Crest View Lodge

Crest View Lodge is a spacious family vacation home perched on the brow, high atop Lookout Mountain in Alabama. It is situated on a sprawling 92-acre, heavily-wooded retreat property, Woodland Retreat at DeSoto. Crest View Lodge, the retreat property owners’ personal family vacation home, offers a secluded and serene escape for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty. Woodland Retreat at DeSoto borders the picturesque DeSoto State Park.  Explore nearby waterfalls, parks, shops, and restaurants, or just enjoy the peace that this destination retreat property offers guests. Diverse wildlife is spotted frequently on the property, and fantastic hiking trails are nearby at DeSoto State Park! Renew, refresh, and be restored! 

**THE RETREAT PROPERTY**

As you approach the property, a grand gated entrance surrounded by boulders welcomes you down a long and winding graveled road through the woods, setting the tone for the exclusivity and privacy this retreat offers. Close to the home, there is a circle driveway, allowing for parking for up to 8 vehicles. There are 3 no-stairs entrances into the main level of this home. 

Guests agree that the most significant highlight of Crest View Lodge is its stunning outdoor spaces. A spacious back porch invites you to relax and take in the fresh mountain air, while a sunken deck provides an ideal setting for outdoor gatherings and al fresco dining. From these vantage points, you'll be treated to breathtaking vistas of the valley below, with panoramic blue-tinted views of distant mountain ranges that seem to stretch on forever. Periodically, you will hear the echoing whistle of a train, winding through the valley below. This home is a haven for nature lovers and those seeking a secluded and peaceful retreat experience in the heart of the mountains.

Another significant highlight of this large family home is the spacious Movie Theater, custom-designed by the homeowners to deliver the ultimate cinematic experience for their friends, family and guests. Soft, recessed lighting along the floor and walls creates a cozy atmosphere while allowing you to easily navigate in the dark. The Movie Theater boasts a massive 85”HD Smart TV, ensuring that every movie you watch comes to life in stunning detail. There are 12 black leather recliners, each meticulously positioned for optimal viewing and absolute comfort. Beyond its cinematic charms, the Movie Theater offers fast Wi-Fi connectivity, ideal for seamless streaming of your favorite content and hosting video conferences. This spacious room is a versatile haven for entertainment enthusiasts as well as a favorite feature for our corporate guests, as it provides an immersive experience and a perfect setting for both leisure and work. If there is a need for another conference group meeting area, checkout the large living area with comfortable seating and a second 70” HD Smart TV – also with screen-sharing and live-streaming capabilities. And in the state of Alabama, it’s very common for opposing football team fans to watch “the big game” in separate locations, so this home is here for it! :) 

Yet another significant highlight of this home is the very spacious primary bedroom suite, located on the main level of the home with no stairs required for entry. Nestled in a private wing of the home, the suite is known as the “Haven of Tranquility,” and its crowning jewel is the bedroom with a king-sized bed, positioned to offer the most enchanting views of the nearby mountain crests and sunsets through large picture windows. There are 2 bedside tables with lamps and USB charging stations. Adjoining the bedroom is a private office with a 32” Roku HD TV above a desk that has screen-sharing and live-streaming capabilities. The loveseat sofa in the private office creates a comfortable work environment but is also perfect for a quiet reading nook and intimate movie nights-for-two:)  Also adjoining the office is the primary bathroom, complete with a Jacuzzi soaking tub for those a relaxation experience after a day of hiking at DeSoto State Park. Next to the soaking tub, you will enjoy the large walk-in shower, customized by the homeowners. Whether you seek a quick revitalizing shower or a long, indulgent soak, this space caters to your every preference.

At the front of the home, there is a sunroom with great views into the wooded front yard area, landscaped with native plants from the property and local nursery that specializes in native plants of Lookout Mountain in Alabama. In the sunroom, there is a place to remove your shoes, per request of the homeowners. When you enter the sunroom from the front entrance, you will see a farmhouse-style dining table on the right that seats up to 10 guests. Straight ahead and through another exterior door, you will enter the main dining area of the home, and a dining table there seats 8 guests. The homeowner collects vintage china as you will see in the china cabinet, and you are welcome to use the dishes for a special meal, as well as any of the casual dishes in the kitchen cabinets. There are plenty of serving dishes, eating utensils, drinking glasses, wine glasses, and coffee mugs for large family gatherings. There are 4 barstools that provide extra seating at the large kitchen bar area, and that space also allows for displaying and serving all of the family's favorite casseroles and desserts. Guests also enjoy the spacious bar area for charcuteries - perfect for football game days.  The homeowners also have 2 card tables and 8 folding chairs available for guests to use - perfect for a few hands of cards while watching the sunset as well as outdoor dining when the weather is nice. String lights can be plugged in on the back porch, and on clear nights, turn the lights off and enjoy stargazing with your entire family.

In the large living area, kitchen and dining area, you will love the beautiful wood ceiling that was built by the homeowners and upcycled from hurricane-weathered wood planks on Alabama's own coast in Baldwin County. Moving into the main living area, known as "The Gathering Place," you will appreciate the sight of a large comfortable furniture. There is plenty of room for your family to enjoy this space with a 70" HD smart television as well as books, games and puzzles. A small half bathroom adjoins the living area for your convenience.

Directly next to the living room area is the dining area and kitchen. In the kitchen, there is a walk-in pantry, large refrigerator, stove, microwave, dishwasher, crockpot, casserole dishes, electric griddle, hand mixer, mixing bowls, coffee maker, electric water kettle, coffee mugs, toaster, blender, cooking pans, can opener, pans, cooking utensils, dishes, drinking glasses, wine glasses, eating utensils, cooking spices, and more. 

In addition to the primary bedroom suite, there are 5 additional bedrooms. Bedroom 2 and 3, as well as a full bathroom are located downstairs (only 3 steps required). Bedroom 2, known as "Deerly Beloved," has a Queen bed, walk-in closet, dresser, bedside tables, and lamps USB charging stations, and window views into the woods. This room is great for a couple, and deer are often spotted from the window. Bedroom 3, known as "Bearly Heaven," is also great for a couple and gets its name from the wall art and magnificent views of mountain crests from the window. There is a Queen bed, dresser, bedside tables, lamps with USB charging stations, and a closet. The full bathroom, also downstairs, has a tub/shower combination, sink and toilet.

Upstairs in the home, you will find Bedrooms 4, 5 and 6, as well as another full bathroom. Bedroom 4, "Take A Hike," can sleep up to 3 guests and includes a Twin Bunk bed over a Full bed, 24" Roku TV, dresser, and a bedside table with a lamp that has a USB charging station. Next door, Bedroom 5, "Don't Wake the Bear," can sleep up to 4 guests and includes a Queen bed, set of Twin Bunk beds, walk-in closet, dresser, and a bedside table with a lamp that has a USB charging station. There is a full bathroom near Bedrooms 4 and 5. While you are upstairs, be sure to take in the amazing views of distant mountain crests, through the large picture windows over the living area.

Also upstairs is Bedroom 6, "Twin Burrow Loft." This loft area can sleep up to 6 guests and includes 2 Queen beds, 2 dressers, a Full Futon sofa/bed, and a 24" Roku TV. In the dressers, bedding for the Futon bed is available.

Downstairs and adjoining the Dining Area, there is a full laundry room with a washer and dryer available for your convenience, as well as an electric steamer. 

This is the homeowners’ personal vacation home. Guests have access to the entire home, with exception to the nearby workshop on the property and locked owners’ closets in the home. 

Located on the Sunken Deck, there is a Solo fire pit. You are welcomed to use any small pieces of fallen wood that can safely fit inside the fire pit, and firewood bundles are sold at nearby stores. Please only burn firewood, as the homeowners and guests roast food over this fire pit. Extendable marshmallow roasters are located in a kitchen drawer for your convenience, so be sure to bring ingredients for s'more memories. Near the sunroom and boardwalk is a charcoal/wood-burning Campground-Style BBQ Grill with a metal bucket and lid to collect BBQ grill ashes.

This listing does not include the use of the event venue on the property (currently being built and coming May 2024). Contact us if you would like information on reserving the entire 92-acre retreat property which includes the secluded Crest View Lodge and, approximately a half mile away, Coyote Cabin and The Otter Box Cabin.  The entire retreat property, Woodland Retreat at DeSoto, can host up to 32 Guests. 

1) Very secluded, natural environment with trees everywhere on the 92-acre retreat property!

2) The retreat property borders DeSoto State Park!

3) There is a Movie Theater with 12 leather recliners for fun family movie nights!

4) The primary bedroom suite is located on the main level with a no-stairs entrance!

5) Located on Lookout Mountain's brow, guests enjoy breathtaking views of distant mountain crests!

Be sure to checkout just a few of the Extras that we strive to include with your retreat experience. Click Here

Be sure to check out all of our favorite attractions and dining spots in the area!  Lookout Mountain in Alabama has so much to offer guests for a perfect vacation experience!  Waterfalls, national preserve, state parks, zip lining, hiking, picnicking, rappelling, horseback trail rides, canoeing, kayaking, rock climbing, wild animal preserve, golfing, swimming, museums, glass blowing, making pottery, skiing (seasonal), axe throwing, unique local dining, antique shopping, scenic drives, and MORE!  So that you can experience life on the mountain like locals, we provide our guests with a list of all the attractions and restaurants! Chattanooga is only an hour away - Birmingham and Atlanta are less than 2 hours away!

This retreat property is dog-friendly (small to medium dogs only - 2 dogs max), and a $99 pet fee is applied per dog for this home.

Payment Policy: 50% of reservation is due at time of booking.  Remaining 50% balance is due and collected automatically, via credit card processing, 30 days prior to arrival. 

During the booking process, guests are required to review and e-sign a vacation rental agreement and upload their government-issued photo ID.  Guests are also offered the ability to purchase optional travel insurance by a third party company that is not affiliated with Peaceful Retreats.

Reservations require an authorized security damage hold ($500).  This authorized hold will be released, less any damages, 4 days following departure.

Exterior-only security cameras are located at this property.

This retreat property is non-smoking.

Cancellation Policy on Direct-Book Reservations:  Full refund (less $99 cancellation fee) if cancellation occurs more than 30 days before arrival.  No refund within 30 days of arrival.

Click the button below, and you will be directed to our direct booking site where you can get a quote and reserve your retreat :)