Entire home

The Big Dipper' Dining for 30, Wet Bar, Billiards, 7 TVs, 4 master suites

Photo gallery for The Big Dipper' Dining for 30, Wet Bar, Billiards, 7 TVs, 4 master suites

The ultimate gathering place.
The perfect swimming area
Outdoor dining
Pool
Living area

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
9 bedrooms7 bathroomsSleeps 30418.1 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Hot tub
  • Pool
  • Pet-friendly
  • Fireplace
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

Map
LaFollette, TN
  • Sugar Hollow Marina
    ‪12 min drive‬
  • LaFollette Medical Center
    ‪16 min drive‬
  • Norris Lake
    ‪22 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

9 bedrooms (sleeps 30)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

2 Single Beds and 1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 King Bed

Bedroom 4

2 Double Beds and 1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 5

2 Double Beds and 1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 6

1 King Bed

Bedroom 7

1 King Bed

Bedroom 8

2 Double Beds

Bedroom 9

1 Queen Bed

7 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathtub · Toilet

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 3

Bathtub · Toilet

Bathroom 4

Bathtub · Toilet

Bathroom 5

Bathtub · Toilet

Bathroom 6

Bathtub · Toilet

Bathroom 7

Bathtub · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Balcony
Dining area

About this property

The Big Dipper' Dining for 30, Wet Bar, Billiards, 7 TVs, 4 master suites

Norris Lake Rentals Off Waterfront Trail, LaFollette, TN 37766

Welcome to the “BIG Dipper”. This massive, 4,500 square foot, 3 floor lakeside cabin offers cathedral ceilings, huge kitchen and formal dining room overlooking a large TV room, providing the ultimate entertainment for an extra large group of friends and family.

***Prior to booking, you must read the notes section below. ***

The Big Dipper features oak and pine from floor to ceiling! 18 foot, 20 person, Amish custom built dining room table!

With 9 bedrooms (4 Master Suites), 7 full bathrooms, this spectacular home provides 10 sleeping quarters for up to 32 people. Couples will appreciate the lake views that each of the 4 Master Suites offer.

Located on the Main Level (street level), the extra large open kitchen is well equipped for crowds with a canopy vented 5 burner gas cook top, 2 wall ovens, microwave, extra large refrigerator, 2 dishwashers, and 3 food pantries. The extra large 7 seat island bar is equally suited for entertaining as it is for whipping up huge meals for the hungry group. We provide free propane for the large grill.

Off the kitchen is the dining room, TV room, bedrooms 1 & 2, common bathroom, and a deck overlooking the lake.

**Prior to submitting questions, you must read entire note section below. **

3 TV rooms and game room sporting Xfinity cable TV and DVD provides endless entertainment. The 4 master suites provide their own additional TVs equipped with Xfinity cable TV.

Located on the Lower Level (bottom level), the game room features a wet bar overlooking the pool table, shuffleboard, fireplace, and your favorite ball game on the huge TV. Step outside to enjoy your private hot tub. The water is changed prior to your arrival. Enjoy roasted marshmallows on the fire deck. For firewood delivery, call the number posted on the frig.

Saving the best for last- Four decks overlook the swimming cove of Norris Lake’s Cedar Creek. No worries of speeding boat traffic. Have fun on your own personal dock that accommodates your boats and jet skis. The covered boats slips are 10'x24' and high enough for pontoons. See below for rental options.

This neighborhood has a small, free, community pool with kiddie pool 1/3 mile from the cabin up a very steep street. It is clean but nothing fancy. There are no life guards or concessions. You don't need a pass. Free parking is available.

Secure & very fast internet via Comcast cable @ 150 Mbps and unlimited usage.

The free boat ramp is 4 houses away. The nearest marinas are Sugar Hollow, Shanghai, Springs.

If you need to rent watercraft simply contact NorrisLakeWaterSports (ask for 10% Bertke discount) or OasisNorrisLake. Both places offer delivery services. Check with nearby marinas: Sugar Hollow, Shanghai, Springs.

Due to liability reasons, we do not provide life jackets, watercraft, floating toys.... We do provide an enormous floating dock.

Due to ridiculous liability reasons, we no longer provide children items such as cribs, play-pens, high chairs, gates.... They get recalled the moment we assemble them.

Notes:*** For target dates post Labor Day up to April 1, an inquiry is required prior to submitting a booking request.*** The contact information including name, phone number, and email address must belong to the primary 'Guest' - the sole person responsible for booking this home. We do not accept multiple persons or nicknames. *** The primary guest must be a minimum 28 years of age to book this home. This person is who will be held responsible for any damages inflicted upon the property. *** Any violations to these rules will trigger cancellation and forfeiture of an administration fee.

Property manager

John Bertke
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Pool
Hot tub
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

Similar properties

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 28
Check out before 10:00 AM
default

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
default

Events

Events allowed
Inquire prior to booking event or party
default

Pets

Pets allowed
Inquire prior to booking
default

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Smoking allowed on the decks and dock away from th
Guest Must Sign Rental Agreement
Security Hold of up to $750 may be applied dependent on Property Rented
Minimum Age of Primary Renter is 28 years of Age

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: Inquire prior to booking event or party
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadlock

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

La Follette

Located on the waterfront, this holiday home is in Lakeside Estates, a neighbourhood in La Follette. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Norris Lake and Fork Bend, while Campbell County Historical Society and Big Ridge Park Amphitheatre are cultural highlights. Discover the area's water adventures with jet skiing and kayaking nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking and cycling.
Map
LaFollette, TN

What's nearby

  • Sugar Hollow Marina - 12 min drive - 5.8 km
  • LaFollette Medical Center - 16 min drive - 9.6 km
  • Whitman Hollow Marina - 21 min drive - 11.0 km
  • Norris Lake - 22 min drive - 13.1 km
  • Norris Dam State Park - 66 min drive - 59.4 km

Getting around

  • Alcoa - Knoxville Airport (TYS) - 74 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Domino's Pizza - ‬18 min drive
  • ‪Sonic Drive-In - ‬18 min drive
  • ‪McCloud Mountain Restaurant - ‬32 min drive
  • ‪Stockyard BBQ - ‬20 min drive
  • ‪Rainbow Family Restaurant - ‬20 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does The Big Dipper' Dining for 30, Wet Bar, Billiards, 7 TVs, 4 master suites have a pool?

Yes, this property has a pool.

Is The Big Dipper' Dining for 30, Wet Bar, Billiards, 7 TVs, 4 master suites pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at The Big Dipper' Dining for 30, Wet Bar, Billiards, 7 TVs, 4 master suites?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The Big Dipper' Dining for 30, Wet Bar, Billiards, 7 TVs, 4 master suites?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is The Big Dipper' Dining for 30, Wet Bar, Billiards, 7 TVs, 4 master suites located?

Located in Lakeside Estates, this holiday home is within 6 miles (10 km) of Sugar Hollow Marina, La Follette Country Club and LaFollette Medical Center. Campbell County Historical Society and Whitman Hollow Marina are also within 9 miles (15 km).

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 55 out of 73 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 16 out of 73 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 73 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 73 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 73 reviews

8.6/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

9.4/10

Communication

9.4/10

Location

9.4/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Ryan L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect!

Property and host was great! Can’t say enough good things about our time there. The convenience of the dock being there. The amount of space and amenities. Definitely recommend.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

tim t., walden newyork

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Tennessee lake

Great place
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

traci l.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wedding weekend

Great place. View was fantastic.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Martha G., Whiting

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Absolutely beautiful

The cabin was amazing.. it comfortably accommodated our whole family for our parent’s 50th wedding anniversary. The dock, decks and fire pit with the view and short walk to Lake Norris Made it such a fun & beautiful experience.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

David H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Big Time at the Dipper

16 guys from the neighborhood did not leave the dipper, we only left for groceries, with the weekend stay there was just enough to do at the Big Dipper with the pool table the hot tub and plenty of space to party and play cards. Awesome place!!!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Phillip J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great summer break for the 4th of July week.

We had such a great time with our family and friends. The home is in a great location, with plenty of room to entertain and just relax. Can't wait to go back. Thank you, John, we appreciate your hospitality.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

Charles C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great time by all

Well maintained and clean. Family enjoyed the stay. Highly recommended for large family gatherings. Chuck
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2019

10/10 Excellent

James D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Thanksgiving for about 18 of us

The property was perfect to gather fo a Thanksgiving weekend. We all came tho meet from Atlanta West Virginia and New Jersey. Plenty of room and some enough troop to even spread out. There were 18 of 18 people happy with our stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2019

10/10 Excellent

Debbie A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Friend 69th birthday

This property was everything and the owner always responded to my emails. I would recommend this property to anyone. It was very spacious for big families or groups. My family and friends enjoyed our stay and will be booking there again
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jessica S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Family Vacation Spot

Plenty of room for a Large family! Property Manager was quick to respond when we had an issue and had someone out to fix the issue quickly! The view is amazing and the boat dock provided lots of opportunity for fun! Plenty of seating and just all around an awesome house! Hope to go back some day! The house is the last one on the road so Plenty of parking as well.
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2023

8/10 Good

Kim L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

Great time.

It needs some TLC. But overall was enjoyable.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023

8/10 Good

Mandi L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

First Time at Norris Lake

Home was well equipped and meet the needs of our large, multi-generational family Home does not provide a floating island. Kitchen is well stocked with quality cookware and bakeware-pleasantly surprised! Quiet cove perfect for swimming, kayaking and paddle boarding
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

8/10 Good

Michelle M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Well equipped kitchen

Property was exactly as advertised. Our group is full of foodies and we took turns cooking each night trying to out do previous chefs. No one ever had a problem finding pots pans etc. Only disappointment was the grill was dirty when we arrived.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

8/10 Good

Patricia F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Good week!

We had an excellent time, with lots to do for all the family. I do believe the house needs ceiling fans in ALL the rooms, especially the great room,/eating room. The AC did not at all keep up with many people cooking and eating — which with the very warm weather made things a little uncomfortable.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2019
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Laura L.

Comfortable Accommodations

The accommodations at the Big Dipper were comfortable and relaxing. The view from the house is spectacular. The house has 3 refrigerators, which came in handy. No problems with over-working a refrigerator. The dining room table is incredibly long-one of the great perks of the house. The owner/manager was easy to work with and responsive. I'll definitely be back!

10/10 Excellent

Jeff C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic property and location!

We planned a family reunion for a large group and it was the perfect place to host our event. Plenty of space and most of what you need is already there. It has plenty of room and places to sleep. If it needs anything it would be a few small kitchen items, such as a potatoe peeler and being your own salt and pepper and dish soap and hand soap. Otherwise the setup is ready to go. If you have anu elderly folks or someone with mobility issues it will be a challenge for them to go from the frint door to the water. Overall we has the best time and would love to return with a family or families again. Location for using our boat and jet skis worked out nicely also! I would recommends this property for anyone who is planning a large gathering, you wont be dissapointed.
Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2022

6/10 Okay

Andrew L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication
Disliked: Listing accuracy

It was okay but no hot water and dated

The house is large and supported our group for a recent family gathering but found having a hot water shower a challenge. We could only ever use one shower. For a house that advertises sleeping 30 people this was extremely difficult. The property manager is aware and very responsive, however according to them this is by design due to the tankless water heater. Also the bed linens, mattresses, and towel should have been replaced years ago with pilling, holes, and poor quality overall.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

What A TRIP!

Our family and close friends just completed our stay at the Big Dipper and the accommodations were ideal. The view from the kitchen, onto the lake, is the best in the cove and the layout was perfect as each family had their own floor. The kitchen was spectacular with two dishwashers and a dining table big enough to accommodate 20 people. The three refrigerators came in handy as did the full-size washer and dryer. We rented two boats and two wave runners and the dock was perfect with two covered spots for the boats and two floating platforms to park the wave runners. The jacuzzi was very nice after a full day on the lake and the game room kept the kids occupied. The house has NO shortage of TV’s and everyone had there own bed which is difficult to find when housing 12-15 people. Access to the jumping bridge, proximity to Sugar Hollow Marina and Shanghai Marina made for added convenience. Although secluded and private, the gated community is close to town where we were able to shop for groceries and daily essentials. The owner was great to work with and was very accommodating. In addition to the great memories, we spent valuable time together with our friends and family which made for the perfect get-a-way. We are already talking about our next trip.

8/10 Good

Nicole G.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family Thanksgiving Weekend

This was our first Thanksgiving Family trip with our family from Florida, North Carolina and Georgia. It was a perfect space for 30 of us to spend time together cooking, laughing and playing games. The kitchen had everything we needed with the exception of a cutting board and working blender. The ovens were dirty, but that didn’t stop us from making delicious dishes for Thanksgiving. We enjoyed the fire pit and the wood delivery was appreciated very much! A couple notes- top master suite TV no longer works; TV on lowest level is not connected to cable- bring fire stick or roku; The area is small and quaint. We will recommend this area and location to friends. A few of us are even interested in coming back in the Summer to enjoy the lake activities. Overall this trip is one for us to remember!
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Brenda A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family Cabin Weekend

Some repairs need done (drawer in refrigerator and recliner). Setup was perfect for our family. Lots of room to spread out. Enjoyed the deck and slide, fishing off dock, firepit, and hot tub. Large table for eating and playing games. Another visit will be in our future!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family get to know each other.

They all enjoyed swimming and boating. They work to fine how to get to Dolly. All was good
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Mic H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Family Get Away House

We really loved the property and would certainly go back again. It was my parent's first time to Norris Lake and now they can't wait to go back again. We are already looking to see when this property is next available.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jacqueline C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Big Dipper Did Not Disappoint

It was easy to rent the property through VRBO. Communication with property manager went well. The property was clean upon arrival with all the expected amenities. Our group enjoyed the fire pit for hours every day! The kitchen was huge and allowed all of us to cook together. Amazing weekend at the Big Dipper.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2021

8/10 Good

deedee m., Bean station

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family Time

The property was overall wonderful, the inside of the house was clean and very comfortable. The decks could use some cleaning ..there were two big wasp nest on the top deck. But other then that the property was so beautiful. John was very accommodating and so easy to work with. We went to celebrate my dad's 75th birthday and we haven't seen that many smiles and laughter in awhile from him. He loved the views. I would recommend this property to anyone. Overall it was 4 stars 🌟 🤩
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Deloris A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cousins reunion

Unfortunately, it rained the entire time but if weather had been better having access to kayaks, life jackets& oars would allow guests to enjoy the lake!! A selection of games, puzzles or books to read would give guests alternative activities for those rainy days. Lamps by the beds would also be nice for those that like to read before turning in without having to get out of bed to turn off overhead lights. It was a nice, quiet cove although there are a lot of stairs to navigate three stories of the house & all the way down to the deck!! We brought our own games so still had a wonderful time!!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2021

About the host

Hosted by John Bertke

Host profile image
John Bertke lives in Dayton, OH and enjoys visiting Norris Lake with his friends and family. He enjoys fly fishing and smoking cigars.

Why they chose this property

They say location means everything. The Big Dipper is located in the woods, right on the waters edge. The fish come to swim around the dock. The boaters come to swim around the cove. There are two golf courses nearby. What more could you ask for?

What makes this property unique

I'm an avid fly fisher, my wife loves to golf, and my daughters never tire from wakeboarding so my whole family stays happy when we visit The Big Dipper.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests