Meet ‘Dreamcatcher’ — the rustic forest cabin with a surprise on the back patio

My experiences with log cabins have been mixed, to say the least. From almost freezing to death in Cosby, Tennessee during a blizzard to hiring a company called Varmint Busters to humanely trap and release the entire extended family of flying squirrels that lived in our attic, I’m always rather reticent when people gush about their desire to live in a log home. That being said, I can’t deny that there is plenty of charm in this type of home, and it wouldn’t surprise me if one or more members of my family decided to try it again at some point. That being said, I think I’ll stick to short visits and vacations if I want to spend more time inside a house made of mostly natural materials.

I don’t mean to deter you from trying it. I think everyone should have the experience of living in a space that hearkens to the outdoors. But perhaps you should consider a short-term trial before jumping into something that can be infested with termites, wasps, and spiders at the turn of the season. Something like a cabin rental in the mountains of North Carolina, Colorado, or California, for instance. The “Dreamcatcher” is just such a cabin in the northern part of California. Owned by the Russian River Getaway company, this unique, breath-taking cabin has all of the positives and none of the negatives of living in a forested space. You can rent it and then leave without ever having to worry about upkeep and maintenance.

What I love about the Dreamcatcher is that it’s large enough to host a family get-together but small and secluded enough for an artist’s retreat. It has both a wood-burning fireplace and a gas stove, gorgeous views, and even a hot tub on the back patio. Its rustic charm, privacy, and sense of peace can calm and relax even the most flustered of city folk. Take some friends, a few bottles of wine, a hamper full of snacks, and you’ve got a wonderful weekend ahead of you.

Whether or not you love the idea of a cabin in the woods, it’s something everyone should experience at least once. The spectacular views, the solitude, and the air and soft noises from the forest are all incredibly peaceful, and it doesn’t take much to enjoy the rays of sunshine filtering through the redwoods, the bird calls, and the hint of mystery in the shadows of each tree. Even though I’ve been through some rather interesting experiences while inhabiting a log cabin, the Dreamcatcher has me recalling the best parts of living in a log home. It might be time to revisit those memories and rent a place in the woods for a few days.

If you want the full cabin tour, you can scroll through the photos on Log Home Tours website. You can also visit the Russian River Getaway company’s website if you want a chance to experience the Dreamcatcher for yourself.