B&H Ranch

B&H is situated in the northwestern corner of Georgia near the head of McLemore Cove and at the base of Pigeon Mountain. Here is where the landscape transitions from the Appalachian Mountains to the Ridge and Valley region of Georgia, providing spectacular mountain backdrops. McLemore Cove, a V-shaped valley 15 miles long, is a place of rolling pastures, lush hayfields, tall silos, shady country lanes and arrays of wildflowers. Recognizing that the cove is indeed special, the state and the National Register of Historic Places has declared it the McLemore Cove Historic District. Encompassing 50,000 acres in Walker County, the cove is by far the largest of Georgia’s eight rural historical districts.

With an address of Chickamauga, Georgia, the property is located only 20 minutes south of this small town. Steeped in history, Chickamauga has always made an aggressive stand to stay local and friendly while fighting the commercial pressures that have gobbled up so many small towns. Referred to by many as “Mayberry,” Chickamauga’s mission statement is “Focusing on Quality Growth, Preservation, and Community Values.” This town oozes reflections of the old days and a simpler way of life. The property’s address is 9181 Hog Jowl Road; Chickamauga, Georgia.

Notably, the property is only 40 minutes from downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee. Chattanooga has become one of America’s most dynamic middle-sized cities with an array of exciting venues for nearby residents. New York Times is quoted as saying, “Not too small and not too big, Chattanooga is really the undiscovered gem of Tennessee.” This convenience to all of Chattanooga’s amenities is a real plus to owning B&H.

Only 100 miles to the south is Atlanta, home of the 1996 Summer Olympics. Atlanta is a leading center of cultural and sporting activities, boasting a first-class symphony, museums, theater and professional sports teams that include the Atlanta Braves, Falcons and Hawks.

Driving times: 

• 20 minutes = Chickamauga 
• 20 minutes = LaFayette  
• 40 minutes = Chattanooga 
• 1 hr 45 min = Atlanta 
• 2 hours = Birmingham 
• 2 hr 30 min = Nashville 

A very unique feature of B&H is how well the property is located in relation to so many other interesting venues. The surrounding recreational opportunities are endless and convenient, allowing for the property to act much bigger than its 400 acres. Here are just a few of the nearby properties one can enjoy:

McLemore Cove Farms & Crockford Pigeon Mountain WMA: This 20,000-acre state- and county-owned land offers an abundant list of recreational activities. Miles and miles of trails offer endless opportunities to horseback ride, mountain bike, and hike. Pigeon Mountain has many limestone formations, which have become a destination among elite rock climbers. Other activities include hunting, fishing, spelunking, and camping. The Pocket at Pigeon Mountain is considered to be among the finest areas for wildflowers in Georgia and is home to the Shirley Miller Wildflower Trail. B&H shares a 1.25-mile border with the WMA.

Cloudland Canyon State Park: Located on the western edge of Lookout Mountain, this is one of the most scenic parks in the state of Georgia, offering rugged geology and beautiful vistas. The park straddles a deep gorge cut into the mountain by Sitton's Gulch Creek, and elevation differs from 800 to 1,980 feet. A day spent hiking, picnicking, and sightseeing makes for a wonderful time. B&H is only 20 minutes from this 3,500-acre state park.

Chickamauga Battlefield: For history buffs, the Chickamauga Battlefield is the scene of a major battle during the Civil War. The 5,500-acre battlefield contains numerous monuments, historical tablets, and wayside exhibits. However, you don’t have to be a history buff to enjoy this national park, as a great network of trails allows for horseback riding, biking, and hiking. The park is also loaded with great picnic spots. It is truly a great area to enjoy a relaxing, sunny day outside. B&H is only 25 minutes from the Chickamauga Battlefield.

Lula Lake Land Trust: A shining example of the benefits of conservation, protecting over 4,000 acres on top of Lookout Mountain, the Lula Lake Land Trust has guaranteed these abundant resources will benefit both current and future generations. Many opportunities to horseback ride, mountain bike, hike, picnic, and just simply enjoy the outdoors are available on the Land Trust. Check out its Cloudland Canyon State Park connector trail! B&H is only 25 minutes from the Lula Lake Land Trust.

Lying within the United States’ humid subtropical zone, the area offers a mild, pleasant climate and four distinct seasons. Spring arrives in March with mild days and cool nights, and by late May the temperatures have warmed up considerably to herald warm summer days. On average, July is the warmest month of the year. The summer months tend to receive more precipitation than other times of the year, and the area has an average annual rainfall of 53 inches. Fall is marked by mild to warm days and cooler nights. Winter is usually mild, with the coldest days featuring lows near or slightly above freezing and highs in the upper 40s to mid-50s. Snow occurs sporadically, with an average annual accumulation of approximately five inches. 

B&H is covered by a conservation easement held by the North American Land Trust. The purpose of the easements is to protect wildlife habitat, open space, and scenic values while allowing for continued residential, agricultural, timber, and recreational uses. A conservation easement provides the benefit of a reduction in operating costs, protects the property for future generations, and allows the owner to retain private property rights. Copies of the easements and more details are available from the Broker upon request.

Pricing: 

$5,800,000 Entire Property    400± acres

$4,000,000  Tract 1          273± acres                            

$2,000,000  Tract 2          126± acres

Main House - The farm features a number of tasteful improvements with a five-bedroom, four-and-one-half-bath main home as its centerpiece. Built in 2001, the 5,174± sq. ft. house is two stories with a board and batten exterior. The first floor features an open floor plan with a modern kitchen, great room, dining area, and a large fireplace. It includes a large master suite with a custom closest and a private office. The main floor includes a total of three bedrooms and there are an additional two bedrooms upstairs. A breezeway connects the main house to the carriage house, in which there is a home gym, game room and a three-car garage. There is a nice patio on the back of the home with an outdoor fire pit. The architectural design features lots of window space filling the home with natural light, all while taking advantage of the expansive mountain and valley views surrounding the home. 

Lodge – Also constructed in 2001, the five-bedroom lodge provides the perfect place for extended family and guests. The lodge is located on the northern portion of the property overlooking a two-acre spring-fed pond. The lodge has an open floor plan with a great room, dining room, kitchen and fireplace. There is one bedroom on the main floor and two bedrooms upstairs. The downstairs includes a large den area with a bar and two bedrooms which open up to an outdoor stone patio with a fire pit. Off the main floor is a wrap-around porch with big views. 

Equestrian Facility – B&H boasts a spectacular equestrian facility just a short distance from the main house. The ten-stall stable offers a heated hall, an office and meeting area, nice tack room, and three run outs. Outside of the barn are three riding rings – two smaller ones (60’ and 50’) and a really attractive standard-size ring. All the riding rings have a very nice footing material. The paddocks and horse pastures are all attractively done with four-board fencing. Any horse enthusiast will love the equestrian scene at B&H.

Equipment Building – A large equipment building that is the central point for the farm’s operations is located next to the equestrian facility. It includes a hunting room, office, bathroom, large garage area, equipment shed and plenty of storage.

Caretaker’s House – A quaint but well-kept caretakers house sits just down the road from the main entrance

The annual property taxes for B&H are approximately $23,400.

B&H is a special property that offers a wide variety of recreational uses that engages all generations to explore and connect with the outdoors.

The farm is well suited for the equestrian, having all the infrastructure needed to accommodate horses. The miles of trails and roads provide the utmost for equestrian exploration. On a ride, one will enjoy beautiful vistas, game sightings and a landscape that will create lasting memories.

This trail system also provides for a number of other activities such as hiking, mountain biking, ATV-use and jogging. An extensive trail system is undeniably an asset when it comes to recreating.

B&H has an impressive amount of wildlife. Deer and turkey are abundant and successful trips to the woods are frequent. The property has the perfect balance of open land and hardwood forests that create the edge and habitat that attracts wildlife. Already in place are a number of very comfortable box blinds and ladder stands. There is a great location for a dove field and there is also an area in which a duck impoundment could potentially be developed. B&H’s location to Pigeon Mountain adds considerably to the quality of the hunting. Pigeon Mountain is a tremendous wildlife corridor and will remain this way in perpetuity. The wildlife that inhabit this state-owned land flock to the open spaces and well-managed food plots of B&H.

The property also boasts a number of water resources. Hogjowl Creek runs through the center of the property and is part of the headwaters to what ultimately becomes Chickamauga Creek. In addition, there are sections of a substantial spring that comes out of Pigeon Mountain creating some very neat wetlands, which could host a great trout fishery. Behind the lodge is a two-acre pond stocked with bass and bream, also offering great fishing opportunities.

In summary, B&H is a property that offers an owner the exclusive opportunity to have an abundant amount of outdoor recreation. It is a property that can be appreciated and enjoyed by family and friends. Many years of committed management by the current owners have resulted in creating this special and unique place.