The route to Brad and Patti Wier’s dream-come-true log cabin in Sequatchie County is as much a part of the magic as the final destination. Rolling roadways flanked by deep ravines and rocky cliffs give credence to Dunlap’s claim as the ‘Hang Gliding Capital of the East.’
A dozen miles into the woods of Fredonia Mountain and up to the top of the Cumberland Plateau the road comes to rest at a unique family-friendly conservation community called Dunaway, where “nature thrives, sport lives and family and friends are cherished.” Secluded land lots hug the shores of Lake Dunaway, one of the largest private lakes in the state, all part of 7,800 acres maintained by a resident wildlife biologist.
Brad Wier began fishing with his father growing up and became interested in hunting as a young man. When his sons, Scott (19) and Seth (17), were in elementary school, he started taking them with him on woodland adventures. Patti is the quintessential homemaker juggling school and church activities with one child each in middle school, high school, and college.
Brad says, “We did a lot of hunting and fishing when the kids were younger, but we always camped, which the girls didn’t really enjoy. We wanted a place where we could all be together and still hunt and fish.”
“While the boys are off together, my daughter Rachel (12) and I may go four-wheeling in the protected areas to pick berries or ride the ATV trails,” Patti adds. “The whole family likes to swim off the dock.”
The Wier family retreat, with a wide porch that goes all the way around the home, is bigger than a log cabin but smaller than a hunting lodge. Surrounded by lakefront views and thick woods, the quiet is broken only by birdsong, rustling leaves, or family laughter.
“Early in the morning and just before evening we can see wild turkey or deer in our woods,” Patti says. “Just this weekend we were watching triplet spotted fawns in the backyard.”
Elegant details amid rustic ambiance are the theme throughout the home. The cabin walls are constructed of D-logs which are curved on the outside and flat on the inside, and the floors are hand-hewn maple. All of the interior doors were stained a darker shade than the walls to provide visual contrast. “We wanted the overall effect to be natural, warm, and rustic,” Brad explains.
Walking in the front door elicits a gasp of delight at the 30-foot vaulted wood-beam ceilings with floor-to-ceiling windows. Immediately, the focal point is the view. Through a pair of oversized atrium doors spanning the width of the great room is an inviting view of the 100-acre lake. To the right of the lake-view window is a welcoming, two-story, stacked stone fireplace, and to the left is a hand-hewn timber balustrade railing that leads guest upstairs.
“Earth tones were selected for the furniture, floor coverings and decorations to keep the inside of the house, as well as the outside, a reflection of nature,” Patti says. She laughs as she defines their style as “rustic elegance.”
In the living room, a chocolate leather loveseat and sofa are combined with easy chairs upholstered in soft autumn-colored woven fabrics to create a comfortable seating arrangement facing the 55” flat screen television above the fireplace. A mounted deer head on the back wall is one of several decorating the main level of the cabin, all of which were harvested by Brad and his sons.
To the right of the entrance foyer and open to the great room is an expansive dining bar with captain’s chairs. Red wines are racked at room temperature on the granite counter; cold beverages are available in the mini-refrigerator beneath; and the wet bar sink with gooseneck faucet has an instant hot water tap sidekick.
“The kids love to make hot chocolate on those cool days before and after hunting,” Patti says. “We are glad we added that feature to the wet bar.”
Adjacent to the great room and dining bar is the eat-in kitchen with a large center island and counters in matching granite. Shady autumn colors in the slate floor tiles provide a non-scratch surface that is “easy to keep clean with all the muddy boots” according to Patti. The large window over the farmhouse apron copper sink boasts a wonderful view of the lake and woods. The propane-fueled gas range has a wood paneled hood and two ovens beneath; a smaller one perfect for pizza and casseroles, the other large enough for the Christmas turkey. The kitchen opens to the rear section of the wrap-around porch with the outdoor fireplace, porch swing, several chairs and a hammock strung between two thick posts.
“One of our motivations for building the cabin was to have a place where our family can come together, for the holidays, for hunting season, and even for just a few days without the distractions of our busy lifestyle,” Patti explains.
Completing the main level of the log cabin is the master suite with low-beamed ceilings over a solid maple four-poster queen bed. Wildcat artwork adorns the walls, and wall-to-wall atrium doors provide access to the back porch, woods and lake beyond. Double entry doors to the master bath reveal such special features as his-and-hers sinks with granite counters, porcelain tile floors, and Brad’s personal favorite – the steam shower, a glass-fronted totally enclosed shower stall.
A display of turkey fans designed by Seth adorns the main staircase. Looking over the great room on the upper level is a cozy loft sitting room tucked under the vaulted ceiling with a treetop view to the lake. Computer desk, couch and chair make this an upstairs retreat from larger group activities. Bedrooms on either side for Rachel and the boys have slanted ceilings with private baths and balconies.
Downstairs from the great room is the recreation room opening to the lower deck and a view of the lake unobstructed by tree limbs. A leather couch with cowhide rug faces a wall-mounted flat screen television and wood-burning stove. A billiard table flanked by a dart board and a game table, offer an array of entertainment activities.
Accessible from the recreation room is the bunk room with matching single-over-double bunk beds and bathroom facilities, including a second shower closet to increase the bathing options for returning hunters. A gun room has three wood paneled closets, one for each hunter in the family to store camouflage coveralls, boots, hats, decoys and other hunting gear.
“We consider this to be a blessing from God,” Brad says. “For the past 24 years, we lived frugally, worked hard, saved everything we could and ultimately the dream is coming true. This is a place where we cherish and enjoy family gatherings and fellowship with friends. God has truly shined down on our lives and continues to bless us daily.”