Brandt Log Home Images

When Steve and Becky Brandt needed a peaceful getaway from their demanding work at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, they were consistently drawn to the quiet beauty of the Cumberland Plateau. After 15 years of hiking its trails and dreaming of a place to call their own, they found it: a bluff-side lot in Bluff Woods, a gated log home community surrounded by 650 acres of forest, trails, and a lake. The Brandts had fallen in love with log homes while vacationing in Oregon, so the community’s log-only building requirement was a perfect fit. Their lot offered a panoramic mountain view—and now they needed the right log home partner. Becky’s scientific background fueled a thorough search. After attending a Log and Timber Home Show and scouring online resources, they found Hochstetler Log Homes. “The person on the phone was knowledgeable, patient, and gave us options without pressure,” said Steve. The company’s in-house mill and decades of experience sealed the deal. They chose the Woodhaven floor plan with a few customizations, including a longer great room. “It gives us plenty of room and the best view of the mountains,” said Steve. Becky loves the open flow between the kitchen and great room, which lets them talk easily while she cooks and he relaxes. The home features two bedrooms and a full bath on the main floor, plus a spacious loft and a walkout basement for storage and fitness equipment. Alan and Sherri Jensen, founders of Bluff Woods, served as builder and general contractor. “Their craftsmanship and communication were excellent,” said Steve. His advice for future homeowners? “Make sure you can communicate easily with your builder—it makes all the difference.”