A 2000 Honest Abe log home on 5.3 unrestricted riverfront acres along the Obey River in Celina, Tennessee, with a walkway bridge to the riverbank, vaulted ceilings, a loft, a wood-burning fireplace, and a detached two-car garage, listed at $349,900.
A log home. A river. More than five acres with no restrictions.
Located at 161 Obey River Ln in Celina, Tennessee, this log home sits at the end of a private cul-de-sac on 5.3 unrestricted acres right on the Obey River. A walkway bridge leads directly from the house to the riverbank.
Inside, it offers nearly 2,100 square feet with high vaulted ceilings, hardwood floors, three bedrooms, two full bathrooms, an open loft, and a wood-burning fireplace. An unfinished basement offers room to grow, and a detached two-car garage adds parking or workshop space.
It is also just minutes from the town of Celina and Dale Hollow Lake, one of Tennessee’s most beloved lakes.
Below, we walk through every part of the property, what the listing tells us, what it leaves out, and the questions any buyer should ask before making an offer.
Property Overview
- Address: 161 Obey River Ln, Celina, TN 38551
- List price: $349,900
- Bedrooms: 3
- Bathrooms: 2 full
- Living area: 2,088 square feet
- Year built: 2000
- Lot size: 5.3 acres, unrestricted
- Style: Honest Abe log home
- Waterfront: on the Obey River, with a walkway bridge to the riverbank
- Features: high vaulted ceilings, hardwood floors, open loft, wood-burning fireplace
- Basement: unfinished, with potential for more living space
- Garage: detached two-car
- Setting: private cul-de-sac
The Location: Celina, Tennessee
Celina is a small town in Clay County, in north-central Tennessee near the Kentucky border.
It is best known as a gateway to Dale Hollow Lake, a large reservoir famous for its clear water, wooded shoreline, houseboats, and excellent fishing. Many visitors come to the area each year for boating, swimming, and camping.
The Obey River flows through the area, and the stretch below Dale Hollow Dam is known among anglers for its trout fishing.
For buyers who love water and the outdoors, this part of Tennessee offers plenty to enjoy.
Riverfront on the Obey River
The property sits right on the Obey River.
Riverfront land offers the sound of moving water, views from the house, and direct access for fishing, wading, or kayaking.
Because the Obey River near Celina is influenced by releases from Dale Hollow Dam, water levels and currents can change. Buyers should ask how the river behaves near the property throughout the year and stay mindful of safety, especially with children.
Flood Risk
Any riverfront property deserves a close look at flood risk.
Buyers should check FEMA flood maps for the exact location of the home, ask whether the home or land has ever flooded, and get flood insurance quotes early. If the home is in a flood zone, lenders may require flood insurance.
Ask how high the house sits above the river and whether the basement has ever taken on water.
The Walkway Bridge
A walkway bridge provides direct access from the house to the riverbank.
It is a unique feature that adds charm and practicality. Buyers should have the bridge inspected for structural soundness, since outdoor wood structures near water can deteriorate over time.
Five Unrestricted Acres
The property spans 5.3 acres and is described as unrestricted.
That usually means no HOA or deed restrictions, giving buyers more freedom in how they use the land. County zoning and building codes still apply, so confirm what is allowed.
Five acres offers room for gardens, trails, outbuildings, or simply privacy.
The Private Cul-de-Sac
The home sits on a private cul-de-sac.
Cul-de-sac locations mean little through traffic, adding to the quiet and privacy. Ask who maintains the road and whether there is a shared road agreement.
The Honest Abe Log Home
The home is an Honest Abe log home.
Honest Abe is a Tennessee-based log home company known for its log and timber homes. Log homes offer a warm, rustic character that many buyers love, especially in a riverside setting.
Log homes do require specific maintenance. The exterior logs should be checked regularly for cracks, moisture, and insects, and they typically need resealing or staining every few years.
Ask when the logs were last treated and whether there are any signs of rot or insect damage.
The Vaulted Ceilings
High vaulted ceilings make the interior feel open and spacious.
They are a signature feature of many log homes and showcase the exposed wood structure.
Hardwood Floors
Beautiful hardwood floors run through the home.
Hardwood pairs naturally with log walls and can be refinished to keep it looking fresh for decades.
The Open Layout
The open layout is ideal for entertaining.
Guests can move easily between the kitchen, dining area, and living room, which is especially useful for a vacation home or rental where groups gather together.
The Wood-Burning Fireplace
A charming wood-burning fireplace enhances the living room.
It adds warmth on cool evenings and creates a cozy cabin atmosphere. Have the chimney inspected before use.
The Bedrooms and Bathrooms
The home offers three bedrooms and two full bathrooms.
For a vacation rental, this layout can comfortably sleep a family or small group. Ask where each bedroom is located and the condition of the bathrooms.
The Open Loft
An upper open loft adds a bonus area.
The listing suggests using it as an office or exercise space. It could also become a reading nook, game area, or extra sleeping space for guests.
The Unfinished Basement
An unfinished basement offers room to add more living space later.
Finishing it could create a family room, extra bedrooms, or a game room, increasing both comfort and value. Check the basement for moisture before planning any finishing work, especially given the riverfront location.
The Detached Two-Car Garage
A two-car detached garage provides parking or workshop space.
It is also a great place to store kayaks, fishing gear, and outdoor equipment. Ask whether it has electricity.
Vacation and Airbnb Potential
The listing specifically mentions Airbnb potential.
A riverfront log home near Dale Hollow Lake fits exactly what many vacation travelers look for: water, privacy, and rustic charm.
Buyers considering short-term rentals should check Clay County rules, research local occupancy rates, and factor in cleaning, management, insurance, and furnishing costs.
Water and Septic
Ask whether the home is on public water or a well, and whether it uses a septic system.
Septic systems near rivers may have special requirements, so request records and consider an inspection.
Roof
Ask for the roof’s age and material. A home built in 2000 may have had its roof replaced, or it may be due.
HVAC
The heating and cooling system is not described. Ask about type, age, and service history.
Internet and Cell Service
Check internet and cell coverage at the property. Reliable Wi-Fi is important for remote work and for rental guests.
Insurance Considerations
Log homes, wood-burning fireplaces, riverfront locations, and rental use can all affect insurance.
Get quotes for both homeowners and flood insurance early.
Financing Options
Several loan types could work.
Conventional loans are common for primary residences and second homes.
FHA loans offer low down payments for primary residences.
VA loans allow eligible veterans to buy a primary residence with no down payment.
USDA loans offer zero down for eligible rural primary residences within income limits. Celina may qualify.
Investors planning rentals may consider DSCR loans based on rental income.
Who This Property Is For
Vacation buyers get a riverfront log home near Dale Hollow Lake.
Investors get a property well suited for short-term rentals.
Anglers get direct access to the Obey River.
Full-time residents get privacy, acreage, and room to grow.
Possible Future Improvements
- Finishing the basement
- Adding a fire pit near the river
- Building a covered deck with river views
- Adding a hot tub for rental appeal
- Creating walking trails across the acreage
- Adding a kayak launch area
Questions to Ask Before Making an Offer
- Is the home in a FEMA flood zone?
- Has the home or basement ever flooded?
- When were the logs last sealed or stained?
- How old are the roof and HVAC?
- Is the home on a well and septic system?
- Who maintains the cul-de-sac road?
- Are there rental restrictions?
- What are the property taxes?
Inspection Is Essential
Buyers should have the home inspected by someone experienced with log homes, along with the roof, chimney, basement, septic, bridge, and garage.
The Price in Context
At $349,900, the property works out to about $168 per square foot, with 5.3 riverfront acres included.
Buyers should compare it with recent sales of riverfront and lake-area homes around Celina and Dale Hollow Lake.
Final Thoughts
This Celina log home offers a rare mix of riverfront living, acreage, and rustic charm.
Three bedrooms, two baths, vaulted ceilings, a loft, a wood-burning fireplace, a garage, and a walkway bridge to the Obey River, all on 5.3 unrestricted acres near Dale Hollow Lake.
Check the flood risk, inspect the logs, and this could be your own riverside escape.
Would you live here?
View the full listing on Zillow: 161 Obey River Ln, Celina, TN 38551
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