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What it is like living in a cabin in Blue Ridge, GA

mountain valley Nothing seems more appealing than escaping to a cabin in the woods. Over the years, thousands of people have jumped on the opportunity to ditch their fast-paced lifestyle for one of comfort and simplicity. Cabin fever has earned a whole new meaning. Dating as far back as the 17th century, log cabins are one of the earliest residential structures in America. But today, these homes are a far cry from the spartan shelters of the olden days. It’s now common for log cabins, particularly in popular mountain towns such as Blue Ridge, to feature a wide variety of creature comforts, from high speed Wi-Fi to hot tubs. Are you considering purchasing a log cabin as your primary or vacation residence in Blue Ridge? Continue reading to learn everything you need to know about living in a cabin.

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PERKS OF LIVING IN A CABIN IN BLUE RIDGE

Blue Ridge is a mountain town in Northern Georgia well-known for its dramatic vistas and hiking trails. Here, you can achieve a “remote” cabin lifestyle while still enjoying modern-day amenities. The perks of living in a cabin are countless. Even if you’re not exactly the outdoorsy type, there’s plenty to be said for the lifestyle in Blue Ridge. Here are a couple of things you can enjoy while living in a log cabin in Blue Ridge:
  1. Simplicity and comfort
  2. What comes to mind when someone mentions the words “cabin living?” Perhaps it’s the image of a cozy little structure deep in the woods with no neighbors within a few miles. Maybe your thoughts include a serene environment where you can only hear birds and the rustling branches of trees. Every day is a chance to go fishing or hiking, and best of all, you’re undisturbed by a noisy highway or a busy crowd. This may sound like a fantasy, but it’s the reality for a lot of cabin owners. The benefits of communing with nature are well-known, and by moving to a log cabin in Blue Ridge, you’ll be able to reap those daily without being too far away from modern amenities you love.
  3. Seclusion and privacy
  4. Blue Ridge is popular among cabin owners, but its population density remains relatively low. Achieving the tranquil lifestyle that you want will be effortless here. It’s important to note, though, that this type of lifestyle doesn’t mean complete isolation. Blue Ridge provides tons of opportunities to socialize. Shopping centers, boutiques, restaurants, vineyards, and breweries are plentiful in the area, providing not only convenience but also opportunities to get to know your community.
  5. Opportunity to stay connected
  6. Blue Ridge is served by multiple internet providers should you require a stable connection for work, recreation, or communication. Just because you’re living in the mountains, it doesn’t mean you will have to worry about missing a Zoom call or simply staying in touch with loved ones. If work is a major concern, you may even consider converting your cabin into a full-time home office. Carving out a workspace in a remote location can make for an exciting new meeting venue, or, at the very least, provide a unique approach to your daily 9 to 5.
  7. Closer ties with your loved ones
  8. With phone screens and computers becoming an inescapable part of our day to day, spending quality time with our loved ones can be challenging. Beyond work, most of our social interactions these days are through social media, email, or text, making technology a prerequisite for maintaining connections. If you’re a parent who struggles with reducing their children’s screen time – or have a bit of a technology dependence yourself – retreating to the woods can be a great idea, even if it’s only for a short while. And although Blue Ridge enjoys high-speed internet access and modern-day amenities, the plethora of outdoor activities at your fingertips will keep everyone engaged all day. Kids can go for a swim in nearby lakes while others can try trekking or cycling.
  9. Abundance of outdoor recreation options
  10. Being out in nature, especially if you’re in North Georgia, is an incredible way to stay in shape, whether it’s through hiking, trekking, cycling, or swimming. Closer to your cabin, Blue Ridge also has a plethora of hunting and fishing spots. Just bear in mind that there are hunting regulations in place to preserve the region’s thriving wildlife and, of course, ensure the safety of the persons involved.
  11. Modern features and amenities
While living in Blue Ridge allows you to experience nature up close, it’s more than possible to still enjoy the conveniences of modern living. Most cabins here are equipped with upscale amenities found in any big-city home. You can find spacious living areas with flat-screen TVs, full kitchens with stainless steel appliances, and bathrooms with spa-like features.  Other homes offer central air-conditioning and heated floors, and many have smart home systems installed. Private terraces, wrap-around porches, and stone patios are often provided, perfect for lounging outdoors. This combination of proximity to nature and advanced features offers an enriching experience and exceptional quality of life for residents.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A CABIN

Cabin Whether it’s a personal sanctuary or vacation home you’re seeking, there are a few factors to keep in mind when buying a cabin. Make sure to include the following in your checklist.
  1. Location
  2. If location is the most important factor in choosing any other type of home, the same is true for a log cabin. A log cabin typically entails a forested setting, but you’ll be able to find one in almost any rural environment, whether it’s a riverfront, lakeside, or with acreage for room to roam. Ensure the cabin you’re eyeing is situated in an area that fits your lifestyle preferences. For instance, avoid touristy corridors if you want privacy and seclusion. If you want your stays to be centered around fishing, a cabin close to a body of water or known fishing spot may be ideal.
  3. Long-term and short-term plans
  4. What are your intentions for this new home? If you’re planning to make the place your main address, go big. Consider how many of you will be moving in and invest in appliances that will last a lifetime. A vacation home, on the other hand, can be a little cozier. You’ll also need to account for amenities that renters will love, such as spacious bedrooms and beds and ensuite bathrooms, if you plan to open it for short-term lease (more about this below). As for security, having a built-in storage space for your personal belongings is crucial.
  5. Size and structure
If you intend your cabin to become your primary residence, finding a suitable structure that can accommodate everyone should be your top priority. Fortunately, log cabins are no longer the single-room sheds with no electricity that we may picture them to be. Most modern cabins have 2-3 stories and multiple rooms; this is the kind you’ll want to consider buying if you plan on raising a family here. Additionally, homes in Blue Ridge are furnished with state-of-the-art appliances and include generous living areas.

WAYS TO SPRUCE UP YOUR CABIN

cabin interior
  • Think of an overarching theme or motif. Part of a cabin’s charm is its inherent rustic nature. You can complement this attribute by adding wooden furniture, a stone hearth, or natural wooden flooring. Elemental designs work well with this type of home, as do modern accents.
  • You can also go the opposite route and turn your countryside home into a contemporary oasis. Marble finishes, glass doors, and even full-glass frontages can make your cabin more elegant. An electric fireplace, patterned rugs, and king- and queen-sized beds can likewise help you achieve the luxurious mountainside vibe.
  • Strategically placed windows not only let light in, but also maximize the spectacular views of the mountains. That said, do invest in the right window treatments to control the amount of natural light as well as maintain your privacy.
  • Don’t neglect to decorate the outside area– by doing so, you’ll be missing out on practically the biggest perk of living in a cabin. Add a few rocking chairs by your porch or set up an al fresco space where you and your family can enjoy dinner under the stars.

OPENING YOUR CABIN AS A RENTAL: WHAT TO EXPECT

Though you may have intended to make your cabin your primary one, a few situations can call for a return to the city. Here lies the advantage of having this kind property– you can open it as a rental and earn extra income on the side. Online rental service websites like VRBO and Airbnb have made the market more accessible and the process easier for both hosts and guests. Turning your cabin into a vacation rental, however, comes with its own set of rules. Some things you’ll want to prepare beforehand are:
  • Property management: If you live too far from your cabin or don’t have time to fulfill your role as a host, hiring a property manager may be beneficial in the long run. They can handle all the aspects of running the business, from clean-ups to handling booking schedules.
  • Rental services pros and cons: Often, as long as you have a trusted property manager, renting out your property yourself is more than possible. Without a 3rd party service involved, you’ll be able to maximize your profits, which can then offset home costs. Online rental services are a boon for owners as they provide a solid platform to list your property.Hiring a rental service, however, also has its perks. The process from listing to marketing and property maintenance will be shouldered by a 3rd party, which is perfect for busier cabin owners who prefer to stay hands-off. Reflect on your personal goals to determine which option is best for you.

Features that will make your cabin rental more attractive

  • Access to convenience stores, dining spots, and natural attractions. Vacationers want a secluded getaway but having amenities and services nearby can make their trip stress-free.
  • Outdoor spaces. These allow guests to lounge, enjoy a home cooked meal, or sip their morning coffee surrounded by nature. Outdoor hammocks, lounge chairs, and fire pits are a great way to make the exterior area more inviting.
  • Large windows. These afford guests a front-row seat to some of the best views in the vicinity. Moreover, windows also  increase your property’s resale value should you decide to sell it in the future.
  • Nearby lakes or rivers. These can add extra value to your rental property, particularly if these have spots for swimming or fishing. If your cabin is by the lakefront, provide extra features such as fishing gear or canoeing equipment.
  • High-speed internet. This is one of the amenities most sought-after by renters. Make sure your Wi-Fi password is memorable and inform your renters if there are any internet-related concerns they should expect during their stay.
  • Luxury amenities. Guests want a comfortable stay, and features like central heating, gourmet kitchens, hot tubs, and fireplaces can enhance your property’s appeal.

WORK WITH GEORGIA’S TOP REALTOR TODAY

Nathan Fitts & Team of RE/MAX Town & Country can help you locate and secure your dream cabin property in Blue Ridge, GA. They know every cabin is different, which is why Nathan and his internationally renowned team will find you the one that fits your preferences to a tee. Read more about buying and living in a cabin in North Georgia: When you’re ready to continue your real estate journey, get in touch with Nathan Fitts & Team at +1.706.632.3000, leave a message here, or fill up this form.