The story of the holiday home turned permanent residence

We had the privilege of chatting with a family who turned their dream of a cottage into a remarkable reality. With friendliness and openness, the homeowners shared with us how they made the decision to build a log home, how they chose the perfect builder, and how they turned an idea into a life project.

The whole construction has been a fascinating journey, from the moment they had the idea to build the log house, to the moment they decided to live in it permanently. With excellent thermal comfort, energy self-sufficiency and attention to detail, their log house is an oasis of peace and joy in the middle of nature. The two are proud of the end result and share useful tips for anyone wishing to embark on such a journey. A conversation full of inspiration and warmth, reflected in their joy and gratitude for their new home.

The beautifully decorated and lighted house stood out in the darkness of the late November evening. We had left Bucharest in the morning and, after a long drive, arrived in the evening near Satu Mare. Dorin Văideanu, from Doralnic - Log houses, had built a house in this area and insisted that we go and see it and talk to the owners. She wanted us to take advantage of the fact that it was decorated, lit up and ready to host a special family event, plus the coming of Christmas. In addition to the gorgeous house, we met and befriended some warm and discreet people who welcomed us with great warmth and friendship, helping us to discover their home, their log cabin.

Wood Magazine: Hello, thank you for having us and having this discussion about the construction of your cabin. How did it all get started?

Owner: A few years ago, on a winter afternoon, I had the idea to take my wife to a beautiful place near the city. It was 4 o'clock after lunch, we went to the first village and walked through the snowy landscape. Then my wife said, "Look, I'd like to build a house here, a cottage to have when we grow old." And I said, "But why wait till we're old? Let's do it now." So we decided to look for land in the area to build a cabin.

How did the idea evolve from just thinking about it to actually building the cabin?

The pandemic had really started. We both discussed it and said maybe this is the right time to do this. We bought the land, we had some difficulties with the registration and some administrative difficulties, but we overcame them. Then we looked for not the cheapest, but the best log house builder.

How did you find the best one? What was the process of choosing a builder like and how did you come to decide on a log home project?

I have a builder friend in Suceava. I knew that there were houses like this in the area. I asked him and he recommended Doralnic. To see for myself, I went to the building site up in Coșna. The fact that I found Dorin (editor's note: Dorin Văideanu - owner of Doralnic) in overalls and not a suit gave me a lot of confidence. I said "This is my man." The fact that he showed me the work he had on site and gave me many details convinced me that I had found what I needed. We worked out the details of the house right then and there, and we got along. We shook hands. And they really moved very well. In May 2021, I visited them with my wife and we worked out the little details, where the outlets would be and things like that. Then in August the house was assembled on the building site, ready for disassembly and transport to us, and we didn't have the building permit yet. We decided not to do anything without that permit.

How was the building process and what challenges did you face along the way?

The process began in February 2022 with permitting. Pouring the foundation was in May 2022. Doralnic came to erection in June 2022. Actual construction took place that year. The house was completed in September-October 2022, and we moved in in March 2023. During construction, we had to deal with plumbers, electricians, and landscaping the yard. Everything that you see here, the furnished house, including sauna, swimming pool, sports court, trout pond - we also have a 30 cubic meter per hour spring - was built from May 2022 to March 2023. Then one night in March 2023, I said, "Let's sleep here!" And we've been sleeping here ever since. Initially, we thought we'd only come for the weekends, but we love it so much that we only stay here.

Where did you live before you moved here?

We have a house in Satu Mare. We used to live there. We still have it. It's more comfortable there, but we like to live in nature. We have modern conveniences there, but I think it's missing those close-to-nature experiences that you have in a wooden house.

How do you feel now, living in a log house? Has it been a significant change?

We feel great. It's been a big change, but we quickly got used to it and enjoy the peace and nature. I also enjoy having activities around the house, like tending the garden and feeding the fish in the pond. I like to feed the deer that come over. Our yard is not fenced in the back. It basically continues through the woods and the deer come from the woods into our yard where we have cribs set up. In the spring, we have bird concerts. Nature is very present on our property.

In terms of comfort, how is it?

At the house in Satu Mare I woke up with dry nostrils. Here, in our wooden house, I don't have that problem anymore, I rest much better. We have remarkable thermal comfort. We have efficient wood heating and solar panels. The humidity in the house is constantly under control and the atmosphere is very pleasant.

Did you have any special or difficult moments during construction?

A special moment was when we decided to bring a spring for a trout pond. Overall, the whole process was an interesting experience and we learned many new things.

The way you've decorated harmonizes beautifully and naturally with the look of the cottage.

Yes, we've tried to bring a mix of rustic and modern into the interior design. We like to keep everything as natural as possible and feel close to the environment. We considered the functionality of each space. For example, we designed a spacious living room and included a gazebo in the courtyard for relaxing moments. We wanted to have a place where we could feel connected to nature and enjoy the comforts of our wooden home. We created pleasant outdoor spaces, such as the swimming pool and sports field, to enjoy the fresh air and create an environment for outdoor activities. At the same time, we let the existing trees remain in the yard, providing a natural atmosphere.

How do you manage energy here? You said you were independent in electricity and water.

That's right. We have solar panels, batteries for energy storage, and even plan to bring in a hydro turbine to harness the nearby waterfall. We're completely self-sufficient and green. We pay no gas, no electricity. The only bill we pay is the internet.

Do you have any advice for people who would like to build a log house or a cottage?

Our advice would be to do thorough research before you start, work with serious professionals and enjoy the process.

What does this wooden house mean to you?

For us, this house is more than just a place to live. It is a life project in which we have invested a lot of time and energy. It brings us joy and peace, and we are proud to have created such a special space.

Din Lemn Magazine: Thanks for having us and sharing your story. It was a very interesting discussion. Enjoy every moment in this wonderful home!

Thank you, it was a pleasure to share our experience. We look forward to seeing you again!

We left absolutely impressed by the beauty of the house and the way they have thought everything through in detail. Their story is a warm encouragement to follow the dream of building a log house. With an unforgettable experience and a house that has become a true home, they remind us that any project of this kind involves passion, patience and collaboration with trusted professionals. In a hectic world, their wooden house is not just a place to live, but an authentic retreat in the middle of nature, where comfort is at home. We hope this talk will turn into inspiration for anyone who wants to start their own journey to an authentic log home.