It was a long hard search to find the right place to build our home. It had to be near everything, yet completely private. It had to have a sense of isolation. It had to be very quiet. There needed to be some views of the mountains, and there had to be enough land to pasture horses.

What we wanted was here on Hang Dog Ridge. The land is no more than a mile from busy four lane Chapman Highway (US 441). From the highway the roads get progressively smaller until they turn into a private single lane gravel drive through the old woods and to the gate. At the gate the driveway is a long block through more woods to a curve around the giant red oak tree and into the completely level motor court which can easily accommodate 7 or more cars.

It took work to make the raw land into a place for our home, but it was worth it. There are no close neighbors. The spring brings out the redbud trees on the West slope and later the dogwoods. The leaves come on the trees and gradually mountains disappear until we are wrapped in our own leafy green cocoon. The road to the house becomes a green tunnel that increases the sense of privacy.

In the fall the leaves turn into their brilliant colors and as they slowly fall the Smoky and Chillhowee Mountains gradually come back into view.

Spring again brings out the gardens. They are purposely designed to be easy keepers so virtually everything is perennial and includes a number of native wild flowers. Favorites are the native orchids and the Arrum Lily.

And, of course, there are the animals. Deer are everywhere. Flocks of wild turkeys roam through. Almost every other animal has made an appearance here, except bear, and they can stay away. They are all safe, these animals. The property includes hunting restrictions.

It is a special place here. More special than we first thought it could be. It is a quiet, peaceful sanctuary. A place for quiet rest and relaxation. A place that is truly what a home should be.

Ron and Barb Nelson