The Inner Sanctum

Miller’s Falls a short walk away; Swallowtail a quarter mile below it.

Miles along Miller’s and Sewanee Creeks to lookouts, caves and the canyon floor.

Cut and cured from the property, $15 a bundle, cash. No out-of-state wood, by law.

The base rate covers two. Each additional adult, child or pet is $10 a night.

We greet every guest on arrival, show you around and point you to the trails, the falls and the places we eat; then we give you all the space you want. Everything here was built by hand from things that had a first life somewhere else, always with the waterfall in mind. Come disconnect, hike, make something, sit still.

Rates: the base rate covers two guests. Each additional adult, child or pet is $10 per night per guest.

Sleeping: a queen bed and a double futon on the main floor, a double bed in the loft; six comfortably, with room to pitch a tent for more.

Cooking: a covered outdoor bar with a Blackstone griddle, a propane burner and a sink (propane provided), a pass-through window to the dining table, and the table’s lift-top toolbox of cookware and dining ware.

Warmth and power: a propane heater for cold nights (propane for it is available to rent); off-grid, with lights and a fan on a large battery generator.

Facilities: a private, clean, odorless composting toilet in a separate outhouse.

On the property: 45 private acres with two waterfalls. Miller’s Falls drops fifty feet beside a seventy-foot wall, a short walk from every stay; Swallowtail Falls is a quarter mile below it down Miller’s Creek, and a half-mile hike reaches a cave with a twelve-foot entrance. Miles of trails follow Miller’s and Sewanee Creeks to lookout points over the canyon, 800 feet below.

Waterfall flow rises and falls with rain and temperature. Fall, winter and early spring are the fullest seasons; in a late-summer drought the falls can slow to a trickle, and we do not refund for weather or flow.

Firewood cut and cured from the property is sold on site ($15 a bundle, cash). Tennessee law forbids bringing firewood across state lines.

Check-in is 3 PM to 8 PM; check-out is 10 AM. Unless otherwise agreed, meet us at our home for keys, an introduction and a tour. Arriving later, or by request with notice, we can leave the door unlocked and the lights on.
Please send your ETA a day in advance and update us when you are 15–30 minutes away.
No smoking inside.
Up to two pets (dogs, not cats). Dogs may not be left unaccompanied inside unless crated. The primitive campsites and Base Camp can take more pets with advance permission.
No shoes in the house.
No parties or events; no unregistered or unpaid guests.
Quiet hours all the time, so as not to disturb the sounds of nature. Muted acoustic guitar and singing is fine.
Conserve: turn off propane grill valves right after use; turn off the AC in summer if you will be away more than 5–6 hours or at departure; in winter re-set the heat to 50 °F to keep pipes from freezing.
At departure: wash the dishes and leave them in the rack, put bagged trash in the big bins on our deck, clean the grill if you used it, leave damp towels on the rack, and drop by to say goodbye.