Breathtaking views will leave you gobsmacked & restore your faith in humanity. Award-winning interior designer! Midcentury Modern style + historic craftsmanship = WOW! 24/7 security, Tesla charger, fully stocked kitchen, coffee station, dining for 6, & whole-house filtered water. WiFi, hot tub, shuffleboard & board games. Chances of spotting black bears are good – just give them space, please. An ideal romantic getaway for couples, an unforgettable spot to bond w/ friends in the heart of nature.
Welcome to The Bougie Bear! We are located in the premier community of Shagbark Estates, just outside of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. The home was completed in October of 2024 – a total rebuild, as the original structure was lost in the wildfire of 2022.
The home is filled with light, and the views from the multiple windows are out of this world! Building materials include walnut barn wood, chestnut and sugar pine beams, and cherry wood cabinets – all of which were sourced from the farm I grew up on in East Tennessee. In fact, these are the same materials that my father used to build our family home 50 years ago! Pretty cool, huh?!
🛎️ We believe you’re really going to love the house! Please do read the “Other Things to Note” section below to set realistic expectations. We only want you to experience happy surprises during your stay. 😊
You’re the king/queen of the castle during your stay! You have access to the entire house.
This home is located in Shagbark – a gated community, with 24/7 security. Please note: you will be asked to present a barcode to enter the community. I will need to collect the following info on all vehicles no less than 24 hours before check in:
Driver’s full name.
Cell number + email.
Vehicle make and model.
License plate number and state.
Here are some popular area attractions. Disclaimer: I used Mapquest to research the miles and minutes noted below. Your drive time and mileage may vary.
Pink Jeep Tours – 8.1 miles/17 mins.
Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show – 8.3 miles/17 mins.
The Island – 8.4 miles/17 mins.
Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen – 8.4 miles/17 mins.
Alcatraz East Crime Museum – 8.4 miles/17 mins.
The Comedy Barn – 8.5 miles/17 mins.
Three Bears General Store – 9 miles/18 mins.
The Local Goat Restaurant – 9.1 miles/18 mins.
Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud – 9.5 miles/20 mins.
Titanic – 9.5 miles/20 mins.
Pigeon Forge – 9.8 miles/19 mins.
Dolly Parton’s Stampede – 10.6 miles/21 mins.
Dollywood – 11.2 miles/22 mins.
Foothills Parkway – 12.5 miles/23 mins.
Parrot Mountain and Gardens – 13 miles/21 mins.
SkyBridge – 15 miles/28 mins.
Anakeesta – 16.7 miles/29 mins.
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies – 17 miles/31 mins.
Cades Cove – 20 miles/33 mins.
Sugarland Visitor Center – 20 miles/33 mins.
Ober Gatlinburg – 20.4 miles/35 mins.
Gatlinburg – 20.8 miles/37 mins.
Laurel Falls Trailhead – 21 miles/38 mins.
Mount LeConte – 28.4 miles/47 mins.
Market Square Knoxville – 31 miles/50 mins.
Thompson-Boling Arena – 31 miles/53 mins.
Neyland Stadium – 31.4 miles/53 mins.
The University of Tennessee – 32 miles/52 mins.
Newfound Gap – 32.8 miles/55 mins.
Clingmans Dome Visitor Center – 40 miles/1 hr 19 mins.
We recommend that you drive a vehicle with some clearance, as lower suspension vehicles might not fare so well on the mountain roads, and may even scrape the speed bumps as you enter the neighborhood. If there is ice or snow in the forecast, we STRONGLY recommend that you have a 4WD vehicle.
We recommend that you drive a vehicle with some clearance, as lower suspension vehicles might not fare so well on the mountain roads, and may even scrape the speed bumps as you enter the neighborhood. If there is ice or snow in the forecast, we strongly recommend that you have a 4WD vehicle.
Please note: Shagbark charges property owners $10 for each vehicle accessing the property. I cover up to 2 vehicles per stay, and guests are responsible for any vehicle charges after that. I will need to collect the following info on all vehicles no less than 24 hours before check in:
Driver’s full name.
Cell number + email.
Vehicle make and model.
License plate number and state.
All guests with confirmed bookings will be required to submit a valid ID and sign the Rental Agreement. We use secure property management software to collect this information, and it is used strictly to verify your booking.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in helping us keep our homes safe and secure for every guest.
For non-Airbnb reservations only, any applicable refunds will incur a 6% processing fee.
All guests with confirmed bookings will be required to submit a valid ID and sign the Rental Agreement. We use secure property management software to collect this information, and it is used strictly to verify your booking.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in helping us keep our homes safe and secure for every guest.
For non-Airbnb reservations only, any applicable refunds will incur a 6% processing fee.
• About the drive to the house—it’s winding and some of the roads can be very steep. Hey, you have to climb the mountain to get those gorgeous views, right?! 😁 You may feel more comfortable in a vehicle with some clearance, as very low suspension vehicles may scrape the speed bumps as you enter the neighborhood. Even if you are in a sedan, you shouldn’t have any problems if you are just mindful of the speed limit. If there is ice or snow in the forecast, we strongly recommend that you have a 4WD vehicle.
• Your stay comes with a starter kit including toilet tissue, paper towels, trash bags, and dishwashing detergent. We also provide Keurig coffee cups/pods for the first few cups.
• Enjoy our Terra Pure Earth Conscious shampoo, conditioner, and body wash during your stay. Plus, these goodies are not only pampering but also cruelty-free, gluten-free, and paraben-free.
• Experience the refreshing touch of our recently installed water filter and softener, bestowing its rejuvenating effects on your hair and skin.
• Kindly note: we operate on a septic system. To keep things flowing smoothly, PLEASE stick to flushing only toilet paper. If you flush wipes, feminine hygiene products, trash, etc. Thanks in advance for helping us avoid costly plumbing charges. You’re the best!
• The hot tub takes approximately 4-6 hours to reach its ultimate soaking temperatures. Depending on when the house was last cleaned, it might not be hot and ready right away.
• PLEASE NOTE: It is important that you shower with soap and water, rinse thoroughly, and NOT apply oil or lotion before entering the hot tub. DO NOT ADD BUBBLE BATH TO THE HOT TUB. If you do not follow these steps, the once sparkling clean and inviting spa could become a foamy mess. If we need to send our housekeeper out to do an interim clean during your stay of 1 week or less, you will be responsible for the additional cleaning fee of $50. If you damage the hot tub by not following these rules, you will be responsible for that as well. Thank you for understanding.
• We provide high-speed Wi-Fi for your use, and it is powerful! While we strive for a reliable connection 365 days a year, it is a courtesy and is subject to local service provider availability. We cannot provide refunds for internet outages beyond our control. Thanks for understanding.
• We use ALL WHITE BEDDING, and wash everything – including the bedspreads and mattress pads – at each turn. Not to throw shade on other properties, but bear-themed bedding with lots of dark colors and patterns hides lots of stains and…ummm…history. That bear bedding you’ll see in many other listings most likely does NOT get washed nearly as often. Just sayin’….
• If you’re a fan of the cuteness that ladybugs bring, get ready to meet our Asian lady beetles! These little critters are pretty common around here, and during fall and winter they seem to have a magnetic attraction to the cozy indoors. While we’re actively on the bug-busting job, these lady beetles, along with their buddies, the kudzu bugs and box elder bugs, might still make an appearance. Please know we’re doing our best to keep their numbers in check.
• Knock on wood, we have been 100% successful in keeping the house bedbug-free. We have routine inspections and so far, it’s been smooth sailing! 🙌 We’d really appreciate your help in keeping it that way. Please, pretty please, avoid putting your luggage on the beds or sofas. Bedbugs are like the stealthy ninjas of the insect world, and luggage is their ride of choice. Let’s make sure they miss their stop at our place! Thanks so much!
• Great news! Our fireplace is electric, so you can get that cozy, smoke-free ambiance in no time. Enjoy the warmth without the effort or the worry.
• Forgot something after checking out? No worries – we might be able to ship items left behind per request. Cost will be shipping plus a handling fee, which starts at $20.
• THIS IS BEAR COUNTRY. Nature’s VIPs, black bears, often make appearances in the Smoky Mountains, adding an extra touch of wild charm to your stay. While we’re not bear whisperers, the local gurus assure us that these furry neighbors are pretty shy, unless provoked or if they feel their cubs are at risk. Give them their space and they will move along. Bears have a nose for good things, especially your food. So, here’s a pro tip—DO NOT LEAVE ANY FOOD IN YOUR CAR, or you might find it unexpectedly ‘bear-handled.’ Yes, they DO know how to open car doors. Inside the house, keep food safely stored to resist bear curiosity. Oh, and for our garbage, we’ve got a bear-proof cage with a lock at the front of the house. You can find more info about bear etiquette at Bear Wise .org. (Airbnb won’t let me include a link.)
• Please note: Shagbark charges property owners $10 for each vehicle accessing the property. I cover up to 2 vehicles per stay, and guests are responsible for any vehicle charges after that. I will need to collect the following info on all vehicles no less than 24 hours before check in:
Driver’s full name.
Cell number + email.
Vehicle make and model.
License plate number and state.
🐻
Oh, yeah! As promised, here’s a little crash course in bear etiquette (from Bear Wise .org):
▪️Never Feed Or Approach Bears▪️
Intentionally feeding bears or allowing them to find anything that smells or tastes like food teaches bears to approach homes and people looking for more. Bears will defend themselves if a person gets too close, so don’t risk your safety and theirs!
▪️Secure Food, Garbage And Recycling▪️
Food and food odors attract bears, so don’t reward them with easily available food, liquids or garbage. Make sure your car and the cabin are locked. Yes, bears know how to use door handles.
▪️Know What To Do If You See A Bear
🛑 If you see a bear before it notices you, don’t approach. Stand still, enjoy, then quietly move away.
🛑 If a bear sees you, back away slowly. Never run; running may trigger a chase response.
🛑 If a bear approaches, hold your ground, wave your arms and yell “Hey Bear” until it leaves. Always stay with your group. If it keeps approaching, use bear spray.
🛑 If a black bear makes contact with you, do NOT play dead; fight back aggressively.
• We haven’t scared you away, have we? 😅 No? Good! 🤗 In that case, welcome to The Bougie Bear! Out of respect for our rockstar cleaning team, we are unable to accommodate early check-ins or late check-outs. Thanks for understanding.
HAVE THE BEST TIME! WE JUST HAVE A FEW HOUSE RULES
🌞 *PLEASE NOTE: The Bougie Bear is situated on the side of a mountain, posing significant safety risks, particularly for young children. Due to steep terrain, drop-offs, & the constant need for adult supervision, we may not be a good fit for families w/ children. The home is not childproofed, we do not have outlet covers, the furniture is not anchored to the walls, etc. If you have little ones, please do consider if this is really the right home for your family vacation. We value your children’s safety far more than we value booking our calendar.
🌞 HOUSE RULES
• 2 car max (per Shagbark).
• Please notify us within 24 hours if anything breaks.
• Please notify us as soon as possible if there are any issues with the cabin so we can address them in a timely manner.
• Shower with soap and water before using the hot tub.
• No soaps, oils, or lotions in the hot tub. Please, NO EPSOM SALTS IN THE HOT TUB! Epsom salts create major problems in hot tubs. (Minimum $50 fee if we need to clean again during your stay.)
• To help us keep the home and hot tub in beautiful condition for all guests, we kindly ask that hair dye products not be used on the property. Guests are responsible for any damage, discoloration, or staining to linens, upholstery, flooring, bathroom fixtures, or the hot tub caused by hair dye, colored hair products, or bleeding hair color. Any necessary professional cleaning or replacement costs will be charged accordingly.
• No food or drinks in the bedrooms.
• No illegal substances on the property.
• No luggage on the beds. Together we can keep The Bougie Bear AND your luggage bedbug free.
• No smoking or vaping on the property. A wildfire burned the original structure to the ground in 2022, and we are firm about no smoking and…
• No open flames.
• No fireworks/sparklers.
• Booking party responsible for any damages to property during their stay.
• No parties or events.
• No unregistered guests.
• Please do not rearrange the furniture.
• Quiet time after 10pm – 7am.
Amenities
