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SoKno Nature Retreat, Steps to Ijams 10 mins to UT

Photo gallery for SoKno Nature Retreat, Steps to Ijams 10 mins to UT

Private kitchen
Private kitchen
Dining
Private kitchen
Living area

Reviews

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 82000 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Air-conditioning
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

View in a map
Knoxville, TN
  • Place, Ijams Nature Center
    ‪18 min walk‬
  • Place, Knoxville Convention Center
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Place, University of Tennessee
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Airport, Knoxville, TN (TYS-McGhee Tyson)
    ‪21 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

2 Single Beds

Master Bedroom

1 Queen Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 2

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Master Bathroom

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

SoKno Nature Retreat, Steps to Ijams 10 mins to UT

Just 10 minutes from Downtown Knoxville and UT, yet surrounded by the quarry trails and forests of Ijams, this South Knoxville retreat is a true hidden gem. It feels as secluded and beautiful as the Smoky Mountains—without the long drive. Step outside to hike or bike scenic trails, relax by the quarry, then be downtown in minutes for breweries, restaurants, and a Game Day–ready stay near Neyland Stadium. Perfect for weekend getaways or longer stays in any season.

Minutes away from the Downtown and UT, and just steps up the street from a trailhead for Ijams, Wilderness House is an entire home just for you, surrounded by wooded Tennessee beauty in South Knoxville neighborhood.

Take off out your front door for a hike or a day of mountain biking, enjoy some cold beers around your backyard fire under the trees and stars, or explore the local breweries and restaurants of Knoxville’s urban food and dining scene only a short drive away.

Airy, spacious, and full of natural light from the bright and wooded surroundings. Steps from nature, and moments from the best Knoxville has to offer.

The Space
You’ll have full access to the entire home, thoughtfully designed for comfort, connection, and easy group stays. The layout works well for families, friends, and game-day weekends alike.
The home features three bedrooms:
* One bedroom with a queen bed and private ensuite bathroom
* One bedroom with a queen bed
* One bedroom with two twin beds
The finished basement offers a relaxed gathering space with a TV, foosball, and ping pong, plus two sofas for additional sleeping space, ideal for entertaining, unwinding, or hosting Game Day weekends.
Outside, enjoy a private backyard with a fire pit, perfect for evenings under the trees after a day of adventure or downtown exploring.

Nature at Your Doorstep
This home sits just steps from Ijams Nature Center and Meads Quarry, offering Smokies-level scenery without the drive. Miles of wooded trails, quarry water access, and scenic overlooks make this one of the most unique locations in Knoxville.
Perfect for:
* Hiking & trail running
* Mountain biking
* Kayaking & swimming
* Morning coffee surrounded by nature

Location
* Only 10 minutes to Downtown Knoxville and UT
* Easy access to Neyland Stadium for football weekends
* Close to South Knox breweries, restaurants, and coffee shops
* Direct access to the Urban Wilderness trail network
Guests love the rare combination of seclusion, outdoor access, and unbeatable convenience, a true South Knoxville hidden gem.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

Add dates for prices

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:00 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
Must provide an driver's license to show proof of age

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadlock

About the area

Knoxville

Knoxville is home to this holiday home. James White Fort and Women's Basketball Hall of Fame are cultural highlights, and some of the area's attractions include The Emporium Center and World's Fair Park. Looking to enjoy an event or a game? See what's going on at Thompson–Boling Arena or Neyland Stadium.
View more Holiday homes in KnoxvilleOpens in a new window
Map
Knoxville, TN

What's nearby

  • Ijams Nature Center - 18 min walk - 1.6 km
  • Knoxville Convention Center - 5 min drive - 5.4 km
  • University of Tennessee - 5 min drive - 5.7 km
  • Neyland Stadium - 5 min drive - 6.4 km
  • Thompson–Boling Arena - 6 min drive - 7.1 km

Getting around

  • Alcoa - Knoxville Airport (TYS) - 24 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Cancun Mexican Restaurant - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Dunkin' - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Bojangles' Famous Chicken 'n Biscuits - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Sonic Drive-In - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬6 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is SoKno Nature Retreat, Steps to Ijams 10 mins to UT pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at SoKno Nature Retreat, Steps to Ijams 10 mins to UT?

As of 5 Apr 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at SoKno Nature Retreat, Steps to Ijams 10 mins to UT on 27 Jun 2026 start from £139, 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 at SoKno Nature Retreat, Steps to Ijams 10 mins to UT?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at SoKno Nature Retreat, Steps to Ijams 10 mins to UT?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at SoKno Nature Retreat, Steps to Ijams 10 mins to UT?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is SoKno Nature Retreat, Steps to Ijams 10 mins to UT located?

This family-friendly Knoxville holiday home is within 1 mi (2 km) of Ijams Nature Center and Tennessee River. Blount Mansion and Craighead-Jackson House are also within 3 miles (5 km).

Reviews

8.6

Excellent

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 29 out of 50 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 12 out of 50 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 5 out of 50 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 50 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 50 reviews

8.2/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Check-in

9.0/10

Communication

8.8/10

Location

8.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

8/10 Good

Sue D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The floors were clean but have something wrong with them as they make a lot of noise when you walk on them.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Thresa W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Something’s where different from the pictures but it was still I nice place and the host did keep in contact
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jonas H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great spot for a gameday weekend!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gena V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We enjoyed our stay! Very nice and quiet neighborhood. Slept well in the good beds. Very good communication with property management.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 4 Aug 2025
Thanks so much for the awesome review, Gena! We're glad you had a restful stay and enjoyed the peaceful neighborhood. Great to hear the beds were comfy and communication was smooth, hope to welcome you back soon!
Verified

8/10 Good

L S.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We really love the Knoxville area and it is definitely on our main radar as a place to retire. The neighborhood was very quiet and peaceful at night, and very close to downtown and a hiking area. The beds were very comfortable- we slept very well, and the house was comfortable as well. Thank you for a nice stay!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Aug 2025
So glad to hear you enjoyed your stay, Lori. And that Knoxville made such a great impression! I'm happy that the neighborhood was peaceful, the location worked well, and the beds were comfortable for a good night’s rest. We’d love to host you again whenever you’re back in the area!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Haylee S.

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

Great stay!

Would definitely stay here again!!
Stayed 1 night in May 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 5 Nov 2024
Thank you for the positive review Haylee. We'd love to have you again.
Verified

6/10 Okay

Christina V.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The layout and decoration were great for our group. The beds were very comfortable! The neighborhood was nice. But there were so many details that were disappointing- missing lightbulbs, dead batteries in the tv remote, broken foosball and table tennis, closet door off track, dryer full of towels, bedding for futon shoved (not folded) in a cabinet, long grass in the front yard… it’s like everything we turned around there was something that was just sub par. It’s too bad because the place has great potential.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 9 Sept 2025
Thank you for your thoughtful feedback. We’re glad to hear you enjoyed the layout, décor, and comfort of the beds, as well as the neighborhood. We also appreciate you pointing out the details that fell short during your stay. While our home does have great potential, we recognize the importance of those finishing touches, and we’re working with our team to address the maintenance and presentation issues you mentioned. This will help ensure future guests enjoy the full experience the property is meant to provide.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Joe M.

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

South Knox stay

House was clean and proximity to park was great
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Jan 2025
Thank you for your positive review Joe. We're thrilled you enjoyed the cleanliness of the house and its convenient location near the park. It was a pleasure hosting you, and we hope to welcome you back for another stay soon.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

melissa k.

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

Quiet and Cozy

This cute little ranch is nicely updated inside. My family and I enjoyed our stay while visiting the area. The boys enjoyed the ping-pong table and TV on the lower level. Beds were very comfortable and although we did not cook, the kitchen is super cute! Would stay here again if ever backed down in Knoxville.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 9 May 2025
Thank you so much for the kind words Melissa! We’re really happy to hear you and your family enjoyed your stay—and that the boys had fun with the ping-pong table and downstairs hangout. We’re glad the beds were comfy and that the charm of the kitchen stood out, even if it didn’t get much use this time! We’d love to have you back anytime you’re in Knoxville again.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nicholas S.

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

Nice place in Knoxville

Nice home. As advertised. Nice bedrooms, easy to cook in kitchen, and nice game room. Well stocked. Only complaints were ice maker didn’t work and Wi-Fi was spotty; internet went out two nights in a row.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Apr 2025
Thank you for your thoughtful review! We're so glad you enjoyed the home, especially the kitchen, game room, and comfortable bedrooms. We always aim to provide a well-stocked and welcoming space, so it’s great to hear that came through. We really appreciate you letting us know about the issues and we're moving forward on getting them addressed.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

james w.

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

Good stay

Good stay. Amenitues as advertised. Ijams was awesome.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 14 Jan 2025
Thank you for the positive review James. We're glad you enjoyed your stay, hope to have you again as our guest in the future.
Verified

6/10 Okay

Ashley W.

Liked: Check-in, location
Disliked: Cleanliness
The house was pretty dirty( like the cleaning crew only wiped down the countertops) it could have been cleaned a lot better. Cobwebs and the dishes were dirty on the shelf. The washer and dryer also reeked of mildew and sour clothes.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 9 Sept 2025
Thank you for your feedback. We’re truly sorry to hear about the cleaning concerns you experienced. This is not the standard we aim to provide, and we’ve already addressed these issues with our cleaning team to ensure it doesn’t happen again. We appreciate you bringing it to our attention and will take extra steps to improve moving forward.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

gretchen b.

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

Cute house. Good location.

Very Good stay. Good location/short drive to anywhere we needed to go. Only have two recommendations for the listing I wished I had known before the trip. 1. Only TV is in the basement. 2. Beds described as 2 king and a double queen. It was actually 2 queens and double xl twins. Overall stay was great. 5 stars, great host!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 9 May 2025
Thank you so much for the review and for your helpful feedback Gretchen! We're really glad you enjoyed your stay and that the location worked well for you. We also appreciate you pointing out the listing details—we’ve taken note and will make sure the bed descriptions and TV setup are clearer for future guests. It was a pleasure hosting you, and we’d love to welcome you back anytime!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Chino T.

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

Knoxville Is Home

Great and clean accommodations for my family’s weekend stay. The game room was a winner with our teens.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 18 Aug 2024
So glad you had a great stay and hope you come again.
Verified

8/10 Good

Brandon D.

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

One night away

Lovely home with surprising amount of space with basement area.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Oct 2024
Thank you for your positive review Brandon. Hope to host your next stay.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca S.

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

Nice stay

The house was perfect! We were there for a basketball game, very convenient to colosseum! My kids LOVED the downstairs play area! We will definitely stay here again!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 16 Nov 2023
Thank you Rebecca. It's one of our favorite part of the house, kids love it.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cindy G.

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

Great for families

This house is great for families. The teenagers enjoyed having their own space in the finished basement as the parents hung out in the kitchen/family room.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Feb 2025
Thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that your family enjoyed the space, and that the teenagers had their own area to relax while the parents gathered in the kitchen and family room. We’d love to host you again in the future!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Robin C.

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

Wonderful hospitality

We had to stay for 12 days and this location was perfect! Close to Knoxville and UTK - the neighborhood was quiet and the neighbors so nice. Great parking for our SUV and a U-Haul. Communication with the host was easy and helpful. We would definitely stay again and highly recommend!
Stayed 12 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 9 Sept 2024
Thank you! Hope you can come again!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Biagio C.

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

Nice, large home 15 minutes to downtown

Great communication with the owners. Home was clean and easy to access. Great basement with ping pong and foosball and large tv (only tv in the home). Liked that they had shower supplies and good towels. Would stay again.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Oct 2024
Thank you for the positive rating Biagio, we really appreciate it. We are also glad to hear that you enjoyed your stay with us, and definitely looking forward to hosting you again.
Verified

8/10 Good

regina h.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Cleanliness

Great location for the city

What a great location for the city. Loved the house and it has so much potential. We did have a few problems and the host was very quick to reply. Cleanliness is a must and that is what it was lacking. Great floor plan and nice size rooms but if its not clean its a no go for me. Neighborhood was nice and quiet. Felt at ease.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 2 Apr 2025
Hi Regina, thank you for your honest feedback. We’re glad you loved the location, the home’s layout, and that you felt at ease in the neighborhood. We also truly appreciate you bringing the cleanliness concerns to our attention. Cleanliness is a top priority for us, and we have since addressed this issue with our cleaning team to ensure our high standards are consistently met. Your input helps us improve, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to make things better. We’d love the chance to host you again in the future for a seamless experience.
Verified

8/10 Good

Bill C.

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

Cute and comfortable

Cute yard. Quiet neighbors. Beds were comfortable. It was hard to watch TV because the wifi was spotty. Previous renters left trash and dirty dishes. The remote downstairs was dead so we were unable to controll the heater.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 9 Apr 2025
Hi Bill, thank you for your feedback, we’re glad you enjoyed the quiet neighborhood, the cozy yard, and the comfortable beds! We sincerely apologize for the issues you encountered during your stay. That’s not the experience we want for our guests. We’ve addressed the Wi-Fi and remote control concerns, and we've also spoken with our cleaning team to ensure leftover trash and dishes are never overlooked moving forward. We appreciate you bringing these things to our attention and hope to have the chance to host you again with a much smoother experience.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Reed H.

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

Great experience

Great experience
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 16 Nov 2023
Thank you Reed! We're glad to know you had a great stay!
Verified

4/10 Poor

Stephanie M.

Liked: Check-in
Disliked: Cleanliness, communication, location, listing accuracy

Dirty

The house was absolutely disgusting when we got there. I had to clean both bathrooms and the kitchen. The only reason we stayed was because the kids wanted to have the foosball table and ping pong table. Plot twist…both were broken and we couldn’t use them. The only TV was in the basement and it didn’t work either. There was no dishwashing detergent or laundry detergent. Several of the doors were broken or off the hinges. We were super unimpressed with this house.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Aug 2025
Thank you for your review Stephanie. We did receive time-stamped photos from our cleaner two days before your arrival showing the home was cleaned thoroughly, but we appreciate your observations and understand your concerns. We’re sorry about the issues with amenities and essentials, and we’ll address them promptly with our team.
Verified

6/10 Okay

Rhonda H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication

Suggested Improvements

Beds were comfortable. The place was clean and spacious. Better lighting needed on porch to see keypad in the dark. The kitchen windows and front door need curtains for privacy. One tv in the basement was not sufficient nor comfortable. Much needed upgrade with bedroom decor if seeking the advertised 5 star. The curtains are worn out and did not fully cover the windows. Make sure house keeping clears out all trash from previous guest. Beer cans left in can in basement and driveway. Overall it was it was decent and the price was reasonable but just not what I’m accustomed to.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 11 Jul 2025
Thank you for your detailed review Rhonda. We're happy to hear you enjoyed the comfortable beds, as well as the cleanliness and spaciousness of the home. We understand that some aspects of a stay come down to personal preference, and we appreciate you sharing what could have made your experience better. We’ll certainly take your comments about lighting, curtains, and décor into consideration as we continue making updates. Regarding the housekeeping oversight, we sincerely apologize and have addressed this with our team to ensure it doesn’t happen again. While we may not have met all your expectations, we’re glad you found the price reasonable and the stay decent overall. Your feedback helps us improve and better serve all of our guests.
Verified

8/10 Good

Melanie H.

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

Great place to Stay!

Our stay was awesome and the owners/property managers were so great to work with! When we got to the property there were no chairs around the fire pit outside. I messaged them and let them know that was an amenity we were planning to use and at some point chairs were delivered! I Would definitely stay in another one of their properties. Clean and responsive! Thank you for an amazing stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Apr 2024
Thank you Melanie, I am so glad you were able to stay at our house and enjoy it. I have been working on this house to make many improvements so that the next time you will have a five star experience.

About the host

Hosted by Mario Martini

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English, Italian
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