Welcome to a mountain river paradise at River Joy Lodge, nestled in the prestigious and gated community of Goose Island Hideaway in Cherry Log, GA located 15 mins between the charming mountain towns of Blue Ridge and Ellijay, an area well-known for its’ unique shopping and growing restaurant scene, craft breweries and local wineries, heritage apple orchards, artistic mountain towns, and unlimited recreation and gorgeous landscape provided by the Chattahoochee National Forest.
This unique and distinguished Keith Sumner custom-built stone and timber home was featured in the 2020 Blue Ridge Parade of Homes and sits on its’ own private 550 feet front of the Ellijay River with 6 acres of private forest. The exterior is unmistakably modern mountain meets rustic chic with its rusted tin roof accents and a signature stacked stone entrance. The home's interior showcases professionally designed details throughout, as the sophisticated mountain style effortlessly penetrates the reaches of the property. Each room was curated, and an overall sense of calm invites you to relax and enjoy the property's beautiful surroundings with family and friends.
Centrally located between Blue Ridge and Ellijay, GA, River Joy Lodge sits on 6 acres of private forest and features 5,700 sq ft of luxurious living space including 5 total bedrooms and 4.5 baths, including 3 master suites, chef’s kitchens, hot tub, entertaining decks, and your own slice of mountain paradise. This estate is fully equipped and ready for 16 guests.
Upon entry, hand hewn vaulted ceilings greet you and a formal dining room welcomes you, with its custom ten-foot hand cut dining table, vintage high-back cane chairs, and antler chandelier. A second Restoration Hardware dining table sits in the adjacent open-plan great room under a rasped iron candelabra. The extraordinary gourmet kitchen includes butler's kitchen and a second sink, dishwasher, and additional prep counter space. The living room boasts elegance with a grand 16-foot stone fireplace with touch-light starter and timer, 75" mounted flat panel TV, handmade leather sectional sofa and armchair, and dramatic floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open to the top floor outdoor party deck complete with an outdoor kitchen, wood burning fireplace and sounds of the Ellijay River. The chef's kitchen includes a twelve-foot marble island, Viking appliances, a large picture window with views of the Ellijay River and is perfect for entertaining every family member.
The main level master King suite features a premium king bed, dramatic open beam ceilings and stone wall, 47" flat panel TV, huge walk-in closet with private full-size washer and dryer, and master bath where you’ll find steam spa shower with a rainforest showerhead. Dual sinks, a six-foot lavish copper tub with view of the river to invite you to unwind in a soak. A private Toto Japanese bidet toilet with warmed light up seat round out the main level suite. Back in the main living space, a stylish 1/2 bath powder room and secondary entrance can be found along with a top-of-the line full size washer and dryer.
The main outdoor deck seamlessly transitions from the handsome interior to the majesty of the property with direct view to the Ellijay River, acres of private forest, and the Blue Ridge Mountains. With its timber beams, soaring A-frame ceiling, and unobstructed panoramic view, there is a distinct treehouse feel. Oversized rocking chairs allow you to take in the sounds of nature. An outdoor kitchen with a built-in 5 burner premium gas grill is perfect for outdoor get togethers while you watch your favorite sporting events on the outdoor 60" TV. This outdoor living room also includes an additional seating group and al fresco dining table. Stone steps connect from this wrap around deck to the 10-person hot tub on the lower level.
Ascend the open timber stair under the cathedral ceiling to the top floor where 3 additional guest bedrooms can be found, each with their own designer furnished persona. The top floor King master suite, charming deer art-filled Queen guest room with giant picture window and desk for remote work, and playful junior suite with camp-style 3-bed layout are not to be missed. Each bedroom in the house includes dedicated closet space and flat screen TV. High end cow-hide benches, designer light fixtures, and tailored art pieces set the tone of this top floor.
Entertain your guests in the terrace-level bar and game room. Whether you like music, games, or simply relaxing, there are a multitude of options for socializing and having fun with friends and family. Descend to the bar and find floor to ceiling glass-door wine storage and a one of a kind live-edge pub table. Chiseled stone counters, a second dishwasher, 37” flat panel TV and full-sized fridge complete the room. Continue on to the game room where you’ll be pleased to find a full-sized Brunswick Billiards table and Shuffleboard table with pro level pool cues and balls. Get ready for good times and gather around the fully-restrung antique 1908 Chickering & Sons honkey tonk piano and Deering Goodtime 5-string banjo, provided for the musicians in your group. Or, just sit back in one of the leather wing-back chairs or at the modern high boy table and enjoy the stone fireplace with touch light tech and timer while watching your favorite movies on the Sony 60" TV.
Make your way to the King master suite on the terrace level with an XL twin bunkbed that comfortably sleeps a family of 4. A work space is also available for the remote worker in the group. If you enjoy working out on vacation, a Peloton bike with weights and a yoga mat are available. Find another huge walk-in closet with private, full-size washer and dryer. The master bath includes another steam spa shower with a rainforest shower head and dual sinks.
Wall to wall, floor to ceiling glass leads you from the game room out to the lower party deck where you’ll find panoramic views of the property and river. There’s additional entertaining space including an extra-large 10-person hot tub, outdoor kitchen with two gas stove burners and extra-large Green Egg smoker with all the accessories you’ll need to grill for the crew. The Green Egg includes a remote thermometer, pizza stone and pizza spatula. The gas fire pit with lava rocks is an easy way to wrap up any day with plenty of seating for everyone including a porch swing, tall boy table with 6 chairs, 4 Adirondack chairs and additional seating.
Be prepared for the main attraction, the Ellijay River, as you make your way down the steps to 550 feet of private, soothing cool waters of the river. The wood steps are lit from both decks and a stone pathway meanders through various pines, cedar, and hemlock with huge Blue Ridge boulders interspersed in a truly breathtaking setting. An enormous 48" firepit with 8 Adirondack chairs and 2 luxury campground themed picnic tables with seating for 16 campers is nestled among the sights and sounds of the river rapids. A fun outdoor campsite was created for the little campers to fully experience the pleasure of the great outdoors. 3 cedar swings are placed along the path and river to enjoy the view as you explore this amazing retreat. Indulge in the one of the fastest growing sports in America, disc golf. A 9-hole regulation disc golf course with tournament grade Disc-catcher Pro Baskets and 8-10-foot tee pads awaits. The 9-hole, par 29 course takes you from the stairs off the lower deck, down and around the 6-acre property, to the fire pit and back to the base of the stairs. Discs, bags, course maps, and score cards provided. There are cedar benches placed throughout the course for spectators to cheer on their favorite player any time.
We invite you to recharge, unwind, reconnect and add some joy to your life in our truly resort-like retreat. Book your next memorable escape at River Joy Lodge in North Georgia on the magical Ellijay River in Goose Island for an exceptional experience.
Owners just added an EV / Tesla car charger too, so bring your electric vehicle with confidence.
**ALLERGEN ALERT - This property is not pet friendly however, the owners do bring their dogs**
