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. 

After

We sold Blue Mountain Lodge in 2021 and shifted our focus to managing  Appalachian Escape and Ridge View Lodge.              

Our next project: Appalachian Escape Cabin 

In 2013, 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 I simply could not pass up the 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" allowed us 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. 
After   

Onward!

Fast forward a few years, and in 2016, we started on Ridge View Lodge, a uniquely custom-designed hybrid log and heavy timber mountain log home. This one-of-a-kind home was meticulously crafted over three years of planning, experimentation, and refinement of every detail, culminating in its finalization 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 1st stage of construction
 

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

 

 A new adventure: expanding to the North Carolina Smokies!

 

In July of 2025, we broke ground to build a small 2-bedroom chalet-style cottage in the Western North Carolina Smoky Mountains. Mostly intended for family and visiting friends, it will be rented to guests when not in use. At almost 4400' of elevation, set in a private Glade community outside of Canton, NC, and adjacent to the wilderness of Rough Creek Watershed Preserve, an 870-acre park open to recreation, including hiking and mountain biking. Only about 35 minutes from both Asheville and Waynesville. This private getaway will be ideal for couples, remote workers, and quiet family retreats. Fresh mountain air, nature’s peace, and modern comforts. Stay tuned for updates!