Tucked away in the middle of the Cherokee National Forest near a little mountain town called Reliance, Tennessee, an off-grid cabin at 2 Dog Hollow Road is absolute magic—a log retreat that was hand-built in 1982 and that gives you a feeling of warmth the minute you walk onto its porch.
Taking up just under 900 square feet, this one-bedroom, one-bath cabin is set on two private acres that are bordered by a creek that flows all year long and thus giving the rare and incredible gift of total freedom and independence to anyone while simultaneously being only a few minutes away from the best whitewater, hiking, and trout fishing in the Southeast.
Looking at the cabin from the outside, it is pretty much everything you conjure up in your head when fantasizing about a mountain escape. Traditional dovetailed logs shimmer with a golden color under the sun, a rugged metal roof can be expected to provide long-term protection, and a long covered porch stretches along the front of the house—just right for rocking chairs, morning coffee, and creek listening.
The two-acre lot doesn’t really seem like that much when you consider that it is surrounded by the national forest and thus you have the freedom to do pretty much anything: wander about, raise vegetables, or just sit there in your own little world while deer and wild turkeys come strolling by.
This cabin is listed for sale (including the land) at $198,000.
Going inside the cabin that instant it conveys the feeling that it’s your own house. In the open living area stands a gorgeous wood stove which is able to heat up the whole area on the coldest of winter nights. Large windows let the sunlight in, thereby accentuating not only the well-worn logs but also the shiny hardwood floors.
The quaint kitchen of cabin has everything that one can possibly need—gas range, refrigerator, and ample cabinet space—while still being the cabin’s simple and functionally charming style. A full bathroom with a shower keeps the life comfortable and does not compromise the off-grid spirit.
There is a large loft bedroom with a sitting area and enough floor space for a king size bed up the bespoke log staircase of the cabin and from the three sides of the loft that have windows, one gets the feeling of sleeping among the treetops.
The cabin is fully-equipped for immediate occupancy: there is a private well, a septic system, a full solar array with battery backup, and a generator for extra peace of mind. The large storage shed may be used for tools, kayaks, or firewood, and the mild nature of the land welcomes the simple and easy discovery of your very own little patch of the wilderness.
Location is the most important factor and this cabin does not fail in that aspect. Literally, you are encircled by the Cherokee National Forest—hiking, biking, or horse riding can be done right from your doorstep. The Hiwassee River (which is quite famous for both trout and rafting) is only a few minutes’ drive away, and so are the Gee Creek and Spring Creek recreation areas. The small town of Reliance provides a general store and outfitter for your needs, whereas Benton and Cleveland offer a more complete range of goods and thus are an easy drive away. But when you are at home, what you get is nothing but creek sounds and hemlocks’ wind.
If a simpler life is what any of you are dreaming of, then this cabin is there to check all of your boxes—be it a full-time residence, retirement escape, weekend getaway, or a proven vacation rental. This is the kind of place where you put your phone away and don’t hear from it until you’re done; where conversations happen face-to-face; and where every season has its own kind of splendor: spring wildflowers, summer swimming holes, autumnal colors that literally grab and hold your attention, and winters so quiet that you can hear the snow falling
This charming off-grid cabin along with the whole 2-acre parcel it sits on are now for sale on Zillow, asking $198,000. You can see more pictures, take a video tour, and get full details by going to the official listing here: Zillow – 2 Dog Hollow Rd, Reliance, TN.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Size | 884 sq ft |
| Bedrooms | 1 + spacious loft |
| Bathrooms | 1 full |
| Lot | 2 private acres with creek |
| Year Built | 1982 |
| Power | Solar + generator backup |
| Water/Sewer | Private well & septic |
| Extras | Storage shed, wood stove, covered porch |
Source: Zillow – 2 Dog Hollow Rd, Reliance, TN