Check it out
Magnolia Pines Southern Estate is at 332 Lee and Gordon Mill Road in Chickamauga and can be found online at magnoliapines.com or facebook.com/magnoliapinesestate.
Chickamauga's historic gateway features the Magnolia Pines Southern Estate, which is now open to book weddings, events and parties.
Greg and Deborah Poe, their daughter Alexis, their estate assistant Evelyn Jackson and Deborah's sister Charisse Varnell, owner of Apron Strings Catering, are all working together with the help of construction experts to bring to life the "Gone With the Wind" style estate.
"We came to look at the estate and fell in love immediately because it's a perfect venue," said Magnolia Pines Southern Estate co-owner Deborah Poe. "This 30-acre property is in the historic district gateway. The name comes from the magnolias and the pines on the property. The gorgeous woodland landscapes of Magnolia Pines create the perfect backdrop for the most romantic of events. Our dream is to have a destination getaway with check-in, accommodations and a rehearsal dinner all on-site."
The antebellum charm is evident from the moment one passes through the front door.
"If you envision a beautiful crystal chandelier, a dramatic staircase and entryway or Colonial-style pillars as the backdrop to your special day, look no further," Poe said. "We are going for a luxurious and relaxing style."
The master bedroom on the main floor has two full bathrooms and a balcony. Two guest bedrooms with bathrooms welcome guests upstairs.
Walking back down the staircase, guests can see the adjoining parlor room and dining room. Behind the foyer is a spacious sitting room with a gas log fireplace and another full bathroom and guest bedroom. On the other side of the expansive first floor is a room to mingle in and a room for a bar, followed by a kitchen area and three guest bathrooms, one of which is wheelchair accessible.
"We have our own exclusive caterer Apron Strings and a whole list of preferred vendors," said Poe. "We provide the catering, accommodations, and photo ops are limitless."
A brick walkway from the back porch leads to a circular garden and gentlemen's quarters for the groom and groomsmen to hang out in.
"Our gentlemen's quarters sleeps eight," she said. "The property sleeps 30 people."
The carriage house in back is being transformed with rustic sliding wood doors handcrafted for the front and a large deck being added to the back. The Bella Eve Barn on the property, which is decorated with strewn party lights and cotton draping along the walls, can serve as a chapel.
"We have festivities from bonfires and more," said Poe. "The property is peaceful and relaxing. The sunsets and stars are phenomenal here.
"We want a destination where you don't have to go far away. We are very excited and thankful for the city of Chickamauga's support in our new venture. We love Chickamauga and love the people here."
In the fall of 2016, Magnolia Pines Southern Estate will open the on-site Magnolia Pines Equestrian Park for the Chattanooga Pony Club.
"It will be the home base for Chattanooga Pony Club," said Alexis Poe, who is a member of CPC. "It will be a premiere equestrian park dedicated to the sport of English riding. The mission of the United States Pony Club is to develop character, leadership, confidence and a sense of community in youth through a program that teaches the care of horses and ponies, riding and other mounted sports."