Construction Update

What construction project have you ever heard of that did not have its share of delays. Some things just take a little longer than planned. Well, things are rolling on Chilhowee Mountain Retreat. The stonework is in full progress and the interior walls are being finished.

The living unit above the Carriage House is almost done. The wall of windows provides a beautiful up-close view of the dense Tennessee forest.

Working through the Winter

December and the early part of January saw more than just the passing of the Christmas season. The exterior of Chilhowee Mountain Retreat was getting its first coat of stain. There will be two coats applied to provide color and protection for the wood.

The weather during late December and early January have not been cooperating with the construction crew. Temperatures have been unusually low for east Tennessee, with snow and ice on the roads. The focus of the work has turned inward. The entire house has now been insulated and the heat turned on. Below you can see the insulation around the fireplace. With the basic infrastructure complete (heat and air ducts, electrical wiring, rough plumbing) work can now commence on finishing the walls and laying the stonework for the fireplace.

One aspect of a new home that is not often thought about until you move in is coming to grips with new switches for fans, lights, dimmers and other electrical amenities. Below is just one example from just inside the master bathroom door. Labels will probably be a necessity.

Thanksgiving Day 2008

This view of Chilhowee Mountain Retreat is from the southeast. You will note that the windows have been installed and that the logs have been washed and cleaned. This step is essential to remove the discoloration that occurs during construction and log stacking while the wood is exposed to sun, rain and humidity. The washing and bleaching removes the discoloration and when the logs have completely dried the stain and sealer can be applied.

More than a 1000 feet below Chilhowee Mountain Retreat you will find the quaint community of Happy Valley. This hamlet lies between the National Park's Foothills Parkway, which Chilhowee Mountain Retreat borders, and the National Park. Cades Cove lies to the east, just beyond Beard Cane Mountain which is in the foreground.

Progress is being made to Chilhowee Mountain Retreat. The railings have been installed inside the Carriage House and on the deck. Below is the view as seen from the deck of the Carriage House. The mountain in the distance is Thunderhead Mountain. Along the ridge of this mountain you will find the Appalachian Trail, which follows the border between Tennessee and North Carolina.

Roof Completed

It is truly amazing how long it takes to construct a roof on a log home. To obtain the dramatic affect of the wooden ceiling takes a great deal of care, measuring and time. The roof is now complete with shingles. Soon the windows and doors will be in place and the interior of the home can begin to be readied for our eager guests who wish to enjoy the tranquility and repose that this unique property offers.

Yes, there is something about a portable toilet (seen in the foreground) that ruins the scene, but the workers find it a necessary piece of the landscape and it helps to preserve the property for future use and guests.

In the following weeks Chilhowee Mountain Retreat should begin to look more like the beautiful and unique log home that your hosts, and hopefully you friends, envision.

House Almost Closed In

Chilhowee Mountain Retreat's roof is complete on the main house and the interior walls have been framed in. Before too long the structure will be enclosed with the doors and windows and the finishing of the interior can begin in earnest.

During the past three weeks the crews have been busy on the roof, the rough interior and the fireplace. Below is the view from one of the guest room bow windows that the crew is framing in.

Work has also been progressing on the Carriage House, where the final touches are being completed on the interior.

The final touch to the exterior of the house is the gazebo which adds another dimension to the exterior of the home that is seen upon your approach up the driveway.

Labor Day Progress Report

Friends, Chilhowee Mountain Retreat, in Maryville, Tennessee, providing you the most spectacular views of any bed and breakfast in the Great Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee is really taking shape. This has been a learning experience for your hosts, as it would for anyone who is not familiar with log home construction. The most time consuming part of the construction is the roof system, which when completed will afford the beautiful look of the wood throughout the entire ceiling and roof structure.

When your host visited the site on Thursday and Friday following Labor Day, the sub-roof structure was almost completed. This is the 2" X 6" wood plank, visible when looking up toward the ceiling. It has taken almost three weeks to complete the sub-roof.

Upon completion of the 2" x 6" sub-roof, the roof will be completed in about a week to two weeks and the home can be enclosed so work can begin in earnest on the interior. Below is just an example of the view you will have from one of the guest room's bow windows.

Building Progress

Chilhowee Mountain Retreat, your "smoky mountain paradise," is taking shape and should be completed late this Fall.
Things may presently look as though this is not possible, but your hosts have been assured by the contractor that once the roof system is completed the house can be closed in and the work will progress rapidly.
The open gable roof style on Chilhowee Mountain Retreat is a roof that is built from the inside out and is the feature that takes the longest to construct. Having placed the roof and valley rafters, the carpentry crew is now involved in affixing the 1X6 tongue and groove planking to the rafters. This is the roof that you will see when you look up toward the ceiling in the log home. The rest of the roof is then built on top of this foundation.
Chilhowee Mountain Retreat is perfectly located for the individual who enjoys not only the great outdoors, motorcyclists testing their skills on the Tail of the Dragon and the Great Smoky Mountains; but the area is also home to many festivals, including Maryville, Tennessee's annual Foothills Fall Festival which is held in October. According to the USA Today the festival is one of the top ten in the country. This year features such artists as Billy Ray Cyrus, Josh Turner and Kenny Rogers. For more information on the Foothills Fall Festival you can check out the link: http://foothillsfallfestival.com/FFF_Site08/.