Ep 1. Wilderness Retreat

Log Cabin Kings follows the journey of the expert craftsmen of Pioneer Log Homes as they create beautiful log homes for their clients. In this first episode of season one, titled "Wilderness Retreat," the team of builders embarks on a challenging project to build a luxury log cabin in the middle of the wilderness.

The episode starts with Bryan Reid Sr., the president of Pioneer Log Homes, meeting with clients who want to build a log cabin in a remote location. The clients, a family of six, dream of a rustic yet elegant retreat to escape the city and embrace the rugged outdoors. They want a cabin that is big enough to host family gatherings, but also cozy, inviting, and designed to take advantage of the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and forest.

Bryan and his team, including his son Bryan Jr. and his daughter André, head to the site to assess the logistics of the project. The location is only accessible by a steep and rocky road, which makes the transport of materials and equipment very challenging. Moreover, building a log cabin in this terrain presents a series of technical difficulties, such as leveling the foundation and preventing water damage caused by the snow and rain.

Despite the obstacles, the team of craftsmen is determined to make the clients' dream come true and begins to work on the cabin. They start by selecting the perfect logs, which are sustainably harvested from nearby forests. Bryan Jr. explains how they have to look for the right trees with the ideal diameter, straightness, and absence of knots to ensure the logs will fit together perfectly. Then, they have to peel off the bark by hand and cut the notches that will allow the logs to interlock and form a solid structure.

Throughout the episode, viewers witness the impressive skills of the Pioneer Log Homes team and learn about the traditional techniques and tools used in log cabin building. From using a broadaxe to shape the logs to stacking them with precision, the builders showcase their expertise and dedication to their craft. They also encounter unexpected challenges, such as a black bear roaming around the site or a storm that puts their work on hold.

As the construction progresses, the clients visit the site to check on the progress and make decisions about the design details. They are thrilled to see how their vision is taking shape and work closely with Bryan and his team to personalize the cabin according to their preferences. From choosing the kitchen cabinets to the lighting fixtures, they are involved in every step of the process.

In the final stages of the project, the team adds the finishing touches, such as installing the windows, doors, and roofing, and applying the stain that will protect the logs from the elements. The result is a spectacular, handcrafted log cabin that blends seamlessly with its natural surroundings and reflects the clients' taste and personality. The cabin features a large living room with a stone fireplace, a spacious kitchen, three bedrooms, and a loft that can accommodate up to 12 people.

Throughout the episode, the Log Cabin Kings capture the essence of log cabin living, which is all about connecting with nature, creating memories with family and friends, and enjoying the simple pleasures of life. The Wilderness Retreat is not just a house; it's a haven where the clients can recharge their batteries, unwind from the stresses of modern life, and reconnect with their inner selves. As Bryan Reid Sr. says, "the beauty of a log cabin is that it's not just a shelter; it's a sanctuary."