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SoKno Nature Retreat, Steps to Ijams 10 mins to UT

Family-friendly stay near University of Tennessee

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Photo gallery for SoKno Nature Retreat, Steps to Ijams 10 mins to UT

Smart TV, foosball, table tennis
Interior
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
3 bedrooms, iron/ironing board, WiFi, bed sheets
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Entire home

3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 82000 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Air conditioning
  • Outdoor Space

Explore the area

View in a map
Knoxville, TN
  • Place, Ijams Nature Center
    ‪18 min walk‬
  • Place, University of Tennessee
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Place, Neyland Stadium
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Airport, Knoxville, TN (TYS-McGhee Tyson)
    ‪21 min drive‬

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About the neighborhood

Knoxville

In Knoxville .Within 2 miles (3 km) of this Knoxville vacation home, you'll find Ijams Nature Center and Tennessee River. Blount Mansion and Craighead-Jackson House are also within 3 miles (5 km).
View more Vacation Homes in KnoxvilleOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Ijams Nature Center - 18 min walk - 1.0 mile
  • Knoxville Convention Center - 5 min drive - 3.4 miles
  • University of Tennessee - 5 min drive - 3.6 miles
  • Neyland Stadium - 5 min drive - 4.0 miles
  • Thompson–Boling Arena - 6 min drive - 4.4 miles

Getting around

  • McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) - 24 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Cancun Mexican Restaurant - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Sonic Drive-In - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Dunkin' - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Aretha Frankensteins - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Osaka Grill & Sushi Bar - ‬5 min drive

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

SoKno Nature Retreat, Steps to Ijams 10 mins to UT

Just 10 minutes from Downtown Knoxville and UT, yet surrounded by the quarry trails and forests of Ijams, this South Knoxville retreat is a true hidden gem. It feels as secluded and beautiful as the Smoky Mountains—without the long drive. Step outside to hike or bike scenic trails, relax by the quarry, then be downtown in minutes for breweries, restaurants, and a Game Day–ready stay near Neyland Stadium. Perfect for weekend getaways or longer stays in any season.

Minutes away from the Downtown and UT, and just steps up the street from a trailhead for Ijams, Wilderness House is an entire home just for you, surrounded by wooded Tennessee beauty in South Knoxville neighborhood.

Take off out your front door for a hike or a day of mountain biking, enjoy some cold beers around your backyard fire under the trees and stars, or explore the local breweries and restaurants of Knoxville’s urban food and dining scene only a short drive away.

Airy, spacious, and full of natural light from the bright and wooded surroundings. Steps from nature, and moments from the best Knoxville has to offer.

The Space
You’ll have full access to the entire home, thoughtfully designed for comfort, connection, and easy group stays. The layout works well for families, friends, and game-day weekends alike.
The home features three bedrooms:
* One bedroom with a queen bed and private ensuite bathroom
* One bedroom with a queen bed
* One bedroom with two twin beds
The finished basement offers a relaxed gathering space with a TV, foosball, and ping pong, plus two sofas for additional sleeping space, ideal for entertaining, unwinding, or hosting Game Day weekends.
Outside, enjoy a private backyard with a fire pit, perfect for evenings under the trees after a day of adventure or downtown exploring.

Nature at Your Doorstep
This home sits just steps from Ijams Nature Center and Meads Quarry, offering Smokies-level scenery without the drive. Miles of wooded trails, quarry water access, and scenic overlooks make this one of the most unique locations in Knoxville.
Perfect for:
* Hiking & trail running
* Mountain biking
* Kayaking & swimming
* Morning coffee surrounded by nature

Location
* Only 10 minutes to Downtown Knoxville and UT
* Easy access to Neyland Stadium for football weekends
* Close to South Knox breweries, restaurants, and coffee shops
* Direct access to the Urban Wilderness trail network
Guests love the rare combination of seclusion, outdoor access, and unbeatable convenience, a true South Knoxville hidden gem.

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SoKno Bungalow*Walk to Downtown
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Air conditioning
4.7 out of 5, Exceptional, 8 reviews
SoKno Bungalow*Walk to Downtown

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the house: WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Smart TV

Outdoor areas

  • Firepit
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Area rugs in public areas
  • Smooth flooring in public areas
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • Smoking not allowed

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Things to do

  • Arcade/game room
  • Foosball table
  • Table tennis

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Garden
  • Unit size: 2,000 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 25

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Rules

Must provide an driver's license to show proof of age

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadbolt lock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business. Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a deadbolt lock in each accommodation.

Property is also known as

Sokno Wilderness House Knoxville
Sokno Wilderness House Private vacation home
Sokno Wilderness House Private vacation home Knoxville

Frequently asked questions

How close is SoKno Nature Retreat, Steps to Ijams 10 mins to UT to the airport?

This vacation home is 13.7 mi (24-min drive) away from the McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

Does SoKno Nature Retreat, Steps to Ijams 10 mins to UT have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at this vacation home.

Does SoKno Nature Retreat, Steps to Ijams 10 mins to UT offer free breakfast?

This vacation home does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at SoKno Nature Retreat, Steps to Ijams 10 mins to UT?

No, there is no casino at this vacation home.

What time is check-in at SoKno Nature Retreat, Steps to Ijams 10 mins to UT?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

Is there free parking at SoKno Nature Retreat, Steps to Ijams 10 mins to UT?

Free parking is not available at this vacation home.

Does SoKno Nature Retreat, Steps to Ijams 10 mins to UT have a pool?

This vacation home does not have a pool.

Does SoKno Nature Retreat, Steps to Ijams 10 mins to UT have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this vacation home.

How close is SoKno Nature Retreat, Steps to Ijams 10 mins to UT to downtown Knoxville?

This vacation home is 2.4 mi away from Knoxville.

Reviews

SoKno Nature Retreat, Steps to Ijams 10 mins to UT Reviews

8.8

Excellent

8.4/10

Cleanliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 28 out of 47 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 11 out of 47 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 5 out of 47 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 47 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 47 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Jonas H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great spot for a gameday weekend!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

6/10 Okay

Christina V.

The layout and decoration were great for our group. The beds were very comfortable! The neighborhood was nice. But there were so many details that were disappointing- missing lightbulbs, dead batteries in the tv remote, broken foosball and table tennis, closet door off track, dryer full of towels, bedding for futon shoved (not folded) in a cabinet, long grass in the front yard… it’s like everything we turned around there was something that was just sub par. It’s too bad because the place has great potential.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Ashley W.

Disliked: Cleanliness
The house was pretty dirty( like the cleaning crew only wiped down the countertops) it could have been cleaned a lot better. Cobwebs and the dishes were dirty on the shelf. The washer and dryer also reeked of mildew and sour clothes.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

L S.

We really love the Knoxville area and it is definitely on our main radar as a place to retire. The neighborhood was very quiet and peaceful at night, and very close to downtown and a hiking area. The beds were very comfortable- we slept very well, and the house was comfortable as well. Thank you for a nice stay!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gena V., Enoree, S.C., USA

Liked: Cleanliness
We enjoyed our stay! Very nice and quiet neighborhood. Slept well in the good beds. Very good communication with property management.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

4/10 Poor

Stephanie M.

Disliked: Cleanliness

Dirty

The house was absolutely disgusting when we got there. I had to clean both bathrooms and the kitchen. The only reason we stayed was because the kids wanted to have the foosball table and ping pong table. Plot twist…both were broken and we couldn’t use them. The only TV was in the basement and it didn’t work either. There was no dishwashing detergent or laundry detergent. Several of the doors were broken or off the hinges. We were super unimpressed with this house.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Rhonda H.

Liked: Cleanliness

Suggested Improvements

Beds were comfortable. The place was clean and spacious. Better lighting needed on porch to see keypad in the dark. The kitchen windows and front door need curtains for privacy. One tv in the basement was not sufficient nor comfortable. Much needed upgrade with bedroom decor if seeking the advertised 5 star. The curtains are worn out and did not fully cover the windows. Make sure house keeping clears out all trash from previous guest. Beer cans left in can in basement and driveway. Overall it was it was decent and the price was reasonable but just not what I’m accustomed to.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

gretchen b.

Liked: Cleanliness

Cute house. Good location.

Very Good stay. Good location/short drive to anywhere we needed to go. Only have two recommendations for the listing I wished I had known before the trip. 1. Only TV is in the basement. 2. Beds described as 2 king and a double queen. It was actually 2 queens and double xl twins. Overall stay was great. 5 stars, great host!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nicholas M.

Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

melissa k.

Liked: Cleanliness

Quiet and Cozy

This cute little ranch is nicely updated inside. My family and I enjoyed our stay while visiting the area. The boys enjoyed the ping-pong table and TV on the lower level. Beds were very comfortable and although we did not cook, the kitchen is super cute! Would stay here again if ever backed down in Knoxville.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nicholas S.

Liked: Cleanliness

Nice place in Knoxville

Nice home. As advertised. Nice bedrooms, easy to cook in kitchen, and nice game room. Well stocked. Only complaints were ice maker didn’t work and Wi-Fi was spotty; internet went out two nights in a row.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Bill C.

Liked: Cleanliness

Cute and comfortable

Cute yard. Quiet neighbors. Beds were comfortable. It was hard to watch TV because the wifi was spotty. Previous renters left trash and dirty dishes. The remote downstairs was dead so we were unable to controll the heater.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

regina h.

Disliked: Cleanliness

Great location for the city

What a great location for the city. Loved the house and it has so much potential. We did have a few problems and the host was very quick to reply. Cleanliness is a must and that is what it was lacking. Great floor plan and nice size rooms but if its not clean its a no go for me. Neighborhood was nice and quiet. Felt at ease.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

james w., Live in sevierville, daughter Chicago, son Jackson Ms.

Liked: Cleanliness

Good stay

Good stay. Amenitues as advertised. Ijams was awesome.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Joe M.

Liked: Cleanliness

South Knox stay

House was clean and proximity to park was great
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Biagio C.

Liked: Cleanliness

Nice, large home 15 minutes to downtown

Great communication with the owners. Home was clean and easy to access. Great basement with ping pong and foosball and large tv (only tv in the home). Liked that they had shower supplies and good towels. Would stay again.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Brandon D.

Liked: Cleanliness

One night away

Lovely home with surprising amount of space with basement area.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Debbie H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Robin C.

Liked: Cleanliness

Wonderful hospitality

We had to stay for 12 days and this location was perfect! Close to Knoxville and UTK - the neighborhood was quiet and the neighbors so nice. Great parking for our SUV and a U-Haul. Communication with the host was easy and helpful. We would definitely stay again and highly recommend!
Stayed 12 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Chino T.

Liked: Cleanliness

Knoxville Is Home

Great and clean accommodations for my family’s weekend stay. The game room was a winner with our teens.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

8/10 Good

Andrew S.

Decent

The property was fine, but could use some TLC. Location was fine and listing was accurate, but the house has seen some ware since the photos were taken and could use some touch-ups and a deep clean. It could also help to put materials like bath towels or dish sponges out in the open rather than having guests hunt for them.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lee C., Dallas, TX

Liked: Cleanliness

UTK Graduation Stay

We booked this home about 7 months in advance and the layout worked perfectly for our family. The downstairs game/tv room was nice amenity. Wish there was a TV upstairs though so you weren’t as separated from family if you want to watch a game or news on TV. Outdoor fire pit was in bad shape and not useable. Overall house was small but nice and worked well for us.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Haylee S.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great stay!

Would definitely stay here again!!
Stayed 1 night in May 2024

8/10 Good

Melanie H.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great place to Stay!

Our stay was awesome and the owners/property managers were so great to work with! When we got to the property there were no chairs around the fire pit outside. I messaged them and let them know that was an amenity we were planning to use and at some point chairs were delivered! I Would definitely stay in another one of their properties. Clean and responsive! Thank you for an amazing stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Cindy G.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great for families

This house is great for families. The teenagers enjoyed having their own space in the finished basement as the parents hung out in the kitchen/family room.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2023