Cottage Magazine

Each issue, Cottage publishes a Q&A with home improvement expert and TV and radio personality Shell Busey. If you have a question you'd like to ask Shell, send an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , with your name, phone number and region, and he will get back to you with an answer promptly. Your question may even appear in a future issue of Cottage.

Cottage will be sending out a bi-monthly newsletter straight to your inbox full of exclusive contests, article previews, web updates, events and more. Sign up today to ensure you have the opportunity to enter. We hold your information in strict confidence. It will not be shared with any third parties.

The McKims' Cabin in Birken, BC

By Michael McKim

This cabin was started in 1963 by Dr. Anson McKim, my father. As he was a practicing physician at the time there was limited time available for the work. The concrete foundation was one summer, the walls were two summers, the roof was a summer and then the finishing went on for many years. There was no electricity or running water; no big machines to lift the logs into place. It was all done with hand tools. All the cedar shakes for the roof were cut one at a time. There is a very large fireplace made from stone (see additional photos below) that was picked up along the road driving up from Vancouver. The trip from Vancouver at that time took 10 hours compared to the two-and-a-half it takes today.
The cabin underwent a total renovation starting in 1995. The walls both inside and out were sanded and stained. An additional 400 square feet was added on. I also built a bathroom and kitchen with electricity and hot and cold water. It is a rustic experience both in the old days and today, but now it is much more comfortable and can be used year-round.

MORE PHOTOS