Mountain Log Cabin Living in Maryville, Tennessee

A rare combination of authentic character, mountain scenery, investment potential, and convenient access to everyday amenities can make a property especially appealing to buyers searching for a home in East Tennessee. This one-bedroom log cabin in Maryville, Tennessee, offers many of those qualities in a compact and potentially manageable package.

Priced at $299,900 following a recent $10,100 price reduction, the property features approximately 972 square feet of living space on a 0.48-acre level lot. Built in 1989, the single-family residence combines traditional log construction with features that today’s buyers often seek, including hardwood floors, exposed beams, an updated kitchen and bathroom, central heating and air conditioning, public water, and a septic system.

Perhaps most importantly, the cabin offers mountain and country views from the front porch. The setting is described as peaceful, with the home located on a quiet dead-end road away from heavy traffic and tourist congestion. For buyers who want the atmosphere of a Smoky Mountain retreat without being completely isolated from shopping, dining, and services, this location presents an interesting balance.

The property is also currently operating as a short-term rental with documented income, according to the listing. That creates another dimension for prospective buyers who are evaluating the home as an investment property rather than solely as a personal residence.

A Recent Price Reduction Brings New Attention

The property recently received a $10,100 price reduction, bringing the advertised price to $299,900.

Price reductions can sometimes encourage renewed attention from buyers who may have previously overlooked a property. However, a reduced asking price should not automatically be interpreted as a guarantee of value or investment performance.

For a buyer considering this cabin, the more important question is whether the property makes sense at the current price after considering its condition, location, operating expenses, insurance, taxes, maintenance requirements, financing costs, and potential rental income.

The listing reports an annual property tax amount of approximately $841 and a tax-assessed value of $211,600. Buyers should independently verify current tax information and understand that an assessed value is not necessarily the same as market value.

Authentic Log Cabin Architecture

The architectural style is one of the property’s defining characteristics.

The residence was built in 1989 and features authentic log walls that immediately establish the mountain-cabin atmosphere. Exposed beams contribute additional rustic character, while hardwood floors create a natural connection between the interior and the surrounding landscape.

Log construction has a distinctive visual appeal that is difficult to reproduce with conventional modern materials. The texture and appearance of the logs can create a warm environment that works particularly well for a mountain retreat.

For someone interested in purchasing a cabin as a vacation property, the architectural character can be an important part of the property’s appeal. Guests looking for a traditional Smoky Mountain experience may value features such as log walls, exposed beams, a fireplace, a covered porch, and mountain views.

At the same time, log homes require appropriate maintenance. Owners should understand the condition of exterior logs, staining or sealing, moisture management, drainage, roofing, and areas where wood meets other materials.

A professional inspection can help identify maintenance requirements that may not be immediately obvious during a casual showing.

Approximately 972 Square Feet of Living Space

The cabin provides approximately 972 square feet of interior living space.

While the home is relatively compact, its one-bedroom layout may make it easier to manage than a much larger property. Smaller homes can appeal to buyers who prioritize simplicity, lower maintenance, and efficient use of space.

The floor plan includes one full bathroom and a kitchen with an island and eat-in area. The living space is centered around the fireplace, helping create a natural gathering area.

For a couple, individual, remote worker, or vacation-home owner, 972 square feet can provide enough space for comfortable living without the maintenance demands associated with a large house.

The size can also be attractive from an investment perspective. A smaller property may require less cleaning, furnishing, heating, cooling, and general upkeep than a substantially larger vacation rental, although actual operating costs vary considerably by property and usage.

A One-Bedroom Layout With Multiple Possibilities

The home currently has one bedroom and one bathroom.

A one-bedroom configuration can work particularly well for couples seeking a private retreat or for buyers looking for a property that can function as a personal weekend getaway.

The listing specifically describes the property as appealing to couples, remote workers, and repeat Smoky Mountain visitors.

For a remote worker, the compact size may allow the home to function as both a residence and a workspace without requiring extensive maintenance. For a vacation-home owner, the one-bedroom arrangement may provide an intimate retreat.

For an investor, the layout may be easier to furnish and manage than a larger multi-bedroom property, although rental demand and profitability should always be independently evaluated.

Updated Kitchen With Rustic Character

The kitchen has reportedly been updated, creating a balance between modern convenience and the home’s rustic architecture.

A kitchen island provides additional preparation and serving space, while the eat-in kitchen arrangement can make the area useful for everyday meals.

The listed appliances include a dishwasher, range, and refrigerator.

Kitchen improvements can be particularly valuable in a vacation rental because guests often appreciate having the ability to prepare meals rather than relying entirely on restaurants.

For a full-time resident, the kitchen also provides the practical functionality expected from a modern home.

Prospective buyers should inspect the age and condition of the appliances, cabinetry, countertops, plumbing fixtures, electrical outlets, and other components. If the property is currently used as a short-term rental, buyers may also want to review whether the existing furnishings and equipment are included in the sale.

Hardwood Floors and Exposed Beams

Inside, hardwood flooring works naturally with the log walls and exposed beams.

These materials contribute to the cabin’s traditional mountain aesthetic while offering a durable surface for everyday use.

Hardwood floors can also photograph well for vacation-rental marketing, where visual presentation can influence guest interest. However, buyers should evaluate their condition, including scratches, water damage, uneven areas, and areas requiring refinishing.

The exposed beams provide another architectural feature that adds visual interest.

Together, the hardwood floors, log walls, beams, and stone fireplace create an interior that feels substantially different from a typical contemporary subdivision home.

Stone Fireplace as the Interior Focal Point

One of the most distinctive features of the living area is the stone fireplace.

The listing identifies the fireplace as wood-burning, creating the possibility of a traditional fire during colder months. A fireplace can add considerable atmosphere to a mountain cabin, particularly when combined with exposed beams and natural wood finishes.

For a property used as a vacation rental, a fireplace may also be an attractive feature for guests looking for a cozy retreat.

Safety should be a priority, however. Buyers should have the fireplace, chimney, flue, hearth, and associated components professionally inspected before use if their condition is not fully documented.

Proper maintenance, cleaning, ventilation, and insurance requirements should also be considered.

Mountain Views From the Front Porch

The front porch may be one of the property’s strongest lifestyle features.

The listing describes sweeping pasture and Smoky Mountain views from the porch, providing an outdoor setting where owners or guests can relax while taking in the surrounding scenery.

A porch can effectively extend the usable living area of a cabin, particularly in a climate where outdoor seating can be enjoyed during much of the year.

Morning coffee, evening relaxation, reading, outdoor dining, and simply watching the changing mountain landscape can all become part of the experience.

For a vacation rental, a scenic porch can also become an important part of the property’s identity. However, views can change over time because of vegetation growth, neighboring development, or other factors, so buyers should evaluate the actual view during a property visit.

Quiet Dead-End Road Setting

The cabin is situated on a quiet dead-end road.

For buyers seeking privacy, this can be an important characteristic. A dead-end location can offer less through traffic and a more peaceful residential environment.

The listing emphasizes that the property is away from tourist congestion while still being close to Maryville services.

This combination can be appealing for someone who wants a mountain-oriented lifestyle without being located directly in the busiest tourism areas.

As always, buyers should visit the property at different times of day when possible to understand actual traffic, noise, neighboring activity, and road conditions.

Nearly Half an Acre of Land

The property sits on approximately 0.48 acres.

Although this is not a huge tract of land, it provides considerably more outdoor space than a small urban lot and offers enough room for mature landscaping and outdoor enjoyment.

The listing describes the lot as level, which may make outdoor maintenance and use more convenient than a steep mountain parcel.

The property also includes mature fruit trees, adding another attractive natural feature.

Fruit trees can contribute shade, seasonal beauty, and the possibility of producing fresh fruit. They do, however, require maintenance, including pruning, pest management, seasonal cleanup, and harvesting.

Mature Fruit Trees Add Character

The mature fruit trees help reinforce the property’s country setting.

For homeowners, established trees can provide a sense of maturity that newly landscaped properties cannot easily replicate.

For vacation-rental guests, natural landscaping and mature trees can enhance the feeling of escaping from a more urban environment.

The buyer should determine the types, ages, and condition of the trees during due diligence. Mature trees can be valuable landscape features, but they can also create maintenance obligations and potential risks during severe weather.

A Three-Bedroom Septic System

An especially interesting feature of the property is its existing three-bedroom septic system.

Although the home currently contains one bedroom, the listing states that a three-bedroom septic system is already in place.

This could provide flexibility for certain future plans, but buyers should not assume that the septic capacity alone means the house can automatically be converted into a three-bedroom residence.

Any expansion, bedroom addition, structural modification, or change in occupancy should be evaluated with local authorities and appropriate professionals.

The buyer should verify the septic permit, drain-field location, system capacity, installation history, inspection records, and current condition.

Septic capacity can be an important factor when evaluating rural and semi-rural properties because future additions may depend on wastewater limitations.

Potential Future Expansion

The listing also notes that a footer and block foundation are already in place beneath the rear deck.

This may create potential for future expansion, subject to buyer verification and local permitting.

For an owner considering additional living space, the existing foundation elements may be worth investigating.

However, the presence of a footer or block foundation does not automatically mean an addition can be completed without further engineering, permits, inspections, or modifications.

A buyer interested in expanding the cabin should consult the appropriate local building authorities and a qualified contractor or engineer before assigning significant financial value to this feature.

The potential for expansion should be treated as an opportunity to investigate rather than a guaranteed future improvement.

Detached Storage and Workshop Building

The property includes a detached storage building or workshop sometimes described as a he/she shed.

The listing states that the structure includes a tub, sink, and toilet.

This additional building could provide valuable functional space separate from the main cabin.

Possible uses could include a workshop, hobby area, storage space, creative studio, gardening area, or equipment room.

The presence of plumbing fixtures makes the building particularly interesting, but buyers should verify the legality and functionality of those connections.

The buyer should determine how the structure is supplied with water and how wastewater is handled. Any plumbing or bathroom use should comply with applicable local requirements.

Short-Term Rental Investment Potential

One of the property’s most significant financial characteristics is that it is currently operating as a successful short-term rental with documented income, according to the listing.

For an investor, documented historical income can be more useful than an unsupported projection because it provides an opportunity to review actual performance.

However, prospective buyers should request appropriate documentation and analyze the numbers carefully.

Important questions include:

• What was the gross rental income?
• How many nights was the property occupied?
• What was the average nightly rate?
• What were cleaning expenses?
• How much was spent on utilities?
• What were platform or booking fees?
• How much did maintenance cost?
• Was professional management used?
• What insurance costs were incurred?
• Were there local occupancy or lodging taxes?
• What furnishings are included?
• How seasonal was the income?

Gross rental revenue should never be confused with net profit.

A property producing substantial bookings may still have relatively high operating expenses. Buyers should calculate realistic net income after all recurring and occasional costs.

Understanding Vacation Rental Expenses

Short-term rental ownership involves more than mortgage payments.

Expenses can include electricity, water, internet, property taxes, insurance, cleaning, repairs, landscaping, pest control, platform fees, management fees, replacement furniture, linens, appliances, and periodic renovations.

Mountain properties may also face additional maintenance considerations related to weather, trees, exterior wood, drainage, and access.

If a buyer intends to continue operating the property as a short-term rental, they should also confirm that current regulations permit the intended use and determine whether any licenses, permits, taxes, or registrations are required.

Insurance is another important consideration. A standard homeowners policy may not provide the same coverage as a policy designed for short-term rental use.

A Potential Weekend Mountain Retreat

Even without considering rental income, the property has characteristics that can appeal to someone searching for a private weekend retreat.

The combination of a log cabin, mountain views, fireplace, hardwood floors, exposed beams, fruit trees, and quiet road creates a setting designed around relaxation.

The proximity to the Smoky Mountains adds another layer of recreational appeal.

A buyer could potentially use the property as a second home while renting it during periods when it is not being personally used, provided local rules, insurance, and financial considerations support that strategy.

This hybrid approach can be attractive, but owners should realistically evaluate how much personal use they want versus how much availability is required to operate a successful rental.

Access to the Smoky Mountains

The listing notes convenient access to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which is known for its extensive hiking opportunities and natural scenery.

The park offers more than 800 miles of hiking trails, making the surrounding region attractive to visitors interested in hiking, wildlife, waterfalls, photography, scenic drives, and outdoor recreation.

For a vacation-rental property, proximity to major recreational destinations can be an important factor in attracting guests.

However, prospective buyers should independently evaluate actual driving times from the property to the specific destinations they care about.

The advantage of this property is that it appears to offer a quieter residential setting while remaining within reach of the broader Smoky Mountain tourism market.

Convenient Maryville Location

Although the cabin has a mountain-oriented atmosphere, it is located near Maryville shopping, dining, and services.

That can be particularly valuable for full-time residents.

A remote vacation cabin may offer beautiful scenery but require long drives for groceries, medical appointments, restaurants, and everyday necessities. A property closer to established services can provide a more practical balance between rural atmosphere and convenience.

For short-term-rental guests, proximity to restaurants and stores can also be helpful.

Buyers should personally verify the distance to grocery stores, healthcare, fuel, restaurants, recreation, and other services that matter to their intended use.

Central Heating and Air Conditioning

The home includes central electric heating and central air conditioning.

This is an important practical feature for both full-time residents and vacation-rental guests.

Mountain climates can experience significant seasonal temperature changes, making reliable heating and cooling valuable.

Buyers should have the HVAC system inspected and determine its age, service history, efficiency, and expected remaining lifespan.

Energy costs should also be reviewed where possible. Utility expenses can have a direct impact on both household affordability and short-term rental profitability.

Public Water and Septic

The property has public water while using a septic tank for wastewater.

This combination provides access to a public water supply without requiring a private well, while the septic system handles wastewater.

Buyers should confirm the current water provider, typical utility costs, water meter arrangements, and septic records.

The septic system deserves particular attention because the listing’s reference to three-bedroom capacity could be relevant to future plans.

Financial Considerations for Buyers

At $299,900, buyers should evaluate the property based on their intended purpose.

For a primary residence, the analysis should include mortgage payments, property taxes, insurance, utilities, maintenance, and expected repair costs.

For an investment property, buyers should calculate the projected net operating income rather than relying solely on gross rental revenue.

For a second home, buyers should determine how frequently they expect to use it and whether the costs are justified by the personal value they receive from ownership.

The listing’s estimated monthly payment is approximately $1,984, but individual mortgage payments can vary significantly depending on down payment, interest rate, loan type, insurance, taxes, and other financing factors.

Prospective buyers should obtain personalized financing information from a qualified lender rather than assuming the displayed estimate will apply to them.

Due Diligence Before Purchasing

A property with this combination of rental history, septic infrastructure, log construction, and potential expansion should be thoroughly evaluated before purchase.

A professional inspection should examine the structure, foundation, roof, electrical system, plumbing, HVAC, fireplace, windows, log exterior, drainage, crawl space, and detached structures.

The septic system should also be investigated separately.

For an investment buyer, financial due diligence is equally important. Rental statements, booking history, expense records, occupancy information, licenses, and applicable tax records can help establish whether the reported rental performance is sustainable.

Buyers should also verify zoning and short-term-rental regulations before assuming that the current rental operation can continue under identical conditions.

Why This Cabin Stands Out

This Maryville property combines several characteristics that are difficult to find together in one compact package.

It offers:

• Approximately 972 square feet of living space
• One bedroom and one full bathroom
• Authentic log construction
• Hardwood floors
• Exposed beams
• A stone fireplace
• Updated kitchen and bathroom
• Mountain and country views
• A front porch
• Approximately 0.48 acres
• Mature fruit trees
• A three-bedroom septic system
• Public water
• Central heating and air conditioning
• A detached storage/workshop building
• A two-part outdoor-use potential with existing foundation elements
• Current short-term-rental operation according to the listing
• Proximity to Maryville services and the Smoky Mountain region
• No HOA listed

The property therefore has appeal beyond its basic bedroom and square-footage numbers.

Final Thoughts

This Maryville log cabin represents a distinctive opportunity for buyers who want more than a conventional house.

The authentic log walls, exposed beams, hardwood floors, stone fireplace, mountain views, mature fruit trees, and quiet dead-end road create an environment that feels connected to the surrounding East Tennessee landscape.

At the same time, the property offers practical features such as central heating and air conditioning, public water, an existing septic system, an updated kitchen and bathroom, and additional storage or workshop space.

The current short-term-rental operation adds potential investment appeal, particularly for buyers interested in the broader Smoky Mountain vacation market. However, documented rental income should be carefully verified, and buyers should calculate net operating expenses rather than focusing exclusively on gross revenue.

The three-bedroom septic system and existing footer and block foundation beneath the rear deck may also provide possibilities for future improvements, but these features should be independently verified and should not be treated as guaranteed expansion rights.

With the recent price reduction to $299,900, the property may attract renewed attention from buyers seeking a mountain retreat, a full-time residence, or an investment property in the Maryville area. Its relatively manageable size could also make it appealing to buyers who want the character of a cabin without taking on the maintenance demands of a much larger mountain home.

Ultimately, the right buyer will be someone who appreciates the property’s combination of location, architecture, outdoor setting, and potential while also approaching the financial and regulatory details carefully.

Anyone considering the property should conduct a professional inspection, verify the septic system and potential expansion options, review the short-term-rental documentation, confirm local regulations, obtain appropriate insurance information, and evaluate financing and operating costs before making a final decision.

For buyers searching for a distinctive Tennessee cabin with Smoky Mountain views, authentic log construction, a peaceful setting, and potential investment flexibility, this Maryville property offers plenty to investigate.

 

 

Listed on Zillow