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Stay in a Storybook: Handbuilt Eco Cabin Above Chattanooga

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Goldfinch Cabin was handbuilt using cordwood construction
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Log pathway leads to the nearby pavilion
View from the front door
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Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroom1+ bathroomSleeps 7500 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Parking available
  • Pet-friendly
  • Washer
  • Barbecue grill
  • Fireplace

Explore the area

Map
Marion County, TN
  • Tennessee Aquarium
    ‪22 min drive‬
  • Chattanooga Convention Center
    ‪23 min drive‬
  • Ruby Falls
    ‪27 min drive‬
  • Jasper, TN (APT-Marion County)
    ‪38 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 7)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed and 3 Double Sofa Beds

1 bathroom, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub

Bathroom 2

Spaces

Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Garden

About this property

Stay in a Storybook: Handbuilt Eco Cabin Above Chattanooga

Goldfinch Cabin at Talking Water Nature Retreat
Handbuilt Whimsy & Woodland Magic - Just 20 Minutes from Downtown Chattanooga
Waking up inside Goldfinch Cabin feels like stepping into a storybook. Sunlight spills through colorful bottle walls, casting shifting light patterns as the day unfolds. Soaring ceilings, cozy textures, and thoughtful details invite you to slow down and take it all in - every nook has a little magic waiting to be discovered.
Lovingly handcrafted by the hosts using cordwood and reclaimed materials, Goldfinch is more than a place to stay - it’s an experience built one log, one bottle, and one joyful touch at a time. A playful piece of art which we enjoy sharing with the world!
The Space
Goldfinch is one of four uniquely designed cabins in the Songbird Neighborhood at Talking Water Nature Retreat, a family-run 82-acre haven perched above Suck Creek. Since 2022, our family has been restoring the land, carving out hiking trails, and creating spaces that celebrate the wild and the weird, the peaceful and the playful.
The cabin includes:
A spacious king bedroom (arched opening, no door)

Two full-size sleeper sofas & a twin sleeper chair

ENO hammock hooks for two (hammocks & straps provided!)

Full indoor bathroom & seasonal outdoor shower

Fully equipped indoor kitchen & permanent campsite-style grill

Private patio with rocking chairs, fire pit, & a covered picnic area

Electric fireplace, WiFi, and TV for indoor comfort

The Songbird Pavilion, shared by all guests, features:
An outdoor kitchen (griddle, sink, & cabinets)

Firepit, picnic seating, and plenty of space to gather

Tetherball, swing, slide, and trails nearby for kids and kids-at-heart

Guest laundry, extra games, and toiletries in the nearby garage

Guest Access
Your stay includes full access to Goldfinch Cabin and its outdoor patio area, hanging chair nook, and grill. You’re also welcome to enjoy the Songbird Pavilion, hiking trails, and shared amenities across the retreat.
Two parking spaces are reserved for you next to the cabin. Need more? Just let us know and we’ll make it work.
Sleeping Arrangements
1 King Bed (in a semi-private bedroom)

2 Full-Size Sleeper Sofas

1 Twin Sleeper Chair

ENO Hammocks for 2 (yes, you can actually sleep in them!)

Pet Policy
We love pets, but they need to be pre-approved:
A pet fee applies. Guests who notify us in advance get a 50% discount

The full $100 fee applies for unapproved pets or unpaid fees

Pets must be crated when unattended (crates available upon request)

Guests are responsible for cleanup and any damages

Goldfinch Cabin is a place to unplug, unwind, and be enchanted. Whether you're sipping coffee by the fire or stargazing from the hammock, you'll feel the care that went into every inch of this hand-built hideaway.

Property manager

Bobbie
Premier Host
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Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Air conditioning
Outdoor space

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
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

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 2 total)
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
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
This property uses solar energy, plus eco-friendly cleaning products
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 first aid kit

About the area

Chattanooga

Located in Chattanooga, this holiday home is on the waterfront. Chattanooga Choo Choo and Lookout Mountain Incline Railway are notable landmarks, and some of the area's popular attractions include Tennessee Aquarium and Chattanooga Zoo. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at AT&T Field or McKenzie Arena.
Map
Marion County, TN

What's nearby

  • Tennessee Aquarium - 22 min drive - 24.5 km
  • Chattanooga Convention Center - 23 min drive - 25.5 km
  • University of Tennessee at Chattanooga - 23 min drive - 25.5 km
  • Chattanooga Choo Choo - 24 min drive - 26.9 km
  • Ruby Falls - 27 min drive - 30.6 km

Getting around

  • Chattanooga, TN (CHA-Chattanooga Metropolitan) - 39 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪El Metate - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Rallo's Bar & Grill - ‬24 min drive
  • ‪El Metate - ‬19 min drive
  • ‪River Drifters - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Guthries Golden Fried Chicken - ‬19 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Handbuilt Cabin: Ecofriendly Mountaintop Stay pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total).

What time is check-in at Handbuilt Cabin: Ecofriendly Mountaintop Stay?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Handbuilt Cabin: Ecofriendly Mountaintop Stay?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Handbuilt Cabin: Ecofriendly Mountaintop Stay located?

Situated on the waterfront, this holiday home is within 9 miles (15 km) of Tennessee River, Crossroads Park and Powell's Crossroads City Hall. Whitwell City Hall and Erlanger North Hospital are also within 12 miles (20 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 2 out of 2 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 2 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 2 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 2 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 2 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer R.

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

Such a cute place!

Everything was great and the place was absolutely adorable. We wanted to stay longer!
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Aimee M.

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

Amazing!

The cabin is absolutely beautiful and whimsical. My two young girls loved it! The location is great and the large outdoor pavilion is a definite bonus. Everything was so clean. Lovely mountain side views. Will definitely visit again.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

About the host

Hosted by Bobbie

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Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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