The Oak Ridge Lodge is a three story log building. It includes 4 bedrooms, with king, queens, and twin beds (sleeping for 12), 3 full bathrooms, 2 kitchens, and 3 living rooms, a hot tub, and a 400 square foot front porch perfect for watching the sun set over a beautiful view of the pasture. It includes wireless WiFi and 3 satellite TVs; lawn games and a fire pit are available for guests. The bottom floor (Bulldog Suite) can be rented separately upon request. Amazing building and grounds!
The space
The Lodge is a venue located about 15 minutes outside of Athens. Intended as a space for vacations or "staycations", it resembles a mountain lodge from areas farther north, but is close to the Athens, Ga. (Univ. of GA) music/athletic/cultural/dining scenes. Amenities include ample parking, scenic views, separate entrances and exits, separate HVAC units, WiFi, Bluetooth sound systems, Keurig coffee makers, smoke detectors, first aid kits and toiletry baskets...and the interior is decorated with antiques and art from the Athens area. Oak Ridge Lodge is located in an area with some of the best road/mountain biking routes around, so it’s perfect for anyone looking to get a little cycling in during their stay. Guided cycling excursions on many Athens' area routes can be arranged as well- just let us know if you’re interested!
The Main floor has an enormous "great room" (780 square feet) which has been repurposed from a functional photo studio to a space for entertaining. This great room is decorated with antique photography equipment acquired by the owner from a photography studio that was located on College Avenue in downtown Athens in the 40s, which along with the beautiful pine floors and 26 ft. high ceilings provides a comfortable and unique Lodge look and feel. There is a digital projector and a retractible 10x10 foot screen, as well as a 60-inch satellite TV and Bluetooth soundbar system (Sony, with 18 speakers), with a very comfy living room area perfect for enjoying a movie, show or game. The main floor kitchen is open to the great room, with a serving counter between; a full bathroom and dressing room space with vanity are off the great room.
The Main floor kitchen features all brand-new appliances, including a full-size refrigerator, large microwave, oven with range top, commercial ice maker, dishwasher and large Keurig coffee maker. The dining area adjacent has its own entrance/exit to the front porch, in addition to one in the great room.
Also connected to the great room is the master bedroom suite which was a 2017 addition to the original building, with a queen bed and its own full bath and vanity, a wall-mounted TV with satellite TV, an alarm clock/charging station on the bedside table and a Bose bluetooth speaker. It's located at the back of the building and has its own entrance/exit from a deck with hot tub and an ADA wheelchair ramp which allows entrance to main floor. This master bedroom can be its own "oasis", shut off from the rest of the lodge, and has its own HVAC system.
Also off the great room is the front porch, a 400 square foot porch the full length of the Lodge at the front of the building with a dining table and rocking chairs that has a overall view of the property - a lovely place to sit and watch the sunset. A set of stairs on either side of the porch allows access to the front lawn.
The loft level features a bedroom and living room space, with a sitting area that gives guests a third-floor view of the grounds and surrounding woods; this loft area has a queen bed and two twin beds. The loft is also open to the great room area below with a half wall that overlooks the expansive main floor. The loft bedroom has an alarm clock/charging station as well, to keep everything powered throughout the visit.
The Lower level (Bulldog Suite) downstairs includes 2 bedrooms (one with a King size bed, and the other with two twin beds) and a living room with a queen-sized sleeper couch as well as a full kitchen, full bathroom, 400 square foot patio with three separate entrances/exits (in each of the bedrooms and the living room). The kitchen features a large microwave, oven with range top, full-size refrigerator, dishwasher, Keurig coffee maker and a dining area. The living room includes a satellite TV and a Bluetooth stereo. Washer and dryer are located in a laundry room at the back of the apartment, just across from the king bedroom. Bedrooms have dressers and closet space, and there is an alarm clock/charging station in the master (as well as an internet-capable TV in master). Each bedroom and the living room have separate entrances and exits, making it convenient for groups whose members have different activities planned or different sleep schedules to go in and out without disturbing one another.
The decor of the lower level is a literal "Athens Museum" of UGA sports/music images captured by the owner himself, Wingate Downs, one of the Southeast's most decorated photographers, who has been shooting professionally in the Athens area for over 40 years, and has been a part of the sports and music scene during that time.
Oak Ridge Lodge has the look and feel of large mountain retreat, surrounded by lush woods and situated on 20 acres of private property, perfect for a quiet getaway with family or friends. Unlike many “rustic” style properties, however, the space has been recently renovated and features modern amenities, ensuring that guests won’t need to give up the conveniences of home. Its location, just over the Oglethorpe County line and a 12 mile drive from downtown Athens, makes it a perfect spot for visiting football fans, allowing them to stay outside of the traffic and crowds of game days but close enough to quickly and easily drive in to tailgate and go to the game. The same goes for anyone looking for a place to stay when traveling to see a concert at the Georgia Theatre, going to Athens’ annual cycling event, the Twilight Criterium, or attending a conference or other event at The Classic Center. It's also exactly one mile from Cloverleaf Farm, a beautiful site where many weddings and events are hosted, including the Wildwood Revival music festival!
Guest access
The Lodge has expansive grounds, and all are available to guests. A wonderful fire pit, a cornhole game set and horseshoe pit are provided for guests, as well as volleyball and disc golf targets upon request. A walking trail is being constructed, with ETA of Spring 2021, and a small barn converted for "tavern" use is available, complete with a bar setup.
Other things to note
Every guest we've had has been overwhelmed by the place...from the environment to the amenities to the availability of the owner (see comments).
