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Nothing quite connects you with nature like a stay in a log cabin. Whether you’re after a quick escape in your garden or a retreat in the countryside, it can be your little sanctuary. But can actually live in one and make it your permanent home?
It should be noted: garden log cabins are different from residential log cabins. If it’s a housing investment you’re looking for, such as a holiday home, you should search for residential ones specifically, which might be able to be assigned a street address. Our expertise is in garden log cabins, and if you’re trying to figure out whether you can live in one of these, just keep reading.
Can You Live in a Log Cabin Permanently?
There are two questions to answer here:
- Can you do so according to the law?
- Can you physically live in it?
Let’s sort out the legal side of things, which comes down to planning permission. You will need planning permission if you want to sleep in a log cabin overnight. While many garden buildings fall under permitted development rights, using one as a home could change things. We recommend checking with your local planning authority for specific regulations.
Other general regulations that are worth noting are as follows:
- Log cabins that exceed specific size or height limits may require planning permission, regardless of their intended use.
- A cabin shouldn’t take up more than 50% of your garden. There are also height restrictions. It can’t be more than 2.5 metres if it’s within 2 metres of your boundary.
- Even if planning permission is not required, you may still need to comply with building regulations. Please verify the specific rules with your LPA.
We have a more detailed guide if you need to know more about log cabin planning permission.
Ownership is also crucial if you’re considering putting a cabin somewhere other than your garden. You’ll need to submit plans to the local council and carry out a survey of the area. This requirement ensures your garden room complies with local regulations. It might seem like a lot to get sorted, but once you have permission, you’ll be well on your way to moving into your cabin.
Log cabins have to meet legal living standards to be used as a domicile. If you were to modify your log cabin to meet these standards, you could theoretically live in one as a permanent residence. Here are some key things to think about for a fulfilling cabin lifestyle:
Health and safety
Health and safety are of the utmost importance when living in a log cabin permanently. One key aspect to focus on is the addition of a well-designed ventilation system. Ventilation prevents moisture buildup and mould growth and helps maintain a clean environment. If overlooked, these concerns could affect your well-being and that of other occupants.
Having a reliable heating system, such as a stove heater, can also improve comfort. Such an addition can help maintain a warm environment inside the cabin, especially during harsh winter.
Shopping tip: If you’re still on the hunt for the perfect unit, then look no further than insulated log cabins. They feature double-glazing, T&G cladding, and in-built insulation.
Essential utilities
At a minimum, a residential living unit needs to have running water, water heating, a toilet, and electricity. You will also want it to have a kitchen for cooking in. All of this would have to be added in as modifications, none of which is included by default in a standard garden room.
Since most garden log cabins are single rooms, you would need to be prepared for all of these to share the same space. Consider the fact that your bedsheets may end up smelling of the kitchen.
And to have room for this, it will need to be a large log cabin.
Financial sides
The financial side of living in a log cabin is just as important. Start by looking into the upfront costs of buying or building one. Don’t forget to factor in ongoing expenses like property taxes, insurance, and general upkeep.
Making a budget that covers your income and outgoings is a good idea. This includes mortgage or rent, utilities, insurance, and maintenance. Once you’ve got it all down, you can see where to cut back or make tweaks.
Tip: Consider DIY projects and regular maintenance to avoid pricey repairs. You might also want to upgrade to energy-efficient appliances and use LED lighting. Setting up a rainwater harvesting system could help you save on water bills, too.
Community and social aspects
Isolated or not, it’s still important to stay connected with your community. It’s good to know you’ve got neighbours nearby when you need a hand. For one, making friends nearby can turn your cabin area into a proper neighbourhood. Whether it’s having a BBQ together or enjoying a game, it builds that sense of belonging. It’s like having an extended family just next door, just as you would in a typical house.
Round-up
Living permanently in a log cabin is possible, provided you comply with the law and it meets your living standards. It can be a great choice if you enjoy a simple and close-to-nature lifestyle. However, you will be creating a lot less work for yourself if you either go for one that is already designed to be residential, or simply don’t use a garden room as a living space.
Explore our selection of log cabins for sale for more options. Need help choosing? Check out our log cabin buying guide.
If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at 01909 768840.
