From the first time I visited Gatlinburg, TN, I envisioned owning my very own home somewhere high atop the Smoky Mountains. For over 25 years, my husband and I traveled here visiting friends. Each time we left, a deeper desire and longing to find that dream home welled within me. I yearned to settle down amidst the beauty and wildlife the mountains had to offer.
During my visits to Gatlinburg, I spent much time searching for just the right home and location to fulfill my lifelong dream of living in one of the most beautiful paradises God had created. Unfortunately, nothing I looked at "spoke" to me;I was never really able to find that place. Even the homes my friends would tell me about when I was back home in Indiana never panned out. They were all beautiful, for sure, but they just didn't seem to feel like they were mad JUST FOR ME. So, they continued to keep an eye and ear out as I continued to search during my trips down as well.
One day a friend called me when I was at home in Indiana telling me about a nice cozy chalet for sale in Gatlinburg. He sent me information and I decided to come down to Tennessee two weeks later to take a look at it. The moment I saw it, I fell in love with everything it offered: it's quaint and cozy warmth, it's warm and welcoming embrace, and its picturesque and serene mountainous views. The tram running up and down to Ober Gatlinburg split the valley seemingly out of place yet commanding onlookers to take second and third glances at its majesty. Nighlights of the city reminded me of the solace and privacy I hadas I looked down nearly half a mile from on top of it.
Yes, I had found the place where I could settle down and find peace in a chaotic world, where I could relax despite the toils of life, and where nature and wildlife joined hand in hand to whet the appetite of the spirit on a daily basis. I had found my dream home here atop the Great Smoky Mountains. In July 2016, only eight short weeks after I first laid eyes on the home, my "Smoky Mountain Dream" came true. We closed on the purchase of the chalet and it was now my living reality.
With ownership and possession of my Smoky Mountain Dream came a very new chapter and venue for family memories. Firstly, there were new families I've met. Mothers and their cubs rustle through the brush looking for food to eat. Momma gies before searching while her babies lay behind hoping she would bring them something. Or she lay at the foot of a tree protective as her cubs play high atop. Then, of course, there's the traxh we have to protect them from. They are so ingenious with the dumpsters!
Secondly, I have so many indelible memories and so much quality time spent with my dad here. Whether it were remodeling, painting, decorating or watching wildlife we have invested so much energy together in my Dream. He loves it just as much as I do.
And finally, I have been able to invite really good friends here to spend time with my husband and I. The added benefit is that when I come by myself I can bring my cherished girlfriend here to enjoy the same Godly qualities that will always remain embedded at this lovely chalet.
I am so thrilled and overwhelmed that God has blessed me with this humble home. I seek to share the same experiences I have learned and felt with others. My Smoky Mountain Dream is always open, and I invite others to experience it for themselves.