BJ Can Help You Purchase This Home

Thank you for choosing BJ Swinehart! As one of the Knoxville area's premier Real Estate Brokers, I am uniquely qualified to help you find your dream home. On the lake, around town or out on a farm. Remember, BJ is here to help!

173 Rafter Rd, Tellico Plains, 37385

Priced At: $2,999,900

Property Details for ID: 1324201



SqFt: 5,746
Price SqFt: $522
Total Bedrooms: 16
Full Baths: 16 / Half Baths: 1
MLS Status: Active
Property Type: Residential
On Market Date: 2025-12-13T02:04:21Z

Public Remarks: Tellico River Retreat & Event Center at 173 Rafter Rd is a rare, turn-key opportunity for short-term rental investors and event hosts alike. Purpose-built for large groups, this impressive lodge-style property sleeps up to 30 guests with 16 bedrooms and 16.5 baths, and commands nightly rental rates ranging from approximately $1,999 to $2,399. Each bedroom features its own private bathroom and individual climate control, creating a comfortable, hotel-like experience for every guest—ideal for multigenerational family gatherings, corporate groups, and retreats where privacy and personal comfort matter. Set just across the street from the Tellico River, the home's expansive decks and multiple outdoor seating areas offer sweeping river views, with riverfront parking directly along the water. Guests enjoy the soothing sounds and scenic beauty of the river from the large wraparound decks, private bedroom balconies, and covered verandas, making this property especially attractive for destination weddings, yoga and wellness retreats, business meetings, educational workshops, church groups, and family reunions. Ample paved parking, including room for motorcycles, easily accommodates larger groups and event traffic. Inside, the property features an open floor plan with cathedral ceilings, leather furnishings, and a warm lodge ambiance. The spacious game room and entertainment areas are designed for gathering and fun, with a pool table, foosball, card table, flat-screen TVs, cable, and DVD player. Multiple bars and generous common areas make it easy to host receptions, cocktail hours, or informal get-togethers. High-speed WiFi and USB plug-ins throughout support both leisure and business uses. The modern, stainless-steel kitchen is fully equipped to serve large parties, featuring double ovens, two side-by-side refrigerators, granite countertops, microwave, coffee maker with complimentary coffee, and ample prep and storage space. The layout is ideal for caterers or for guests who enjoy cooking together. A gas grill and barbecue utensils extend meal preparation to the outdoors, where guests can dine al fresco while enjoying the river setting. Sleeping arrangements are thoughtfully designed to accommodate a wide variety of group sizes and configurations. The home offers 4 king beds, 10 queen beds, and 1 twin bed, along with a loft bedroom and mezzanine spaces that contribute to the lodge's open, airy feel. Many bedrooms offer deck access and river views, enhancing the retreat-like atmosphere. A Jacuzzi tub, fireplaces, and multiple cozy seating areas add to the sense of relaxation and escape. Additional conveniences include washer and dryer, alarm clocks, hair dryers, flat-screen TVs in key areas, USB outlets, and multiple gathering spaces both indoors and out. With its strong rental history, high nightly rates, generous capacity, and proven track record hosting weddings, corporate events, educational programs, yoga retreats, and reunions, Tellico River Retreat & Event Center stands out as a premier income-producing property in a sought-after natural setting. Whether continued as a high-performing vacation rental and event venue or adapted for specialized retreats and group uses, this property offers exceptional versatility, comfort, and revenue potential just steps from the Tellico River.

Schools Information

Elementary School: Tellico Plains
Middle / Junior School: Tellico Plains
High School: Tellico Plains

Building Description

Building Style: Cabin
Type: 3 Story+Basement
Site Built: Yes
Year Built: 2009
Total Rooms: 20
SqFt (Total): 5,746
SqFt (Main Lvl): 3,672
SqFt (Down Lvl): 3,672
SqFt (2nd Flr Lvl): 864
SqFt (3rd Flr Lvl): 216
Full Baths: 16
1/2 Baths: 1
Fireplace: Yes
Bonus Room: Yes
Extra Storage: Yes
Basement: Yes
Basement Type: Walkout

  Exterior Features

Features: Balcony, Patio, Porch - Covered, Windows - Insulated
Construction: Frame
Siding: Wood

  Appliances

Dishwasher, Dryer, Microwave, Range, Refrigerator, Self Cleaning Oven, Smoke Detector, Washer

  Room Dimensions

Kitchen: Great Room: Master Bedroom: Bedroom 2: Bedroom 3: Bedroom 4: Master Bedroom: Bedroom 2: Bedroom 3: Bedroom 4: Master Bedroom: Bedroom 5: Bedroom 2: Master Bedroom: Master Bedroom: Bedroom 3: Bedroom 4: Rec Room: Media Room: Media Room:

  Interior Features

Dining Area: Eat-in Kitchen
Floors: Hardwood, Tile
Other Rooms: 2nd Rec Room, Basement Rec Room, Bedroom Main Level, Breakfast Room, Great Room, LaundryUtility, Mstr Bdrm Main Level
Misc Features: Cathedral Ceiling, Drapes

  Property Details

Acreages: 1.26
Lot Description: Irregular Lot, River, Lakefront, Wooded

Utilities

Fuel Types: Electric, Gas (Natural)

Financing

Finance Options: Cash, New Loan, VA Loan

  HOA Information

Restrictions: No
HOA: No
HOA Fee: 0
HOA Contact: N/A

Heating & Cooling

Fireplace(s): Yes
Total Fireplaces: 1
Fireplace Type(s): Masonry
Cooling Type(s): Ceiling Fan(s), Central Cooling, Other
Heat Type(s): Central, Other

Garage / Parking

Off-Street Parking

  Community Features

Outbuildings


Presented By: / Wallace

Up Coming Open Houses

Sorry, no open houses are currently available for this listing.

Directions

From 68 head east on Cherohala Skyway, go left on Unicoi Turnpike, right on Rafter Rd and it is on the left across from the river!



Your commute

( Departing today at 8:00am )


Near By Properties (click flag to view)

Listing Id: (Click to View)
List Price:
Full Baths:
Half Baths:
Total Beds:
Total SqFt:
Address:
Public Remarks:


Mortgage Calculator

Loan Amount (80% of list price)

$

Term (in years)?

What will be the interest rate?

%


Instructions: Enter numbers and decimal points. No commas or other characters.


This is your Principal & Interest Payment only - you will still have to add HomeOwners Insurance and Taxes for a Total Monthly Payment.  The Loan Amount Figure is based on a 20% down payment, Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) is required with less than a 20% down payment.  I can provide you with names of Mortgage Loan Officers that will provide you more details on your payment and total down payment requirements.

Four Reasons to Use BJ Swinehart

Buying or Selling real estate should be fun and simple. With me, that's exactly what you can expect. I will strive to make each and every interaction a professional and pleasant experience!

Relocation Assistance

I can give you referrals to trusted loan officers, insurance agents, home inspectors, heat & air specialists, title companies and all service providers dealing with all things home.

On-Time Guarantee

From showings to closing; I know that your time is valuable and our agents and staff will always strive to never keep you waiting.

You Are Valued

I recognize that we are partners with our clients and as such, I strive to provide a high quality of service, and hope to build trust and friendships through honesty and integrity.

Experience Is Key

Licensed since 1981, I have the experience to solve problems that arise and the know how to avoid major pitfalls