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America's 1st THIS OLD HOUSE Idea Home

Photo gallery for America's 1st THIS OLD HOUSE Idea Home

Living area
Private kitchen
Interior
Room
Bathroom

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
4 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 82000 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Air conditioning
  • Outdoor Space
  • Parking available

Explore the area

View in a map
Chickamauga, GA
  • Place, Cloudland Canyon State Park
    ‪17 min drive‬
  • Place, Lookout Mountain Incline Railway
    ‪21 min drive‬
  • Place, Ruby Falls
    ‪23 min drive‬
  • Airport, Chattanooga, TN (CHA-Chattanooga Metropolitan)
    ‪34 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Twin Bunk Bed

Bedroom 4

2 Twin Beds

3 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 3

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

America's 1st THIS OLD HOUSE Idea Home

The "This Old House Idea Home" at Candlelight Forest in Chickamauga, GA is a beautiful and professionally designed idea home created jointly by the staff of This Old House, John Tatum, CEO of Cloudland Station and Candlelight Forest, and Nowland Design. The house sits at the head of a sweet little valley in the shadow of Lookout Mountain only 20 minutes from the heart of downtown Chattanooga.

A mountainesque craftsmen cottage, the home has a large wrap around porch and a steep roof that affords two floors plus a charming loft on the third level. The house is nestled in the shade of a ridge and is landscaped by designer Kate Karam of Monrovia.

The home was built to inspire how one can live large in a smaller home. With so many clever built-ins at every level, the house lives up to its reputation as an Idea Home.

A queen master suite is on the main, with another queen master suite on the second floor. The second floor also has a twin bunk bedroom and shares a full bath with the loft overhead that has two additional twins and a small play area. The loft is a kid's dream come true.

The details are abundant, from an extensively built-out mud room to large tapered stone columns crowned with triple caps of indigenous flagstones.

Located at The Candlelight Forest just outside of Chattanooga, it is the perfect home base for enjoying Chattanooga and all the local and regional sites. Uniquely situated, it has a backdoor entry into downtown Chattanooga only 20 minutes away. Moreover, located in the pastoral Chattanooga Valley, you are only 15 minutes to Cloudland Canyon State Park, notably one of the most beautiful state parks in the southeast, 15 minutes to Rock City and 15 minutes to Ruby Falls.

Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0-17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadbolt lock

About the neighborhood

Chickamauga

Located in Chickamauga, this vacation home is in a rural area and near theme parks. Lookout Mountain Incline Railway is a notable landmark, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Rock City and Ruby Falls. Helicopter Park and St. Elmo Park are also worth visiting. Be sure to check out the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
View more Vacation Homes in ChickamaugaOpens in a new window
Map
Chickamauga, GA

What's nearby

  • Cloudland Canyon State Park - 17 min drive - 20.8 km
  • Lookout Mountain Incline Railway - 21 min drive - 24.3 km
  • Ruby Falls - 23 min drive - 27.1 km
  • Chattanooga Convention Center - 25 min drive - 29.4 km
  • Chattanooga Choo Choo Historic District - 26 min drive - 29.1 km

Getting around

  • Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA) - 36 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Circle K - ‬19 min drive
  • ‪Los Potros Mexican Restaurant - ‬19 min drive
  • ‪Domino's Pizza - ‬19 min drive
  • ‪The Grind - ‬19 min drive
  • ‪Cross Roads Restaurant - ‬6 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is America's 1st THIS OLD HOUSE Idea Home pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at America's 1st THIS OLD HOUSE Idea Home?

As of Apr 5, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at America's 1st THIS OLD HOUSE Idea Home on Apr 12, 2026 start from $375, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking?

Onsite parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at America's 1st THIS OLD HOUSE Idea Home?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at America's 1st THIS OLD HOUSE Idea Home?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is America's 1st THIS OLD HOUSE Idea Home located?

Situated in the mountains, this vacation home is within 9 mi (15 km) of Chickamauga City Hall, Walker County Regional Heritage Museum, and Chickamauga Public Library. Gordon-Lee Mansion and Helicopter Park are also within 9 mi (15 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 59 out of 62 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 62 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 62 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 62 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 62 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Melissa R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a great time here! The kids really enjoyed the creek and the farm and the home was spacious and extremely comfortable. The close proximity to Rock City, Ruby Falls, and Cloud Canyon State Park was also a plus.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tracey B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful Getaway!

Thanks for making our long weekend a wonderful getaway! The house is beautiful, very clean and very well-stocked. We enjoyed exploring the property and plan to bring our family to visit again!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gary M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Place for Family Time

The house and location are incredible. The kids had a great time feeding the animals, the tree house was fantastic and the rope swing over the creek was the biggest hit. We absolutely loved our stay in the beautiful house and highly recommend it!
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Adriene H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Happy guest

The house was clean, roomy and accommodating. It served it’s purpose well.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

eli m.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect family stay for wedding

House was well appointed, all we needed. On Ridge Rose property so super easy to get around. Great porch for coffee, listening to the rooster.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Carol Z.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cottage in the woods

This home was one of the nicest homes we have encountered on VRBO. Well appointed kitchen, baths, porches, etc. The beds were as comfortable as home. The grounds are lovely and peaceful.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

andrea a.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Visiting family

We had a great time visiting family. The big porch made it nice to just relax and enjoy each other. The kids had a great time with all the fun things around the property. This was our second time staying and we plan to come back. Thank you for letting us stay.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

andrea a.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing place to stay!

My family and I had an amazing time staying here. It was even better than the pictures. The property is just beautiful. The beds were so very comfortable. My favorite part about this house was the porch and getting to sit and have coffee in the mornings. We can’t wait to go back and stay. Already planning a trip next summer.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Charlene M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect Getaway For Our Girl Group

We enjoyed everything about our stay at This Old House! The home is beautiful, immaculate and equipped with everything needed. The beds are very comfortable! Angie the host was very responsive and kind! There were 7 women in our group and the home was very spacious! We had the best time and look forward to returning in the future!!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jenny M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

More than expected!

The house is amazing, kitchen is fully stocked, beds are super comfortable, and there is so much to do. Great property for just relaxing or for the adventurous group, something for everyone. The kids loved all the animals! We really enjoyed our stay and would love to come back!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Jason A.

Hidden gem

Great place. Amazing house. Beautiful area. grass at badminton course needed a mow which isn't a huge deal. Overall wonderful experience
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2017
Verified

10/10 Excellent

John M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great House!

The house was sooo nice, we had a total of 8 people and had plenty of room. The house had everything we needed for the week. It was clean, quiet, the property was very nice. The wrap around porch was amazing to relax on after a busy day. The kids loved seeing the chickens, goats and donkeys. Would love to go back!
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Dana H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Idyllic House

This is my second stay at Angie’s home and I love everything about this house. Angie is quick to communicate and very friendly. The house is beautifully designed and very comfortable. The porch is one of the best parts of the house. My girls loved all the amenities on the property. It’s the perfect getaway for families.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2023
Archival

10/10 Excellent

David M.

Beautiful house in a beautiful setting!

House was perfect. From the start, Angie worked with us on squeezing a few more kids in. We brought cots and total had 10 people there. The house is stunning, clean and comfortable. It's locked in our favorites!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2017
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Gigi T.

Amazing Cottage in the woods.

This home and the property that surrounds this home is absolutely beautiful. The house was pristine, decorated beautifully, spacious and the wrap around porch gave this home a spectacular touch. Our kids had so much fun playing in the Tree House, swinging on the rope, and hanging out in the game room in the attic of the house. We hope to come back and stay longer next time.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2017
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brittni L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfection

Pros: Spotlessly clean. Absolutely charming property. Felt very safe. Loved the trails and the animals and the scavenger hunt and the host and...everything. We've stayed in quite few short term rentals, and this property is the cream of the crop.Cons: We didn't want to leave. (Not a con, but a side note. One twin bedroom--and exceptionally charming play loft-- is accessed by a very steep set of stairs, so plan accordingly.)
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful Getaway and Fun For the Whole Family

Our family of 7 absolutely loved our stay at This Old House. Angie went above and beyond to make us feel welcome. The design and decor of the house were beautiful (I especially loved the bathrooms, enormous wrap around porch, and spacious ceilings in the upstairs master) and we had plenty of room for everyone. The kids especially enjoyed the upstairs attic playroom (be aware that the stairs to this are steep) and couldn't get enough of the chickens and farm animals nearby, the incredible treehouse, playing in the creek, and canoeing on the pond. We were in town to do some activities in Chattanooga, but we honestly ended up spending more time on the property than we initially thought just because it was so peaceful and fun for the kids! It truly was a magical outdoor wonderland for them, and my husband and I enjoyed listening to the birds in the morning from the giant wrap around porch. So peaceful! We had everything we needed to cook in the kitchen and appreciated the family-sized dining table, fire pit, and outdoor sitting and dining areas. We have already told all our friends in California about this rental and the kids are already begging to return!
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sammie C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The house is charming! Loved the wrap around porch. The grounds and community are beautiful, and that doesn’t do it justice! A rare gem you have to experience for yourself.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Linda S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Weekend getaway

Home is very nice, property owner was accommodating of our arrival requirements. We were attending a wedding using numerous locations and this was convenient to everything. We had trouble with heat in the lower level in each morning we were there. Unit did not heat to thermostat setting all 3 mornings. Owner provided portable heater but unit was not repaired.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Missy U.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Relaxing and fun weekend

We really enjoyed our stay at the This Old House cottage. I think we did it all at the Candlelight Forest. Easy drive to Chattanooga. The property was quiet and surrounded by tress and beautiful landscaping. Beds were comfortable and the kitchen well stocked. Thanks again!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

David R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Magical stay in the Candlelight Forest

Two families with kids aged 13, 11, 11, and 9 stayed in This Old House for the Memorial Day weekend. This was without a doubt one of the best homes and settings we have ever experienced. Everything from the accommodations to the house amenities far exceeded our expectation. This was the perfect place to explore Cloudland Canyon State Park and Rock City/Ruby Falls. Our evenings were spent enjoying the porch and patio areas while the kids ran all over the property. This will no doubt be a property we revisit on an annual basis. Thank you for sharing your home with us!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jeremiah P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic hideaway

Really well built, designed and managed home in a relaxing setting. Highly recommend. We will be back.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Laura K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Idyllic Memory-Making Location

It’s not a hyperbole when I say that this was the *perfect* location for our family weekend away. Our party included two families (four adults and four children ranging in age from 3 to 7). It was a magical and beautiful location with so many special things to do. Our kids LOVED exploring the property— playing at the treehouse, swinging on the rope swing, canoeing in the lake and adventuring on the trails. The home was beautifully and comfortably decorated and the adults LOVED relaxing on the porch knowing that our children could safely play in the area surrounding the home. Truly a special and magical place. Memories were made, and our kids are already asking when we can go back to “the blue house.” Thank you for a beautiful weekend!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mary J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Little boy’s dream

Loved the house, the fish were biting, the beds were comfortable! Thanks so much!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mike N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful Home Near Chattanooga

Awesome house that met all of our needs. 1. Great room options for kids 2. Great rooms for adults 3. Quiet and very beautiful scenery 4. Very close to Chattanooga
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2021

About the host

Hosted by Angie Tatum

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