Tiny Mansion
Your (and your doggo’s) cozy little place among the pines, this adorable light-filled A-frame’s got modern charm, style, and a lot of personality
At a Glance:
Modern and funky A-frame with queen loft, sleeps 2
In Dahlonega, a lovely little town between Blairsville and Blue Ridge, just two hours north of Atlanta.
Bright and chic decor.
Front deck with rockers, freestanding gas heater, and what might be the cutest gas BBQ ever.
Outdoor area with a smokeless fire pit/stove and adirondack chairs
Dogs welcome, not just “allowed” (see The Small Print for details)
Smart TV and snappy internet
Fully outfitted ultra-modern kitchen, with a stove/oven that’s smarter than the first iPhones.
Coffee/tea nook with Keurig.
It was a humble, functional beginning for the Tiny Mansion. “At first it was just a place for us to sleep while we were working on our main house,” Laurie tells me. She and her husband, Dustin, were doing a lot of the work on both houses themselves. “What started as a process of blood, sweat, and a few tears,” Laurie admits, “quickly became a labor of love.”
I tell her that the love comes through, even in photos of the absolutely adorable little A-frame cabin. She thanks me graciously. “We’re so very proud of it.”
As their hometown of Ashville continued to grow, Laurie and Dustin had started looking for some peace and quiet farther south. When they found Dahlonega, with its magical combination of history, natural beauty, outdoor activities, and local culture, they knew they had found their new home. The town’s residents exude a sense of warmth and charm: “People here are some of the genuinely kindest, friendliest, and good natured folk you can ever meet,” Laurie says.
Laurie and Dustin had done a fair bit of traveling. At first it was just the two of them and Dallas, their mild-mannered spaniel-lab mix; then the baby came along. They had stayed at lots of AirBnb’s — “We’re just not hotel people” — but were frequently disappointed.
“Some places claimed to be dog-friendly, or appropriate for families, but that’s not the sense we got from them.”
When they started building Tiny Mansion as a rental property (and a place for visiting family to stay), they decided to create something they would have appreciated in their traveling days.
“[Tiny Mansion] has water-proof flooring, a wipe-off couch, a fenced-in yard where the dog can bark to its heart’s content — and you’re in the woods, so you don’t have to shush your screaming kid, either,” Laurie laughs.
It’s not all about function, though, as you’ll see stepping through the front door. The cabin is the definition of minimalist, stylish, light-filled, funky comfort. From the mushroom ottoman and live edge coffee table (“The woods here are mushroom heaven!”) to the industrial-style rustic shelves and spiral staircase — Laurie and Dustin put a lot of thought and effort into form, too. The lighting is just right all over the house, and the white-tile/wood/gray theme really makes this chic new build really pop. Amenities and gadgets — the gas heater on the deck, and smokeless stove in the yard — make it an even cozier escape for you and one or two other people you really like. Or love. And a furbaby.
As we finish our conversation I ask Laurie about the pine tree growing through the deck.
“I’m crazy about them,” she says. “Trees, I mean. I love the shade and the smell of them. I love the woods…”
When building Tiny Mansion, they took out as few trees as possible, and insisted on that old pine staying right where it was. The carpenter, a friend of theirs, built the deck around it.
Whether it’s the surrounding forests in this southern Appalachian region, filled with pines and oaks and dogwoods (a beloved symbol of spring in Georgia), the friendly people, or this charming cabin that gets you here… You and yours will love and cherish your time in Dahlonega.
Pro Tips & Local Wisdom:
Warm up at Corner Kitchen in Dahlonega with a mug of their outstanding joe in your hands.
Antiquing (now no longer just for old people!) Dahlonega — which is super hip, by the way — has no fewer than three antiques stores. I’ll bet you need a lamp or a frame for that painting of dogs playing poker.
North Georgia is home to some noteworthy vineyards — and Tiny Mansion is minutes away from several of them, such as Wolf Mountain, Cavender Creek, and Kaya Vineyard and Winery. Enjoy a glass or bottle and spectacular mountain panoramas.
Lace up your boots and bring some snacks: Dahlonega serves as a gateway to the Appalachian Trail, providing numerous hiking opportunities with varying difficulty levels.
Enjoy home-cooked southern comfort food at The Smith House
Life is but a dream… when you’re enjoying a leisurely float down the Chestatee River (tube or kayak)
Take in Dahlonega’s thriving arts scene: galleries and cultural events, including the Dahlonega Arts and Wine Festival, and local artisans and musicians
The Small Print:
The Sounds of Silence: please limit outdoor use of speakers and other amplified sound equipment to 8:00 am through 10:00 pm, Sunday through Thursday; 8:00 am through 11:00 pm, Friday and Saturday.
You love your furry friends, and we’d love to host one or a couple of them. We charge a $75 cleaning fee per dog, per day. Cats make us sneeze: please leave them with grandma (or let them go feral while you’re away)
We put together a starter kit for your arrival (5 trash bags under kitchen sink, 1 roll of paper towels per kitchen, 3 rolls of t.p. per bathroom, small bars of body soap) — please anticipate any needs beyond that, and stock up in town or bring from home
Suds and beans can be very personal choices: please bring your own laundry detergent and coffee
You’ll find an ample supply of dish soap, shampoo, conditioner, and hand soap
Need us? We’re a phone call (and stone’s throw) away, 7 days a week, 9:00 am to 9:00 pm. Give us a buzz and we’ll be there in a jiff to help you with any unforeseen detail
From our entire team, a big thank-you for choosing SVR — and booking so much more than a rental property. With nearly 10,000 stays and half as many glowing reviews, our guests agree.
Born and bred here in Georgia, we ensure our clients feel the warmth of our southern hospitality and have unforgettable stays in beautiful homes — in one of the prettiest landscapes the country has to offer.
We love North Georgia — and we love sharing her with you. In each of our cabins you’ll find an “Experience the Mountains” manual full of suggestions about local attractions such as hikes and sightseeing, as well as our favorite restaurants in town.
Want to connect with us about anything from the layout of the property to our favorite local IPA? Give us a shout. Someone on our team of locals (possibly me, even) will be happy to chat with you, answer any questions, and help you book your next dream mountain vacation.
We can’t wait to see you soon in our neck of the woods (and mountains, and lakes, and so much more).
Please be aware that you will be receiving a link to our booking contract via text within 24 hours of making your reservation. If you do not see it come through, please let us know as it must be signed. We are happy to answer any questions about its contents.
Business License #: 5003
