About Us
Gary, a lifelong resident of the inland Florida river area and a popular coach and High School Physical Education teacher who is now retired knows that a cabin is actually a perfect fit for Florida. Watch for him at community events and locations to get more information.
Meet the Harbisons
Having discovered Honest Abe Log Homes as they were planning their dream home (pictured above), Gary and Renita Harbison gained a deep understanding of the log cabin design, manufacturing and building process. Their completely custom log home in Altoona, Florida, is not only beautiful, it was the inspiration for launching their own log cabin dealership.
“We are so excited about sharing our experience and helping to connect others to Honest Abe’s in-house design team and to work with people who are interested in a ‘forever home’ that just never goes out of style,” says Gary, whose company, River Log Homes, is the exclusive Independent Dealer for Honest Abe Log Homes in Central Florida.
Normally associated with mountains and lakes, the log home provides the wrap around screened porches, natural light elements and the flexibility to add the lake and riverside lifestyle with upscale modern design elements of soaring ceilings and open floor plans.
The Harbisons planned their home and accompanying buildings with the idea of bringing high quality, energy-efficient, American-made log, timber and hybrid homes to the region. Their log home includes a dedicated office space where customers can sit down and discuss ideas and plans for their own home as well as to have questions answered as they take a tour of the Harbison cabin.
The garage was designed to host “log raising” demonstrations so prospective homeowners could learn how today’s log homes are built.
Q & A with Gary Harbison
Q. Tell us more about yourself.
A. I am a retired Physical Education teacher, high school Cross Country and Track and Field Coach and a former athlete. I am now the owner of a successful landscaping business and am an Honest Abe Log Home Independent Dealer. My wife and I love our retirement home.
Q. Why did you choose log over conventional?
A. I fell in love with log homes as a senior in high school, and from that point it was inevitable.
Q. Tell us about your floor plan.
A. It was 100% designed by myself, drawn up on a napkin while flying to Nebraska. My wife and I did final touches of the design. I chose the dovetail corners 1) because of the design, and 2) they didn’t stick out as far so I would not hit my knees (LOL).
Q. What are the most outstanding features?
A. Barn style design doors of entryway to office, ceiling design inside house, layout of kitchen, wrap-around porch and metal-lined master bath.
Q. What about the location?
A. It sits in the middle of 6.5 acres with oak trees in front and pasture behind our home.
Q. What is your favorite thing about your new home and why?
A. My most favorite thing is that I get to share it with the love of my life, Renita, and it is full of warmth and a true feeling of home. Some of my wife’s favorite things are the wraparound porch and the kitchen layout.
Q. How did you like working with the people of Honest Abe?
A. Wayne Brady was the primary reason due to his candor, honesty and professionalism. The support that I received from Honest Abe was very good, and the knowledge that Wayne Brady brought to me and the log home industry cannot be denied. After receiving a very informative tour of the plant and seeing the professionalism of the Honest Abe staff, I was sold. In addition to working with Wayne Brady, Ronnie Wilson (Honest Abe Dealer Manager) was another big inspiration for my choice of Honest Abe.
River Log Homes Model Home
To arrange a visit to the Harbison Home, which serves as a model for his log home dealership, call Gary at 352-408-9112.
Get a preview by launching the slide show here.