How much do luxury log homes cost in MN, NH, and WI? How many houses?

ACROSS AMERICA – Whether it’s for the rustic vibe or energy efficiency, timber construction has a special appeal for some homebuyers. Built from a renewable resource, it is quiet and has a unique charm.

We’re highlighting three log homes in Minnesota, New Hampshire, and Wisconsin this week on How Much House. It’s not accurate to call these luxury properties “cabins,” so free yourself from any impressions you may have formed while watching reruns of “Little House on the Prairie” on classic network television. The iconic homes make as big an impression as legendary lumberjack Paul Bunyan, who cut down the largest logs our imaginations can conjure, but far more magnificent.

The estimated monthly cost of living in each of the featured properties is based on a 20% down payment and a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage at current rates. It includes property taxes, insurance and associated fees.

wisconsin | $2,350,000

W743 Utley Road, Markesan
Listed by: Eileen Vandervelde | Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Company has distinguished properties
cubic feet: 9000
big size: 5 acres
bed room: 6
Bathrooms: 3 (all complete)
Built year: 2013
Annual property tax estimate: $17,390
Estimated monthly cost to live here: $13,460

Laura Ingalls Wilder, author of Little House, and her family lived in a house made of logs in Wisconsin. This is home isn’t it?

It’s more in the spirit of Paul Bunyan, whose legend looms large in Wisconsin. The giant lumberjack and folk hero who was said to have scooped the hole in Lake Superior and caused the Mississippi River by accidentally tipping over a water tank could have walked past this house without bending.

He may have wrestled with two black bears — stuffed, or perhaps replicated in carvings — that appear to be walking along the rafters of this custom-built home.

The handsome chef’s kitchen has mosaic tiles and a gorgeous range that becomes a centerpiece. There is another full kitchen in the basement, where there is a home theater and hot tub.

It’s as big as it is flashy.

Designed to help its occupants withstand harsh Wisconsin winters, it has a three-stall heated garage, a heated driveway pad, and two 40-by-50-foot heated outbuildings with concrete floors. Peek inside for more photos.

minnesota | $1,750,000

18786 District 40, Park Rapids
Listed by: Jeremy J. Danielson | Ri/max results
cubic feet: 5,436
big size: 8 acres
bed room: 5
Bathrooms: 5
Built year: 2015
Annual property tax estimate: $12,950
Estimated monthly cost to live here: $10,056

The Ingalls family also lived in Minnesota. This isn’t their home in the North Star State, it’s basically an idiot’s hideout as well. Paul Bunyan has a great reputation throughout Minnesota as well. This log house is more luxurious than his legend suggests he would prefer, but it’s easy to imagine him and his blue bull Pip wandering around the area.

This stunning and unique log home sits on 8 acres with 470 feet of shoreline on crystal clear Big Sand Lake. It has all sorts of great features and offers great year-round views from the great room, which features a wall of floor-to-wood ceiling windows and a stunning stone fireplace.

The property has four outbuildings, including a hexagonal gazebo with a wood-burning fireplace, a barn with second-story event space, a large heated garage with a game room on the second floor, and a more utilitarian storage shed.

The property can be used as a year-round or vacation home or can be rented as a vacation rental for parties and other events.

Big Sand Lake is known for its sandy beaches, swimming, boating, and fishing, a wooded backdrop, and 35 feet of crystal clear water. Peek inside for more photos.

New Hampshire | $1,295,000

134 Kerry Drive, Wakefield
Listed by: Bonnie Sir | KW Coastal, Lakes & Mountains Real Estate / Wolfeboro
cubic feet: 3,520
big size: 1.23 acres
bed room: 3
Bathrooms: 3 (2 full)
Built year: 1997
Annual property tax estimate: $9,583
Estimated monthly cost to live here: $7,475

New Hampshire is neither Paul Bunyan nor Laura Ingalls Wilder territory. But it has a nice sample of wooden houses, and this is one of the great ones.

Located in the heart of the Granite State, the open plan log home features three floors of custom craftsmanship with a jungle feel. It is an ideal place to play or live all year round.

There is a lot to do here.

The second floor deck slopes to a large waterside deck, saltwater hot tub and landscaped fire pit that overlooks a U-shaped aluminum boat dock with lakeside water and power and offers fishing, boating and tubing.

A farmers’ porch on the back side provides shade on hot days and a place to swing and enjoy the natural surroundings. Also nearby are hiking, dining, shopping, snowshoeing, skiing, snowshoeing, ice fishing and other activities for people who love the outdoors.

A complementary new three-car wood garage with power provides a place to park or store boats, side-by-sides, jet skis, snowmobiles and seasonal items.

Newer appliances and most furnishings are included in the sale, including a pool table, ping pong/air hockey table, and bar stools. Peek inside for more photos.

---