North Carolina Log Cabin Features Universal Design

Cogins' cabin

Copper Coggins just wanted a cabin that was accessible to everybody. Fortunately, he lives in North Carolina, the home of the Center for Universal Design at North Carolina State University. Although the cabin project took a lot of work and involved some creative solutions to access problems, today Copper proudly brags about his very accessible Freewheeling Log Cabin.

The Freewheeling Log Cabin is located on Coggins' 200 year old family farm, near Asheville, North Carolina. Formerly an abandoned Virginia pioneer cabin, the log cabin was relocated, refurbished and redesigned after Copper purchased it. Says Coggins, "It was originally two stories but we set one story down beside another and added an alcove to replace the old front door. It works very well."

The cabin was redesigned by architect Ron Mace, founder of the Center for Universal Design. The gorgeous architectural details were created by artist and carpenter Garth Hodge. The cabin incorporates the principles of barrier-free access and universal design, and was featured in the August 1, 2001 issue of Architecture Week magazine.

The cabin sleeps four and includes a level entry, lowered outlets and environmental controls, accessible appliances, a roll-in shower and roll-under counters. And, as Copper originally intended, it's accessible to everybody.

The Freewheeling Log Cabin is located in close proximity to many popular tourist attractions including the Biltmore Estate, the Blue Ridge Parkway, Chimney Rock Park and Grandfather Mountain. Complete access information about nearby tourist attractions, along with lots of photos of the cabin are included on Coggins' well-done website.

Rental rates for the cabin range from $79 to $129 per night. Discounts are available for weekly rentals. Call (888)218-4201 or visit Copper's website for more information www.freewheelingcabin.org.

Cabins are the ideal lodging choice for people who enjoy the great outdoors but cringe at the idea of camping out under the stars. Check out the Summer 2002 issue of Emerging Horizons for more information about accessible cabins throughout the US.