There are two questions to answer here – can you physically live in a log cabin permanently? And may you – according to law?

We sell an array of outdoor buildings, from sheds to summerhouses, but our log cabins are specially designed for enduring long stints of usage. Their thick walls contribute to insulation and help keep the rain out. They also come with the option of double-glazing (i.e. for more warmth) and lockable doors.

Our log cabins come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, but perhaps one of the best options for a live-in cabin is the BillyOh Cove. With a roomy 19.25m² of indoor floor space, the Cove is one of our bigger cabins. 

It’s split into two rooms, which makes it feel like an actual house – or a small flat at least. This means you can separate your living and dining or cooking areas and not feel confined to one space for everything.

The Cove also comes with an integrated canopy – a great spot for some al fresco dining when the sun’s out – and windows across the front and sides of the building. And unlike some cheaper buildings, it’s adaptable to the seasons. But having the right log cabin is just the beginning to starting a life in one.

What You’d Need to Live in a Log Cabin Permanently

If we strip human life down to the core basics, we don’t actually need that much. It just depends on how animalistic you’re planning to go! In this situation we’re going to assume you’d at least want:

Internet

You’d think that electricity would be the most difficult asset to add to your log cabin home. As a matter of fact, there’s a relatively large selection of options when it comes to sourcing electricity, making it a lot easier than you’d think.

For example, solar panels can be placed on the top of a log cabin to convert energy from the sun into energy for your home. The amount of energy they generate might not be enough to power a home for a family – but if you’re just using it to power a laptop and a light switch for a few hours a day, you should be good.

Either way, if you want electricity in your cabin, you’ll need to get plug sockets installed. This isn’t a job for someone who isn’t clued up on electrics – so it’s best to get a professional to do it for you.

For heating, you could consider investing in an electric fireplace or heater for a low-cost alternative during colder times. Not only will it help you and your family keep warm – especially during winter – but it can also act as a stylish and fashionable centrepiece for your cabin.

Top tip: When installing electricity, it’s recommended to ask for a professional electrician’s help to carry out any electrical work for you. This is especially important if you have no experience. 

Let them know how many sockets and light switches you need and all the equipment you’ll be running off the electricity.

Water

There are a variety of lighting options to choose from when it comes to your cabin. Which is best for you depends on how much light you need, how much you want to spend, and what you want your cabin to look like. 

Halogen lights are good for providing overhead light. They can also be used for adjustable spotlights or track lighting. Whereas, desk and floor lamps are a cheap lighting option – but if you’re working from home, this can be a great investment.

LED lighting, on the other hand, is versatile and cheap to run. LED can be used as spotlights if, in certain areas of your home, you want it to be extra bright.

And if you want to add a magic touch to your cabin, fairy lights could be the answer. They can quickly and effortlessly transform a boring room into an enchanted escape, ensuring your log cabin doubles up as a fancy hang-out and a homely space.

Candles and lanterns can also add a romantic atmosphere to the cabin. They make fantastic focal points and can blend well with any decor style. Candles are also a cheaper lighting alternative that can add style and provide light without skyrocketing your electricity bill.

Insulation

You’d be surprised at how much food you can actually keep without the need for a fridge or a freezer. Over the years, humankind has developed a plethora of methods for preserving food, many of which are now employed by supermarkets to keep our food fresh.

Again, if you have a plug socket installed, getting a fridge into your cabin should be no biggie. And plugging in a microwave, or having an oven installed, is entirely possible. 

However, if you’re looking to live rustic, dry goods such as rice, pasta, beans, and oats can be the foundation of your stockpile. They’re all cookable on a small trangia or portable stove if you’ve got access to some gas (you can get canisters specifically designed for stoves). 

Canned goods and stews that contain liquid like tomatoes, beans, and tuna are also recommended. Comfort food and items to snack on such as chocolate and coffee should not be neglected due to their positive effect on mood and mental health!

Cabin Staples

Here’s a list of cabin staples that you can add to your basket on your next trip to the shops. None of this stuff needs to be frozen or refrigerated, and most of it Shop Garden Sheds