OUR HERITAGE
History that Speaks
Family owned & operated since 1978
We specialize in creating kits and custom, premium log homes that blend comfort, craftsmanship, and nature seamlessly.
EST IN THE 1970'S
This is Home
The story of Merrimac Quality Log Homes is steeped in dedication, tireless work, and a steadfast commitment to exceptional quality. A product of the enduring vision of two individuals – Jeff and Dick French, our history serves as a living testament to their unwavering dedication to perfecting the art of log home construction.
ABOUT
Pioneering Quality
The legacy of Merrimac Quality Log Homes is a testament to generations of unwavering dedication to excellence. Our story begins in the mid-20th century when the allure of New England's countryside captivated city dwellers. However, the log homes of that era prioritized quantity over quality, often falling short of enduring four-season living. Recognizing an opportunity, our founders embarked on a mission to redefine log home construction.
Our narrative commences with a bustling hardwood sawmill business. When a proposal arose to manufacture milled softwood Eastern White Pine (EWP) logs for use in log homes, Dick, our founder, boldly transitioned from hardwood to EWP. The demand for these superior logs was staggering, necessitating a significant upgrade in our operations. This led to the investment in a specialized sawmill designed for milling softwood timbers, a pivotal decision that marked a transformative chapter in Merrimac's history. It positioned us as the largest log home milling operation in New England and one of the largest in the country.
Our evolution left an indelible mark in the wholesale log home component industry, supplying enough materials to construct between 1 to 3 log homes every day for a whole year to companies nationwide. As the industry evolved in the late 1990s, we broadened our horizons into the retail market, creating a structured log home kit company to meet the burgeoning demand for complete log home packages.
FUN FACT
Innovation & Versatility
While pioneering the log home industry, Merrimac's founders also displayed an innovative spirit. A simple request from a prominent Portuguese family in New England's fishing capital for sturdy fish boxes led to the creation of robust wooden containers. These "Fish Boxes" later gained iconic status in southern grocery chains such as "Piggly Wiggly" and "Winn Dixie," and eventually found favor in apple orchards. This legacy showcases Merrimac's enduring commitment to quality and innovation. Today, this spirit lives on as we continue to champion innovation while upholding our unwavering commitment to excellence.
ABOUT
A Tradition of Excellence
Merrimac Quality Log Homes stands as one of New England's leading log home companies and one of the nation's oldest. Our enduring narrative is woven with threads of dedication, quality, and innovation that span decades and generations. From pioneering the production of quality milled log homes to our transition into retail, we have consistently set the industry standard.
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From humble beginnings as a local mill in New Hampshire's verdant white pine forests, Merrimac has grown to cater to a diverse clientele across the nation and abroad. Today, led by the third generation of our family, we continue to evolve and expand. We've surpassed borders, shipping our high-quality milled logs and homes to residential families, ski lodge developers, tiny home resort visionaries, and lakeside retreat planners. With a foot in the past and an eye on the future, our tagline, "Where Nature Meets Comfort", signifies our dedication to each home we design - a harmonious blend of tradition, innovation, sustainability, and unmatched craftsmanship.
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