Lakefront Lodge

“How we obtained the property seems somewhat of a fairytale or destiny,” says Megan. The couple has always had ties to Soddy-Daisy, which became a point of connection when they first met in their early twenties. “We like to say ‘it was love at Soddy-Daisy,’ and we would later discover we had always admired the same property by boat as very young children.” A few years down the line, that property became available to the young family. “We were really just in the right place at the right time, or maybe it was meant to be,” Megan shares.

Shortly after moving into their new home on this dream property, disaster struck. “By 2020, we had built what we thought was our forever home on the lake,” says Megan, “only to lose it completely and all of our belongings in a house fire.” Suddenly homeless with three young children, the family sought to make the most out of the circumstances. For three years, they lived in a two-bedroom, one-bath “barndominium” while they rebuilt. “It would turn out to be a great adventure!” Megan says. “This second new home is like a phoenix rising from the ash.”

What is immediately apparent about this home is its capacity for friends and family to gather, which is a blessing to Chris and Megan after living in tight quarters during the building process. The heart of the home contains several living areas centralized around a great stone hearth. Vaulted ceilings draw the guest’s eye to A-frame windows overlooking the water. The incorporation of stone and wood gives the feeling of a cozy mountain home, making the most of what the stunning natural scenery has to offer.

Builder: Waldrep Construction, LLC | Doors, trim, and windows:  East Chattanooga Lumber & Supply Co.

The kitchen completes this central area of the home, offering a large island for comfortable dining and meal prep. The range hood mirrors the stacked stone of the fireplace, creating cohesion throughout the open space. Megan says, “We also have a very casual, built-in banquette next to the windows in the kitchen instead of a formal dining room, so we are always able to enjoy the view in the rooms where we spend the most time.” No matter where you stand in the main area, there are cozy lake views from every angle.

Countertops: Granite Warehouse | Lighting: Inline Lighting

“If we aren’t in the kitchen gathered around the island,” Megan adds, “we are probably on the outside dining patio located off the kitchen. We love being outside and the extra features that the builder recommended which allow us to enjoy the patio year-round. We chose to add autolowering screens to help keep the bugs out and heaters mounted to the ceiling help keep the space warm.”

The indoor-outdoor approach to the home is perfectly suited to the family’s lifestyle. “Summer, especially around July 4th, is sometimes a revolving door with visitors, but we wouldn’t have it any different,” Megan shares. “We love how everyone can enjoy the lake, dock, and fishing one minute and be relaxing by the pool or jumping from the ‘jumping rock’ the next. We realize we are blessed with a mini lakeside retreat and want to share it with others.” The property also includes a garden and farm area, making fresh eggs and veggies the perfect addition to summer cookouts.

Hot tub/pool: Master Pools by Artistic Pools, Inc. | Exterior screens: River Valley Blinds, Shades & Shutters

Chris and Megan took extra care in designing the creature comforts of this home as a welcome reprieve from living in the small “barndominium.” In addition to the luxurious primary suite, this house features rooms and adjoining bathrooms for the children, each tailored to their interests. Their daughter’s bathroom shines with pink subway tile, while the boys’ shower features a niche with stones they collected on a family trip to Yellowstone. Megan says, “We spent a few years bathing a baby and toddler in a metal washtub we placed in the floor of the shower, so we were excited about customizing all the bathrooms and making them special for each family member.”

Although the journey to this home was challenging, Chris and Megan are thrilled to be settled in their dream home on the property that is so close to their hearts. The family expresses gratitude to everyone who pitched in time, support, and expertise to help this house become a reality: “It really does take a village to build a home, and we are forever grateful to ours.”