Meadowlark - Goats, Chickens, & Trails in Mtn Air

Summary:

Meadowlark is a bright, playful bunkhouse built for groups. Four queen beds are stacked into two oversized bunks, giving up to 8 people a comfortable place to land after hiking, climbing, swimming, or exploring Chattanooga. Outside, you've got your own covered porch, fire pit, hammock deck, Blackstone grill, & hot outdoor shower.

Meadowlark is also part of Talking Water Nature Retreat, 82 wooded acres with trails, goats, chickens, cats, & one mile of gorgeous Suck Creek running along the bottom of the property.



The Space:

Four queen beds are tucked into two oversized built-in bunks, giving families, friends & adventure crews an easy place to stay together in Chattanooga.



You'll have your own covered porch with fire pit, hammock deck, picnic table, Blackstone grill & private hot outdoor shower - plus access to the trails, pavilion, playground, goats, chickens, cats & creek at Talking Water Nature Retreat.



It isn't a polished resort cabin. It's handmade, a little quirky, comfortable, and meant for people who would rather spend the evening around a fire than in a hotel hallway.



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The indulgences are here, but they are not the primary reason to book. The smart TVs, Wi-Fi, kitchen amenities, towel warmer, toiletries, and cozy comforts are the cherries on top. The real reason to come is the experience of a playful, handmade, nature-filled retreat.



Inside the bunkhouse, you’ll find:

- Two built-in Queen bunk beds (sleeps 8 total)

- 2 indoor hammock kits with ENO-style hammock hooks

- Small kitchenette

- 24" Fridge

- Microwave

- Keurig

- Stocked dishes

- Cookware and basic cooking supplies

- Indoor half bath & private hot-water outdoor shower

- Toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, and soaps)

- Smart TVs

- Wi-Fi

- Covered front porch with fire pit and seating

- Deck with built-in hammock swing and picnic table

- 36" Blackstone grill



Sleeping arrangements

- Two sets of built-in Queen bunk beds (sleeps 8 total)

- Hammock kits (in-cabin) for guests who want the full Talking Water experience



Meadowlark is a great fit for guests who enjoy:

- Funky, creative design

- Sounds of nature

- Outdoor showers

- Campfires

- Hiking

- Chickens, goats, and cats on site

- Private cabins with central gathering spaces

- Handmade spaces with personality

- A family-owned retreat with real people caring for it daily

- A stay that feels more memorable than a standard hotel room

I.E., group bunkhouse with quirky design & outdoor living at a nature retreat



Book Meadowlark if you want more than a bed. Come with your friends, bridesmaids, bachelor parties, reunions, climbing buddies, girlfriends, or wedding guests for the funky design, the mountain air, the outdoor shower, the trails, the chickens, the campfires, the handmade details, and the feeling of staying togetehr in somewhere beloved.



Parking:

Meadowlark includes parking for 3 cars. Pay-per-use EV charging is available on site. Message us if you need help arranging additional parking or have questions about charger access.



Guest Access:

Just beyond the privacy of Meadowlark Bunkhouse, you’ll have access to the Songbird Pavilion, playground, ceremony hut, firepit areas, and miles of hiking trails.



Guests have shared access to:

- Songbird Pavilion with cold-water outdoor kitchen and picnic tables

- Central firepit with chairs and benches

- Mini playground

- Tetherball

- Ceremony hut (with reservation and fee)

- Cob Pizza Oven (with reservation and fee)

- Onsite Hiking Trails

- Pay-per-use EV charging station

- Shared laundry room, including: Games, puzzles, and books as well as extra supplies, souvenirs, and fresh eggs for purchase



The pavilion is the heart of the Songbird Neighborhood. It is a great place to cook, eat, play games, meet up with your group, or sit by the fire after a day exploring the mountain.



The Neighborhood:

Meadowlark is one of five buildings in our Songbird Neighborhood. Each building has private indoor space, while the shared outdoor areas are designed for connection, play, and time outside.



We are not a silent luxury resort, and we are not trying to be. You’ll hear birds, bugs, frogs, wind in the trees, chickens, and yes, roosters. You will also hear some occasional road noise.



We’re nestled in the rural Suck Creek Mountain community surrounded by nature’s best:

🌲 Prentice Cooper State Forest borders our southern end

💧 One mile of Suck Creek flows through our land to the east

🌊 The Tennessee River runs along our road at the base of the mountain



The land at Talking Water was logged for decades without land stabilization or replanting of trees. Since purchasing the property in 2022, our family has been doing our best to honor this powerful land with restoration, evolution, quirky charm, and a deep love for people and place.



Getting Around:

We are tucked into nature, but still close enough to Chattanooga for an easy, beautiful drive into town. We are 15 minutes from the downtown riverfront, 10 minutes from Aldi, and 5 minutes from Prentice Cooper State Forest.



Other Things to Note:

- EV Car Chargers are pay-per-use and located in front of the Meadowlark Bunkhouse.

- There is some occasional road noise, as the cabin is beside a scenic highway and state forest.

- You will hear nature: chickens, roosters, and other normal animal sounds.

- Fresh, unwashed eggs are available to purchase from the laundry room.

- Dogs must stay leashed and under control at all times. Our goats and chickens are not always caged and unleashed dogs are a danger to all. Unapproved pets are not allowed.

- Talking Water is not a good fit for guests hoping to sneak in a party, extra visitors, or pets that were not approved in advance.

- We love hosting families, but this is not a place for kids to run wild without guidance. There are natural hazards, animals, trails, water, landscaping, and ongoing construction details around the retreat.

- Kids and adults should use Leave No Trace principles and treat the land, cabins, animals, and shared spaces with care.



Pets

- Pets must have prior approval from the hosts. A pet fee applies.

- Pets must be leashed and under control outdoors, crated when unattended, and cleaned up after. This is especially important because we have vulnerable goats, chickens, cats, and wildlife on the property.



Interaction with Guests:

Talking Water is a family-owned and operated evolving dream fulfillment. Our family is onsite daily caring for the land, animals, cabins, trails, gardens, and ongoing construction projects. We are not a cult or your typical dirty hippies, but we are usually dirty due to one project or another :)



You will see three generations of our family working, gardening, building, tending animals, and maintaining the property during your stay. We will not approach you (we respect your privacy), but are happy to chat if you reach out to us!



We periodically lead earthbuilding workshops here, and you’ll see cordwood, cob, hempcrete, plaster, stonework, and other natural building examples throughout the property. Some spaces are finished, some are evolving, and all of it is handbuilt with a lot of love.



We have brush-clearing goats, chickens who lay fresh eggs, and working cats who help control rodent populations. These animals are part of the life of the retreat, so guests should expect a real, active, nature-based property, not a sterile rental tucked away from everything.



In order to respect and protect our working livestock, we ask that guest pets remain leashed when outdoors, crated when not beside their owners indoors (each cabin is built with many wood and plaster details), and fully under control of their owners at all times.