The Magical Timberframe

“Timber framing is a building process like no other, connecting us to our ancestors with old-world craftsmanship and taking us into the future with a building that lasts far beyond conventional wood construction. Timber frames are living structures, reminiscent of the majestic forests from which they are borne. The tremendous character, unique textures, and endless detail of the timber frame leaves little doubt as to its renewed popularity in the United States & around the world.”

The Artisian’s of Dreaming Creek Timberframe Homes, Inc. based in Powhatan, Virginia handcrafted our “Simply Charming” Timberframe Cabins!

In 1994, we started to build our home (today sitting on Lot 1 ). After much research, we found several companies in Virginia who still practiced the nearly lost art of timber framing.

Following our concept and basic design, the timber framers detailed the design, completed the structural engineering, and cut and erected the frame. The “Ladybug” structure reflects the form of old country style homes in Bavaria, Germany and respects simplicity and the local materials indigenous to older farm homes in this area of the Blue Ridge.

Building by using Timber Frame construction proved to be quite a challenge. The Timber Framing Company only cuts and raises the frame. Given this, dozens of local contractors of all sorts from near and far were coordinated and synchronized to complete just the initial phase of the project.

The SME Bear Dance Lodge (Dragon Fly + Bumble Bee cabins) and Barn were built in 2002. We designed the structures to maximize guests’ privacy while preserving the views and surrounding woodlands.

The SME Bear Dance Lodge – comprised of the Dragon Fly and Bumble Bee “cabins” accepted the first guests in August 2002. The Butterfly loft was opened May 2003. The Ladybug cabin was finished in June 2011. The Lodge and barn sit on our 2nd 5 acre lot. The 3rd 5 acre lot will remain wooded without any structures to preserve the sense of space and protect the invaluable ecology surrounding Shadow Mountain Escape.