DIY Network

Thank you for making DIY Network’s Blog Cabin a successful franchise. As the first, truly interactive home building series, bloggers and viewers just like you have changed how home improvement television is produced. You told us what you wanted, and the DIY hosts and experts put their hearts and souls into making this a one-of-a-kind vacation home.

When the 2009 Blog Cabin was completed, we were excited that it was a home worthy of our audience’s vision. We are proud of the television series documenting the construction, as well as the online videos, interactive photos and projects that we hope you will continue to enjoy. Unfortunately, however, various issues have prevented us from closing on the house and being in a position to award it to a winner. DIY Network no longer has any affiliation with the developer, nor are we involved with the developer’s apparent efforts to sell the 2009 Blog Cabin. Instead, we are pleased to announce that we will be awarding a cash prize that is equivalent to the approximate value of the home, an alternative that is described in the 2009 Blog Cabin sweepstakes rules.

While we’re disappointed that we will not be able to give this home away, we know that a cash prize of over $500,000 will certainly help one lucky sweepstakes winner still realize his or her own fantasy getaway. We are already working toward securing a location for next year’s Blog Cabin that will be innovative and full of surprises.

DIY Network greatly appreciates your interest in the 2009 Blog Cabin promotion, and we look forward to your insightful contributions to Blog Cabin 2010. Look for new posts in the coming weeks!

Hello Fellow Blog Cabin Diehards,

At the behest of blogger Jacqueline, I realized that it’s been awhile since I’ve checked in with everyone. No excuses here, except to say that the dog days of summer are upon us with the Blog Cabin.

Construction activity at the build site is white hot. Our latest video highlight is up, but I know you guys are looking for more, so please bear with us. More videos and slide shows are in the works!

Amy Wynn Pastor of Make a Move and Karl Champley of Wasted Spaces will be visiting the Blog Cabin site in early August, so look for new stuff then. Hopefully, I or Patty will be able to make the trip between now and then for the latest news and images.

Cheers and Keep-On-Bloggin’,
Watson, DIYnetwork.com Manager

P.S. Don’t forget! The season premiere of Blog Cabin 2008 is Thursday August 14 @ 9pm ET, so mark your calendars. You will also be able to enter to win the cabin online beginning that morning.

Update: Check out the latest slide show from my quick trip out to the site Thursday, July 24.

From the not-even-close blowouts (shaving Simon’s beard) to the down-to-the-wire contests (bath fixture finish) – no, I’m not talking about the NCAA Tournament – I’m talking about voting features we need your help choosing.

And the features keep coming: metal roof color (all very handsome), patio design, patio luxury item (heater, speakers or refrigerator), garage storage option and hardscaping material / theme. Early indications are that the patio features are going to be razor-close contests, so vote every day!

Hello Beloved Bloggers,

It’s Watson, fresh off my whirlwind trip to the build site this morning (Thursday, March 6) for the log raising. As you can see from the images below, construction is well underway and there is a buzz in the air. Crisp morning air and gorgeous sunshine greeted me when I arrived at Lakefront Estates Lot 5.
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WOW!!! It’s really happening, we have officially broken ground!

I just got home from Tennessee and am extremely excited about this entire project.
It was great to see the environment the cabin is located in: lakefront, wooded lots with panoramic views that change as the trees go dormant, but always remain beautiful!

I also got to meet with senior builder Ted, as well as Darlene, who is the manufacturer of the log home. They are both very enthusiastic and were really helpful in answering all of my questions about the construction process, the lot rules and regulations and how we can all work together to make sure that this cabin is truly a one of a kind and caters to the bloggers suggestions.

I made sure that all of the pre-existing material on site would remain so that we could later infuse it into the landscape and house surroundings. Hey, it’s on our lot, so we want it!

This whole experience is going to be great for all of us! I’ve never been a part of the cabin-building process. I have worked in production landscaping for awhile and got to see the process of production homes (track homes) being built. Watching how the various construction trades are executed and the craftsmanship involved reflects the same level of professionalism of our DIY Network experts To actually make decisions on behalf of the bloggers in this case is going to be very cool, and you couldn’t ask for a better representative on your behalf!

Keep in touch!
Ahmed

Me with the crew at the groundbreaking of Blog Cabin 2008.

That’s right, faithful and cheery bloggers, more features are here to face judgment. This two-week run has you deciding bathroom fixtures (three great choices: think about the entire cabin as you decide), kitchen sink (I sense a battle brewing on this one), kitchen backsplash, rear foyer flooring, a basement Man Caves theme and – reiterating that we have a sense of humor around here – you, and you, and you (and especially YOU) will decide whether one of our contractors, Simon (yes, from Season 1 of Blog Cabin) keeps his beard or not!

Feel free to defend your choices below. If you are a first-time blogger, we want to hear from you! Don’t let the regulars have all the fun …

Allow me to introduce Darlene Branim, CEO of Barna Log Homes. She has graciously taken the time to note all the suggestions made by bloggers that were woven into the San Jacinto floor plan:

NEW San Jacinto images below!
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Warm greetings to you, Wonderful Bloggers,

As many of you have discovered, five substantial Blog Cabin voting features have come your way: wood flooring (gratuitous plug alert: powered by our friends at Lumber Liquidators), exterior stain, window style, master bath style and guest bath style. I am here merely to “restart” the conversation – as many of you have discovered the rhythm that we have established, i.e. new voting features = new blog entry.

This won’t always be the case. In fact, later this week we’ll be hearing from Darlene Branim, the CEO of Barna Log Homes, who will provide a full report on modifications to the San Jacinto floor plan – all suggested by YOU, the bloggers! You won’t want to miss it.

Your servant,
Watson, Manager, DIYnetwork.com

P.S.
I have received some stinging criticism of the blog “refresh” schedule. I’m hurt you guys. I want to reassure you that I do my best. Also, if you don’t see your criticism published, rest easy: I got the message.
We value you, trusty bloggers, so look for more refreshes throughout the business day. And, starting Feb. 16, anticipate weekend refreshes. You heard that right – even if I have to duck into Panera Bread with my laptop on a sunny Saturday, expect a couple of refreshes before Monday.

Hello Growing Family of Passionate Bloggers,

Less than 24 hours into the next round of voting and already thousands of votes have poured in! Keep up the good work everyone – the bar is being raised with each new round. Personally, I felt the previous selections were all on point: hanging pendant, wood-burning fireplace and D-log system. Hard to go wrong with those. But there is no time to reflect – onward we go!

Consider carefully the five latest features: roof type, fireplace surround (tile, stone or brick), master bath shower, kitchen cabinet style and kitchen countertops. Your influence will be firmly imprinted when the dust clears here, so choose wisely thoughtful bloggers…

Cheers,
Watson, DIYnetwork.com Manager

Oh! Two things: Ahmed Hassan’s eagerly-anticipated first entry is coming soon. Also, as with any blog where strong opinions are encouraged, it can get a little chippy. Please be considerate of others. I take a relaxed, open approach to comments, but I will make you stand out in the hallway if I have to. Now, let’s hear about those countertops…

Greetings from Blog Cabin headquarters!

There are three more cabin features that need your vote: the style of log (all of which have their merits – a more difficult choice than I anticipated), type of fireplace and light fixture style for the porch.

Although the San Jacinto floor plan destroyed the competition, there are no runaways in this group. Tell us what you think of the choices and where your passions lead you.

Attention Bloggers: we are listening! Great suggestions have been pouring in, including:

• Extending the back porch.
• Adding a second set of stairs accessing the lake front.
• Moving the washer and dryer set to a better spot for cheerier washing duty.
• Adding windows to the exterior of the upper great room for more outdoor light into 2nd level.
• The addition of a bathtub upstairs.

No promises on any modications yet, but host Ahmed Hassan and the construction team are reading and responding constantly. Keep those informed observations coming!

Future Voting Features (to name just a few): roofing material, countertops, flooring, backsplash and window treatments, plus over 30 more – stay tuned!