Kolme

The Kolme cabin, #3 in Finnish, is the perfect two-bedroom retreat.

Built in the early 1930s, it is the third oldest of Manninen’s Cabins and uses the traditional American log building techniques. The only tools used in those days were a single- or double-bitted axe, hand saw, broad axe, chisel, and draw knife. The two-handed draw knife was drawn toward the log builder to remove the bark and shape the logs.

The round notch or saddle corner is shown. Some but not all of these cut log ends are shaped with an axe to provide a more pleasing appearance. Photo by KLEM Studios.

Like the Kaksi cabin, the interior walls in Kolme still have the brass hardware in place from the oil lamps that previously lit the cabin. Kolme includes two separate bedrooms, and a fieldstone fireplace with log mantel. A spacious deck with lake views was added in the 1990s.

Kolme has an old-style, black propane heater near the center of the cabin, which has provided many years of cozy warmth for guests in the spring and fall.

The dining table and benches are original log furniture built for the cabin though a Formica top for the table was added later. The windows are paned, all hand made, and provide brilliant morning light.

Yes, that’s me in the photo in the red sweatshirt at age 6 or 7. I have always loved this cabin and probably have more pictures with it than any other.

Morning light in Kolme.