A rustic hemlock cabin on 15 private acres near the Royal Blue ATV trails in Pioneer, Tennessee, listed at $220,000.
Some people want a big house. Others want a small cabin, a lot of land, and nobody around.
This one is for the second group.
Tucked away on Melvin Hollow Road in Pioneer, Tennessee, this two-bedroom cabin sits on 15 private acres. It is built from hemlock wood, warmed by a wood- and coal-burning fireplace, and located close to the well-known Royal Blue ATV trails.
It is being sold as-is, which matters, and we will cover what that means below.
Let’s take a closer look.
The Basics at a Glance
The cabin is listed at $220,000. It has two bedrooms, one bathroom, and 1,120 square feet of living space on a 15-acre lot.
It was built in 2001, which means it is not an old relic. Its age puts it in the range where some systems, like the roof or water heater, may be due for a look.
At this price, buyers are paying roughly $14,700 per acre, with a cabin included.
Property Overview
- Address: 741 Melvin Hollow Rd, Pioneer, TN 37847
- List price: $220,000
- Bedrooms: 2
- Bathrooms: 1
- Living area: 1,120 square feet
- Lot size: 15 acres
- Year built: 2001
- Construction: Hemlock wood
- Heat feature: Wood- and coal-burning fireplace
- Location highlight: Near the Royal Blue ATV trails
- Condition: Sold as-is
- Best suited for: Recreation, hunting, weekend getaways, or full-time country living
The 15 Private Acres
Fifteen acres is the biggest selling point here.
That much land means real privacy. It means space to walk, hunt, ride, cut firewood, plant a garden, and enjoy quiet mornings without seeing or hearing neighbors.
Walk the property before making an offer. Look at how much of it is wooded and how much is open. Note the slopes, the low spots, any creeks, and the boundaries. Ask whether a recent survey exists.
Built With Hemlock Wood
The cabin is built with hemlock wood, which gives it natural rustic character.
Hemlock is a traditional building wood in the Appalachian region. It has a warm look and a classic cabin feel that newer drywall homes cannot match.
Wood homes need some care. Check the outside for signs of rot, insect damage, peeling finish, or gaps. Ask when the exterior was last sealed or stained. A good wood finish protects the cabin for years.
The Wood- and Coal-Burning Fireplace
The fireplace can burn both wood and coal.
That is a nice touch in this part of Tennessee, where both fuels have long been part of rural life. On cold evenings, a fire turns a small cabin into a cozy retreat.
With 15 acres, firewood may never be far away. Before using the fireplace, have the chimney inspected and cleaned. Coal burns hotter than wood, so the chimney and liner need to be in good shape.
The Living Space
At 1,120 square feet, the cabin is a comfortable size for a couple, a small family, or a hunting group.
The listing does not detail the layout, but the fireplace is likely the heart of the living area. When you visit, think about how the rooms flow and where you would put furniture to enjoy the fire.
The Two Bedrooms
Two bedrooms give enough space for the owners and guests.
For a hunting cabin, that might mean bunk beds for friends during season. For a full-time home, it might mean one bedroom and one guest room or office.
The Bathroom
The cabin has one bathroom.
That works fine for weekend use. If you plan to live here full time with a family, you might think about adding a second bath someday. Check that the septic system could handle it first.
Look closely at the fixtures, ventilation, and floor around the tub and toilet. Wood homes can be sensitive to moisture.
The Kitchen
The listing does not describe the kitchen.
Because the cabin is being sold as-is, look at the cabinets, counters, appliances, and plumbing carefully. Decide whether you would use it as it is or plan an update.
Near the Royal Blue ATV Trails
The property is close to the popular Royal Blue ATV trails.
Royal Blue is part of a large network of off-road trails in the northern Cumberland Plateau region of Tennessee. Riders come from many states to explore its mountain routes, overlooks, and backcountry roads.
Owning a cabin nearby means you can ride all day and come home to your own property instead of a crowded campground or rental. Check trail permits and access rules before you ride.
A Hunter’s Getaway
The listing highlights the property for hunting enthusiasts.
East Tennessee’s mountains are known for deer and turkey hunting. Fifteen acres gives you room for stands, trails, and food plots on your own land.
Check Tennessee hunting regulations and confirm there are no restrictions on the property.
Sold As-Is
The cabin is being sold as-is.
That means the seller does not plan to make repairs. You buy the property in its current condition.
As-is does not mean you should skip an inspection. It means the inspection matters more. You still have every right to know what you are buying, and the results can help you decide your offer.
The Roof
The roof’s age and material are not mentioned.
For a 2001 cabin, ask whether the roof is original. If it is, it may be near the end of its life depending on the material. Get an estimate before you make an offer.
The Foundation and Drainage
Look at the foundation and how water drains around the cabin.
Check for cracks, sagging floors, or moisture under the house. Wood cabins last a long time when kept dry, so drainage is important.
Heating and Cooling
The fireplace is the only heating feature mentioned.
Ask whether the cabin has any other heat source, such as a heat pump, baseboard heaters, or a furnace. Ask about air conditioning too. Tennessee summers can get hot and humid.
Water and Septic
Rural properties in this area usually rely on a well and septic system.
Confirm what this property has. Ask for a water quality test, the well’s flow rate, and the septic system’s size, age, and last pumping date.
Power and Internet
Ask about the electrical service, the panel, and the wiring.
Also check internet and cell phone coverage. In mountain hollows, signal can be weak. If you plan to work remotely, this could be a deciding factor.
The Pioneer Location
Pioneer sits in Campbell County in northeastern Tennessee, in the Cumberland Mountains.
The area is known for its rugged beauty, forests, and outdoor recreation. Nearby towns offer groceries and services, and Knoxville is within driving distance for bigger trips.
Life here is slow and quiet, which is exactly what many buyers are looking for.
Living Here Full Time
The listing says the property can work as a place to call home, and for the right buyer, it can.
Full-time living here means trading city convenience for space, privacy, and nature. It suits people who enjoy outdoor life, do not mind a drive to town, and like the idea of heating with a fire on winter nights.
A Weekend Retreat
For many buyers, this would be a getaway cabin.
Picture weekends on the ATV trails, hunting season with friends, and quiet evenings by the fire. Two bedrooms give enough room to bring family or a few buddies along.
If you want to rent it out when you are not using it, check Campbell County rules first.
Possible Projects
- Sealing or staining the hemlock exterior
- Inspecting and cleaning the chimney
- Updating the kitchen
- Refreshing the bathroom
- Adding a covered porch or deck
- Building a shed or carport for ATVs and gear
- Clearing trails across the 15 acres
- Setting up hunting stands and food plots
- Adding a fire pit and outdoor seating
- Installing a backup generator or solar power
Financing Options to Consider
Conventional loans may work if the cabin meets lender standards. Large acreage can affect appraisals, so talk with a lender who knows rural properties.
FHA loans allow down payments as low as 3.5 percent for owner-occupants. On $220,000, that is about $7,700. The home will need to meet basic safety and condition requirements.
VA loans can offer zero down for eligible veterans and service members.
USDA loans serve many rural areas and can offer zero down for buyers within income limits. Check the USDA eligibility map for this address.
FHA 203(k) loans can roll repair costs into the mortgage, which may help with an as-is property.
Cash or land loans may be best if the cabin does not qualify for standard financing.
Insurance Considerations
Insurers may ask about the wood- and coal-burning fireplace, the age of the roof, and the distance to the nearest fire station.
Wooded rural properties can cost more to insure. Get quotes early. If you plan to ride ATVs or have hunting guests, make sure you have good liability coverage.
Due Diligence Questions to Ask
- How old is the roof?
- Is there a heat source besides the fireplace?
- Is there air conditioning?
- When was the chimney last inspected?
- Is the property on a well and septic?
- When was the septic last pumped?
- Has the well water been tested?
- Are there any known issues with the cabin?
- Is there a recent survey of the 15 acres?
- How is the road maintained, especially in winter?
- What internet and cell service is available?
- What are the annual property taxes?
Inspection Is Essential
An as-is cabin needs a careful inspection.
Hire a home inspector, and add a chimney inspection, a septic inspection, a well water test, and a wood-destroying insect inspection. That last one is especially important for a hemlock cabin.
The Price in Context
At $220,000, buyers get 15 acres, a 1,120-square-foot hemlock cabin, a fireplace, and a location near one of Tennessee’s popular ATV trail systems.
That is roughly $14,700 per acre with a home included. For outdoor lovers, the land and location are a big part of the value.
Your agent can pull recent sales of nearby land and cabins to see how this price compares.
Who This Property Is Best For
This cabin is a great fit for ATV riders, hunters, outdoor lovers, and anyone wanting a private retreat in the Tennessee mountains.
It is not ideal for buyers who want a move-in-perfect home or who need to live close to city amenities.
Final Thoughts
741 Melvin Hollow Road is simple, private, and full of potential.
Fifteen acres. A hemlock cabin with real rustic character. A wood- and coal-burning fireplace. Royal Blue ATV trails nearby. Room to hunt, ride, explore, and relax.
It needs a buyer willing to take it as it is and make it their own. For the right person, that could be the start of a great mountain escape.
View the full listing on Zillow: 741 Melvin Hollow Rd, Pioneer, TN 37847
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