Welcome to Adorable Living Spaces and our Deal of the Day series, where we search Zillow every single day to uncover affordable cabins, mountain retreats, homesteads, and hidden rural properties across America.
Today’s featured property takes us to Del Rio, Tennessee, where a custom-built true log home sits on 12.88 private acres surrounded by breathtaking Appalachian Mountain scenery.
Three sides of the property adjoin Cherokee National Forest, giving the future owner direct access to hundreds of thousands of acres for hunting, hiking, wildlife watching, and outdoor exploration.
With a recent $9,100 price reduction, a covered wraparound porch, hot tub, workshop, orchard, raised gardens, and short-term rental potential, this Tennessee mountain retreat deserves a closer look.
| Property Details | Â |
|---|---|
| Price | $295,900 |
| Recent Price Cut | $9,100 on July 16 |
| Location | 132 Sugar Maple Way, Del Rio, TN 37727 |
| Bedrooms | 1 |
| Bathrooms | 1 Full Bathroom |
| Living Space | 864 Sq Ft |
| Lot Size | 12.88 Acres |
| Year Built | 2015 |
| Property Type | True Log Cabin |
| HOA Fee | $300 Annually |
| Additional Structure | 14 × 20 Workshop |
A True Log Home in the Appalachian Mountains
This is not simply a conventional home decorated to resemble a cabin, but a genuine log residence built to complement its mountain surroundings.
The exterior logs, refreshed chinking, wooden details, and covered porch create the traditional character many buyers hope to find in an authentic Appalachian retreat.
The owner recently cleaned and brightened the chinking between the logs and applied Australian timber oil to the porch surfaces.
These improvements help preserve the cabin’s appearance while highlighting the natural warmth and texture of the wood.
Nearly Thirteen Private Acres
The property includes approximately 12.88 acres of wooded, level, and gently rolling mountain land.
This amount of acreage provides substantial privacy while remaining manageable for buyers who do not want to maintain a massive farm.
The terrain offers room for hiking trails, gardens, wildlife areas, recreation, and possible future improvements.
Its secluded setting creates the feeling of being far from civilization while still remaining within reach of nearby towns.
Bordering Cherokee National Forest
One of the most remarkable features is that three sides of the property adjoin Cherokee National Forest.
The forest covers approximately 650,000 acres and provides extensive opportunities for hiking, hunting, camping, fishing, and outdoor exploration.
Having protected public land surrounding much of the property helps preserve the peaceful and undeveloped atmosphere.
For hunters and nature lovers, this location offers a recreational advantage that would be difficult to reproduce elsewhere.
Excellent Hunting Lodge Potential
The cabin could serve as an outstanding private hunting lodge.
Direct proximity to Cherokee National Forest allows hunters to access a vast landscape without needing to purchase hundreds of additional acres.
The surrounding forest supports wildlife and creates a natural environment for year-round outdoor recreation.
After a day in the woods, owners can return to the warmth of the wood stove, covered porch, and comfortable interior.
Open Interior with Cathedral Ceilings
Inside, the cabin features an open floor plan designed to make the 864-square-foot interior feel spacious and welcoming.
Twenty-foot cathedral ceilings rise above the main living area and create a dramatic sense of height.
Tongue-and-groove wood ceilings and hand-hewn beams reinforce the authentic cabin atmosphere.
The open arrangement connects the great room, kitchen, and dining area while allowing natural light to travel throughout the home.
Loft and Secret Pantry
A loft overlooks the kitchen and dining area and provides useful additional storage.
The space is reached by a custom-crafted ladder that matches the home’s handcrafted character.
One of the cabin’s most memorable features is a large bookcase that pivots open to reveal a hidden walk-in pantry.
This clever detail adds storage while giving the interior a unique feature guests and visitors are unlikely to forget.
Efficient Wood-Burning Stove
A high-efficiency wood-burning stove provides both heat and atmosphere.
The listing describes the stove as approximately 98% efficient, making it a practical secondary or primary heat source during colder weather.
A 1.5-ton mini-split system is also available to provide additional temperature control when needed.
Together, these systems support comfortable year-round use while preserving the traditional experience of mountain cabin living.
Updated Custom Kitchen
The kitchen includes granite countertops and custom cabinetry that bring modern convenience into the rustic interior.
Large windows provide nature views while owners prepare meals or gather around the dining area.
The open arrangement makes the kitchen part of the main social space rather than separating it from the great room.
This layout works particularly well for couples, weekend guests, and vacation rental visitors.
Sustainable Flooring and Energy Features
Sustainable bamboo flooring runs throughout much of the home, while tile flooring is used in the bathroom.
New high-efficiency windows were installed in 2025 to improve insulation and energy performance.
The cabin is also wired with an automatic transfer switch should a future owner decide to add solar panels.
These features give the home a greener and more efficient character without sacrificing its rustic appearance.
Covered Wraparound Porch
The covered wraparound porch is one of the property’s most inviting features.
It provides ample room for rocking chairs, a porch swing, outdoor meals, and quiet mornings surrounded by birds and mountain scenery.
Because the porch extends around the home, owners can choose different seating areas depending on the sun, weather, and view.
This outdoor space greatly expands the usable living area during much of the year.
Eight-Person Hot Tub and Sunset Views
A new eight-person hot tub was installed in 2024 and is positioned beside the porch.
The private setting allows owners and guests to relax while enjoying the mountain air and impressive evening sunsets.
A hot tub can significantly improve the appeal of a mountain cabin used as a weekend retreat or short-term rental.
Combined with the porch and surrounding scenery, it creates a memorable outdoor experience.
Gardens, Herbs, and Fruit Trees
The property already includes raised vegetable gardens and established perennial herbs.
An existing orchard and edible landscape feature six apple trees, three blueberry bushes, three raspberry bushes, blackberry bushes, ten grapevines, a fig tree, and a tart cherry tree.
The grounds also include ever-bearing strawberries, asparagus, and four prize rose bushes near the front porch.
These established plantings give future owners a valuable head start toward a productive and more self-sufficient mountain lifestyle.
Workshop and Tiny Home Potential
Behind the cabin is a 14-by-20-foot workshop built with dimensional lumber.
The building can be used for woodworking, crafts, equipment storage, gardening supplies, or other hobbies.
The listing also suggests that the structure may offer potential for conversion into a tiny home, subject to local regulations and approvals.
This separate building adds flexibility that is especially valuable on a smaller primary residence.
Possibility for Another Homesite
The listing states that another home may potentially be built farther up the hill.
This elevated area reportedly offers some of the property’s most breathtaking mountain views.
A second residence could support extended family, guests, rental income, or a future larger primary home if permitted.
Buyers should verify zoning, septic suitability, access, utilities, and construction requirements before relying on this possibility.
Gated Community and Pond
The property is located within the gated Cherokee Mountain community.
A controlled entrance provides added privacy and helps protect the quiet residential atmosphere.
Residents also have access to a community pond that can be enjoyed for fishing or relaxing beside the water.
The annual property owners association fee is listed at $300 and helps support maintenance of the shared grounds and community features.
Close to Rivers and Outdoor Attractions
The Pigeon River and Big Creek are located only minutes from the cabin.
These nearby waterways offer opportunities for rafting, fishing, and other mountain recreation.
The Appalachian Trail, Max Patch, and Hot Springs, North Carolina, are also within convenient reach.
This location gives future owners access to some of the region’s most popular outdoor destinations while maintaining a private home base.
Convenient to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge
Despite the secluded atmosphere, the property is less than an hour from major East Tennessee attractions.
Dollywood, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, Douglas Lake, restaurants, entertainment, and shopping are all accessible for day trips.
Newport is approximately twenty minutes away, according to the listing, providing access to everyday services and dining.
This balance between privacy and regional attractions may strengthen the cabin’s appeal as a short-term rental.
Strong Vacation Rental Potential
The authentic log construction and mountain location could make this property attractive to vacationers.
Features such as the wraparound porch, hot tub, wood stove, secret pantry, forest access, and scenic sunsets help it stand apart from ordinary rentals.
Its proximity to Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, rafting, hiking, and national forest recreation creates numerous reasons for visitors to stay in the area.
Any short-term rental plans should be confirmed with the homeowners association, local government, insurance provider, and applicable regulations.
Motivated Seller and Recent Price Reduction
The seller is described as motivated, and the property recently received a $9,100 price reduction.
The listing also states that the home is priced below the county appraisal, although buyers should independently verify current assessed and market values.
Most of the furniture may remain, excluding the family room furniture, which could simplify the transition for a vacation rental or second-home buyer.
The newer lawn mower may also remain, while the tractor and box blade are reportedly negotiable.
Final Thoughts
This true Tennessee log cabin combines 12.88 private acres, direct access to Cherokee National Forest, dramatic mountain views, an authentic handcrafted interior, and numerous recent improvements.
The covered wraparound porch, eight-person hot tub, workshop, gardens, orchard, community pond, and potential second homesite make the property especially versatile.
Whether used as a private retreat, hunting lodge, full-time mountain home, or short-term rental, it offers a rare combination of seclusion and accessibility.
At $295,900 after a recent price reduction, this Del Rio property presents an inviting opportunity to own an authentic log home in the Appalachian Mountains.
If you need more info, contact the listing agent from the Zillow link below the photos.
Listed on Zillow