From a Vacation… to a Forever Dream

This is where our journey truly began. What started as a simple trip to Tennessee turned into something we never could have imagined — a new life, a new purpose, and a place we are proud to share with others. We’re glad you’re here to be part of our story.

A Trip That Changed Everything

In the summer of 2024, we left Florida for what was meant to be a two-week vacation. We were craving time to disconnect — to escape busy schedules, constant phone calls, and the Florida heat.

We have always loved the mountains, the rivers, and the quiet beauty Tennessee offers. This trip was meant to be slower, simpler, and more meaningful — exploring small towns, antique shops, waterfalls, and everything in between.

Then, somewhere along the way… everything changed.

The Property That Found Us

As we drove through the mountains near Coker Creek, we passed a property that most people would have overlooked — overgrown, neglected, and forgotten.

But something about it stopped us.

We turned the car around without hesitation.

It was clear no one had lived there for years. It needed more work than we could have imagined — but instead of walking away, we felt drawn in. It was as if the property was speaking to us:

“Fix me. Love me. Give me a second chance.”

We called the number on the sign, waited hours to meet the agent, and by the time we saw everything… we already knew.

A Life We Never Planned

We made an offer, never expecting it to be accepted — but it was.

Just three weeks later, we closed on the property.

We never made it to the destinations we had planned for that trip. Instead, we returned to Florida, packed up our lives, and made the move.

We poured everything we had into restoring this place — time, energy, and even the funds we had saved for retirement.

After a year and a half of the hardest work we have ever done, Mountain Retreat came to life.

What Mountain Retreat Has Become

Today, this once-forgotten property has been brought back to life while preserving its original character and charm.

We now have:

  • The Saloon Venue

  • Three short-term rental accommodations

  • A small general store for snacks and drinks

  • The Nut House (home of the best boiled peanuts around)

  • And our forever home

We’ve salvaged materials from the land itself to keep the authenticity alive, honoring what this place once was — including its history as the original Coker Creek Saloon.

More Than a Stay — It’s an Experience

Here, we have found a peace we have never experienced before.

We deeply miss our children, grandchildren, and friends in Florida — and we visit often — but we cannot imagine calling anywhere else home.

Now that you know our story, we would love to be a part of yours.

We take pride in every detail and go above and beyond for every guest. Maintaining a 5-star experience for over seven years and Superhost status for six speaks to the care we put into everything we do.

Choose our establishment. Choose small.
Support us and help us grow.
Bless us and be blessed.

Our Mission as we end this tour of our website. 

We thank you for viewing our page. If any questions weren’t answered here on our website, please don’t hesitate to reach out, as we are extremely passionate about what we do and take great pride in our self-made business, our services, and ourselves.

 

Sincerely,

Owners and Operators