Rustic Tennessee Hunting Cabin on 2.5 Acres Bordering Cherokee National Forest

For buyers who dream of leaving behind crowded neighborhoods and spending more time surrounded by trees, wildlife, mountains, and open country, a small rural cabin can offer an entirely different approach to homeownership. This rustic property in the Tellico Plains area of Tennessee presents an opportunity to own approximately 2.5 acres in a quiet setting with direct access to the expansive Cherokee National Forest.

Priced at $115,000, the property includes a rustic studio-style cabin with approximately 360 square feet of living space, one bedroom, and one bathroom, along with additional porch areas and an outdoor shower. Built in 1990, the cabin has a simple wood-sided design, a metal roof, wood flooring, and an open floor plan. The property is described as a hunting cabin and outdoor retreat, making it particularly interesting for buyers who value recreational land and access to public wilderness more than a large traditional house.

The 2.5-acre parcel is described as unrestricted and provides a combination of cleared, level, gently sloping, agricultural, private, and wooded areas. According to the listing, the property directly borders Cherokee National Forest, effectively placing thousands of acres of public land and wilderness near the cabin.

This is the type of property where the land and location are arguably just as important as the structure itself. The cabin provides a basecamp, while the surrounding environment provides opportunities for hiking, biking, hunting, wildlife observation, camping, and exploring.

For buyers interested in a weekend retreat, hunting basecamp, recreational property, primitive homestead concept, or future expansion project, this Tennessee property deserves a closer look.

A Small Cabin With a Big Outdoor Lifestyle

At only 360 square feet, this cabin is considerably smaller than a conventional single-family residence. However, its appeal is not centered around square footage.

Instead, the property is designed around access to nature.

For some buyers, a small cabin can be more attractive than a large house because it requires less interior maintenance and encourages outdoor living. Rather than spending most of the day inside, owners can use the property as a comfortable base for activities taking place beyond the front door.

The open floor plan makes efficient use of the limited interior space. Wood flooring and wood siding contribute to the rustic atmosphere, while the front and rear porches provide additional areas for relaxing outside.

The property could be suitable for someone who wants a simple place to escape on weekends, particularly if that person enjoys hiking, hunting, mountain biking, camping, photography, wildlife watching, or other outdoor pursuits.

It could also serve as a starting point for a buyer who wants to gradually improve the property over time.

Approximately 2.5 Acres of Tennessee Land

The property consists of approximately 2.5 acres.

Although two and a half acres is not a massive farm or ranch, it provides considerably more privacy and flexibility than a conventional suburban lot.

The land is described as agricultural, cleared, gently sloping, level, private, and containing only a few trees. The listing also identifies meadow, pasture, mountain, rural, and wooded views.

This variety gives the parcel a combination of open and natural areas.

An owner might use portions of the property for outdoor recreation, gardening, equipment storage, camping, or other permitted activities. Buyers should verify local zoning, building requirements, land-use rules, septic requirements, and any deed restrictions before assuming that a particular use is permitted.

The listing describes the parcel as unrestricted, but buyers should still conduct a title review and verify exactly what restrictions or regulations apply.

Direct Access to Cherokee National Forest

Perhaps the most significant feature of the property is its relationship to Cherokee National Forest.

The listing describes the property as bordering the national forest and providing direct access to thousands of acres of wilderness.

For outdoor enthusiasts, this can dramatically expand the recreational possibilities associated with the property.

Instead of being limited to the 2.5 acres, an owner may have access to a much larger surrounding landscape for activities permitted under federal land-management regulations.

Cherokee National Forest encompasses a broad region of East Tennessee and offers a variety of outdoor experiences. Depending on the specific area and applicable regulations, recreation can include hiking, camping, wildlife observation, fishing, mountain biking, and hunting.

Buyers should verify exactly where the private property ends and public land begins, as well as the nature of the access. “Direct access” should be confirmed in person and through available maps, surveys, easements, and title documents.

Nevertheless, proximity to national forest land is a major lifestyle characteristic that can make a small cabin significantly more interesting to outdoor-oriented buyers.

A Potential Hunting Basecamp

The property is marketed as a hunting cabin, making it especially relevant to recreational buyers.

A hunting basecamp does not necessarily need to be large. Its primary purpose is often to provide a secure and comfortable place to sleep, store equipment, prepare meals, and relax before or after spending time outdoors.

This cabin provides those basic functions within a compact footprint.

The surrounding land and proximity to Cherokee National Forest could make the property appealing to hunters who want a dedicated place near their recreational activities.

However, hunting on public land is subject to federal and state regulations, seasons, licensing requirements, designated areas, and other rules. Buyers should verify current regulations directly with the appropriate authorities before planning hunting activities.

Wildlife presence should also never be interpreted as a guarantee of hunting success.

Rustic Studio-Style Interior

The cabin is described as rustic and studio-style.

The approximately 360-square-foot interior has an open floor plan, allowing the space to function efficiently despite its small footprint.

Open layouts can be particularly effective in cabins because they allow the kitchen, living, and sleeping areas to work together rather than being separated by numerous walls.

The wood flooring adds character and reinforces the traditional cabin atmosphere.

For a weekend retreat, the simple design may be exactly what certain buyers want. There is less emphasis on formal rooms and more emphasis on functionality.

A future owner could furnish the cabin with a compact sofa, dining table, efficient storage, sleeping furniture, and outdoor equipment storage while preserving the rustic character.

One Bedroom and One Bathroom

The property is listed with one bedroom and one bathroom, although the listing also describes it as a studio-style cabin.

This combination can work well for an individual owner or couple seeking a private retreat.

The smaller sleeping configuration can also make the property easier to maintain than a larger multi-bedroom house.

A buyer considering the property as a rental should evaluate whether the current configuration matches local occupancy and short-term-rental requirements.

Any plans to modify the sleeping arrangements should also be evaluated in relation to building codes, emergency egress, septic capacity, and other applicable regulations.

Wood Flooring and Wood Siding

The cabin features wood flooring and wood siding.

Natural wood is a natural fit for a property surrounded by forest and mountain scenery. It creates visual warmth and gives the building a traditional rural character.

Wood surfaces can also be maintained or refinished over time, allowing future owners to preserve the cabin’s appearance while making gradual improvements.

The condition of the siding and flooring should be evaluated during inspection, particularly because moisture management is important for rural cabins.

Buyers should inspect for signs of water intrusion, rot, insects, ventilation problems, and other issues that can affect wood structures.

Metal Roof

The property has a metal roof.

Metal roofing is commonly used for rural cabins because of its durability and relatively straightforward maintenance characteristics.

However, roof material alone does not establish the condition of a roofing system. Buyers should still inspect the roof, flashing, penetrations, fasteners, gutters, and areas around chimneys or vents.

A professional inspection can help determine whether any repairs or maintenance are necessary.

Because the listing identifies the cabin as a fixer, buyers should evaluate the roof alongside the rest of the structure rather than assuming that any individual feature eliminates future maintenance needs.

Outdoor Porches

The cabin includes a front porch and rear porch, with the listing identifying covered porch areas.

These spaces are particularly valuable for a property designed around outdoor recreation.

A porch can serve as a transition between the interior and the natural environment. It provides a place to remove muddy footwear, store outdoor gear temporarily, sit after a long hike, or enjoy the landscape in comfortable weather.

For a weekend retreat, the porch can become an informal outdoor living room.

The condition of all porch structures should be evaluated during the inspection, including decking, supports, railings, stairs, roof coverings, and attachment points.

Outdoor Shower

Another distinctive feature is the outdoor shower.

An outdoor shower can be extremely practical for a recreational property.

After hiking, hunting, biking, gardening, or other outdoor activities, an outdoor shower can provide a convenient way to clean up before entering the cabin.

For a property used primarily during warmer months, it can also become part of the outdoor-living experience.

Buyers should verify how the shower is supplied with water, how wastewater is handled, and whether the installation complies with applicable regulations.

Electricity Connected

The listing indicates that electricity is connected to the property.

This is an important feature for a rural cabin because electrical service can support lighting, refrigeration, cooking appliances, internet equipment, tools, and other modern conveniences.

The property includes an electric range and refrigerator.

While the cabin has a rustic character, having electrical service allows the owner to maintain a more practical level of comfort than a completely off-grid structure.

Buyers should verify the electrical service, panel condition, outlets, grounding, wiring, and capacity during a professional inspection.

Water and Sewer Require Verification

The listing’s utility information identifies water and sewer as “Other.”

This is an important area for buyers to investigate carefully.

The exact water source, wastewater arrangement, permits, and operating condition should be verified before purchase.

Because the property is rural and intended for recreational use, utility arrangements may differ from those found in a typical suburban residence.

Buyers should determine whether there is a private well, spring, cistern, shared system, or another water source and should verify its legal status and reliability.

Similarly, the wastewater system should be clearly identified and evaluated.

Any buyer planning to expand the cabin, add an RV hookup, build additional structures, or increase occupancy should understand the property’s water and wastewater capacity before making those plans.

Potential for Expansion

The listing describes the 2.5-acre parcel as offering room for expansion.

Potential future uses mentioned in the listing include RV hookups, primitive campsites, and additional structures.

These possibilities can make the property more interesting to buyers with a long-term vision.

However, potential should not be confused with guaranteed development rights.

Adding an RV hookup, campsite, cabin, guest structure, accessory building, or additional residence may require permits, septic capacity, electrical service, driveway improvements, zoning approval, environmental review, or other authorizations.

A buyer should contact the relevant county and state authorities before budgeting for any major expansion.

The existing acreage provides physical space, but legal and infrastructure requirements ultimately determine what can actually be built or operated.

RV and Camping Possibilities

For outdoor enthusiasts, the possibility of creating an RV-friendly property may be attractive.

An RV hookup could provide additional flexibility for family members or guests, assuming it is permitted.

Primitive camping areas could potentially complement the existing cabin, especially for buyers who enjoy hosting friends during outdoor trips.

However, camping and RV use can be regulated differently from ordinary residential occupancy.

Potential owners should investigate wastewater, potable water, electrical connections, fire safety, parking, access, sanitation, and local land-use requirements before pursuing these ideas.

The important point is that the acreage provides room to explore possibilities, while due diligence determines which possibilities are legally and financially realistic.

Potential Weekend Getaway

At $115,000, the property may appeal to buyers looking for an affordable entry point into mountain and recreational real estate.

A small cabin does not require the same investment as a large vacation home, and its compact size may help keep maintenance manageable.

The property can potentially become a place to spend weekends away from urban areas, surrounded by trees and public wilderness.

Instead of planning elaborate vacations every time, an owner could have a dedicated base for outdoor adventures.

The value of such a property is therefore not only measured by square footage.

For someone who spends significant time hiking, hunting, biking, or exploring national forest land, convenient access to recreation may be more important than having multiple bedrooms or a large kitchen.

Potential Long-Term Investment

Real estate investors may also find the property interesting, although the investment case requires careful analysis.

The low purchase price compared with many larger mountain properties may make it an interesting candidate for renovation or recreational rental use.

However, the listing describes the cabin as a fixer, so buyers should estimate the full cost of ownership rather than focusing only on the $115,000 purchase price.

Potential expenses may include repairs, electrical work, plumbing, water-system improvements, septic work, interior finishes, roofing maintenance, landscaping, driveway maintenance, insurance, property taxes, utilities, furnishings, and ongoing repairs.

If the property is intended for short-term rental, additional expenses could include permits, cleaning, management, booking fees, guest supplies, marketing, and specialized insurance.

A realistic investment analysis should calculate expected net income rather than simply projected gross revenue.

Small Cabin, Lower Maintenance Potential

One of the practical advantages of a 360-square-foot cabin is simplicity.

A smaller structure generally has fewer interior surfaces, rooms, fixtures, and systems to maintain than a large house.

That can be appealing to owners who want to spend their weekends exploring rather than performing household maintenance.

A compact property can also require less furniture and fewer household supplies.

However, the fact that the cabin is small does not mean maintenance costs are automatically low. Rural properties can have unique expenses involving access roads, trees, water systems, septic systems, outbuildings, and exterior structures.

The buyer should therefore evaluate the property as a rural recreational property rather than simply comparing its maintenance requirements with those of a small suburban apartment.

Agricultural and Open Land Characteristics

The parcel is described as agricultural and includes cleared and level areas.

This creates additional possibilities for buyers interested in gardening, small-scale agricultural activities, or maintaining an open rural landscape.

Any agricultural use should be evaluated against local rules and soil conditions.

Buyers interested in livestock, crops, poultry, or other agricultural activities should investigate fencing requirements, water availability, animal regulations, soil quality, and any applicable county restrictions.

The property already includes a poultry coop, which adds another useful feature for someone interested in rural living.

Poultry Coop and Additional Structure

The listing identifies a poultry coop among the additional structures.

For a buyer interested in a simple rural lifestyle, this can provide another starting point for property improvements.

The condition of the structure should be evaluated before use. Buyers should also verify whether poultry or other livestock activities are permitted and whether additional structures require permits.

The existing outbuilding can nevertheless be useful as part of the property’s overall functionality.

Rural Privacy

Privacy is one of the defining characteristics of the property.

The listing describes a quiet, peaceful setting, and the surrounding land and forest provide a natural buffer from more developed areas.

For buyers seeking a break from noise and traffic, this environment may be especially attractive.

Rural privacy can also support activities that would be difficult in a neighborhood setting, such as outdoor recreation, gardening, equipment storage, or simply spending time outside without close neighbors.

At the same time, rural ownership requires greater attention to emergency access, road conditions, utility service, internet availability, and maintenance.

Property Taxes and Ownership Costs

The listing reports a tax assessed value of approximately $40,800 and annual property taxes of about $155.

These figures should be independently verified before purchase because property tax assessments and rates can change.

The relatively modest reported annual tax amount may be appealing to a buyer comparing long-term carrying costs.

However, property taxes are only one component of ownership expenses.

Insurance, electricity, water, wastewater, maintenance, tree work, driveway upkeep, repairs, and improvements should all be included in the buyer’s budget.

If the property is used as a rental, the owner should also account for additional operating expenses.

Financing Considerations

The listing identifies cash and conventional financing as terms.

Buyers considering financing should speak with lenders about the property’s current condition and intended use.

Because the listing describes the property as a fixer, lenders may have specific requirements concerning habitability, repairs, appraisal value, and insurance.

A buyer should not assume that every conventional loan product will be suitable.

Cash buyers may have more flexibility regarding renovation timing, but they still need to budget for all necessary improvements.

The appropriate financing strategy depends on the buyer’s financial situation and plans for the property.

Due Diligence Is Especially Important

The property should be evaluated carefully before purchase.

A professional inspection should cover the foundation, framing, roof, siding, floors, electrical system, plumbing, appliances, porches, outdoor shower, windows, doors, attic areas, and additional structures.

Because the cabin is described as a fixer, buyers should obtain contractor estimates for any work identified.

Water and sewer arrangements should be independently verified.

The buyer should also review the title, survey, parcel boundaries, access rights, easements, and any restrictions affecting the property.

The relationship with Cherokee National Forest should be verified as well.

Buyers should confirm whether the parcel truly adjoins public land and understand exactly where legal access is located.

Understanding “Unrestricted” Land

The listing describes the 2.5-acre property as unrestricted.

That terminology can be attractive to rural-land buyers, but it should be interpreted carefully.

“Unrestricted” does not automatically mean that every imaginable use is permitted.

County regulations, state requirements, building codes, environmental rules, septic regulations, road standards, and federal or local restrictions can still apply.

Anyone planning to add cabins, RV sites, campsites, agricultural facilities, or other structures should verify the legal requirements before purchasing.

This is particularly important when the buyer’s primary reason for purchasing is future development potential.

Who Might Find This Property Appealing?

The property could attract several different categories of buyers.

Outdoor enthusiasts may appreciate direct access to Cherokee National Forest and the surrounding recreational environment.

Hunters may view the cabin as a convenient basecamp.

Second-home buyers may want a simple weekend retreat without the expense of a large vacation home.

Rural lifestyle buyers may appreciate the acreage, agricultural characteristics, poultry coop, and privacy.

Investors may want to investigate whether renovation and rental use could make financial sense.

Minimalist buyers may enjoy the simplicity of a 360-square-foot cabin.

Each buyer should evaluate the property according to their own objectives and budget.

Property Facts at a Glance

• List price: $115,000
• Property type: Single-family residence
• Architectural style: Rustic cabin
• Year built: 1990
• Bedrooms: 1
• Bathrooms: 1, with listing data also indicating a half-bath detail
• Living area: Approximately 360 square feet
• Lot size: Approximately 2.5 acres
• General location: Tellico Plains, Tennessee
• Setting: Rural and private
• Views: Mountain, meadow, pasture, rural, and trees/woods
• Flooring: Wood
• Interior layout: Open floor plan
• Cooling: Ceiling fans
• Kitchen appliances: Electric range and refrigerator
• Outdoor features: Front porch, rear porch, covered porch areas, outdoor shower
• Roof: Metal
• Exterior: Wood siding
• Foundation: Pillar/post/pier
• Parking: Driveway
• Water: Listed as other; buyer verification recommended
• Sewer: Listed as other; buyer verification recommended
• Electricity: Connected
• Additional structure: Poultry coop
• Property condition: Fixer
• HOA: None listed
• Subdivision: None
• Tax assessed value: Approximately $40,800
• Annual property tax: Approximately $155 according to listing information
• Listing terms: Cash and conventional
• Road surface: Asphalt/paved
• Nearby public land: Cherokee National Forest
• Recreational focus: Hunting, hiking, biking, camping, and outdoor exploration

A Different Approach to Tennessee Homeownership

This property is not designed for buyers who need a large kitchen, multiple living rooms, a finished basement, or a long list of conventional suburban amenities.

Its appeal comes from something different.

It offers land, privacy, simplicity, and proximity to a vast natural environment.

At approximately 360 square feet, the cabin is compact enough to encourage a lifestyle centered on the outdoors. The 2.5 acres provide a private setting, while the reported connection to Cherokee National Forest greatly expands the recreational possibilities surrounding the property.

The cabin’s porches, outdoor shower, wood interior, metal roof, electric service, and open floor plan create a practical basecamp for someone who values adventure and solitude.

Final Thoughts on This $115,000 Tennessee Cabin

This rustic cabin in the Tellico Plains area offers an unusual combination of affordability, acreage, privacy, and access to public wilderness.

For $115,000, the property provides approximately 2.5 acres and a 360-square-foot cabin with one bedroom, one bathroom, an open floor plan, wood flooring, front and rear porches, an outdoor shower, and a metal roof.

But the most important feature may be outside the cabin itself.

The property is described as bordering Cherokee National Forest, giving outdoor enthusiasts access to an enormous recreational landscape beyond their private acreage. For someone who spends weekends hiking, hunting, biking, camping, or exploring nature, that relationship with public land could be considerably more important than having a much larger house.

The property also provides several possibilities for future improvements. The listing mentions potential space for RV hookups, primitive campsites, and additional structures. The agricultural and cleared portions of the land may also appeal to buyers interested in gardening or a more rural lifestyle.

However, these possibilities should be treated as potential rather than guaranteed uses. Buyers must verify zoning, permits, building requirements, septic capacity, water availability, access, title restrictions, and all applicable regulations before investing in expansion.

The cabin is also identified as a fixer, making professional inspection and renovation budgeting especially important. A low purchase price can become considerably higher after necessary repairs and improvements, so buyers should calculate the property’s total acquisition and improvement cost before making a decision.

For the right buyer, however, the appeal is easy to understand.

This is a property where the surrounding landscape is part of the experience. It offers a quiet place to wake up, step outside, prepare for a day of outdoor recreation, and return to a private cabin at the end of the day.

For someone looking for a traditional suburban home, this may not be the ideal property. For an outdoor enthusiast searching for a simple Tennessee basecamp with acreage and access to Cherokee National Forest, it could be a much more interesting opportunity.

The combination of a $115,000 asking price, approximately 2.5 acres, a rustic cabin, private surroundings, electricity, outdoor living areas, and access to a vast natural environment makes this property worth serious consideration by buyers whose priorities are centered on recreation, privacy, and a simpler mountain lifestyle.

 

 

Listed on Zillow