After Two Decades of Dreaming, the Sanders Create a Lakeside Haven with Honest Abe Log Homes

by Claudia Johnson, Honest Abe Log Homes

Mark and Patti Sanders had long envisioned building a wood home. After more than 20 years of dreaming and planning, they teamed up with Honest Abe Log Homes and turned that vision into reality, creating a stunning structural insulated panel (SIP) home with custom-milled Douglas Fir heavy timber interior and exterior architectural elements that the call Harbor Rest.

From the moment they attended a home show and met Johnny Watson, a sales representative from Honest Abe Log Homes’ Crossville model, they knew they had found the right partner.

Patti noted that the decision to work with Honest Abe was made easy by Johnny’s enthusiasm for Honest Abe’s products, his deep knowledge of the industry and his commitment to helping the Sanders achieve their vision of creating a home that would blend into its environment and enhance the natural beauty of the location without disrupting it. 

“He’s just the greatest,” she observed.

Throughout the process, Johnny was always available to assist, providing the Sanders with the confidence that any challenge could be overcome.

“Anytime we needed help we called Johnny,” Mark said, adding, “He was right on it.”

Patti and Mark were impressed that Honest Abe Log Homes was able to provide the “one-stop-shop” they had hoped for, offering everything they needed to bring their dream to life from design and drafting to manufacturing and delivery. Johnny even introduced them to S & T Construction, a husband-and-wife team, Scott and Tonya Conners, whose professionalism and craftsmanship exceeded the Sanders’ expectations. 

To build their home the Sanders chose the small community of Silverpoint for its natural beauty and proximity to the lake, allowing them to indulge in their love for the outdoors. Located an hour east of Nashville, the Sanders’ home offers a peaceful retreat with breathtaking views of Center Hill Lake.

The couple said that the lake provides the ideal escape for engaging in some of their favorite outdoor activities like hiking, paddleboarding and exploring the rugged terrain surrounding their property. They are currently constructing stairs down the bluff to provide direct access to the lake, ensuring that the water is always within reach.

Having spent most of their married life in a historic home in East Nashville, Mark and Patti were accustomed to living in a space with distinct individual rooms. However, when it came time to design their new home, they wanted a more open floor plan. The timber frame and SIP construction allowed them to achieve this, creating expansive, airy spaces that flow from one area to the next. 

They worked closely with Honest Abe Log Homes to develop an original plan that suited their vision, ensuring that their new home would meet their needs and enhance their enjoyment of the stunning surroundings. 

Patti, an avid art collector, wanted space to properly display and enjoy her collection. The grand scale of the home’s design allows her to showcase her pieces, turning the home into a personal gallery that reflects her taste and passion for art.

For interior design Patti enlisted her friend Crystal Pendarvis, the owner of Whitley & Co.

“She took my probably 1,000 Pinterest pictures and came up with a light-filled design that makes me happy every time I walk in the door,” Patti said. “Her expertise was invaluable from helping me narrow down everything from all of the exterior finishes to interior finishes from floor types, hardware types, cabinet style, paint colors and the list goes on and on.  I feel like in the long run she saved us time and money because of her long history of working directly with custom builders, helping us communicate more effectively with them.” 

They are especially pleased with their large deck that offers unrestricted views of the lake, making it an ideal place to unwind and connect with nature.

Another highlight of their 4,000-square-foot home is the basement, which features a “bunk room” and a recreation room designed especially for their grandchildren. With twin 10-year-olds and little ones aged 4 and 2, the Sanders wanted to create a space that would feel like an adventure for the kids, something they would cherish for years to come. 

Mark and Patti may be of retirement age, but they are far from slowing down. As developers in East Nashville, they have been instrumental in the preservation and adaptive reuse of some of the community’s most iconic buildings. Their company has also created functional and tasteful residential, commercial and multi-use spaces in one of Tennessee’s most vibrant areas. Their work has been celebrated for its contribution to the community’s changing needs and for its architectural and historic integrity.

At Harbor Rest, the Sanders are looking forward to a new chapter of relaxation and enjoyment. Having just completed the home earlier in 2024, they are eager to experience the changing colors of the Tennessee fall landscape and cozy up by the fireplace in their great room. Through the wall of windows, they can immerse themselves in the beauty of the seasons, all while staying warm and comfortable in their lakeside haven.