Sleeps 12, 4 bedrooms 3 full baths, 2 full kitchens, 4 TVs, space/views/nature!

Photo gallery for Sleeps 12, 4 bedrooms 3 full baths, 2 full kitchens, 4 TVs, space/views/nature!

Great Room, Main level of Lodge
Lodge, front view
Lodge, main level Great Room
Lodge, main level Great Room
View of main level Great Room from loft level
Reviews
10

Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Hot tub
    Hot tubHot tub
  • Kitchen
    KitchenKitchen
  • Air conditioning
    Air conditioningAir conditioning
  • Free WiFi
    Free WiFiFree WiFi

Check-in time

3:00 PM

Check-out time

12:00 PM

Explore the area

Map
Arnoldsville, GA
  • AirportAthens, GA (AHN-Ben Epps)23 min drive
  • Popular LocationClassic Center24 min drive
  • Popular LocationSanford Stadium25 min drive
  • Popular LocationUniversity of Georgia25 min drive

Most relevant reviews

Rooms & beds

5 bedrooms (sleeps 12)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

2 Single Beds and 1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 King Bed

Bedroom 4

2 Single Beds

Bedroom 5

1 Queen Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 3

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Kitchenette
Balcony
Separate dining area
Garden

About this property

Sleeps 12, 4 bedrooms 3 full baths, 2 full kitchens, 4 TVs, space/views/nature!

Oak Ridge Lodge is available for rental as a scenic/quiet vacation home, located 12 miles from Athens (Uber serviced). The lodge has three floors, and is rented as a whole. The lower floor (Bulldog Suite) can be rented separately for short stays one month out. The Lodge sleeps 12, with 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths, 2 full kitchens, 3 separate HVAC units, a beautiful gas stove in great room, WiFi throughout, 3 Direct TVs, Bluetooth sound systems, Keurig coffee makers, smoke detectors, first aid kits and toiletry baskets-we have spared no amenity! Oak Ridge Lodge is located in an area with some of the best road and mountain biking routes, so it’s perfect for anyone interested in cycling during their stay. A fire pit in the front yard is always ready, and yard games (horseshoes, corn hole) as well. We have a gas grill on the porch, and a gurgling goldfish pond and meditation rock out front. Five bird-feeders are kept full to keep our wonderful songbirds happy.

The main level has the Great Room, a large sitting area and a dining room section with a table that sits 8. It features a 60" TV, an amazing 18-speaker sound system (bluetooth) and a piano. This vast space was repurposed from a functional photography studio to a space for entertaining, and is decorated with antique photography equipment acquired by the owner from a photography studio that was in downtown Athens in the 1940s, which along with the beautiful pine floors and high ceilings provides an interesting and unique look. A antler art piece from north Georgia is the centerpiece for this great room, and it adjoins a full kitchen and dining room area. There is a vanity and full bath off the great room.

The main level master bedroom suite is a 2017 addition to the original building. It's located at the back of the building and has its own entrance/exit and a hot tub on the deck outside the door (that deck has a wheelchair ramp also). This bedroom is a literal suite unto itself, with a queen bed, full bath, satellite TV, a personal HVAC system, a cabin-custom vanity, an alarm clock with charging station, and a Bose bluetooth sound system. This master features many windows that allow natural light to fill the room when the curtains and blinds on the glass doors are open, with complete privacy when closed.

The main level kitchen features all brand-new appliances, including a double-door refrigerator, large microwave, oven with range top, commercial ice maker, dishwasher, toaster oven, and large Keurig coffee maker. The small dining area in the kitchen space has its own entrance/exit to the front porch (where another dining table is on the porch). The front porch runs the length of the Lodge, with rockers and views of the countryside vista , and faces west, so a lovely place to sit and watch the sunset.

The first floor of the lodge (called the Bulldog Suite) can be a whole separate apartment (and rented as such), as a door from main level offers steps to this whole other living space, complete with two bedrooms, dining room, kitchen, and living room and full bath. The master bedroom has a king bed, and the second has two twins. There is a full bath (tub/shower) and full kitchen (complete with same amenities as top kitchen), and a killer living room with a pull-out queen sleeper sofa. The living room has an amazing stereo (bluetooth capable) and Direct TV with soundbar. There is a laundry room with washer/dryer, and the whole suite is decorated with a collection of images and artifacts from the owner's years of as a professional photographing the University of Georgia Bulldogs.

Oak Ridge Lodge has the look and feel of being in the north Georgia mountains, surrounded by lush woods and situated on 20 private acres. It is perfect for a quiet getaway and big enough for large crowd...a "staycation" for locals, or a vacation for traveling guests. There are horses and donkeys and constantly-visiting deer on the property, and 5 bird feeders keep the feathered friends chirping. 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 about a 15-18 minute drive to 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. Everyone loves the place, and leaves "wowed"!

Property manager

Caitlin Downs

Languages

English, Spanish

Amenities

Hot tub
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 12:00 PM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Events

Events allowed
Advance knowledge of event/large needed

Pets

No pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Parties and events are allowed on site
Note from host: Advance knowledge of event/large needed
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

About the area

Arnoldsville

Located in Arnoldsville, this lodge is in a rural area and in the mountains. Sanford Stadium and The Georgia Theatre are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Harris Shoals Park and State Botanical Garden of Georgia. Travelling with kids? Consider Butts-Mehre Heritage Hall Sports Museum, or check out an event or a game at Stegeman Coliseum. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Arnoldsville, GA

What's nearby

  • State Botanical Garden of Georgia - 20 min drive
  • Classic Center - 24 min drive
  • The Georgia Theatre - 24 min drive
  • Sanford Stadium - 25 min drive
  • University of Georgia - 25 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪G Brand BBQ - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Cafe Racer - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Rays Biscuit Barn and Barbeque - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Nana & Papa Biscuit Barn - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Down Yonder Cafe - ‬11 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Sleeps 12, 4 bedrooms 3 full baths, 2 full kitchens, 4 TVs, space/views/nature! pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Sleeps 12, 4 bedrooms 3 full baths, 2 full kitchens, 4 TVs, space/views/nature!?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Sleeps 12, 4 bedrooms 3 full baths, 2 full kitchens, 4 TVs, space/views/nature!?

Checkout is at 12:00 PM.

Where is Sleeps 12, 4 bedrooms 3 full baths, 2 full kitchens, 4 TVs, space/views/nature! located?

Located in the mountains, this family-friendly lodge is within 12 mi (20 km) of Oconee County Welcome Center, Harris Shoals Park and State Botanical Garden of Georgia. Bell Lake and Eagle Tavern Museum are also within 12 miles (20 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 30 out of 31 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 31 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 31 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 31 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 31 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Lorena C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
UGA graduation
We have stayed at many VRBO properties, but never met a more friendly and gracious host as Wingate! We have a large family, and this place was wonderful to celebrate our daughter’s graduation from UGA. My only recommendation is make sure you have majority of your items since a “grocery run” will not be a short trip. We will definitely book this place again!!!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Melissa P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Piece of Heaven
My family and I, coming from Louisiana to attend a funeral service for my father's brother, arrived to the destination to find a little piece of heaven on earth. Our trip was short and I was deeply saddened we couldn't have stayed longer to enjoy this place. My dad was born and raised in Athens. Walking into this BEAUTIFUL place, we were in awe! The owner, Mr. Wingate, met us and showed us around and made us feel extremely welcomed. The house was beautifully furnished with so many of Mr. Wingate's photographs, antiques and Georgia memorabilia. I have been a huge UGA fan since my childhood. I fell in love with the place. The first morning, as I sipped my first sip of coffee on the porch in a comfortable rocking chair, I looked out in the pasture/field and spotted over 5 deer close enough for me to see with my bad eyesight. What a sight to see. I highly recommend everyone staying here. I want to make a trip back to Athens just to be able to enjoy this place again.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tracy H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Thanksgiving in North Georgia
What fun to have 4 generations (18 months to 93) under one roof with room to spare. This beautiful log cabin was wonderfully equipped with 2 kitchens for a lovely family dinner event. We enjoyed the property with its nearby farm. The children made friends with the donkeys and the dog. My mother was able to drive her electric wheelchair right into her bedroom and access the main level. We even enjoyed roasting marshmallows in the fire pit. I hope everyone has as good a time as we did.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jim D., Wheaton, IL USA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Rustic with creature comforts.
Our group of 8 adults could not have been more pleased with our stay. Plenty of space to gather in small groups, or all together in the main room. Well appointed amenities throughout, with an attention to cleaniness. Wingate, the owner, was extremely welcoming and happily shared information about his property. You can't go wrong by booking this property.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Marie A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely lodge:warm, nostalgic, interesting and historical
We were welcomed by the host and we quickly struck up a connection with the Seminole Lake area and even a familiar family member which made the place even more interesting. The lodge is spacious with various areas to sleep. We only used one kitchen and it was well equipped with essentials. The bathrooms had plenty of linens and essentials in each bathroom. Definitely a 5 STAR!!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

David, Nebo

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Christopher's Bachelor Party
Wingate was an OUTSTANDING host and the best I've ever had at an VRBO!! Very secluded and large property with plenty of room for my entire crew/guest. 5+ stars for Wingate and the property. Thank you Wingate!! David - GO DAWGS!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Crystal D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful Weekend!
We had the best time staying at the Oak Lodge for our daughter’s graduation. It has everything you need while being away from home. We had a great cookout and a couple really fun bonfires while getting to celebrate with family. Very comfortable beds and Wingate made sure we had all we needed and treated us like UGA royalty!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Cathie N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wedding weekend in Watkinsville
Wingate was a great host and the place was exactly what we needed for a large group. The house was remote, but we were looking for a place to reconnect with family from all over the US for our special weekend. I’m ready to go back!!!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Russell S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Go Dawgs!!!
We stayed at the lodge Thursday to Sunday. On Friday, we toured UGA and went to the football game on Saturday. It was great to get back to the country and have a BBQ, fire pit, few cocktails. 15 minutes from UGA. Great property!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Nick C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Athens Football Weekend
This property was perfect for a football weekend. Beautiful location, great host, perfect for a large group. Wingate could not have been friendlier and more helpful. We would definitely go back in if in the Athens area.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Russell M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Rent this home
Rented this home for a bachelor party for a long weekend. This home is perfect for family gatherings and large groups that would like to see a Georgia bulldog football game. The host was excellent and would definitely rent this home again and would recommend you rent it also.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Bill C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything and More
The whole experience was top-notch. The home owner went above and beyond to make sure we had everything we needed. We had some family in town for my daughter’s college graduation and everything worked out great! The location, scenery, and house were perfect. I would highly recommend this house!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

William K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing Property!
Our host, Wyngate, was a true class act. Super friendly and willing to help with anything. The house is even more beautiful than the photos show - Breathtaking views w/ horses and donkeys roaming behind the fenced area, great yard, and big house that can cater to larger parties easily! Would definitely recommend to all.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Jesse H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Vacation with friends
Such an amazing property and host. Excellent communication and very clean property. Our host was extremely cordial and really rolled out the red carpet for us. The scenery was absolute magnificent and not far away from town if you wanted a night out. Would definitely revisit anytime!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Lesa A., Ft Myers

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fabulous
We had such an awesome time reconnecting with family and friends while we celebrated our daughters graduation from vet school. The property was so warm and welcoming, and Windgate was a fabulous host.

10/10 Excellent

Christi L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Gorgeous
We had a wonderful stay here with our family of 8. The kids enjoyed the space so much and my husband and myself enjoyed watching them run around while we sat on the porch and had coffee or by the fire with a cocktail. The host was wonderful! He met us there and he was so easy to communicate with. He took the time to show us around the house and said what’s here is yours to use and he meant it! The house is full of amazing things to look at and read about. There are a lot of nice antiques so I will say I was nervous a little with our little ones but everything went great we had no issues! If we make our way back to this area I would hands down stay here again!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2021

10/10 Excellent

Breanna C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing Time
Host was absolutely amazing! This is my first cabin but thanks to him and his amazing home, it won’t be the last!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2021

10/10 Excellent

Stuart R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful countryside cabin served by the most gracious host.
Nice property in the Country near Athens, Georgia. The host is gracious and on point. Great for a fun get away with friends. Athens is very close.

10/10 Excellent

Joseph M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful property and friendly owner!
This property was way above average, in every aspect. Cleanliness, accommodations, location and owner hospitality. It really made our week enjoyable. Would highly recommend this property except for the weeks I want to stay there. :) Thanks again Wingate. It was pleasure staying there.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2019

10/10 Excellent

Janie W., Nebo, N

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful Studio and Surrounding Grounds
Great place to stay for UGA football game. Relaxing scenery, clean, spacious, well equipped, and convenient to Athens! We enjoyed our stay very much!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2019

10/10 Excellent

Lorraine P.

charming place
The host is great, the apartment is quaint and interesting, and the porch is terrific. The upstairs bedroom with its own sitting area is an especially nice space. The only things that could make it better would be new furniture in the sitting area: the couch in particular has seen better days. Also, the door from the living room to the porch can seem to be unlocked when it's locked, making it easy to lock yourself out if you aren't careful. All told I'd give it a 4.8 out of 5, and would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2019

10/10 Excellent

Michael F.

Best Stay around Athens
This is a beautiful place in close proximity to Athens. The woods, flowers and birds make for wonderful and relaxing setting. We will certainly return for another visit. 5/5
Stayed 2 nights in May 2019

10/10 Excellent

Amy B.

LOVE this place!
What an amazing place! We had a small gathering after our daughter graduated from UGA and it was perfect. Very spacious and we loved the property and the porch. The owner was wonderful.
Stayed 1 night in May 2019

10/10 Excellent

Katie M.

Bridesmaid retreat
Absolutely gorgeous place to stay! Felt like I was already in the mountains. The owners are a fantastic host!! Will definitely choose them for any future stays in the area.

10/10 Excellent

leigh l.

absolutely perfect country getawat
Owners so very attentive to every detail - decor & antiques completely the feel
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2018

About the host

Hosted by Caitlin Downs

Host profile image
I'm Wingate Downs, a "naturalized" Athenian, by virtue of my 41 years living in the Athens area. Like so many Athenians, I came here to attend the University of Georgia, (as the last of four siblings to do so). We followed our Grandfather and his brothers over 100 years my parents and uncles over 70 years ago. My greatest pride is in saying my three offspring have continued that tradition by becoming UGA graduates! I was one of the fortunate few who found employment in Athens after being graduated, and my employment as an Athens newspaper/wire photographer kept me intensely involved in the news and sports coverage of UGA and the Athens area. I traveled all over the country covering UGA sports - from Miami to Minnesota and from Utah to Washington state - and photographed every major event, every interesting person related to this region so dear to so many people. Among the luckiest aspects of my life has been the ability to live in and document photographically this unique town and university!

After graduation in 1979, I married and we lived with Dean William Tate and his wife Sue Fan in their beautiful old rambling house on Dearing Street, off Milledge Ave. We lived in a section of the house Dean Tate called "Oconee County" because it was "out that direction". By 1983 I purchased 4 acres of the property that now constitutes this Oak Ridge Studio mini-farm, and moved out here to raise our 3 children in the country. Slowly I added parcels to create the property that now includes hardwood forests, a pasture, my residence, and Oak Ridge Lodge (formerly my photo studio).

Why they chose this property

ORL was originally built (in 1996) as a functioning photo studio with a darkroom, dressing room, and "guest quarters" for anyone visiting. I made the shooting room very large - big enough to shoot products as large as needed (one time it was a whole truck interior), and rented it out to videographers for shooting of commercials. While building the three story log building I received a call from someone in Athens who had inherited a photo studio (Eckenrod Studio) that was operating on College Avenue in the 1940's and had been in storage for 50 years. I bought it all - cameras, signs, and I have decorated ORL with many of the artifacts from that long ago business.

As digital imaging became more popular, I spent more and more time shooting "on site" for work, and the studio went largely unused. Wedding clients would come discuss their plans and tell me they "would love to get married here" upon leaving from the long front porch. It slowly sunk in that from my decades of photographing weddings from Canada to Florida (and 10 other states between) this place was indeed as nice as most of them, and finally I decided to create just such a place. In 2017
I added a master bedroom, converting my office into a catering kitchen, added 700 tons of dirt to make the front lawn, turned the barn into a tavern, and built a nice fence to create a perfect wedding and event venue. In so doing, I kept in mind the need to allow visitors to the area a chance to share the beauty of this peaceful place, so two separate "living spaces" were created, each with its own individual HVAC, kitchen, etc.

What makes this property unique

The Bulldog Suite became the perfect place to create a "Bulldog Museum" of my large body of UGA material. During my tenure as an Athens-based news and sports photographer, I had the pleasure of seeing much of my UGA work published in books and posters by the likes of Lewis Grizzard, Coach Dooley, and Loran Smith, as well as having my work printed by Sports Illustrated, USN&WR, Time, Life, and every major newspaper, from the NYT down. My coverage of the Athens music scene allowed me to do CD covers for the B-52s, Widespread Panic, and many other bands emanating from this area. I have had great fun exhibiting the highlights of these efforts, and have added to this the work I produced when I joined the photo team of the 1996 Olympics and shot that competition from Athens to Tennessee, culminating with the Gold Medal USA Women's Soccer team in Sanford Stadium. It has been great fun, and visitors love seeing all the historic images I've pulled together.

While I am still doing a great amount of photo work for UGA, I'm looking forward to winding down in time and allowing more people to enjoy this special place. We've had many family gatherings on the grounds, including a large wedding for my youngest daughter, Eleanor. My other daughter, Caitlin, is now running the Lodge as an event and VRBO/Airbnb location, and we are excited about meeting new faces and sharing this beautiful setting. There is such joy in sharing the experience of it: the view of the sun going down from the second-story, the sounds of the frogs in the pond and the cicadas in the woods at dusk, looking out through the morning mist on the pasture at the horses and donkeys eating, listening to the birds in the early morning, the hawks during the day, and watching the feathered traffic at the many feeders. And then there is simply the stillness and solitude, which is its own blessing. Our wish is to make our story of this place a part of the traveling story of many others!

Languages:

English, Spanish
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