A Piece of Rocky Ground

A quiet countryside with a thankful and proud people living in a small community. That is an ideal place that many now seek out; a little bit of Mayberry with a side of The Waltons for good measure. People are discovering this very place at Rockcastle Farms, a wooded mountain-view development high atop some rolling mountains just outside the rural town of Jamestown, Tennessee.

A History Lesson:
Hollywood popularized this tucked-away area of Tennessee when it captured the true story of American World War I hero, Alvin C. York, in the movie “Sergeant York”. York grew up only a few miles outside of Jamestown, Tennessee where Rockcastle Farms is located. In the beginning, his sole desire was to move his family off the rocky slopes of the mountains, into the low, flat valley that was better suited for farming.

York was swept off to war, where he lead a handful of men to save countless lives and capture over 200 enemy soldiers. For his bravery, he was awarded the Medal of Honor, and went on to make huge impacts on the local education system, and economy of this home-town region. York’s contributions to his country and community can still be seen today.

Making Improvements:
Speaking of today, my how things have changed! The rocky ground so despised by York’s character in the movie, is now the affection of so many seeking an escape to the Tennessee mountains. Rockcastle Farms has proved to be a sanctuary for many Floridians.

The first phase of the development has been completed for some time. “Phase 1 of Rockcastle Farms was all but sold out during its introduction onto the market,” comments April Smith, President of Rockcastle Farms. “Unfortunately, with the decline in the market, development into Phase 2 was slowed, but we’re proud to report that we are making significant investments into the property. Road improvements have recently been completed with current work being done to install water and electricity.” April went on to comment that Phase 2 will be sold in Spring of 2012. It is expected that most if not all will be sold in a single day.

Log Homes in the Mountains:
Two beautiful log homes are already built and used as permanent residences within the community, with more on the horizon. In our June edition of Honest Abe Monthly, resident Dara Zambrano was quoted:

“We built in the very end of the first stage of the Rockcastle development. We were the first ones to build in that section. It’s very secluded at the end of the development, in a densely-wooded area. We took down some trees to build on our nine and a half acres, and we just love our land and our house.

My husband said he wanted to be able to walk the land we owned, and it not be on a hillside, and that’s exactly what we were able to find. We just really love it here, and since we built, several more people from Florida have joined the community, too.”

In addition to the log homes, other conventional homes have been built within the development, and currently a new conventional home is under construction.

In conjunction with this, Honest Abe Log Homes has opened a branch office to serve the development, along with the region. “Rockcastle Farms is proud to welcome Honest Abe Log Homes into our development. As some of our property owners have discovered, there’s nothing like having an Honest Abe Log Home in the rustic mountains of Rockcastle Farms,” said Smith. Events are being planned for 2012 which will help land owners make informed decisions about building in the area, along with introducing them to Honest Abe’s variety of products and services.

Honest Abe Log Homes Joins with Mountain Heart in New Series of Commercials

Honest Abe Log Homes recently forged a unique and active marketing relationship with Mountain Heart, a well established progressive roots/alt-bluegrass band. As Honest Abe lead a search for talent to appear in a series of new commercials, Mountain Heart leaped from the pool of talent surrounding Nashville, Tennessee and became an obvious choice to partner with. This pairing is a new approach for each organization as they partner to market and expand their target demographics.

"We are thrilled and honored to be asked to partner with Honest Abe Log Homes, says Brian Smith, Principal of Leadership Artists, LLC, and Mountain Heart's manager. "As sponsors of the very popular Music City Roots series, Honest Abe Log Homes teamed up with a great performance organization that we are quite fond of, so we know that the folks we are working with are top quality, forward thinking leaders. We couldn't be happier and look forward to working closely to move the needle forward for all involved!” Mountain Heart's musical virtuosity, unmatched energy, and keen sense of entertainment dynamics have helped them to forge a highly unique sound and stage show, which appeals to an incredibly wide variety of musical tastes. From large outdoor folk music and bluegrass festivals, to sold-out arena shows opening for Southern Rock icons, to appearing in over 120 performances on the stage of the legendary Grand Ole Opry, Mountain Heart has earned their rightful place as the recognized leaders in today's progressive acoustic sound. This energetic charisma, paired with remarkable talent and a wonderful fan-base appealed directly to Honest Abe Log Homes.

John Walker of Triad Media introduced the concept and played a direct role in connecting the two parties. “As co-producer of Music City Roots, and a marketing consultant for Honest Abe for nearly 10 years, I saw this as the perfect opportunity to exemplify our core roots marketing vision,” said John Walker, Nashville producer and ad agency owner. “The message we preach is simple – create brand and demographic synergy between show content (Music City Roots), sponsors (Honest Abe Log Homes), fans (potential customers), and artists. In this case, no artist represents the marriage of old-school tradition with new-school forward-thinking better than Mountain Heart. It’s no coincidence that this is the exact mission of Honest Abe and Music City Roots as well. The partnership is a match made in Heaven…everybody wins, especially the public, because they get treated to some of the finest music on the planet. It’s all about integrity…the days of slick, deceptive advertising are over.”

“Log homes, front porches and good acoustic music are just meant to be,” notes Josh Beasley, who directs Honest Abe’s marketing efforts. “We’re providing the front porch, and Mountain Heart is sharing with us their great acoustic and vocal melodies. Within that scenario, we both win. Mountain Heart fans are introduced to the idea of living in an Honest Abe Log Home, while log home enthusiasts become fans of remarkable talent they may not get to hear on their usual drive home.”

Social media stands to play a big role as well. “I think everyone involved is looking at this as a relationship, not just a one-time commercial shoot.” noted Beasley. “We look forward to being in contact with the band, Brian and John to continually seek out new ideas and ways to spread each other’s message without forcing it onto our fan base.” Mountain Heart has already dedicated to share free music in the near future, which will be available for download through Honest Abe’s web site. Early snippets of content shared on Facebook have already proven that the pair’s fans approve of the relationship.

The commercials filmed will present various messages from Honest Abe Log Homes, each with Mountain Heart singing the company’s jingle. They are set to air throughout the month of September during the morning news hours within the Nashville, Tennessee market. The commercials will also be available for online viewing on the companies web site at: www.honestabe.com.

Log Homes Council Features Navajo Floor Plan by Honest Abe Log Homes

During the month of August, 2010, the Log Homes Council, who’s parent organization is the National Association of Home Builders, is featuring a beautiful timber frame house by Honest Abe Log Homes. Honest Abe, a member and supporter of the council, is best known for designing, manufacturing and building log homes and cabins. However, this timber frame home demonstrates the diversity within the company’s line of products, and the variety available within the wood home industry overall.

This particular floor plan is no stranger to Honest Abe’s portfolio of log home and timber frame designs. The Navajo has been within the company’s line up for over fifteen years, yet still captures attention by so many log home enthusiasts. “The plan is modest, yet has so much to offer,” comments Fred Kendall, Design Manager at Honest Abe. “One wing of the timber frame home features the master bedroom and bath, while the other is split into two bedrooms and a shared bathroom. The center has an open design within the great room, which is overlooked by a loft. The kitchen is spacious and open to its surroundings.” All of this is available in an area just over 1,800 square feet without a basement.

As with most plans Honest Abe Log Homes offers, the Navajo featured in the Log Council’s article has undergone modifications as directed by the customers. Rick and Betty Blair of Apple Orchard Mountain Homes decided to construct a ‘spec’ timber frame home in The Preserve at Beach Mountain located in Hayesville, North Carolina. “The property has such a beautiful view of the mountains,” noted Betty. “So, Rick and I added more deck and porch area than called for on the original design. We also added a gazebo, which creates an outstanding outdoor living area to take in the views.” Due to the slope of the property, they added an angled corner entry as well as a walk-out basement. “A finished basement is a great way to add on affordable living area,” suggested Rick.

The Navajo is a great example of the flexibility in creative design available when constructing with timber frame or log. Imagination and budget really are the limits. Honest Abe’s timber frame construction takes customization to another level. Since the walls are constructed with posts, beams and prefabricated panels, the exterior of the home can be covered with a variety of products. Of course, Honest Abe manufactures log siding that can be applied to give the appearance of log, but some customers choose to use cedar siding, brick, stone and even vinyl siding. Rick and Betty Blair chose to use log siding for the exterior walls on the main level, while covering the gable-end walls and dormers with cedar shake siding. The walk-out basement features a manufactured stone application. All of this combined really expresses a mountain home feel with definitive craftsman style accents.

A Modern Log Raising Hosted by Honest Abe Log Homes

Years ago, a log or barn raising was a common event throughout our country. Neighbors would come from all around to help a friend in need build their home or barn. A whole community would gather, making a big event of it, and erect a structure in a day or so. Honest Abe Log Homes, a leading manufacturer of log homes based in Moss, Tennessee, has taken this age-old tradition and added a modern touch.

In an effort to better educate log home enthusiasts, Honest Abe Log Homes hosts a number of log raising events each year. However, to attend there is no need to bring your ladder and hammer. Instead, the event is hosted indoors so the climate is controlled, and the event may be held rain or shine. The company constructs a small structure, using the same logs and products as with a full-scale home. Attendees have the ability to ask questions and even interact.

Those dreaming of building a log home can gain first hand knowledge of how an Honest Abe Log Home is constructed. Rachel Meadows, Sales Manager for Honest Abe Log Homes noted, “All of our Log Home Specialists and management attend. They are directly involved with the log raising and available for questions throughout. We also have our builders involved, which many find comforting and helpful.

As the event progresses, logs are stacked to form a small structure. Soon, ceiling beams and a second floor are built. A small roof section is then added featuring exposed interior rafters. Porches, decks, windows, doors and all the other components of a modern log home are previewed and discussed throughout the morning. After the structure is built, everyone is treated to lunch, and immediately following is a tour of the manufacturing facility.

Randy Fudge, President of Honest Abe Log Homes and host of the event had this to say, “We have never wanted our log raisings to just be an advertisement for our homes. It’s supposed to be educational, and we hope it helps the log home industry as a whole. We try to keep the mood light and the atmosphere casual.” Randy also commented that the event is open to the public and there is no fee involved.

Honest Abe Log Homes will only host three more log raising events in 2010 that are open to the public. The next will be held on July 24th, with the remaining two dates on September 25th and November 13th. Since the event is held indoors, space is limited, so the company requests that seating reservations are made prior to the date. The log raising starts at 9 AM, CST at their National Headquarters in Moss, Tennessee, and typically ends just after noon.