Our story

How it all began - why the Smoky Mountains?

If you have found this site, you probably searched far and wide for your Smoky Mountains vacation getaway. Rest assured that you will be dealing directly with us, the owners! We do not give up our responsibilities to some "property management" company; we are not a mega rental corporation with hundreds of listings and remote staff who answers the phones but knows little about the properties they advertise. We know the area, we know our cabins, we love staying in them, and, admittedly, a little proud of them too.   

 

 

A family friend purchased a cabin in the area in 2009 and invited us to visit, which was the first time we had heard of the Smoky Mountains. We always dreamed of living in the mountains, and we were impressed by our initial encounter with the Smokies. We began to explore foreclosed properties in the area with the intention of purchasing and renovating since it was the only way we could afford to buy. The "resorts" with their identical cabin styles and architecture did not appeal to us. Furthermore, we always envisioned a classic cabin nestled in nature and surrounded by woods, rather than being hemmed in by numerous other cabins on all sides. Hence, we sought out a location that provided some seclusion.

 

Blue Mountain Lodge - our first cabin!

 

The property that we later named "Blue Mountain Lodge" was a bank-owned foreclosure that we initially saw when it was run down and unoccupied for a couple of years. The cabin had been stripped of everything, from lights to doors to kitchen and bathroom sinks. It lacked running water, heat, and AC. The exterior was dirty and dingy as well. 

Before

 

We dedicated 1.5 years of hard work and perseverance to restoring the cabin and adding numerous improvements. Eventually, we succeeded in restoring the cabin and began renting it out to vacationers, which proved to be a success soon after. As we prepare for retirement, we have sold Blue Mountain Lodge and shifted our focus to managing  Appalachian Escape and Ridge View Lodge. 

After

               

Our next adventure: Appalachian Escape Cabin 

Two years later, we bought an unfinished build - a "shell" of a cabin that was sitting in the woods for 10 years, that would later become "Appalachian Escape". We fell in love with the quiet property      the cabin was sitting on, and the peaceful and homey feeling it exuded. Buying the cabin was a huge risk because I was unemployed at the time, but simply could not pass up once-in-a-lifetime   opportunity. There was no yard or driveway, and the lot was overgrown, but the "shell" was solidly built from hemlock Appalachian style traditional flat hewn logs. Chinking (the light stripes you see between the logs) was missing in places on the outside, and the inside was completely unfinished.
Before
  

Completing this cabin was an even bigger construction project than that of Blue Mountain Lodge, and we also had to manage it from 700 miles away. On the positive side, buying a "blank canvas" gave us the opportunity to add custom features and finishes that we (and now our guests) love to have. Another 1.5 years later, we have a new favorite - both ours and our guests. 
   
Fast forward a few years, and we started on Ridge View Lodge, a uniquely custom-designed hybrid log and heavy timber mountain retreat. This one-of-a-kind home was meticulously crafted over three years of planning, experimenting, and perfecting every detail before finalizing with our architects. The name Ridge View Lodge captures the essence of its spectacular setting, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain ridges and, on clear days, the majestic Mt. LeConte. Construction was completed in the Fall of 2018.
Time-lapse of the 1ts stage of construction
 

Key features of our newest addition include:

  • Stunning Heavy Timber Frame: Elegant scissor trusses support the roof, enhancing both the structure’s beauty and durability.
  • Panoramic Windows: A front “prow” wall of windows on all three levels ensures uninterrupted views of the ridge and Mt. LeConte.
  • Accessible Design: The main level is designed with accessibility in mind, featuring 36" wide interior doors, grab bars in the master bath, and easy low-threshold access to decks.
  • Master Bathroom: Enjoy heated floors, a spacious 60" shower, and a luxurious whirlpool tub.
  • Open Concept Living: The family and dining area boasts a gas log fireplace and a custom farm-style table that seats 12.
  • Upper Level: Includes a secondary master king bedroom with bathroom access, a queen bedroom, an open loft with a pool table overlooking the family room, and a picture window showcasing the mountain ridge.
  • Lower Level: Features a second fireplace, kitchenette, games area, TV viewing space, a queen bedroom, a bunk bedroom, and a full bath. This level is perfect for kids to entertain themselves while adults enjoy a quieter time upstairs.
  • Full House Fire Protection: Equipped with a comprehensive fire-protection sprinkler system.

We designed with these green features:

  • Superior Insulation: Closed-cell spray foam insulation enhances energy efficiency.
  • Energy-Efficient Windows: Ultra LowE-366 windows help keep the home well-insulated.
  • Eco-Friendly Roofing: Energy Star-rated recyclable metal roofing with R-50 insulation.
  • Heated Floors: In bathrooms to reduce HVAC usage in winter.
  • Energy Star Appliances: For better energy efficiency.
  • High-Efficiency HVAC System: Zoned, Energy Star-rated for optimal climate control.

Ridge View Lodge seamlessly blends comfort, functionality, and environmental responsibility for an unparalleled mountain home experience.