A Home with Heart: Liz’s Norwegian Log Journey

Yesterday, on one of the first bright and beautiful days of the year, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Liz Hasler at her lovely family barn in Northamptonshire.

Liz will soon be living in a stunning Norwegian Log home based at her daughter Rachael and partner Sven's home.  As we chatted, it was clear that this wasn’t just a project—it was a labour of love, a carefully considered sanctuary that would allow Liz to split her time between here and her main home.

After our conversation, Liz took me on a walk through the fields to see the family's beautiful horses and charming Shetland pony. It was the perfect way to experience the lifestyle that this new home would support—one of tranquility, nature, and family. Then, we strolled over to the log home, where work was progressing steadily. With the roof on and first-fix trades underway, the team at Norwegian Log was busy bringing Liz’s vision to life.

The team working on the project includes Jim, our experienced team leader who has been with us for over five years; Luke, a qualified carpenter who joined five months ago; and Sam, a mature student enrolled on Norwegian Log's apprenticeship program combining working on site with studying for his NVQ. Liz and Rachel have collaborated closely on the fit-out, ensuring every decision is made with care and consideration. 

A space to call home

Liz’s decision to choose a Norwegian Log home wasn’t made lightly. She explored numerous options before ultimately selecting the warmth, character, and quality of our cabins. “I looked at so many,” she admitted. “But when I saw yours, I just knew. Nothing else compared.”

Her new home is designed for both comfort and practicality, allowing her to spend extended periods on the farm while maintaining flexibility. “I’ll be up here for ten days, then back home for five. It gives me the best of both worlds,” she said.

Inspired by travels and tradition

One of the most exciting aspects of Liz’s new home is the influence of her travels and passions on the interior design. Having recently spent time in India and Malaysia with her daughter Jen, she’s drawing inspiration from the colours and textures of her journeys. At home, she has a special room called the ‘Majlis’—an Arabic term meaning ‘the most beautiful room’—where she and Jen gather, surrounded by artefacts from their travels. This sense of curated beauty and personal storytelling will undoubtedly find its way into her log home.

“I’m not going to make it overly Arabic because it’s a log cabin,” she mused. “But I love little details—maybe an Arabic-style radiator cover, warm lighting, a bookshelf with a hidden TV behind doors. I want it to feel personal, not rushed. Every choice has to be right.”

A love for stained glass

Beyond her passion for travel, Liz is also a talented stained-glass artist. What started as a small creative project has turned into a rewarding hobby, with her work even making its way into palaces in Bahrain and Dubai. “It’s like doing a jigsaw, but I get paid for it!” she laughed. Her pieces range from bunting to intricate horse’s head designs, and she’s already thinking about what she might create for her new home.

“I don’t know yet, but I have ideas,” she said. “I want the space to evolve naturally. Maybe something for the garden, maybe a special window panel. I’ll see where inspiration takes me.”

A home that grows with time

Liz is in no rush to finish every detail at once. “I want it to be perfect,” she explained. “If I don’t know what I want for something, I’d rather wait than make a decision I’ll regret.” That’s why she’s taking a phased approach—getting the main elements in place, then layering in the details over time. The natural wood interior will remain unpainted, embracing the warmth and beauty of the log walls. 

“I’m thinking of adding splashes of colour with textiles—maybe hanging a sari above the bed. It means I can change things up whenever I want without losing the natural feel of the cabin.”

Looking ahead

As our conversation wrapped up, it was clear that this home is much more than just a place to stay—it’s a reflection of Liz’s life, her travels, her passions, and the people she loves. From its thoughtful design to the intricate personal touches that will come over time, this Norwegian Log home is set to be a truly special retreat. 

We can’t wait to see the finished result, and we know it will be every bit as unique and beautiful as Liz herself. 

Stay tuned for more updates on this inspiring project.