You Have to Experience It to Understand It
After nearly 25 years in the log and timber home industry, I thought I’d seen it all—majestic great rooms, warm log walls that seem to hug you as you walk in, breathtaking lake views, and carefully thought-out floorplans that reflect each homeowner’s personal taste and aesthetic style. But my recent visit to Tom and Christine Nikles’ lakeside log home left me completely, utterly moved in a way I never expected.
From the moment I stepped onto their property, I knew this log home was something special. But it wasn’t just the stunning architecture or the way the home sits perfectly perched along the water’s edge, soaking in every ounce of lakeside beauty. It was the way they talked about it—their passion, their joy, their fierce love for life, family, friends, and each other—it came through in every single detail.
Christine walked me through their log home, recounting the reasons and the inspiration behind every detail. Her energy and passion were contagious. She described their design choices with such enthusiasm and depth that I could practically see the ideas forming in real time. From custom finishes to last-minute layout modifications, Christine spoke as if every decision had been made just yesterday, and with the same excitement you’d expect from someone building their dream log home.
In addition to the log home specifics, Tom put careful thought into every functional detail imaginable. From fireplace designs that reflect his business name to researching which TV brand had the best selection of digital art frames to curating their lighting system, irrigation, and landscaping—his attention to detail is second to none. The harmony between Christine’s vibrant creativity and Tom’s meticulous planning created a log home that doesn’t just look beautiful—it feels alive.
From its grand, lodge-inspired entrance to the loft’s display area and even a built-in stage on the lower level, this log home anticipates and fulfills every imaginable desire. Every bedroom has a theme. Every animal mount has a name and a backstory. It’s as if the wildlife, like the people who enter the home, become a part of the family – even Bonnie and Clyde, the racoon duo in their getaway canoe. Speaking of boating, Christine recounted how boaters are so in awe of the home that they circle back just to admire it again. The couple welcomes the admirers with a friendly wave and warm hello from the patio.
When I first met Christine two years ago when Log & Timber Home Living was onsite to capture footage for their Engineered Log video, she told me, “We work hard and play harder.” That phrase lives in the walls of their home, in every thoughtfully chosen detail, in every memory they’ve already created and those yet to come. This log home isn’t just a place to live—it’s a living expression of the life they’ve built and the love they share.
Personally, my recent visit was more than a professional visit to capture professional photos and a 3D virtual tour. It was a reminder of why I fell in love with this industry to begin with. Every homeowner loves their log or timber home, but when you pour your soul into every inch of it—like Tom and Christine did—you can feel it from the moment you arrive.
This experience—this home—stirred something in me. It was unforgettable, and I’m incredibly grateful to Tom and Christine for choosing Timberhaven as their log home manufacturer and for allowing us to share their home with you.
Tom and Christine, we are honored to have you as part of the Timberhaven Family.
Future homeowners, stay tuned. We’re putting the finishing touches on the photos and virtual tour we captured while on site. Trust me when I say: this is one of the most stunning homes you’ll ever see. And you’ll get a first look when it’s featured in the Annual Buyer’s Guide of Log & Timber Home Living, on sale September 9th.
Until then… just know, sometimes, a house is so much more than a home. Sometimes, it’s a true love story.
Still in awe,
Bobbi Landis, Marketing Director
Timberhaven
