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The Experience

Room for everyone to spread out,
and every reason to gather.

Picture twelve of your favorite people on one quiet, wooded property, surrounded by towering oaks and long Smoky Mountain views.

Grandparents linger over coffee on the screened porch while the grandkids take over the arcade in the guest house. Someone is soaking in the hot tub as the ridge line fades into evening, someone else is stoking the fire pit for s'mores, and dinner comes together at the locally built pecan table.

Wears Valley keeps you close to everything without the crowds. The Metcalf Bottoms entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park is about five miles away, Pigeon Forge is an easy drive, and at the end of the day you come home to the quiet of the woods.

Garden-lined stone path from the driveway to The Woodland Respite in Wears Valley
12
Guests, Two Homes
5mi
To the National Park
400+
Arcade Games
5.0
Guest Favorite Rating
Signature Spaces

More than a cabin.
A place to be together.

Private Hot Tub

A six-person hot tub steps from the primary bedroom, tucked under a slanted metal roof. Watch the stars on a clear night, or listen to the rain drum overhead on a stormy one.

The Screened Porch

Treehouse-style and facing the Smokies, with a ceiling fan turning overhead. Morning coffee, an afternoon card game, and a bug-free evening outdoors.

The Guest House

Its own living and game room with an 85-inch TV, a 400+ game arcade, and air hockey, plus a loft bedroom and full bath. The kids, or the teens, will claim it fast.

Fieldstone Fireplace

A floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace with a new electric insert. Realistic flames at the touch of a remote, with or without heat, and no wood or smoke to deal with.

A Kitchen for Real Cooking

Granite counters, a dishwasher, extensive cookware, and white dishes for twelve. A commercial-size Keurig for the quick cup and a drip pot for the slow one.

Outdoor Living

Follow the stone path to the hammock, gather at the Solo Stove fire pit for s'mores, grill dinner, then end the day in the Adirondack chairs on the back deck.

Fall color and Christmas weekends fill up early.

Book directly with Susan and skip the platform service fees.

Check Availability
Thoughtfully Stocked

Everything you need.
Already here.

From the coffee bar to the crib, the home is set up for real family trips: cook a big dinner, run a load of laundry between hikes, and let the little ones loose with Magna-Tiles, an indoor play tent, and a shelf full of games.

Private 6-Person Hot Tub
Screened Porch with Mountain Views
Stone Fireplace, Electric Insert
400+ Game Arcade & Air Hockey
85-Inch Smart TV + YouTube TV
Fully Equipped Kitchen
Commercial Keurig + Drip Coffee
Fire Pit & Gas Grill
Hammock in the Woods
Seasonal Community Pool & Pond
Wifi
Washer & Dryer
Crib, Pack 'n Play & High Chair
Parking for 3 to 4 Vehicles
Self Check-In, Smart Lock

+ 50 more amenities included in your stay

Where You'll Sleep

Four bedrooms.
Eight beds. Room for twelve.

Primary Suite at The Woodland Respite, 1 King bed
Main House

Primary Suite

1 King bed · Spa-style wet room with soaking tub and rain shower, private deck access, steps to the hot tub

Queen Bedroom at The Woodland Respite, 1 Queen bed, 1 sofa bed
Main House

Queen Bedroom

1 Queen bed, 1 sofa bed · Designer-built bed and nightstands, main house

Cedar Queen Bedroom at The Woodland Respite, 1 Queen bed, 1 sofa bed
Main House

Cedar Queen Bedroom

1 Queen bed, 1 sofa bed · Cedar bed frame built by local craftsmen, main house

Guest House Loft Room at The Woodland Respite, 1 King bed, 2 extra-long twins in the loft
Guest House

Guest House Loft Room

1 King bed, 2 extra-long twins in the loft · Custom loft built by a master carpenter, full bath next door

Two households, one property, zero tripping over each other.

See live availability for your dates in under a minute.

See Open Dates
In Their Own Words

Loved by guests.
Top 1% on Airbnb.

5.0
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
54 Reviews · Guest Favorite
Cleanliness 5.0
Accuracy 5.0
Check-in 5.0
Communication 5.0
Location 5.0
Value 5.0
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"Our family travels to Townsend every fall for a long weekend of hiking, beautiful views, delicious food, and reconnection. This home could not have been more perfect for what we were looking for! The hosts have thought of everything, and the living spaces were perfect. Everything was very clean, and the hosts have lots of essentials in the kitchen. We will be back!"

Murfreesboro, Tennessee
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"What a great stay! I've been to the Smokies a dozen times and will definitely come back to this location. The family of 5 loved the house. The teens had their own place with the separate building but still connected for meals and movies at the main house. The solo stove fire pit was a hit. Hope to be back soon!"

Fishers, Indiana
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"The Woodland Respite was even better than we expected! The property is beautiful and peaceful, surrounded by trees with gorgeous mountain views, yet still close to everything we wanted to do in the Smokies. We especially loved the screened porch and hot tub. The separate guest house was perfect for our group. The kids loved the huge TV, arcade, and air hockey."

Lebanon, New Jersey
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"We had a group of seven women. We cooked all of our meals in and the kitchen was well stocked and equipped for cooking for our group. We really enjoyed the fabulous bathroom off of the master bedroom, the ultra clean hot tub, the fabulous outdoor porch with beautiful views, and the fire pit. Susan was an excellent hostess with fantastic communication. Would definitely return!"

Boone, North Carolina
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"The view steals the show, it's absolutely stunning and the pictures don't do the view justice. The location was great, in a quiet spot but we were able to get to almost everything we wanted to do within about 20-30 minutes. Susan was incredibly responsive. Would absolutely book here again!"

Stayed with kids
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"Beautiful location and home, the views from the deck and hot tub were amazing. Susan was very helpful with all the check in information and the home was perfect for our family vacation. Definitely recommend to anybody wanting the Smoky Mountains experience, will definitely be back."

Wisconsin
The Smokies at Your Door

Quiet Wears Valley,
close to it all.

Wears Valley sits between the national park and Pigeon Forge, so you can hike to a waterfall in the morning, catch a show in the afternoon, and still come home to a peaceful, wooded setting.

Cades Cove near Wears Valley, Tennessee
About 40 Minutes Away

Cades Cove

Drive the loop at first light, when deer graze the open meadows and the old log churches sit quiet beneath the ridges.

Laurel Falls near Wears Valley, Tennessee
About 30 Minutes Away

Laurel Falls

A paved trail through mountain laurel ends at a two-tiered waterfall, an easy morning hike the whole crew can make.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Wears Valley, Tennessee
About an Hour Away

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Ridge after blue ridge from the park's high overlooks, with the Metcalf Bottoms entrance just five miles from your door.

Kuwohi (Clingmans Dome) near Wears Valley, Tennessee
About an Hour and 15 Minutes

Kuwohi (Clingmans Dome)

Climb the spiral ramp to the highest point in the Smokies and watch the clouds drift below you.

Pigeon Forge near Wears Valley, Tennessee
About 20 Minutes Away

Pigeon Forge

Shows, rides, and restaurants for a big day out, then back to the quiet of Wears Valley before the traffic sets in.

The Old Mill near Wears Valley, Tennessee
About 20 Minutes Away

The Old Mill

Stone-ground grits and pancakes beside a working mill on the Little Pigeon River, a Smokies breakfast tradition.

Nearby photos via Wikimedia Commons.

Five miles from the park. A world away from the traffic.

Your dates, your price, booked directly with your host.

Book Your Stay
Susan, host of The Woodland Respite
★ Superhost · 10 Years Hosting

Hosted by Susan

A Knoxville native with deep roots in East Tennessee, Susan taught high school for 25 years. Now retired, she spends her time with family and friends, gardening, traveling, and renovating houses, and she loves creating a place where families and friends make fantastic memories together.

Guests say it best: she responds quickly, knows the area, and has thought of everything before you arrive.

95Reviews
5.0Average Rating
100%Response Rate
< 1hrResponse Time
Reserve Your Stay

Your Smoky Mountain gathering
starts here.

Check dates and book directly with Susan. Select your dates below to see live availability and pricing.

Check-In 4:00 PM to Midnight  ·  Checkout by 10:00 AM  ·  12 Guests Maximum  ·  No Pets or Parties

Good to know

Questions guests ask before booking

What are the check-in and checkout times?

Check-in is any time from 4:00 PM to midnight with a self-service smart lock, so there is no waiting on a host. Checkout is by 10:00 AM. Your door code and arrival guide arrive before your stay.

How many guests can stay, and is it right for a party?

The Woodland Respite sleeps up to 12 guests across a main house and a separate guest house. It is made for families, multi-generational groups, and friends on a peaceful getaway, and is not suited for parties or events. Quiet hours begin after dark.

Are pets allowed?

No, pets are not allowed at The Woodland Respite, and smoking is not permitted. The home is set up for families with children instead, with a crib, pack 'n play, high chair, kids' dinnerware, and board games already on site.

How far is Great Smoky Mountains National Park?

The Metcalf Bottoms entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park is about 5 miles away, and River Rat Tubing is about 5 miles away. Pigeon Forge is an easy drive, and guests say most attractions are within about 20 to 30 minutes.

Is the driveway hard to drive?

The access road and driveway are graded with no steep switchbacks. The concrete driveway is fairly steep but straight, with parking for 3 to 4 vehicles depending on size. There is no EV charger on site.

At a glance

Quick facts

  • Sleeps 12 guests
  • 4 bedrooms, 8 beds
  • 3 bathrooms
  • Wears Valley, Sevierville, Tennessee, about 5 miles to Great Smoky Mountains National Park
  • 2 homes on one wooded property: a main house and a guest house
  • Private hot tub seats 6
  • 400+ arcade games in the guest house game room
  • No pets, no smoking
  • Check-in 4:00 PM to midnight, checkout by 10:00 AM
  • Rated 5.0 from 54 guest reviews
✕ ‹ Smoky Mountain view at sunset from the deck at The Woodland Respite in Wears Valley ›
Sip a glass of wine while you take in the beautiful mountain views each evening.
01 / 38
✕ ‹ Screened porch overlooking the forest canopy at The Woodland Respite ›
Watch the canopy stretch out below you from the treehouse-style screened porch - it's the quietest spot on the property.
02 / 38
✕ ‹ Private hot tub facing the Smoky Mountain ridge line ›
Sink into your own private hot tub while the Smoky Mountain ridge line fades into evening light, this is the moment you booked the trip for.
03 / 38
✕ ‹ Main house living room with leather sofas under a vaulted wood-beam ceiling ›
Curl up on the leather sofa under the vaulted wood-beam ceiling, this is the room everyone migrates to after a day in the mountains.
04 / 38
✕ ‹ Guest house game room with arcade and air hockey table ›
Lose the whole rainy afternoon to the arcade and air hockey table, the guest house game room means nobody's staring at their phone.
05 / 38
✕ ‹ Main house kitchen with granite counters ›
Cook a real dinner for your group without fighting for space - the granite counters have room for prep, snacks, and the fruit bowl everyone raids.
06 / 38
✕ ‹ Picture the whole crew circled around the fire pit from above, this is the aerial view that shows just how much space yo ›
Picture the whole crew circled around the fire pit from above, this is the aerial view that shows just how much space you actually get.
07 / 38
✕ ‹ Gather the whole group onto the sofas under the vaulted beams, you will still find room at the table when everyone gets ›
Gather the whole group onto the sofas under the vaulted beams, you will still find room at the table when everyone gets hungry.
08 / 38
✕ ‹ You'll spot the Woodland Respite sign tucked into the reading nook the second you walk in, a small detail that tells you ›
You'll spot the Woodland Respite sign tucked into the reading nook the second you walk in, a small detail that tells you this stay was thought through.
09 / 38
✕ ‹ Follow the garden-lined path in from the driveway and you're already unwinding before you've unpacked the car, the fire ›
Follow the garden-lined path in from the driveway and you're already unwinding before you've unpacked the car, the fire pit's waiting for tonight.
10 / 38
✕ ‹ Stretch out along the back deck with the whole forest laid out in front of you, there's a chair waiting no matter which ›
Stretch out along the back deck with the whole forest laid out in front of you, there's a chair waiting no matter which direction you're facing.
11 / 38
✕ ‹ Gather around the fire pit once the sun drops behind the ridge, s'mores, ghost stories, whatever the group's in the mood ›
Gather around the fire pit once the sun drops behind the ridge, s'mores, ghost stories, whatever the group's in the mood for tonight.
12 / 38
✕ ‹ Escape into the woods for twenty minutes and swing in the hammock strung between the trees, cell service optional, naps ›
Escape into the woods for twenty minutes and swing in the hammock strung between the trees, cell service optional, naps mandatory.
13 / 38
✕ ‹ Stroll out of the main bedroom with coffee in hand and take in the ridge line layered out through the trees ›
Stroll out of the main bedroom with coffee in hand and take in the ridge line layered out through the trees.
14 / 38
✕ ‹ Start your day with coffee and forest views from the comfort of the deck ›
Start your day with coffee and forest views from the comfort of the deck.
15 / 38
✕ ‹ See the roofline poking through the canopy from the air - that's how deep into the woods this place really sits, ridge l ›
See the roofline poking through the canopy from the air - that's how deep into the woods this place really sits, ridge lines stacked for miles behind it.
16 / 38
✕ ‹ Float down the river peacefully or with a little more adventure in two optional treks with the River Rats, 5 miles away ›
Float down the river peacefully or with a little more adventure in two optional treks with the River Rats, 5 miles away from our house.
17 / 38
✕ ‹ Catch and Release fishing pond is right next to Honeysuckle Meadows pool, 4/10 mile from our house ›
Catch and Release fishing pond is right next to Honeysuckle Meadows pool, 4/10 mile from our house.
18 / 38
✕ ‹ Claim the leather sofa and oversized chair while the air hockey table's going and the door's open to the deck - the gues ›
Claim the leather sofa and oversized chair while the air hockey table's going and the door's open to the deck - the guest house game room never closes.
19 / 38
✕ ‹ Take a shot on the air hockey table or scroll through 400+ arcade games before crashing in a loft bed next door ›
Take a shot on the air hockey table or scroll through 400+ arcade games before crashing in a loft bed next door.
20 / 38
✕ ‹ Spread out across the leather loveseats and couch while the kids run between the kitchen and great room - this room was ›
Spread out across the leather loveseats and couch while the kids run between the kitchen and great room - this room was built for a full house.
21 / 38
✕ ‹ The living room's stone fireplace, now fitted with a new electric insert. No wood to haul, no smoke, and no cleanup: jus ›
The living room's stone fireplace, now fitted with a new electric insert. No wood to haul, no smoke, and no cleanup: just press a button on the remote.
22 / 38
✕ ‹ Start the morning at the coffee bar - Keurig for the fast cup, drip pot for the slow one, your call before the day gets ›
Start the morning at the coffee bar - Keurig for the fast cup, drip pot for the slow one, your call before the day gets going.
23 / 38
✕ ‹ Pull up a chair at the locally built pecan wood table - and this is where a group ends up for game night after dinner ›
Pull up a chair at the locally built pecan wood table - and this is where a group ends up for game night after dinner.
24 / 38
✕ ‹ Catch the dining table from the kitchen doorway, plates already out, coffee station just steps behind you for round two ›
Catch the dining table from the kitchen doorway, plates already out, coffee station just steps behind you for round two before everyone's even sat down.
25 / 38
✕ ‹ Wake up and slide the glass door open right from bed, the primary suite's private deck access is just a few steps away, ›
Wake up and slide the glass door open right from bed, the primary suite's private deck access is just a few steps away, mountain views included.
26 / 38
✕ ‹ Take a closer look at this designer-built bed and nightstands, layered with native Smokies plant and mountain art ›
Take a closer look at this designer-built bed and nightstands, layered with native Smokies plant and mountain art.
27 / 38
✕ ‹ Settle into the cedar bed frame and matching nightstands, built by local craftsmen, solid, handcrafted furniture you won ›
Settle into the cedar bed frame and matching nightstands, built by local craftsmen, solid, handcrafted furniture you won't find in a typical rental.
28 / 38
✕ ‹ Our thoughtfully crafted bedroom in the guest house features a custom designed loft by a master carpenter ›
Our thoughtfully crafted bedroom in the guest house features a custom designed loft by a master carpenter.
29 / 38
✕ ‹ An exquisite coffered ceiling creates architectural depth and provides those resting on the king bed with an appealing v ›
An exquisite coffered ceiling creates architectural depth and provides those resting on the king bed with an appealing view.
30 / 38
✕ ‹ Escape to the seating nook with the AC humming - a little pocket of quiet inside the busiest room in the guest house ›
Escape to the seating nook with the AC humming - a little pocket of quiet inside the busiest room in the guest house.
31 / 38
✕ ‹ Get ready in the primary suite's half bath while your partner showers, or soaks, in the wet room next door, no waiting i ›
Get ready in the primary suite's half bath while your partner showers, or soaks, in the wet room next door, no waiting in line for the mirror.
32 / 38
✕ ‹ Enjoy a hot shower at the guest house - a full bathroom here means nobody's walking to the main house in their pajamas ›
Enjoy a hot shower at the guest house - a full bathroom here means nobody's walking to the main house in their pajamas.
33 / 38
✕ ‹ Ring the cast-iron elk bell by the guest house on the way out - it's the kind of small touch you won't find listed anywh ›
Ring the cast-iron elk bell by the guest house on the way out - it's the kind of small touch you won't find listed anywhere, just discovered.
34 / 38
✕ ‹ Drive straight up the concrete driveway to the house, no sharp turns, no drama, just a mountain view waiting at the top ›
Drive straight up the concrete driveway to the house, no sharp turns, no drama, just a mountain view waiting at the top.
35 / 38
✕ ‹ Run a load between hikes - the washer and dryer are tucked in their own closet, off the kitchen ›
Run a load between hikes - the washer and dryer are tucked in their own closet, off the kitchen.
36 / 38
✕ ‹ Shared seasonal outdoor pool, open in warmer months. Year-round, the private hot tub steps from the primary bedroom keep ›
Shared seasonal outdoor pool, open in warmer months. Year-round, the private hot tub steps from the primary bedroom keeps the relaxation going.
37 / 38
✕ ‹ Walk the Guest House layout with the kids before you even unpack - bedroom, full bath, game room, all mapped so nobody m ›
Walk the Guest House layout with the kids before you even unpack - bedroom, full bath, game room, all mapped so nobody misses a view claiming a bed.
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