Timberpeg and Real Log Homes Rebound in "Artisan Homes" Sector Amid Record Increase in House Prices Since 2006

BOSTON and CLAREMONT, N.H., April 2, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- When Bill Silverstein purchased Timberpeg and Real Log Homes in 2011, he positioned the company for a housing industry recovery by consolidating manufacturing in one location, targeting younger, more urban- oriented, customers and creating a category he calls, "artisan homes."

Recovery is well under way. According to figures released last week, home prices jumped 8.1 percent – the highest since June of 2006. The increase is based on the Standard & Poor's/Case-Shiller 20-city home price index for the 12 months ending in January. Rising prices are regarded as a positive sign for all housing sectors.

This includes the artisan home market that is made up of custom homebuyers who fall in love with superb craftsmanship along with the lore of log homes or the feel of living in a timber frame house with exposed, hand-hewn beams and intricate joinery. These construction methods are centuries old – timber framing dates back about 500 years and log homes originated even earlier.

"Our homes are custom designed, either by us or the homebuyer's architect.  With Timberpeg, every frame is crafted and test assembled ahead of time in Claremont, New Hampshire, then delivered to the home site where the structure is completed.  It takes modern CAD design and computer-aided milling machines together with artisans who still use a mallet and chisel to hand shape every tongue and grove joint.  The same care goes into our Real Log Homes that we produce here as well. The windows, doors, roofing and insulation as well as kitchens and baths are high-end, strictly 21^st century and energy efficient." says Silverstein, owner of the newly reorganized W. H. Silverstein, Inc. (http://www.whshomes.com).

Founded in 1963, Timberpeg and Real Log Homes became leaders in their industries. Log and timber frame home sales slipped and by 2008 fell precipitously along with all housing. Those who reduced operating costs survived, others closed.  After Silverstein bought the company, he consolidated corporate offices, design and manufacturing in a single location and retained 51 of the best employees.

In the past two years the company sold 200 homes and this year's sales projections place the newly organized company in the top tier of the industry.

The Future

Silverstein has introduced a new brand, Yankee Post & Beam with simpler lines and a lighter timber frame. He has also introduced a concept he calls Yankee Modern, to target the current generation of home buyers who are sophisticated, successful urbanites.

Says Silverstein, "The Yankee Modern customer wants post modernism in a barn-inspired structure with hip interiors typical of So Ho lofts.  On the exterior they want clean lines, glass, excitement and energy," something this artisan home industry leader is prepared to deliver.

Contact: Richard Pirozzolo - (617) 959-4613

SOURCE W. H. Silverstein, Inc.