Long Branch Residential Preserve

by Mike Pollock

Published in the Lookout Mountain Mirror (December 2005)

Many, many years ago, I used to wander the wilds of Lookout Mountain with a mission to discover untold treasures. Wherever my bike would take me is where I wanted to go, and if it only went part of the way there, I would then shoulder it to the depths of the woods. On one such occasion, I rode through a dilapidated gate on Nick-A-Jack Road, in the bend where Long Branch crosses underneath. The rocky trail followed a wet-weather drainage, and it was so slick that I had to carry. Within 150 yards of the old gate just off the trail, one could see piles of trash, an illicit dumpsite, with roofing material and loads of glass bottles, no doubt destined for the stills that could be found much farther up Long Branch. Soon the trail turned single-track, and the terrain was wonderful for riding. This trail then connected with numerous others in the area that led up to High Point and along the eastern ridge. Returning just a few years ago, the trail was gone, made impassable by the blight of the Pine Beetle. Thousands of trees laid down or broken halfway up the trunk by heavy winds. The trash piles were still there and growing.

Within the last four to five years, this Long Branch property, some 400 acres, became available to the Lula Lake Land Trust through the estate of Frank Gleason. Rather than acquire it outright, the Trust found a conservation-minded buyer for the property, Chris Moore. According to Chris, agreements were made that would permit one of two of his lifelong and emerging dreams, a precedent-setting model of conservation development or a children’s summer camp. He chose the former, and the result is Long Branch Residential Preserve, a development of the Odyssey Land Company, established by Chris and others and named for a nickname given to Chris by his father-in-law, Scotty Probasco.

To travel through that same gate today reveals a sight unseen on any of my previous visits. Downed timber has been cleared; soft pea-gravel roads lead up a mile-long drive past two small lakes; pastures have been sown; and a small equestrian facility and residential loft have been beautifully constructed. Of substantial note is the Locust fences that were imported from North Carolina and give the property a wonderful rustic feel well in advance of a closer look.

So how do you create a precedent-setting model of conservation-minded development? Begin with a will and ability to do so, and add Chris’ longstanding love for the outdoors and a resume of activity with high-level conservation groups. Chris is currently on the Boards of the Tennessee River Gorge Trust, the Nature Conservancy of Tennessee, and the Governor-appointed Tennessee Board of Conservation. Then, design a master plan that allows people to live and enjoy without overusing. Install all underground utilities. Limit off-road traffic; encourage walking, biking, riding, and the use of electric vehicles. The particulars for the development allow for 20 home sites that range from $250,000 to $400,000. The sites are limited in size yet offer access to roughly 400 acres of shared green space. There are two lakes – 1 acre and 3.5 acres in size – that will be great for canoeing, fishing and summer splashing. A Village Green has been created to encourage games, sports and community gatherings, and in an effort to reduce the size of yard spaces around homes. There are miles of trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding. Also accessible from the property will be the Cloudland Connector Trail running from Lula Lake all the way to Cloudland Canyon. From these trails, there are numerous crossings of Long Branch that has a 150-foot protected buffer from all development. Last but not least is the potential for residents to dabble in equestrian activities through the properties own stable, operated as Long Branch Stables by Lane Brown Taylor. Lane and her husband, Barrett, and their daughter, Hazel, currently reside in the beautiful and cozy loft space above the barn until they begin their home. The barn has six stalls, a tack room, and a bathroom with a very neat rock shower. Not only is the barn a mini-equestrian center unto itself, it serves as a material example of homes to be built on the property. The hope is for owners to look first at building materials that are harmonious with the natural setting, such as natural logs with intact bark, and to build energy-conscious homes that are within their needs and dreams, yet not excessive. An architectural review board will oversee all building, make suggestions, assist, and also encourage owners to leave as many trees as possible. Within Long Branch’s 400 acres, only 100 acres can be developed, with the other 300 acres ringing the core property as a conservation easement. Chris’ underlying hope in a dream fulfilled is that those who purchase property in Long Branch will become active stewards of the land and financial supporters of both the Lula lake Land Trust and the Lookout Mountain Land Trust.

Since this community newspaper allows for opinion, this writer acknowledges the speed of society, the hectic pace at which we all seem to be moving, individuals and families alike. Work, life, education and commitments drive us to work at ridiculous speeds. The call to retreat is stronger than ever, and rural dreams have captured all of our imaginations at one time or another. If it captures yours and moves you to purchase property in Long Branch or any other rural area on OUR mountain, live in harmony with the land; help to maintain the rural feel; protect what you can; share with neighbors; encourage agriculture; understand the locals. Please, please don’t bring the city that you hope to leave behind to the country.

The Glascock Company is handling Real Estate services for Long Branch Residential Preserve. For a more complete description and pictures, visit the Web site at www.odysseylandco.com.