Emory House

Jessie with the Summit rental company deserves thanks for trying to get someone out and understanding how upsetting it was to have hot, exhausted babies who couldn’t sleep. The air conditioning went out during our stay. Even before that, we couldn’t get the main level below 75, though it was around 85 outside, which didn’t seem like too much for the unit. Service people found several issues and did what they could. It started working again but still never cooled below 75. We were at maximum occupancy, so moving everyone to the basement to sleep wasn’t an option. The main fridge freezer also wasn’t cold enough, and the kids’ fish sticks started thawing, which made us worry about food safety. The photos made the place look somewhat more spacious than it was. We really liked the pool table and arcade games because the basement was cooler, but they were in each other’s way. The little ones especially loved the zip line. The knives were all very dull, and the sharpener made the ones we tried even duller, so meal prep was a chore. The driveway was very steep, too. We had to drive up the hill and turn around to come back down so we wouldn’t scrape our vehicle’s hitch.

Emory House made it easy for our group to have time together and space to spread out. We had 25 people eating in the open family room and kitchen, with enough seats for everyone. Barstools, a large round table with padded chairs, and collapsible TV tray stands by the couches all helped. The big kitchen island and long farm table gave us room to put out a great buffet. We prepared and served big meals easily, grilled burgers, and had plenty of sharp knives and coffee cups. For quieter time in smaller groups, there were several screened porches with rocking chairs and cushioned daybeds. Each family had its own bedroom, with either a private bathroom or one just outside the door. Kids ran between the zip line and climbing wall while the adults relaxed in the hot tub. Little ones also had arcade games, an attic bedroom playroom cubby house, and s’mores by the fire pit. The house is well equipped for all ages. The location is a short drive from Dollywood, The Old Mill, and the best of Pigeon Forge, with the misty Gatlinburg mountains only 10 minutes away. We parked 10 cars in front using both driveways. On hot days the AC kept every room icy cool, and the bedrooms offered a quiet break from the busy common areas. Emory House is beautifully landscaped and tucked away on a quiet hill in Pigeon Forge. You don’t get the mountain top views of a Gatlinburg cabin, but you also don’t pay Gatlinburg rental rates for a home this size. I recommend it for a large group wanting comfort, convenience, fun, rest, and a good location. Thanks, Emory House, for making it easy to focus on each other.

There was room for everyone, and ALL the cousins had a blast. Clean and spacious, with a VERY convenient location. A perfect place for a large family.

We had a great time here, with plenty of space, a hot tub, merry go round, and zip line. It was perfect for my whole family, and we’ll definitely book again.