parkvu101/dcp_0227-1.jpg)
Title: Re: 12x14 with porch
Post by: grandmasplayhouse on March 24, 2010, 09:55:03 AM
For any of you who are interested I was thinking this morning, "What is it about an outhouse"
I just love mine! And that is really weird since I grew up with a huge fear of them. When I was little (let's just saw 40 some years ago) I would tremble in fear of the dreaded dark unknown pit in that hole under the outhouse. There must be skunks and really big biting spiders hiding in that smelly darkness. And what if I fell in? No one would ever find me..........
We had an outhouse on the farm. My relatives had them at their cabins. Every campground we went to had them. I hated to use them!
So what is it about our outhouse?
It's Cute
It's Clean
There is no Pit(https://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae91/parkvu101/outhouse8.jpg)

Title: Re: 12x14 with porch
Post by: grandmasplayhouse on March 24, 2010, 10:41:46 AM
 :)My youngest son built this outhouse for me. It was a winter project a couple of years ago. He built it in his garage and then moved it to our shop were we finished it. A local welding shop built the stainless steel pull out tray that was intended to be filled with sawdust and pulled out to be burned to get rid of the waste. The results are a smell free outhouse.(https://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae91/parkvu101/dcp_0229.jpg) I didn't like the idea of burning in the steel tub so I've lined it with a plastic tub that is easily dumped in the firepit and burned. Animal bedding works really well for the sawdust and cedar chips make a nice smelling woodchip but cost more. So far this has been used on a small user basis. I don't know if this would work in a situation of more people and longer use.
(https://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae91/parkvu101/dcp_0230.jpg)
Title: Re: 12x14 with porch
Post by: grandmasplayhouse on March 24, 2010, 10:50:01 AM
(https://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae91/parkvu101/dcp_0231.jpg)I spent this last weekend cleaning and decorating grandma's outhouse before Easter weekend. Everything survived the winter and we look forward to Spring and working at the cabin.(https://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae91/parkvu101/dcp_0232.jpg)
Title: Re: 12x14 with porch
Post by: grandmasplayhouse on May 04, 2010, 09:47:12 AM
Spring is the time to get it done so thought you would like to see what we have worked on. This project gets attention when we have time on a rare weekend. All construction is done with power from a generator on the way back forty. This past weekend we did the ceiling in a knotty pine tounge and groove. Some parts became a challenge.
Next the trim goes up.
Good thing Grandpa has so many nice tools to work on Grandma's Playhouse
(https://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae91/parkvu101/dcp_0295.jpg)
Title: Re: 12x14 with porch
Post by: MountainDon on May 04, 2010, 11:30:03 AM
Nice looking wood.  :D
Title: Re: 12x14 with porch
Post by: grandmasplayhouse on May 04, 2010, 02:46:11 PM
The wood came in 8',10's and 12's with pre cut bevels on ends. I really think this is the way to go for beginners like us. We also found a trick to cutting the end angles by getting the angle right on the first piece and using it as a pattern to trace the next one down. Worked every time without having to ever measure again. The octagon window was even easy to cut out by tracing from the rear each time and cutting out before we nailed. The true helper in this project was the air brad nailer. Worked like a champ(https://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae91/parkvu101/dcp_0291.jpg)(https://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae91/parkvu101/dcp_0293.jpg)
Title: Re: 12x14 with porch
Post by: grandmasplayhouse on May 26, 2010, 01:30:38 PM
We have been trimming and adding cabinets. The built in will hold the power converter.  Trim like frosting on the cake :D(https://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae91/parkvu101/dcp_0315.jpg)(https://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae91/parkvu101/dcp_0316.jpg)(https://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae91/parkvu101/dcp_0314.jpg)
Title: Re: 12x14 with porch
Post by: grandmasplayhouse on May 26, 2010, 01:38:13 PM
The loft got carpet and will have a small railing and loft ladder. The granddaughters want to be the first to sleep there.(https://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae91/parkvu101/dcp_0317.jpg)
Title: Re: 12x14 with porch
Post by: grandmasplayhouse on September 08, 2010, 10:31:31 AM
It's been awhile since I shared some pics of the cabin. With fall in the air, being at the cabin is FUN again.
This little cabin has been in the dream,plan,build stage for a long time. Space is running out quickly as I tend to keep bringing more stuff there.
Next will have to be a shed to store some of the outdoor,cooking and campfire stuff.

My advice to small cabin builders----Bigger is better. d*
(https://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae91/parkvu101/dcp_0471.jpg)
(https://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae91/parkvu101/dcp_0473.jpg)
Playing "Cabin at the cabin"
(https://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae91/parkvu101/dcp_0476.jpg)
Title: Re: 12x14 with porch
Post by: grandmasplayhouse on September 08, 2010, 10:55:44 AM
At the "cabin" we have no power,water or utilities of any kind. Part of that is "the fun of the cabin" and part of that is the remote location.
Thanks to this web site and the Owner-builder forum we have made our self very comfortable here. I look to "Mountain Don" for advice all the time.
We now have a quiet Honda generator that can power the air conditioner. We installed a direct vent LP heater in the wall. Our power runs through a power supply that will have some 12 volt lights too. Purchased a small camp oven for cooking that does a pretty good job. It's all about space.
Next will  come the 12 volt lights. (I'm looking for some nice peeled logs beams to hang them on) and a rain barrel with 12 volt pump for a shower outside and for a source of wash water. The sawdust outhouse does a good job of the toilet issue. The Grand daughters love the "Potty House"
(https://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae91/parkvu101/dcp_0468.jpg)
(https://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae91/parkvu101/dcp_0482.jpg)The heater is off the floor to allow for more floor space.
(https://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae91/parkvu101/dcp_0485.jpg)
(https://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae91/parkvu101/dcp_0480.jpg)
(https://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae91/parkvu101/dcp_0479.jpg)
Title: Re: 12x14 with porch
Post by: astidham on September 08, 2010, 12:03:07 PM
love the cabin,
did your wood siding have the stain on it or did you stain it yourself?
Title: Re: 12x14 with porch
Post by: grandmasplayhouse on September 08, 2010, 01:01:52 PM
I've been in the staining process for a while. Used Cabot's oil stain in the brown color. It really soaks in nice and is suppose to protect. As you can see I still need to get up the ladder to finish the peak.
(https://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae91/parkvu101/dcp_0478.jpg)

Looking forward to seeing the progress on your Oklahoma 20x30-REALLY NICE SPACE
Title: Re: 12x14 with porch
Post by: Pritch on September 08, 2010, 01:14:02 PM
I've been looking at tht little stove/oven combo, thinking it would be great for a little cabin kitchen.  I'd love to hear how it works out for you. 
Title: Re: 12x14 with porch
Post by: grandmasplayhouse on September 08, 2010, 01:25:29 PM
Camp Chef Camping oven that are sold all over the internet ,Gander Mountain and Cabela's. It is well built. Takes the small LP tanks and can be adapted for the large tanks too. I want it to be portable to cook outside when it's hot. Not suppose to use inside but I watch the fresh air. The oven gets very hot and stays hot. I baked some rolls and had to keep opening the oven door to bring the temp down. When we made a pizza outside the temp never rose above 350 because of the wind. I guess it will work for us but you really have to watch the temp gauge or everything burns easy.

(https://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae91/parkvu101/dcp_0487.jpg)
Title: Re: 12x14 with porch
Post by: astidham on September 08, 2010, 02:16:39 PM
Thanks for the info, I cant wait to get the roof and log siding up!
Your colors on the roof and the siding look great together.
Title: Re: 12x14 with porch
Post by: John Raabe on September 08, 2010, 06:45:33 PM
Nice cozy cabin. Looks well laid out, comfortable and in a great retreat spot.
Title: Re: 12x14 with porch
Post by: grandmasplayhouse on November 17, 2010, 12:18:47 PM
Looking at the pictures have made me miss being at the cabin. Hope we have a nice Thanksgiving weekend. Would be fun to decorate it for Christmas.
Last time we were there it was back to the driveway project. Grandpa worked all weekend on removing a rusty old fence that was buried in the dirt burm along our property. Has been a hazzard for the little kids with atvs.
(https://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae91/parkvu101/dcp_2904.jpg)
(https://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae91/parkvu101/dcp_2906.jpg)

Also had loads of fun building a "Fort" with the kids.(https://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae91/parkvu101/dcp_0499.jpg)

Title: Re: 12x14 with porch
Post by: grandmasplayhouse on December 17, 2010, 11:59:23 AM
Merry Christmas to all. We are looking forward to riding our Vintage '71 Arctic Cat Panther 340 at the cabin.

(https://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae91/parkvu101/1973_ARCTIC_CAT_AD_6A_SANTA_PRESENTS_DEC_8_2010.jpg)
Title: Re: 12x14 with porch
Post by: Sassy on December 17, 2010, 01:54:45 PM
Quote from: grandmasplayhouse on September 08, 2010, 10:31:31 AM
It's been awhile since I shared some pics of the cabin. With fall in the air, being at the cabin is FUN again.
This little cabin has been in the dream,plan,build stage for a long time. Space is running out quickly as I tend to keep bringing more stuff there.
Next will have to be a shed to store some of the outdoor,cooking and campfire stuff.

My advice to small cabin builders----Bigger is better. d*
(https://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae91/parkvu101/dcp_0471.jpg)
(https://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae91/parkvu101/dcp_0473.jpg)
Playing "Cabin at the cabin"
(https://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae91/parkvu101/dcp_0476.jpg)

Had to laugh at the statement "my advice to small cabin builders---Bigger is better" - lol   I know what you mean about bringing too much stuff! 

Hadn't seen this thread before - your cabin is very cozy - you've done a really nice job of finishing it - everything looks great!  Nice area, too.

Our grandkids love to visit our cabin, too. 

Title: Re: 12x14 with porch
Post by: phalynx on December 17, 2010, 02:01:56 PM
I just love this cabin.  Every angle looks like a different room and yet its all in a nice little place.  I am seriously considering building one similar in the back of my property just to "get away from it all".
Title: Re: 12x14 with porch
Post by: glenn kangiser on December 17, 2010, 02:15:30 PM
Very nice cabin.  Sassy called my attention to it as I don't get through all of the projects anymore.  Impressive. :)
Title: Re: 12x14 with porch
Post by: grandmasplayhouse on April 13, 2011, 11:02:27 AM
Good luck to all the hard working cabin builders this Spring. I'm looking forward to working on our project. This spring will be more tree planting and trail building. Will feel great to work hard outside at the cabin.
(https://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae91/parkvu101/007.jpg)
Title: Re: 12x14 with porch
Post by: grandmasplayhouse on April 14, 2011, 02:51:57 PM
Went to the cabin last night to measure a couple of things for another project. It was rainy and cold. I was surprised to see the trees covered in birds that we had never seen befor. I looked them up today. They are called Double-crested Cormorant. Looked like big black doapy geese sitting in the trees.(https://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae91/parkvu101/100_0106.jpg)
Title: Re: 12x14 with porch
Post by: grandmasplayhouse on April 14, 2011, 04:14:47 PM
(https://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae91/parkvu101/100_0114.jpg)
Title: Re: 12x14 with porch
Post by: duncanshannon on April 14, 2011, 08:03:32 PM
Nice little place you have!
Title: Re: 12x14 with porch
Post by: nysono on April 15, 2011, 09:40:22 AM
Quote from: grandmasplayhouse on April 14, 2011, 02:51:57 PM
Went to the cabin last night to measure a couple of things for another project. It was rainy and cold. I was surprised to see the trees covered in birds that we had never seen befor. I looked them up today. They are called Double-crested Cormorant. Looked like big black doapy geese sitting in the trees.(https://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae91/parkvu101/100_0106.jpg)


hope they are just passing through......they are fish eating machines!!! And prolific breeders, lots of problems with them on Lake Ontario fishing industry.
Title: Re: 12x14 with porch
Post by: gardensandcabins on July 04, 2011, 03:40:54 AM
I love the pictures, nice little cabin..
Not sure the AC unit above the vent for the heater is a good idea though. The fumes can draft right back into the house through the AC.
Title: Re: 12x14 with porch
Post by: jdhatch on March 24, 2012, 02:09:50 PM
By chance are there any plans out there for this cabin / playhouse?

Thanks, Jason