An AirBNB “Earthen Home” in Tennessee

I am easily entertained. I can always find something to do, but that quality also extends to travel.

If there is a weekend to enjoy and there are enough attractions around, I will spend a few days at a Motel 6. But sometimes just for the sake of getting away from it all would be fine to have unusual digs in which to lay my head.

Do the research and you will find them; there are very interesting AirBNB rentals that are very reasonable. And honestly, if I just wanted to relax in a cool environment, I’d forgo the roadside motels for something like the Sassafras.

SASSAFRAS IN EASTERN TENNESSEE

This unique rental space, located in Johnson City, Tennessee, is known as the “dirt house” and is part of a larger 34-acre wedding and retirement venue called Waterstone. When I first saw it, it reminded me of where the hobbits live in the the Lord of the Rings movies.

No, you won’t see Gandalf walking up to the gate, but you will enjoy beautiful and peaceful surroundings…until you hop in the car or truck and set off to explore the northwest of Tennessee. The Sassafras website at AirBNB.com even says “we are close to everything”.

THIS IS NOT MIDDLE-EARTH; THIS IS JOHNSON CITY, TENNESSEE

I’ve only visited Johnson City once, and it was a quick stop for a snack and a restroom break. But we decided to drive around town a bit to explore. I like it, and it’s just a little bigger than Owensboro. Hey, ANY town nestled in the mountains of East Tennessee is acceptable in my book.

A BEAUTIFUL GETAWAY IN THE APPALACHIANS

This walkway alone might be all the selling point I need, but by the time I get there, I’ll have already rented the space. I imagine guests arrive and are duly impressed, but visitors are not allowed. But if you walk away from it all, you won’t know anyone there anyway.

For all the rustic exterior of the Sassafras, it certainly offers an elegant ambiance INSIDE as well.

THE SASSAFRAS IS VERY BEAUTIFUL ON THE INSIDEALSO

If I was in this room, I certainly wouldn’t have drawn those curtains. But, again, the grounds of the Sassafras are so welcoming that I wouldn’t be inside often. I imagine a weekend in the fall. Nice.

IS IT A SINK? IS IT A BATHTUB?

As for the picture above, I can’t tell how big this basin is. It has a drain but is it REALLY an outdoor tub? And if it’s some kind of sink, what’s he doing there? Whatever, I like it. I also like this view from the terrace.

A VIEW OF THE QUARRY FROM THE SASSAFRAS TERRACE

By the way, it’s an old rock quarry, which seems a bit harsh for something with such a beautiful setting.

THE SASSAFRAS – AS SEEN ON TV

After seeing all of these incredible shots, you might be wondering if any of the HGTV shows have ever shown interest. And you would be right… sort of. HGTV spin-off network DIY featured the Sassafras and nearby Greek Cottage in its Building Off the Grid series.

So if you want to live like a HOBBIT or a HERMIT, this could be the getaway destination you’ve been looking for. And if you find a RING, keep it for yourself.