Our story
About Us: Your Direct Connection to Authentic Smoky Mountains Getaways
If you've landed here, you've likely searched high and low for the perfect Smoky Mountains escape. Rest easy—you're dealing directly with us, the owners. No middlemen, no impersonal property management firms with detached staff who barely know the cabins they promote, and certainly no massive rental corporations with endless listings and overseas "support". We know every inch of our properties, love staying in them, and yes, we're a bit proud of what we've created.
Our Journey Began with a Dream—and a Little Serendipity
In 2009, a family friend bought a cabin nearby and invited us for a visit. It was our first introduction to the Smoky Mountains, and we were hooked. We'd always dreamed of mountain living, and the Smokies' magic sealed the deal. With budgets in mind, we hunted foreclosed properties to buy and renovate—our only affordable path to ownership.
Cookie-cutter "resort" cabins crammed side-by-side? Not for us. We wanted a classic secluded log cabin nestled in the woods, surrounded by nature's embrace.
Blue Mountain Lodge: Our First Triumph (2009–2021)
We snatched up a bank-owned foreclosure that had sat vacant and stripped bare for years —no lights, doors, sinks, water, heat, or AC. The exterior was a grimy mess.
Before:
(Imagine a rundown shell covered in grime and algae)
We poured 1.5 years of sweat, perseverance, and upgrades into its revival. The result? A thriving vacation rental that guests adored from day one.
After:
(A charming, restored mountain retreat.)
We sold Blue Mountain Lodge in 2021 to focus on our growing portfolio: Appalachian Escape and Ridge View Lodge.
Appalachian Escape: Turning an Empty Shell into a Sanctuary (2013)
Our next adventure was an unfinished "shell" that sat deep in the woods for 10 years —what became Appalachian Escape. We fell for its serene, homey vibe and couldn't resist, even with me unemployed at the time. No yard, no driveway, no utilities, overgrown lot—but a rock-solid hemlock cabin shell with traditional flat-hewn half-dovetail logs. Exterior chinking was patchy; the interior? A total blank slate.
Before:
(A neglected structure with an overgrown mud "driveway" amid the trees.)
Managing from 700 miles away made this our biggest build yet. But that clean canvas let us craft custom touches we (and guests) cherish. Another 1.5 years, and it became our new favorite.
After:
(A comfortable escape full of character.)
Ridge View Lodge: Custom and Spacious (built 2016–2018)
In 2016, we dove into Ridge View Lodge—a one-of-a-kind hybrid log and heavy-timber mountain home. Three years of meticulous planning, designing, tweaking, and collaboration with the log supplier refined every detail. Completed in Fall 2018, its name says it all: nature and ridge views, with Mt. LeConte stealing the show on clear days.
Watch the time-lapse of the first construction phase:
This log home combines upscale comfort, spaciousness, smart functionality, and eco-conscious design for an unbeatable Smokies experience.
A New Chapter: Expanding to North Carolina (2025)
In July 2025, we broke ground on a cozy 2-bedroom chalet-style cottage in the Western North Carolina Smokies—primarily for family and friends, but will be available for rentals when free. Perched at nearly 4,300 feet in a private Glade community near Canton, NC, it borders the 870-acre Rough Creek Watershed Preserve (perfect for hiking and mountain biking). Just 35 minutes from Asheville or Waynesville.
Ideal for couples, remote workers, or peaceful family retreats: crisp mountain air, tranquil nature, and modern amenities. Stay tuned for progress updates!