Maine Cabin Masters has become a beloved show for fans of cabin renovations and rustic living. It centers on a close-knit crew restoring classic Maine cabins. While the show entertains with stunning transformations, plenty of news surrounds the cast, from international adventures to legal issues. Here’s a deep dive into what’s been happening with the Maine Cabin Masters crew, including cast updates, a tragic loss, their trip to Italy, and a lawsuit that affected the show.
Meet the Cast of Maine Cabin Masters
The heart of Maine Cabin Masters lies in its cast members, all of whom bring unique skills to the team. Chase Morrill, the show’s star, is a skilled contractor who leads the crew in turning dilapidated cabins into charming retreats. His sister, Ashley Morrill, serves as the show’s lead designer, while her husband, Ryan Eldridge, brings his talents as a carpenter. Longtime friends Matt “Dixie” Dix and Jared “Jedi” Baker round out the team, contributing their expertise in carpentry and renovation.
The camaraderie between the cast members is a big part of what makes the show so engaging. Over the years, fans have grown attached to the fantastic transformations and the crew’s personalities. In recent updates, the cast continues to work on exciting projects, both on and off the show. Ashley Morrill and Ryan Eldridge have been involved in designing new family spaces. At the same time, Chase Morrill focuses on expanding the scope of their business ventures, which include a restaurant and event space in Manchester, Maine.
A Tragic Loss in the Maine Cabin Masters Family
Every tight-knit community experiences moments of sorrow, and Maine Cabin Masters is no exception. Though not always widely reported, notable losses within the extended show family have deeply affected both the cast and their fanbase. One example is the departure of Lance Gatcomb, a former cast member who left the show for personal reasons. While his departure wasn’t due to a tragic death, it did stir concern among fans who had become fond of his laid-back style and contributions to the early seasons.
More recently, the team experienced a profound loss. A longtime friend and supporter of the show who had been an integral part of their projects passed away, leaving a void within the crew. The show acknowledged this loss, paying tributes to the cast and crew, demonstrating their strong bonds and sense of community.
Maine Cabin Masters’ Italian Adventure: Building Italy
In a surprising twist, the Maine Cabin Masters crew ventured beyond the forests of Maine for their latest project: transforming a house in Italy. This marked a significant departure from their usual Maine-based cabins. Chase Morrill purchased a home in a remote Italian village for his family, and the crew traveled to Europe to renovate the property.
The unique series Maine Cabin Masters: Building Italy aired in 2024, showcasing the challenges of working in a new environment. Language barriers, unfamiliar building materials, and adapting their usual methods to an Italian villa gave the crew new hurdles. Despite these challenges, the team retained their signature humor and problem-solving skills, leading to a successful renovation.
The Italian adventure allowed fans to see the cast in a new light as they explored the local culture and architecture while tackling the renovation. The show also highlighted the ongoing issue of depopulated Italian villages, where many properties are sold at low prices to attract investment and restore life to these communities. The project highlighted how the Maine Cabin Masters’s ethos of breathing new life into old spaces could be applied internationally.
The Maine Cabin Masters Lawsuit: A Legal Hurdle
Like many shows in the home renovation genre, Maine Cabin Masters faced legal challenges that could have impacted their production. In 2020, Kennebec Property Services, LLC, the company behind the show, faced allegations from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for violating lead safety regulations during several renovation projects. The EPA claimed that the company did not comply with the Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Rule, which aims to protect against lead exposure, especially in homes built before 1978.
The lawsuit pointed out failures in maintaining proper documentation, recertifying renovators, and ensuring lead-safe practices during five renovation projects. This led to a $16,500 fine for the company and required the show to implement lead-safety measures in future episodes.
As part of the settlement, Maine Cabin Masters agreed to promote lead safety awareness in several episodes and through their podcast, From the Woodshed. This proactive approach helped the show move forward, emphasizing its commitment to safe renovation practices while continuing to entertain its growing audience.
The Success and Cultural Impact of Maine Cabin Masters
Beyond the challenges, Maine Cabin Masters’ success is undeniable. The show has become a cultural touchstone for rustic living and cabin renovation fans. What sets the show apart from other home improvement series is its focus on preserving the natural charm of Maine cabins, many of which have a rich history and sentimental value for their owners. The cast’s dedication to sustainable and thoughtful renovations has inspired viewers to appreciate the beauty of cabin life.
Maine Cabin Masters has also had a significant economic impact on its hometown of Manchester, Maine. Since the show’s popularity, the area has seen an influx of visitors, many of whom come to explore the Kennebec Cabin Company, the crew’s shop and headquarters. Local businesses have thrived, and the town has become a minor tourist destination.
Conclusion: What’s Next for Maine Cabin Masters?
Maine Cabin Masters continues to captivate audiences with its unique blend of humor, craftsmanship, and community spirit. Despite facing legal challenges and personal losses, the crew remains committed to transforming cabins in Maine and beyond. Their adventure in Italy showcases their willingness to explore new territories, while their commitment to lead-safe practices emphasizes their dedication to responsible renovation.
Fans can expect more exciting projects from the Maine Cabin Masters team. Whether tackling a crumbling cabin in the Maine woods or venturing to new locations, the crew’s passion for preservation and transformation ensures that the show will remain a fan favorite for years.
Read More: Fran Candelera.
