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CHRISTMAS IN THE SMOKY MOUNTAINS! BEAUTIFUL 12' CHRISTMAS TREE IN A CABIN WITH SOARING CEILINGS! Welcome to our riverside cabin, where you can experience the holidays in a tree-house setting, with panoramic views of the French Broad River and the Great Smoky Mountains. The entire property is decorated for the holidays, and your family is invited to celebrate in this magical place. The kitchen is fully equipped with all pots, pans, appliances, dishes, flatware, and serving dishes to serve your holiday meals with at the large dining table. Only the northwest corner of the house is situated at ground level--the rest of the house is on piers which lift it above the steep incline of our property so that most of the house is in the canopy of the trees. The house has two wings. The original cabin includes the kitchen, dining room, TV/family room, and a full bathroom downstairs. Upstairs there is a bedroom with a queen sized bed and ensuite bath, a loft area with a library and a twin sized bed, and a laundry room. The other wing of the house is where the living room is, with an amazing 12' decorated tree and magnificent views of the river and the mountains beyond. A solarium with plants and the dog crate connects the two wings of the house. There are wonderful views from every window of the house--mountains and lake to the south, and forest and gardens to the north. We are situated at the edge of Douglas Lake in the Smoky Mountain region of East Tennessee. During the winter, when the lake level is down, Douglas Lake transforms back into the French Broad River, still accessible on warmer days for a paddle in the canoe. During the winter months, our "floating" dock is on the ground, but is still relatively level so you can use the porch swing or chaise lounges to enjoy the views, and the dining table for outdoor meals if the weather is warmer than usual. The views from the dock are stunning—amazing sunrises and sunsets! And on clear days, layer upon layer of Smoky Mountain majesty can be seen beyond the tranquil river. There's a small, rocky beach area accessible by stone steps from the yard. Rubber boots are recommended if you care to walk along the beach. We have kayaks, paddle boards, and a canoe (also floatation vests) that you are welcome to use, weather permitting. Fishing is popular on Douglas Lake, but you must obtain a fishing license and bring your own rods and tackle. During the warmer months between April and early September, the water level on Douglas Lake is raised and our dock is afloat. Between late September and mid April, the water level of the lake drops. The level fluctuates as much as 40 feet during the cooler seasons to control flooding down river. The kayaks, paddle boards, and canoe may still be used during these times, but they must be carried to the water's edge, which might be a few yards away to as much as 75+ yards from the dock, when the lake is at its lowest level. The stone steps can be used to access the lake bed, and mud boots are recommended. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park can be seen from our house. Some of the most beautiful hikes in the United States are just a 40 to 60 minute car ride away! In addition to hikes, the park also offers Ranger-led programs. Dandridge itself is a lovely little town. It's interesting to walk around "old town" downtown, visit the boutiques and antique stores, and take a walk across the bridge toward the town dock and view Douglas Lake from above. Everything is decorated for the holidays. Knoxville is about a 45 minute drive, and is a fun place to visit for the wonderful restaurants, shopping, and entertainment. Sevierville/Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg are about a 45-60 minute drive to the southwest. As a popular tourist location, there are so many fun things to do there, such as the Dollywood Theme Park, zip lines, mountain coasters, museums, an excellent aquarium, antique shopping, and so many more attractions. We encourage you to do a web search--there's something for everyone's interests! There are some really wonderful restaurants over in that area, and we'll be happy to provide recommendations. The air temperature during the summer months varies from nighttime temperatures in the 50s and 60s F (often higher), to daytime temperatures in the 80s and 90s F. In fall it is generally cool or cold at night and warm during the day. By late October through November there are sometimes frosts at night, and cooler temperatures that usually stay below 60 degrees F. In winter, it can become very cold--in the 20s or sometimes teens F, but there are days and even weeks of very mild weather. Spring varies. March can be warm (60s and 70s F) or cold (30s and 40s F), but the warmer temperatures usually are consistent by April.