A vision
Johnsons build The Manor as gathering place to celebrate
Nestled along Hickory Creek, the Johnsons cut the ribbon for The Manor, located at 12544 Yarnell Road, during a Farragut West Knox Chamber of Commerce event Tuesday, Sept. 10.
“It’s really a place to gather and stay,” Amanda said. “We really just hope that there’s a lot of memories made here, that there’s a lot of time people spend that they need, and this is imprinted on their hearts that it’s been really special.”
The venue can handle micro weddings, anniversaries, rehearsal dinners, graduation, birthday parties and many other celebrations.
“There’s not nearly enough options, especially as unique and rich and beautiful as this place is,” Chamber president/CEO Julie Blaylock said.
Chris said the Johnsons wanted to create a space large enough where everyone could gather in a big open meeting area, kitchen included, but also have enough space where everyone could stay on the property.
“No one’s having to drive from hotels or anywhere else,” he said. “And then, no one ever wants to share bathrooms.
“That’s why in the 3,400-square-foot upstairs, it will sleep 18 people — five bedrooms — and every bedroom has its own bathroom,” Chris added, noting it has five-and-a-half baths.
On the main floor, which also is 3,400 square feet, the structure features a 10-by-10-foot kitchen, bridal room and the common meeting area.
The kitchen was Chris’ inspiration.
“Everyone gathers in the kitchen,” he observed. “I want a kitchen that can accommodate a lot of people and it’s just welcoming.”
Outdoors, there is plenty of space to “have a campfire out by the creek,” Chris said. “If people just want to get out and walk. If they have pets, they’re welcome to bring them.
“The (building is) set up so that if someone wants to just book the main level, they can book just the main level,” he added.
“If they want to just book the top floor, they can book up there; or if they want to book all of it together, it’s usually a reduced rate. We book the whole package together.”
To book the space through Airbnb (airbnb.com) or at the Johnsons’ website, visit themanorathickorycreek.com or call 865-208-0654 for more information.
A 3,000-square-foot patio paver area can accommodate celebrations as well.
“It is something that is ‘come and enjoy the property, and we’re right here, this close to town.’ That was my vision,” he added. “The creek is what brought us to this location. “We love it. It’s a spring-fed, crystal clear creek.”
The Johnsons lived in Farragut from 2006 until 2021, when they built a house in a neighborhood just outside The Manor property.
The idea to build such a venue came after a celebration of his in-laws’ 50th wedding anniversary two years ago.
“We had to go to Gatlinburg to find somewhere we could all gather as a family,” Chris said, noting he could not find such a location in Knox County.
“We had already bought the property and were waiting for a vision, and somewhere in there Chris said, ‘this is it,’” Amanda recalled. “‘This is what we’re supposed to do.’ Being a venue owner was not in our plans, but he kind of just went with this vision.”
Construction started in February 2023 and finished last February. “We had some dry runs with friends and family staying in it, to make sure the kinks were worked out,” Chris said.
