Cloudland Villas
Retreat for your body, mind, and soul.
Here, time slows, cherished by nature’s serene charm, surrounded by whispers of forests, a secluded grace.
Ownership
Hey there, I’m Al Vydas Smilinskas, the mastermind behind Cloudland Villas. Originally from Lithuania, I traded the hustle and bustle of Central Florida for the serene embrace of Rising Fawn. With over 30 years of experience in construction and hospitality, I’m the guy ensuring everything runs like a charm. When I’m not crafting dreamy escapes, you’ll find me immersed in meditation or getting into something with my four sons and our extended family. Yep, I’m all about finding balance in nature and nurturing my spiritual side. Welcome to our mountain retreat!
Mission Statement
At Cloudland Villas, our mission is to provide an unforgettable escape into nature’s embrace, offering exceptional accommodations amidst the stunning beauty of the Appalachian Mountains. We strive to create immersive experiences that rejuvenate the mind, body, and soul, fostering a deep connection with the natural world. With a commitment to excellence, sustainability, and personalized service, we aim to exceed the expectations of every guest, leaving them with cherished memories that last a lifetime.
Geografical Details
So, picture this: we’re chilling on one of the Appalachian Mountain’s southern peninsulas—yeah, fancy, right? We’re up here, about 2000 feet above sea level, and if you peek down to the west, you’ll spot Lookout Creek, chilling 1200 feet below us. Now, Cloudland Villas? Oh, we’re nestled just south of Easley Gap, and a stone’s throw north of Billy Goat Point. Catch us on Sunset Drive, cruising down the West Brough of Lookout Mountain. It’s kinda cozy here in New Salom Neighborhood, part of the Plum Nelly cultural/historical area. And guess what? That’s all in the quaint little town of Rising Fawn, tucked away in Dade County, Georgia. Yep, we’re the cool kids in the most Northwestern County of Georgia, bordering three states like it’s no biggie. So, why all the mountains and being a bit out of the way? Well, it’s nature’s way of keeping the hustle and bustle at bay, letting us preserve this slice of paradise. Thanks, geography!
0.5 h from Chattanooga . 2 h from four magor cities. Atlanta, Nashville, Birmingham, and Knoxville.
Bits of History
A Quite a While Back
Let’s take a deep dive into the past, over 350 million years ago, when this very land lay submerged beneath ancient seas. Imagine the awe-inspiring sight of plesiosaurs gliding through these waters, alongside formidable sharks, their fossils forever etched in the rocks beneath us. And as if frozen in time, the land began its gradual ascent over 285 million years ago, a slow and steady rise that continues to shape our landscape today. Nature’s timeless wonders never cease to captivate, reminding us of the incredible journey this land has undertaken through the ages.
From Dinosaures to Humans
Alright, here’s the scoop: dinosaurs ruled, landscapes shifted, and climate threw curveballs. Fossils formed, telling stories of ancient days. Then, like clockwork, humans emerged, mastering survival in a pre-city world. Recent discoveries, such as human-made markings on prehistoric mastodon bones dating back 130,000 years, challenge previous estimates of human arrival in the Americas. This revelation suggests a much earlier presence of humans, potentially reshaping our understanding of ancient migration patterns and interactions with prehistoric megafauna. Quite the adventure through time, wouldn’t you say? A journey worth exploring further.
Native Encounters
Welcome to the era of Indigenous peoples! Here in our neck of the woods, the Cherokee and Creek tribes called this land home. These resourceful folks were masters of the land, living in harmony with nature. Fun fact: the Cherokee even developed their own syllabary, a written language unique to North America. Nearby, the Tunacunnhee Mound Group, dating back to the Middle Woodland period, stands as a testament to their ancient presence, offering a glimpse into the rich history of the region.
European Arrival and Antebellum Era
As European settlers arrived, they brought with them a wave of change to the region. While coal mining, small-scale farming, and forestry became prevalent, other industries began to take root. Just a mile away, nestled alongside Lookout Creek, stood a bustling Mill, once owned by Mr. James W. Cureton. Back in the day, it served the community as a saw mill, a grit mill, and it had a wool carding machine. Today, all that remains are the haunting ruins of this water-powered mill, serving as a poignant reminder of its once-thriving presence in the community of Rising Fawn.
Revolutionary War
During the Revolutionary War, the area surrounding Rising Fawn played a significant role in the struggle for independence. One notable Rising Fawn figure from this period is Mr. Benjamin Easley, who served as a Colonel in the war effort. As a reward for his service, Easley was granted land in the valley northwest of our location. Easley’s name became associated with the nearby gap in the Lookout Mountain. Today, an old cemetery in the valley serves as a historic reminder of this pivotal time in our nation’s history.
Civil War
In the annals of the Civil War, our area played a pivotal role: 40,000 troops of the Cumberland Army marched through on the way to Chickamauga. General Major W. S. Rosecrans briefly headquartered in Trenton. The XIV Corps, with 27,000 men, stationed in the valleys around Rising Fawn, while waiting to build roads to Lookout Mountain. One local recalls tales of Union soldiers lighting so many campfires, turning night into day. In mid-September 1863, gazing from our peninsula, one would be encircled by Union forces. Looking north, toward the Easley Gap, cavalry ascended the mountain just a stone’s cast away. Amidst this scene stood Major General George H. Thomas, the “Rock of Chickamauga.” Thomas earned this moniker for his unwavering resolve and resilience during the battle, where his steadfast leadership held the Union line against Confederate assaults. His cool headedness under fire and his ability to withstand immense pressure solidified his reputation as one of the most reliable commanders of the Civil War.
20th Century
In the 20th century, Dade County made history by rejoining the Union in 1945, marking a distinctive moment that highlighted its independent spirit and resilience. The county’s absence from the Georgia State Quarter also piqued curiosity, an unusual omission that sparked speculation among locals and collectors. Additionally, Dade County gained attention for hosting the annual “World’s Longest Yard Sale,” attracting treasure hunters and bargain seekers to its scenic highways and byways while preserving its natural beauty as a haven for adventure and tranquility in Georgia’s northwest frontier.
Step into the vibrant world of the Plum Nelly Art Festival, where creativity thrives and southern hospitality reigns supreme. Originating in 1947 at Fannie Mennen’s whimsically named Plum Nelly property, the festival began with a lighthearted comment from a brother-in-law: “Fannie, your place is plum out of Tennessee and nearly out of Georgia.” From humble beginnings, it blossomed into a grand affair, attracting up to 20,000 art enthusiasts to the scenic splendor of Lookout Mountain. Today, this cherished tradition continues, picked up by Dade County, celebrating quality craftsmanship and community spirit amidst the breathtaking backdrop of the South.
A Short While Back
Until the 1960s, this area lay dormant, awaiting its colorful awakening with the advent of the hippie movement. Local lore tells of three hippie archetypes: the “air hippies” soaring high with hang gliders, the “trail hippies” who reveled in hiking and bike riding, and the “dirt hippies” spelunking and rock-climbing enthusiasts. Cloudland Villas rests on land formerly cherished by the adventurous “dirt hippies,” where caves and cliffs were their playground. Owned by unique personalities like Mr. Ritchard Hamilton, aka “Dead Eye,” and Mr. James and Mrs. Hedy Pritchards, this property buzzed with daring exploits and spirited gatherings. Special thanks to Mr Edward Prichard for providing family picture.
Genesis of Cloudland Villas
The idea of creating a space for retreat had been growing in me for a long time. A retreat for body, mind, and soul, balancing interior design where aesthetics play a big role, with convenience perfectly blended with a minimalistic, slightly bohemian twist. Exterior of the building must be aesthetically elevated and in harmony with the surrounding nature. A space that would initiate a gentle pull into individual unfolding, expanding into something opposite of daily routine. So, I was looking for a single investment property and accidentally ran into two properties sold as one, with multiple buildings. The properties were in a very rough state, but I still could see the potential. I just had this gut feeling, I just had to do it. On December 21st, 2021, the property became mine, and the story of Cloudland Villas started as a reality.