Seen on a map, this old home would seem to be obvious to everyone around. Yet, owing to the wooded, rolling topography of Tennessee, it’s mostly unseen. It is also a unique hike to get to. This makes for a great “aha!” moment when it finally comes into view.
It looks to be roughly a century old, not quite reaching back to the fussiness of the Victorian era, but retaining some of the elegance that was lost by World War II. The house was stripped bare save for a couple rooms strewn with the kind of junk people give up on when they move: outdated clothes, old and broken eletronics, toys, and the like. There was one notable exception in the master bedroom, where a king size bed looked still ready to sleep in.
I think my favorite shot of this place is the last one. I’ve long written off exteriors as a quick amuse bouche before the main course awaiting within. But on a recent trip to New York (featured recently in its own post here) I spent some time shooting with a wonderfully talented photographer whose forte are exteriors. and have a new appreciation for the charms of a decaying cottage in nature. Her Insta is here, check her out if you can!




