A 1940 stone farmhouse on 10 rolling acres with a 30×40 garage and pole barn near Cherokee Lake in Rutledge, Tennessee, listed at $375,000.
Stone farmhouses have a way of lasting. They were built by hand, from heavy material, by people who expected them to stand for generations.
This one has stood since 1940 on ten acres of rolling countryside in Rutledge, Tennessee. It comes with a covered front porch, a vintage interior full of character, a large detached garage, and a pole barn.
It is only about two miles from Cherokee Lake, and still within reach of Jefferson City and Knoxville.
Here is a closer look at the property, what living in an older stone home involves, and what to check before making an offer.
Property Overview
- Price: $375,000
- Location: 271 Heim Rd, Rutledge, Tennessee 37861
- Bedrooms: 4
- Bathrooms: 1
- Living space: 1,437 square feet
- Year built: 1940
- Lot size: 10 acres
- Style: Stone farmhouse
- Outbuildings: 30×40 detached garage and large pole barn
- Highlights: Covered front porch, vintage interior, rolling countryside views
- Nearby: About 2 miles from Cherokee Lake
- Drive times: Roughly 15 to 20 minutes to Jefferson City, 40 to 45 minutes to Knoxville
A Stone Farmhouse From 1940
Stone houses are uncommon in rural East Tennessee, where most older farmhouses were built of wood.
That makes this home stand out immediately. Stone walls give it a solid, permanent look and feel. They also help keep the interior cooler in summer, since thick masonry absorbs heat slowly.
A home built in 1940 has already proven itself through more than eight decades of weather. With proper care, stone can last far longer than that.
The Stone Exterior
Stone itself is very durable. The mortar between the stones is what needs attention over time.
Look for crumbling, cracked, or missing mortar joints. Repointing, which means replacing worn mortar, is a normal part of owning a stone home.
It matters what kind of mortar is used. Older stone homes often need softer, lime-based mortar. Modern hard cement mortar can trap moisture and damage the stone over time. Hire a mason who has experience with historic masonry.
The Covered Front Porch
A covered front porch looks out over the surrounding land.
This is where the rhythm of farm life slows down. Coffee at sunrise, watching weather move across the hills, and long summer evenings listening to the crickets.
Check the porch roof, posts, and floor for any signs of rot or settling.
The Vintage Interior
The listing describes the interior as vintage and full of character.
That usually means original features from the era. Think older trim, doors, built-ins, and possibly original flooring.
It can also mean the kitchen and bathroom have not been updated in some time. Buyers should tour with an eye for both the charm worth keeping and the areas that may need modernizing.
The Bedrooms
The home offers four bedrooms within 1,437 square feet.
Four bedrooms gives a lot of flexibility. One could become a home office, another a craft room or guest room. For families, there is a room for each child.
Rooms in homes of this era are often modest in size, so measure to make sure furniture will fit. Check closet space too, since older homes were built with less storage than buyers expect today.
The Bathroom
The home has one bathroom.
For a four-bedroom house, this is the most obvious area for improvement. Many buyers will want to add a second bathroom.
Depending on the layout and plumbing, a bedroom or part of a larger room could be converted. If the home is on a septic system, make sure the system can handle the added use and that any changes meet county requirements.
The Kitchen
The listing does not describe the kitchen in detail.
In a vintage farmhouse, the kitchen may be original or partly updated. Check cabinet condition, counter space, appliance age, and plumbing under the sink.
A kitchen update is one of the best ways to make an older home more comfortable while keeping its character elsewhere.
The Ten Acres
The property sits on ten acres of rolling Tennessee countryside.
Ten acres is a meaningful amount of land. It is enough for privacy, a large garden, a small orchard, chickens, goats, or even a few cattle or horses depending on the terrain and pasture.
Rolling land also means views. Gentle hills and open fields give the property its picturesque feel.
Walk the whole property before buying. Look at how much is open pasture versus woods, where water drains after rain, and where the boundaries sit.
The 30×40 Detached Garage
A 30 by 40 foot detached garage adds 1,200 square feet of space.
That is large enough for several vehicles, a tractor, a boat, or a full workshop. For anyone with hobbies, tools, or a small business, this building alone could be worth a lot.
Ask whether it has electricity, concrete floors, insulation, and overhead doors. These details shape what it can be used for.
The Pole Barn
A large pole barn adds even more storage and utility space.
Pole barns are versatile. They can shelter hay, equipment, livestock, or firewood. They can also be enclosed later for a workshop or animal stalls.
Check the posts at ground level for rot and the roof for leaks or loose panels.
Cherokee Lake Nearby
The property is about two miles from Cherokee Lake.
Cherokee Lake is a large reservoir on the Holston River, managed by the Tennessee Valley Authority. It is popular for boating, fishing, swimming, and camping.
Being this close means lake days without needing to own lakefront property. A buyer could keep a boat in the garage and be on the water in minutes.
About Rutledge and Grainger County
Rutledge is the county seat of Grainger County in East Tennessee.
Grainger County is known for its farmland and especially for its tomatoes. The annual Grainger County Tomato Festival in Rutledge celebrates that farming heritage.
The area offers a quiet, rural lifestyle. Jefferson City, home to Carson-Newman University, is about 15 to 20 minutes away. Knoxville, with its shopping, hospitals, airport, and the University of Tennessee, is roughly 40 to 45 minutes away.
Tennessee does not tax wage income at the state level, which has drawn many new residents to the region.
Updates to Expect in a 1940 Home
A home of this age usually needs some systems updated if they have not been already. Buyers should check:
- Electrical system and wiring type
- Electrical panel size and condition
- Plumbing supply and drain lines
- Heating and cooling system
- Insulation, which stone walls often lack
- Windows and doors
- Roof age and condition
- Foundation and any basement or crawl space
Ask the sellers which, if any, of these have already been updated.
Lead Paint and Older Materials
Homes built before 1978 may contain lead-based paint.
A 1940 home may also contain asbestos in old flooring, pipe insulation, or siding materials. These can be managed safely, but they should be tested before any renovation work begins, especially if children will live in the home.
Energy Efficiency in a Stone Home
Stone walls store heat and cool slowly, which helps in summer. But stone is not a strong insulator on its own.
In winter, stone homes can feel drafty or cool without good insulation in the attic, efficient windows, and a properly sized heating system.
Ask for past utility bills. They will give a realistic picture of what heating and cooling cost.
Living Here as an Owner-Occupant
For a buyer who dreams of a small farm, this property has a lot to offer.
The house has charm and history. The land has room for animals and gardens. The garage and pole barn give space for equipment and projects. And the lake is just down the road.
With a second bathroom and some thoughtful updates, the home could become a comfortable, lasting family place.
Homestead and Hobby Farm Potential
Ten acres with a barn and garage is a natural fit for a homestead.
Buyers could raise chickens for eggs, grow vegetables, keep goats or a few cattle, plant fruit trees, or cut firewood. Grainger County’s farming tradition suggests the soil and climate are well suited to growing.
Check with the county about any zoning rules for livestock or agricultural use, and ask whether the property qualifies for any agricultural tax programs.
Possible Projects and Improvements
- Add a second bathroom
- Update the kitchen while keeping vintage character
- Repoint the stone with appropriate mortar
- Improve insulation and windows
- Update electrical and plumbing as needed
- Run power and lighting to the pole barn
- Turn the garage into a full workshop
- Fence pasture for animals
- Plant a garden and small orchard
- Add a back patio or fire pit area
Financing Options
At $375,000, this property falls within conventional loan limits.
USDA loans may be a strong fit. Grainger County is largely rural, and many properties there qualify. Eligibility depends on location and household income, so confirm with a lender.
FHA loans are another option. The home will need to meet FHA property standards, which can be a factor for older homes with outdated systems.
VA loans offer eligible veterans a path to buy with no down payment, also subject to property condition standards.
If the home needs updates, an FHA 203k loan or Fannie Mae HomeStyle loan can roll repair costs into the mortgage. This could cover a second bathroom or system upgrades.
Large acreage sometimes affects appraisals, since some lenders limit how much land value they count. Work with a lender familiar with rural Tennessee properties.
Insurance
Insurers will want to know about the age of the roof, electrical system, plumbing, and heating in a 1940 home.
Outdated wiring can raise premiums or limit coverage, so ask early. Outbuildings like the garage and pole barn should also be covered, especially if they will store valuable equipment.
Distance to the nearest fire station and hydrant matters in rural areas. If you plan to keep livestock, ask about farm liability coverage.
Questions to Ask Before Buying
- When were the electrical, plumbing, and heating systems last updated?
- How old is the roof?
- Is the home on a well and septic system, and when were they last inspected?
- Does the house have a basement or crawl space, and is it dry?
- When was the stone last repointed?
- Do the garage and pole barn have electricity?
- Are there any easements, rights of way, or deed restrictions?
- Is there a recent survey of the ten acres?
- What are the annual property taxes?
- What internet service is available?
- Has the home been tested for lead paint or asbestos?
- What do average monthly utility bills cost?
Inspection Is Essential
An older stone home deserves a thorough inspection.
Start with a general home inspection, then consider a mason to evaluate the stone and mortar. An electrician can confirm whether the wiring is safe and up to date.
For a rural property, add a well water test, septic inspection, and wood-destroying insect inspection. Have the garage and pole barn checked as well.
The results will help you plan a realistic budget and decide whether the price is right.
The Price in Context
At $375,000, buyers get a stone farmhouse, ten acres, a 30×40 garage, a large pole barn, and a location two miles from a major lake.
Building a 30×40 garage and pole barn today would cost a significant sum on its own. Ten acres of rolling land within an hour of Knoxville also continues to climb in value as the region grows.
The trade-off is the home’s age and single bathroom. Budget for updates, and the overall package can be a strong value.
Compare recent sales of rural homes with acreage in Grainger County to see how the price fits the market.
Who This Home Is For
This property suits buyers who want land, character, and room for projects.
It works for hobby farmers, homesteaders, families who want space, and anyone who needs serious garage or workshop space. It also suits lake lovers who want to be close to the water without paying lakefront prices.
It may not suit buyers who need multiple bathrooms right away or want a fully modern interior with no updates.
Final Thoughts
271 Heim Road offers a piece of classic Tennessee countryside.
A 1940 stone farmhouse with four bedrooms and a covered porch. Ten acres of rolling land. A 30×40 garage and a large pole barn. Cherokee Lake just two miles away. Jefferson City and Knoxville within easy reach.
Plan for the work that comes with an older home, inspect carefully, and budget for that second bathroom. For the right buyer, this could be the start of a true family homestead.
View the full listing on Zillow: 271 Heim Rd, Rutledge, TN
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