Vermont is the definition of Log Home Country. In fact, the Green Mountain State has a long history of log home construction dating back to the 1700s and is home to some of the earliest log cabins in the United States.
The log home lifestyle and aesthetic just make sense in Vermont, a state of incredible natural beauty and down-to-earth residents. Forests cover nearly 80% of the state, totaling an impressive 4.5 million acres.
Whether you’re dreaming of a vacation cabin for your family or you’re ready for year-round log home living, we’ve put together a list of the top spots to build a log cabin in Vermont, by region.
Northern Vermont
Vermont may be an inland state, but it has beautiful beaches, thanks to Lake Champlain. It’s also home to hundreds of creeks, streams, and swimming holes. If you love being on the water, this part of the state is a great choice.
Land is affordable in Northern Vermont. It’s not hard to find sprawling wooded properties for just a few thousand dollars per acre—perfect for your log cabin hideaway or homestead. Here are some of our top picks for where to build a log cabin in Northern Vermont.
Burlington/South Burlington
Burlington consistently ranks among the happiest places in the US, thanks to this small city’s natural beauty, artisanal cuisine, thriving arts and entertainment scene, and public festivals and events. Burlington sits on the shores of Lake Champlain, one of the most scenic lakes in the Northeast. The Green Mountains are a 60- to 90-minute drive to the east, giving you prime access to world-class ski resorts.
Why we love it: From farmers’ markets to cycling around Lake Champlain to leaf peeping in autumn, there’s always something to do in this picturesque city.
Population: 65,000 (Burlington + South Burlington)
Elevation: 200 ft.
Essex
This idyllic suburb of Burlington sits on the Winooski River and is surrounded by lush forests. Recreational opportunities are all around, from hiking local trails to skiing in Mount Mansfield State Forest to the east. You’ll have no trouble finding woodland and wetland properties outside of Essex starting at around $20,000 per acre for your Vermont log cabin.
Why we love it: Living in Essex gives you easy access to arts, entertainment, and local events without the hassles or noise of the city.
Population: 21,900
Elevation: 480 ft.
Shelburne & Charlotte
These charming and historic towns just south of Burlington offer easy access to hiking, fishing, and other outdoor activities. Spend your weekends on Lake Champlain or hiking in the Green Mountains, a short drive to the east. Both towns offer wineries, museums, quaint shops, and farm-to-table dining options.
Why we love it: This little area is teeming with arts and culture, including the Shelburne Museum, which houses more than 8,000 items of folk art.
Population: 7,700 (Shelburne); 3,750 (Charlotte)
Elevation: 200-350 ft.
Stowe
Enjoy world-class skiing and snowboarding at Stowe Mountain Resort and take in the beauty of the Green Mountains all year long. This 200-year-old village boasts a variety of museums, galleries, theaters, and plenty of fine dining. It also hosts an annual outdoor film festival, drawing visitors from all over the region.
Why we love it: Living in Stowe gives you prime access to hiking trails, fishing spots, and world-class skiing at Mount Mansfield, the highest peak in the state.
Population: 600
Elevation: 890 ft.
Greensboro
This little town tucked away between New Hampshire and Canada is home to crystal-clear Caspian Lake, a popular getaway spot for visitors. Charming lakeside cottages fill up in the summer, but you’ll have the place to yourself for the rest of the year. If you want to get away from it all, put Greensboro on your list.
Why we love it: The locals call Greensboro the “Northeast Kingdom,” an apt nickname for a town that marches to the beat of its own drummer.
Population: 125
Elevation: 900 ft.
Central Vermont
From charming towns and hamlets to world-class skiing at Killington, Okemo, Sugarbush, and Middlebury resorts, Central Vermont has it all. Here are some of our favorite places to build a log home in the middle part of the state.
Montpelier
America’s smallest state capital is also one of its most beautiful. Montpelier is famous for its farm-to-table restaurants, historic architecture, and quaint downtown area. Groton State Forest is just a 30-minute drive to the east. This expansive wilderness area is home to seven state parks and eight lakes and ponds, perfect if you love boating and fishing.
Why we love it: Montpelier has a robust community of preservationists who keep the spirit of the past alive with museum exhibits and architectural preservation.
Population: 8,000
Elevation: 525 ft.
Woodstock
This classic New England village is nestled in rolling hills and features an interesting mix of restored Greek Revival and Georgian-style homes. Old country farms dot the landscape, and maple syrup sampling is a favorite activity among locals. Explore Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park and enjoy a variety of annual events and festivals in this idyllic New England town.
Why we love it: You don’t need to leave town to get amazing views—just climb the winding back roads to look down on the town’s bucolic farms.
Population: 2,930
Elevation: 700 ft.
Southern Vermont
An easy drive from New York City, Southern Vermont is a top spot for a vacation cabin or second home. This scenic region is graced with vibrant fall foliage, for which Vermont is famous. Here are some of our top picks for where to build a home in the southern part of the state.
Manchester
The perfect blend of urban sophistication and classic New England charm, Manchester is a popular shopping spot for city slickers and locals alike, thanks to its robust retail sector. But it also has a thriving arts and cultural scene, with galleries, theaters, museums, and artisanal dining. Green Mountain National Forest is a short drive to the southeast.
Why we love it: Any place with a museum devoted to the history of fly fishing gets our stamp of approval.
Population: 4,250
Elevation: 900 ft.
Brattleboro
Brattleboro might be Vermont’s funkiest and most eclectic town, with lots of restaurants, studios, galleries, shops, and lively bars. Enjoy gorgeous river views no matter where you are in town. When you want to get out into nature, you don’t have to go far. The Wantastiquet Mountain Natural Area and Pisgah State Park are just across the Connecticut River.
Why we love it: Few other places can brag about having an annual Strolling of the Heifers parade, where farmers show off their prized cows in celebration of Vermont’s dairy farming heritage.
Population: 12,050
Elevation: 630 ft.
Chester
Chester is the perfect basecamp for adventure. This historic little town is centrally located, giving you easy access to several popular ski resorts, including Mount Killington and Okemo to the north and Mount Snow to the south. Chester is ideal if you love small-town living. Wooded lots are very affordable in the area, starting at less than $3,000 an acre.
Why we love it: With the perfect blend of arts, culture, and nature, Chester is small-town living at its finest.
Population: 3,150
Elevation: 820 ft.
Grafton
Once a major stagecoach stop between Albany and the Green Mountains, Grafton is still famous for its hospitality and authentic New England architecture. You’ll feel like you’re in another time strolling down the town’s charming streets. Snow-covered mountains in the winter practically call out to skiers and cross-country enthusiasts. In the summer, you’ll love exploring local trails and splashing around in the river.
Why we love it: There’s a real sense of community in this small mountain town, along with an active Historical Society.
Population: 645
Elevation: 925 ft.
Partner with eLoghomes for Your Vermont Log Cabin Build
Log homes are a quintessential part of the Northeastern landscape. eLoghomes is committed to keeping the log cabin tradition alive in Vermont.
We offer a huge variety of log cabin kits in Vermont with dozens of floor plan options. Whether you want to build a small fishing cabin or a multi-story family home, eLoghomes is your trusted partner.
Take a virtual tour of some of our most popular log home models and get in touch with us to get started on your Vermont log home project.