Cabin

“Jack London’s Cabin”, Genuine Alaskan Log Cabin built by owners! Self-check in.

Photo gallery for “Jack London’s Cabin”, Genuine Alaskan Log Cabin built by owners! Self-check in.

Jack London’s Cabin parking area—if you have a boat, park it too!
Janet (owner) showing a friend Jack London’s Cabin
Original Iditarod dog sled, a a gift from “Ididaride Dog Sled Tours”
Jack London’s Cabin entry door with futon and mule-deer guardian
The hutch is full of Jack London’s treasures that he could have found traveling

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 669.7 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Fireplace
  • Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen
  • Free WiFi
  • Mountain view

Explore the area

Map
Seward, AK
  • Seward Boat Harbor
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Seward Waterfront Park
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Kenai Fjords National Park Visitor Center
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Seward, AK (SWD)
    ‪3 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 6)

Bedroom

1 King Bed and 1 Queen Bed

Living Room 1

1 Double Futon

1 bathroom

Bathroom

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Kitchenette
Dining area

About this property

“Jack London’s Cabin”, Genuine Alaskan Log Cabin built by owners! Self-check in.

“Jack London’s Cabin” is a genuine hand-hewn, hand-built, 10-inch-thick logs, two-story Alaskan 20' × 20' cabin, created and built by its owners, Yvon & Janet. The logs create a well insulated, comfortable, quiet, peaceful, and is in a most private dwelling environment. A router is installed for free Wi-Fi.

Completed in 2010, nestled amongst the tall Alaskan Spruce trees, “Jack London’s Cabin” is our most popular “get-away-home, away-from-home” within a quaint, strong, secure, semi-isolated environment. It is located kitty-corner across the road from Le Barn Appétit Inn & Crêperie, which Janet owns and operates. This is where you will find us daily, from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Wednesdays-Sundays. Our Crêperie is open to the general public and we offer our Cabin and Inn guests a 20% discount if they choose to have Crêpes with us!

Also at our Crêperie & Inn property is our outdoor roofed fire pit with wood provided. There are 3 picnic tables for your use when grilling your dinner meals.

On the ground floor of “Jack London's Cabin” is the kitchen with a small refrigerator, a coffee maker, microwave, heating plate for induction cooking, portable convection oven, kitchen drawers, and cupboards supplied with cooking pans, dishes, utensils, and kitchen towels. Coffee, creamer, and sugar/alternatives are provided. Let me know when you are running low and I’ll restock. There are drinking jars above the microwave, and coffee cups hanging from the stainless steel coffee cup rack. Be amazed! The induction cooking plate and portable convection oven provide very fast cooking at lower temperatures.

The kitchen sink, private bathroom, shower stall, and bathroom sink all have unlimited hot water-on-demand. The hot water on demand doesn’t need to be adjusted. Our tap water comes from an on-site well and is excellent to drink.

To the right is a broom/dust-pan, a large garbage can, and a vacuum cleaner as needed. There is a dumpster for emptying your garbage when checking out, and as needed, located kitty-corner across the street from the Cabin on our Crêperie property that you may always use when needed.

The bathroom door is a metal door with a large mirror on the inside of it. The shower stall is new and modern. Our efficiently flushing toilet has a higher seat, which is especially comfortable for adults. The sink cabinet & drawers have extra toilet paper, soap and cleaning supplies. The bathroom shelving has ample amount of towels, hand towels, wash cloths, an after-your-shower floor rug, and a hair dryer.

The dining/living area has a round solid oak table with four oak chairs. There is a full futon that makes into a bed. Located next to the futon against the south 10" thick log wall is an early American china-hutch with a slew of “Jack London’s” novels, playing cards, and many treasures that “Jack London” COULD have collected on his adventuresome travels. Located in the lower cabinets of the hutch are pillows, sheets, blankets, and bedding for the futon. Tap the upper left outside corner to turn the hutch lights on and off.

We have black-out shades for those who are not used to our longer Alaskan days.

Next to the hutch, on the south wall, is a rocking glider chair. Under the south window is our “too-efficient” oil-fed Toyo stove, if needed. However, our “Jack London's Cabin” is so well insulated from the 10" thick logs that the heater is kept at a very low heat, and/or turned off during the summer months, but used in the cooler fall time.

Next to the Toyo heater on the right, is tall wooden-made floor lamp created with parts of the stem of a boat keel from the Orient. The hat shape on top of the lamp looks like an oriental hat. “Jack London” must have located this in a very far away Asian seaport!

To the right of the entry before the stairway to the second floor bedroom is a La-Z-Boy chair with a small table with a lamp. To the right is a small closet rod to hang jackets and hats.

Upstairs, on the second floor across the room under the window is a night stand with a lamp on it. On the left of the night stand is the queen bed, and the king bed is located to the right of the night stand. There is a decorative early American style curtain which hangs from the ceiling between the two beds to provide extra privacy if needed.

On the south wall, is an electric remote-controlled fireplace that can be used for heat and/or just for atmosphere. To the right is a vintage secretariat desk and a chair. There is an antique butter-churner and a rocking chair. Moving to the right is a working convenience sink, with hot-water on demand, and a vintage standing towel rack with a towel and wash cloth. This is an excellent place for brushing teeth and getting needed water during the night. To the right of the stairwell on the wall is a mirror for hair-combing, or putting on make-up. Located below is an antique seaman's traveling trunk that “Jack London” could have used at sea (currently it holds our extra bed linens). On the right of the chest, on the north wall are two rocking chairs separated by a small table with a lamp.

The second floor bedroom walls are decorated with a genuine bear-hide, a genuine moose horn rack, and a pair of genuine snow-shoes. “Jack London’s Cabin” sleeps up to 6 people, has internet, but no television. We find that most people visiting Seward are so busy enjoying the outside wilderness and wildlife, that television deters them from their true Alaskan remote experience. Besides, during “Jack London’s” time period, television did not exist, as he was so busy with all his worldly wild-life travels.

We provide a 20% discount to use at Le Barn Appétit Crêperie, located kitty-corner across the street. The Crêperie is open 7:00 AM–3:00 PM, Wednesdays–Sundays.

When checking out, please gather all used towels, sheets, and pillow cases in a pile or place in the laundry basket in the bathroom. Empty garbage in dumpster near the Le Barn Appétit Crêperie property. Text me when you’re checked out.

Property manager

Janet Van Driessche
Premier Host

Languages

English, French

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Free WiFi
Parking available
Barbecue grill
Mountain view
Fireplace

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Please remove shoes and boots when entering.
Turn off lights and lower the heat when not in cabin. Please empty garbage in dumpster at Crêperie. Text me when checked out.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadlock

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts
A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Seward

Located in Seward, this cabin is in a rural area and on a river. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Kenai Fjords National Park and Chugach National Forest, while Seward Community Library & Museum and Chugach Heritage Center are cultural highlights. Alaska SeaLife Center and Thumb Cove State Marine Park are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Seward, AK

What's nearby

  • Seward Boat Harbor - 5 min drive - 3.9 km
  • Seward Waterfront Park - 6 min drive - 5.0 km
  • Alaska SeaLife Center - 7 min drive - 6.3 km
  • Kenai Fjords National Park Visitor Center - 7 min drive - 6.3 km
  • Kenai Fjords National Park - 15 min drive - 11.4 km

Getting around

  • Kenai, AK (ENA-Kenai Municipal) - 133 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Starbucks - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪The Highliner Restaurant - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Harbor Street Creamery - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Ray's Waterfront - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Woody's Thai Kitchen - ‬6 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is “Jack London’s Cabin”, Genuine Alaskan Log Cabin built by owners! Self-check in. pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at “Jack London’s Cabin”, Genuine Alaskan Log Cabin built by owners! Self-check in.?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at “Jack London’s Cabin”, Genuine Alaskan Log Cabin built by owners! Self-check in.?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is “Jack London’s Cabin”, Genuine Alaskan Log Cabin built by owners! Self-check in. located?

Situated on a river, this cabin is within 3 miles (5 km) of Chugach National Forest, Seward Boat Harbor and Seward Waterfront Park. Seward Community Library & Museum and Alaska SeaLife Center are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 96 out of 123 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 21 out of 123 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 4 out of 123 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 123 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 123 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

8.0/10

Staff & service

9.6/10

Amenities

9.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.4/10

Eco-friendliness

9.6/10

Check-in

9.4/10

Communication

9.4/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Robert F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Very cozy log cabin

Very nice old log cabin. Clean and well stocked, though by the listing we thought it was more by itself in the woods, instead next to apartments and across the street from several businesses. Otherwise is was very convenient to Exit Glacier, fishing, and the grocery store and downtown. We were very comfortable there, and even had a black bear sighting in our driveway one morning. Would recommend this cute old cabin.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Steven

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
My new wife and I loved staying here for our honeymoon. The cabin was super cool and had just what we needed. To cook bigger meals, though, we ended up using the campfire across the street at the host's main property and cooked over that using a cooking grate, which made the food taste awesome. It's close to everything, and if this is still here in exactly 10 years, we'll be staying here again. :)
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Steven D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful cozy stay for my family

This place was a cozy cabin very close to all the attractions at Seward. My entire family loved the location and overall feel of the place. We would definitely come back.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Bill L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Bear Creek

The cabin was great! Comfortable, lots of character, and perfectly located for our needs.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nola A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cozy Cabin in Seward!

We really enjoyed our stay in Seward and the cabin was quaint and cozy. The home is on the road to Exit Glacier and we highly recommend taking that excursion! Great communication with host!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jayashree K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Unique Cabin experience

We had a good time at Jack London’s Cabin. Amenities were good and the cabin had a very rustic feel to it. Was conveniently located close to tourist attractions. We had a comfortable stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Karen P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Jack Landon's cabin

We loved our stay at your place. Thank-you! It's a quaint lovely cabin. The sofa bed was comfortable.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Emily M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place, very cozy!!

My sister and I booked a spontaneous trip and were very lucky that this place was available!! It was perfect for our two nights in Seward. The upstairs has the coziest log cabin feeling, we adored it. The pin on VRBO to get you there isn’t quite in the right spot—the cabin is on the left and closer to the road.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Gretchen W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Unique and Cozy Cabin!

We loved staying at the Jack London Cabin. It has everything you need and the decor is so unique! We especially enjoyed the second floor bedroom with its electric fireplace that kept us warm and cozy. Janet is responsive and helpful and her crepe restaurant is not to be missed!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

charles

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
I was very nice, just as described.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jessica H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location

Great location and proximity to sight seeing. Breakfast across the road was a plus! So good!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

8/10 Good

Terry L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Seward vacation

Really enjoyed Seward. The Kenai Fjords cruise was great. VRBO was in a good location to get downtown and to Exit Glacier. Beds were super comfortable.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Bruce D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fishing Trip - 7-13 to 7-15, 2024

A unique little cabin. Very well equipped in kitchen and bathroom. The coffee and plenty of towels were a big plus. The decor is very interesting and a constant reminder that one is in beautiful Alaska. I could almost feel the presence of Jack London as i sat across from the bookshelf. I particularly liked the upstairs bedroom with two very large beds. My son and i would like to stay again when we return for our next fishing trip. My only regret was we did not have time to try the crepes.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Neil B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

I viti g cabi

The VR was cozy quiet and peaceful. Excelle t location near Exit glacier and cruises on Kenai fjords.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

8/10 Good

Dennis

Liked: Property conditions & facilities, communication
Disliked: Cleanliness
Nice little cabin, for shorter people. All 3 males on trip hit their heads on antlers mounted at top of steps. Cabin had not been cleaned from the last guests when we arrived. Happen to see the owner next door and she cleaned it right away while we went to dinner. Shower is small and water leaks on to the floor when showering. Nicely decorated, and heater works very well. Nice place to stay if not too tall.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Laura D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Awesome

An amazing time and awesome place to stay !!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lisong

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
fully prepared house with full amenity and jack London culture elements. It is quite and clean and very suitable for a family travel. The location is right on the exit glacier road and also very close to Seward harbor.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

George P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cute place

The cabin was as nicely decorated, clean , and comfortable. It has all the amenities yet gives that feeling of living out in the woods.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tracy A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Cabin In Seward

Don't think twice about renting this cabin. It is close to town and has everything you need including complimentary coffee, sugar, and creamer. We missed the creperie opening by a few days, but would have liked to try it. Stay here if you are in Seward. You will love it.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024

8/10 Good

marvin w.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication
Disliked: Listing accuracy

Enjoyable

The cabin is very cute and thoughtfully decorated. We were a little disappointed that there was not a hot tub that was listed in the amenities, nor was there any seating to sit outside and enjoy the nice weather. There is not a stove,, as stated in the description but only a hot plate so you can only cook one thing at a time. The water pressure is great in the shower! The cabin is not as secluded as we visioned but was walking distance to a couple businesses. All in all a nice place but thought the request to take bedding off was a little much. No cleaning fee but assumed it was covered under hostess fee and service fee.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Shawn F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Unique and Glorious

This was our first cabin in Alaska for our early June trip and it was truly a unique place, very very cozy, and we felt welcome and right at home.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Aashna M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy

Great stay in a cozy, thoughtful cabin!

We loved our stay at The Jack London cabin! One of the most cozy, thoughtfully laid out and decorated places we've ever stayed. Close to everything. Comfy big beds with great quality bedding and linens. Lovely little loving area with a comfy couch and the best heated blanket to read a book under. The heating works great. Kitchenette has everything needed though we didn't cook. Fridge needs to be plugged in but worked great. Bathroom has everything you'd need and the water is nice and hot with great pressure. The listing does look a bit more in the woods than the cabin is so the surroundings aren't as secluded but we really enjoyed our time here. Janet was very accommodating and great at answering questions. Thanks for hosting us!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Olen W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great cabin close to town

Comfortable, clean cabin with plenty of rustic cabin touches. Convenient location close to town. Would definitely stay again.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Suyog

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Communication
Great experience.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Brady H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Jack London Cabin

We loved the stay in the cabin. The very beautifully set up and the crepes next door were delightful!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

About the host

Hosted by Janet Van Driessche

Host profile image
Yvon originally from Belgium, fluid in speaking French immigrated to Alaska in 1966. Both of his parents had restaurants in Belgium where crepes and waffles are a commonality of his culture.

Previously, Yvon was an experienced commercial printer trained on the Heidelberg printing presses in Germany, a saturation commercial diver and had diving experiences in Alaska and world-wide with many stories to share. As a previous avid boat captain of a 100-ton vessel in Alaska, there are many ocean and fishing adventures expressed.

Janet, originally from New Mexico, has been an Alaska resident since 1972. She taught in Dillingham, Alaska, the bush country, and recently retired from teaching at Seward Middle School in 2012 after 14 years. She was a successful Seward High School swimming & diving coach, and also the local Seward Tsunami Swim Club coach since 1977. She created both teams and has taught many local residents to swim. She retired from coaching in 2011.

Yvon & Janet own and operate the Le Barn Appetit Inn & Creperie (since 1987) across the road from "Jack London's Cabin" in which we are well known for our "world-famous crepes & waffles". We are open for the general public, and for all of our "Jack London's Cabin" and Inn guests we offer breakfast crepes with a 20% discount voucher, if you choose to venture over. We promise you will not go away hungry...so enjoy!

Why they chose this property

Yvon, originally from Brussels, Belgium, had lived in Africa, many parts of France, Germany and Athens, Greece. Therefore, he had traveled the world and been to many large cities. He read all of "Jack London's" novels and fell in love with "Jack London's" wilderness and nature lifestyle. Yvon moved Alaska in 1966. Yvon opened the Alaska Black Dolphin Dive Shop. He met Janet in 1975, they fell in love, married and moved to Seward in 1975.

Yvon & Janet bought this land in 1976, and built their first house on the property next where "Jack London's Cabin" was eventually to be built. In 1990, we began the construction of this unique two-story 10" thick log cabin as a real-life building project that included several youth who lived with us for a creative life-learning experience, "fulfilling a vision can be created", from hewing the logs to hoisting using a pulley, and adding the roof. We rode our own horses back in the day and kept our horse hay in this unfinished cabin.

Because of Yvon's strong attraction to Jack London's life-style and Janet's decorative creativity, in 2010 we finished the dwelling & named it "Jack London's Cabin" based on "Jack London" novel books and decorated it uniquely to follow the Jack London's theme. We imagined that Jack London could have lived here, and every added object or decoration to this iconic theme has a story!

"Jack London's Cabin" is a very comfortable, peaceful, quiet, serene, relaxing habitat for either a couple or a family. This genuinely created hand-built Alaskan Log Cabin has been shared with many travelers since 2010, including us. We continue to want to share our creation with you, and promise that it will relax your spirits and your souls! On the north side of "Jack London's Cabin" is part of "Clear Creek".

What makes this property unique

Our guest are welcome to use our roof-covered pavilion with a fire pit, and a cooking grill, located kitty-corner across the road on the Le Barn Appetit Inn & Creperie property. There is plenty of fire wood, paper, fire starter, a picnic table and chairs. Others may join you if you build the fire! There is a beautiful view of Mt. Alice and Mt. Eve, as well as Resurrection Mountain. We also have a two-story fish smoking building that you are welcome to use for smoking your own fish, or taste some of ours, if we are smoking fish while you are here.

You might want to visit the "Ididaride Dog Sled Tours" which is just one mile down Old Exit Glacier Road. It is walking distance, worth seeing and experiencing. They will take you out on a sled with wheels, pulled by the dog team which is a continuation of their training during the summer. They have many newborn Alaskan Huskies that you can hold and even name.

Down Herman Leirer Road, going toward Resurrection Mountain, around the corner from us, is located the Salmon Bake restaurant, and also the Resurrection Road House, all within walking distance from us.

If you want to visit the Exit Glacier, or the Harding Ice Field, which are both part of the Kenai Fjords National Park, we recommend that you drive the 7.5 miles down this scenic road. Once there, visit the tourist center and check with the forest rangers to see if there are any bears or moose around. If you walk up the trail going to the Harding Ice Field, you might see the mountain goat or sheep on the mountain near or far from the trail.

There is a bike trail, right across the Seward Highway off of Herman Leirer Road that can be used for safely walking into the harbor area, and/or continues all the way to the Sea Life Center. We are located at mile post 3 1/2 off the Highway. The harbor is about mile 2, and downtown is about

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests