If you are looking for something truly magical, and are looking for a great view of the Appalachians,and you may be a J.R.R. Tolkien or a C.S. Lewis fan. Buck Horn is the Place for you and your family. Buck Horn,is the nick name the house was given by the locals. Buck Horn was one of the first homes built before the opening of the National Park and the 11 acres it sits on was chosen for its commanding view of Mount LeConte (the 3rd tallest mountain in the Appalachians by only 16 feet, elevation 6593 feet) and the mountain range that leads to the famous New Found Gap. There is so much history that goes with this place, it's hard to put in a few short paragraphs. So, when you would like more detail's on Buck Horn, please contact me at my email or my cell to chat about all her wonders.
Wow, where do I begin? The house was designed and built by Bruce McCarty in the late 40's, and completed in 1952. The house is of Frank Loyd Wright inspiration, as this was Bruce's influence while he attended Princeton and through out his career. The house began as a family retreat for all seasons. The site for the home was picked just after Tennessee was awarded the Site for the entrance into the Great Smoky Mountains.
Bruce wanted it to be special where the family could gather for all types of family events, and this being Bruce's first house he designed and built he was looking for just the right spot and boy did he find it. I consider it his master piece and we are talking about the fellow who designed the World's Fair in Knoxville (see wikipedia Bruce McCarty) I could be a little partial. The local newspaper wrote an article about Buck Horn upon it's completion in 1952 claiming such revolutions as complete with washer and dryer, sleeps 14, hot water heater, and full kitchen and bath. The construction is unique in that the whole lower floor is constructed of giant flag stones,polished wood inner wall's and ceiling's, and of 18 inches of solid granite that was recovered from the foot of Mount Le Cont (not one piece of sheet rock in the house).
The den area was designed to give you the feeling you are sitting under a shade tree situated as to have a picturesque view of Mount LeConte. With its massive fire place,polished hard wood ceilings, built in viewing couch, large flag stone floors that continue through the 18 foot soaring windows out onto the veranda over looking mighty Mount LeConte, you have the feeling of being outside, as this was the intent.The guest who have stayed at Buck Horn comment on how they loose sense of time and find it hard to leave ,even with it being so much to do in the local and surrounding area.The view from the den is all inspiring no matter what the season it could be the fall with the changing of the leaves as you watch the colors change as they rise up the face of LeConte or when it snows and you are nestled by a roaring fire and you seem to be out side in it as it flutters on to the veranda ,or the spring when the bloom begins and the colors abound every where you look.If you have read the Lord of the Rings it's like your own private Rivendell,and when the Fire flies are in action you can almost hear the elf's singing. .
Also, on the lower level, there is a spacious fully equipped kitchen, half bath, laundry room, and a cozy home theater with 62' Pioneer Elite Plasma Monitor with Yamaha and Harmon Cardin surround system. The seating in the theater is a custom wrap around couch that is stuffed with the equivalent of 20 down blankets(too comfy). The upper floor is a cantilevering masterpiece constructed of 12' clear pine polished walls,vaulted ceilings, with floors that look as if they are from an old Chris Craft Boat.
Two of the three bed rooms have private balconies that seem to float magically a great place to start your morning with a cup of coffee or a place to catch up on that book you have been dying to read, and they are connected by a masterful cat walk that over looks the valley leading up to Mount LeConte. Just like the lower level, there are windows galore all with custom brass rolling screens. The upper level wraps up with a full bath, a third bedroom with an amazing view and plenty of closet space.
I would love to have you come and enjoy the wonders of Buck Horn and her great history. Buck Horn is designed to be used year round.
