Tucked away on a quiet backcountry road in Prospect, Tenn., is a hunting retreat that reimagines the traditional deer camp. Built from the shell of an old chicken house, this barndominium hunting lodge combines functionality with comfort, creating the perfect retreat for outdoor enthusiasts. Joey Usery, the lodge’s proud owner, has masterfully blended rustic design with cozy living spaces, offering an experience unlike any other.
What Is a Barndominium?
Barndominiums are becoming increasingly popular thanks to their versatility and practicality. As Usery explains, “You’ve got space for equipment and gear, but you also have comfortable living quarters.” This combination of functionality and comfort sets barndominiums apart from more traditional homes or lodges, providing hunters with an ideal blend of workspace and relaxation.
Unlike conventional structures, barndominiums offer a unique degree of flexibility, with open layouts that can be easily customized to suit a variety of needs. Originally designed with agricultural and industrial purposes in mind, these barn-style or metal-building structures are well suited for adapting into multipurpose spaces.
In this particular lodge, for instance, the 1,600-square-foot garage functions as both a workshop and a staging area for hunting equipment, seamlessly connected to a thoughtfully designed living space. This allows hunters to prepare and store gear efficiently while having a comfortable place to unwind after a long day in the field. The adaptability of a barndominium hunting lodge also means it can evolve over time, with more space or features added as needed, making it an excellent long-term investment for those who value both functionality and comfort in their hunting lodges.
A Lodge Like No Other
Set on 143 acres of scenic land, the lodge features a two-acre pond stocked with bass and bluegill. The building itself, though modest from the outside, reveals a spacious and thoughtfully designed interior. What was once a chicken house is now a three-bedroom, three-bathroom retreat, equipped with all the amenities to make it one-of-a-kind.
Notable features include a 300-yard shooting range, an outdoor shower, a zip line, and a back porch patio with a clawfoot tub—perfect for taking in the surrounding views. There’s also a gun vault, trophy room, mudroom, and mechanical room, adding both convenience and security to the property.
One of the lodge’s most distinctive elements is a repurposed scale house tower, now serving as a shooting tower. From here, visitors can zipline across the property and enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the expansive landscape.
Practical Construction with a Personal Touch
In keeping with the rugged nature of a hunting lodge, Usery used simple materials like wood, sheetrock, and hardwood flooring. He preserved the original concrete slab and exterior shell of the chicken house, maintaining a rustic charm while cutting construction costs.
While Joey modestly describes the living space as “nothing fancy,” its unique layout and personal touches make it stand out. The pictures speak for themselves, but it’s clear that the lodge strikes a perfect balance between function and comfort.
Cost and Financing
Barndominiums can be more affordable than traditional homes, particularly when existing structures are utilized, as in this case. However, final costs can vary widely depending on site prep, utilities, foundation work, interior finishes, labor, and whether the project is a simple shell, kit build, or fully finished lodge. For those interested in similar projects, Usery worked with First South Farm Credit, praising their assistance throughout the process. With a long history of working with farmers, ranchers, and rural homeowners, First South Farm Credit understands the value of properties like barndominiums, which blend residential and agricultural functions. They offer competitive rates, flexible loan terms, and a deep knowledge of the rural real estate market, making them a great choice for those looking to finance their barndominium.
Because barndominiums can combine residential, agricultural, recreational, and storage uses, buyers should talk with their lender and insurance provider early in the planning process to make sure the structure, appraisal, intended use, and coverage all line up. It’s also worth checking county building rules, zoning restrictions, septic requirements, driveway access, and utility availability before getting too far into a barndominium lodge project.
Setting a New Standard for Deer Camps
Joey Usery’s barndominium hunting lodge is more than just a place to rest after a day in the woods—it sets a new standard for deer camps. Blending workspaces with the comforts of home, this lodge offers a unique experience for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts alike. From the stocked pond to the shooting range and zip line, every detail has been carefully thought out, creating a space as special as the land it sits on. If you’re considering building your own hunting lodge, a barndominium might offer the perfect blend of comfort and functionality. To explore financing options for your own dream lodge, reach out to First South Farm Credit and start planning your next rural retreat.
