Features

Pine log walls, vaulted ceilings, exposed pine beams, captivating windows, and exquisite detailing. It’s all inside Diane and Loren Sohre’s log home in Good Thunder.

It’s hard to resist taking a moment to absorb all the character and warmth of Loren and Diane Sohre’s log home in Good Thunder, Minnesota. Surrounded by rolling fields, a babbling brook, and a grove of trees, the home’s exterior is grand and inviting with a rustic charm distinct to log homes. The timeless front porch beckons you inside where pine log walls, vaulted ceilings, exposed pine beams, captivating windows, and exquisite detailing await.

Loren and Diane fell in love with the idea of a log home while visiting friends Patrick and Joan Rigdon in their log home in Colorado. Upon returning to Minnesota, plans began immediately. The Sohres found the home plan they liked in a magazine, went to a home show, met with the contractors from Custom Log Home Builders, Inc. from St. Peter, Minnesota and went to work. From the very beginning, Diane was the big pusher for the log home. She knew exactly what she wanted, and because of that, now lives in a home that she loves.

A strong partnership was established between the Sohres and the construction crew, and their joint cooperation made the building process go smoothly and quickly from the very beginning. The logs were delivered December 18, 2003 and Loren and Diane moved in May 4, 2004. Loren and Diane credit this greatly to the excellent crew working on the project: in particular, Rob Roloff, Bob Arnold, and Karl Boesch. They found the crew fun to work with and open to working with minor changes that the Sohres came up with. The working relationship was professional, helpful, and practical.

In choosing to do some of the projects themselves, Loren and Diane put in many long hours. There were thoughts of no return when they would work well into the night sanding logs. They did their own insulating and wiring as well as the ceilings and knotty pine work. Loren did the finishing in the basement. When tackling projects within the home, builder Rob Roloff credited the Sohres with knowing what they were capable of doing. Loren and Diane were a good team and their work on the house complements that of the contractors well. All of the exhausting work and long hours are worthwhile when Loren and Diane enjoy the beauty of their completed home.

Decorating a log home was not a challenge for Diane. The home’s plans incorporated a nice amount of plaster walls on the interior to break up the pine logs. This gave Diane more freedom when decorating. She used various color schemes and stencil to achieve the looks she wanted. She is very happy with the amount of pine that is visible on the interior and finds that the wood really brings a sense of warmth to her home. Each individual log has its own character. Many antiques and decorations from their previous home now grace their new locale.

Touring the house, it is clear that the Sohre’s plans were well-executed and worthwhile. Entering from the wonderful front porch, one comes into the great room. This is both Loren’s and Diane’s favorite room of the house. A beautiful stone fireplace is centered on one wall with an impressive chimney following all the way up to the gable of the vaulted ceiling. The gas fireplace, together with the decorative rug that covers the wood floor, brings a sense of warmth and coziness to the space. The room is the perfect place to gather with friends and family or to curl up with a good book.

A sliding glass door on the opposing wall leads to a circular brick patio at the rear of the home. The outdoor space is an excellent location for entertaining guests or enjoying the serene evenings of rural Blue Earth County.

An open and versatile space is next to the great room. A gorgeous staircase leads up to the home’s loft or down to the finely finished basement.

The loft serves as Diane’s at-home office. A rear-facing window has a breathtaking view of trees and wildlife. Pine board ceilings, tasteful decorations, and a love seat make the space versatile, relaxing, and a place of escape. A balcony with a pine railing allows an eagle’s eye view of virtually the entire main floor. From this location, the open beams stretching out over the kitchen and dining area are clearly visible. The view from the loft offers an excellent vantage point to admire the home’s exquisite windows and impressive detail.

Back on the main floor, the kitchen and eating area share the same vast space. Stainless steel appliances, black granite countertops, and an island made of pine logs are laid out like an open invitation. Diane’s beautiful collection of antique granitewear is displayed above the wood cupboards. Three tall black iron chairs pull up to the island, resulting in a nice place to have breakfast or to do some work. A large window situated above the sink makes any task in the kitchen appealing.

Adjoining the kitchen is the dining area. An elegant oak table, as well as many antique furnishings, grace this room of the Sohre’s home. A flood of light from an expansive window cascades across the room, making it warm and comforting. The room is a well-designed gathering place.

Set aside from the main rooms of the first floor is the master bedroom. Diane chose a soothing brown color for the plaster walls, which tastefully complements the pine logs. Ceiling boards in a square pattern that Loren designed and installed himself surround the ceiling fan. Adjacent to the bedroom is an expansive master bath which boasts a soaking tub, separate shower, dual vanity, and access to a large walk-in closet.

Loren and Diane Sohre’s log home in rural Good Thunder is breathtaking and inviting. The graceful design of the house is exactly what the couple had wanted, and they are thrilled with the results. Their passion and dedication to the entire project have resulted in a home with an atmosphere of warmth and timelessness that will be enjoyed for many years to come.