Progress Report on our Tennessee RV Property

We just returned from the five acres we bought at the Woodands at Buffalo River in Mid-Tennessee and we have lots of progress to report! Our private RV retreat is really starting to shape up. For more info on the Woodlands at Buffalo River, go to MyRVLand.com
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By background, we're journalists Mike and Jennifer Wendland and this channel is all about freedom and fun through RV travel! We travel North America in our RV doing travel videos, how-tos, RV walk-through tours and video tips about how to get the most out of the RV Lifestyle.
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[@RVLifestyle]

For links and more info, check out the accompanying blog post for this video at rvlifestyle.com/private-rv-land/

[@zayvier69]

How many acres did you buy? What was the cost to purchase the land?

[@rhondalyn100]

"Do what you want with the property" can be a detriment as well. What recourse does a property owner have if the neighbor land owner piles trash up against the property line? While HOA's and POA's can be restrictive they can also work to help keep riffraff out and property values at a quality level. I would have reservations about purchasing a significant tract of land, spending a considerable amount of money improving it, then being helpless to having it devalued by neighbors who do not care about sanitation. I hope you are not faced with that situation. Best wishes to you.

[@VoklstWestie]

I hear what you're saying, you can call the county for that... Im negative on Hoa's because around where I live now, you're not allowed to have "vehicles overnight in your own driveway" well Im single & retired, but if a couple had teens that drive, are you supposed to buy them their own house to park their cars in the garage??? I had another friend who had one of her car's on jack stands on the side of her garage for 2 yrs. Never bothered anyone until a new neighbor moved in. Police came, then $fined her twice, then she have to have it towed... So both sides, but Im not repaying for real estate I just bought, omo.

[@Lauren-vd4qe]

so you think a person shd have iffy friends on occasion? 🤨😏

[@luannkelly5071]

I have owned an acre property in the Texas Piney Woods region. You make sure when you buy that the neighbors are good. If things change and trailer trash move in next door, you put up a tall security fence, trees, etc.

[@Lauren-vd4qe]

@@luannkelly5071 when ever i have considered buying a property i knock onthe doors of the adjacent properties and talk with the neighbors to see what kind of neighbors they are and what they think of the hood etc.; very useful to do this.

[@kathyerikson637]

We live rural 40 acres south of Minneapolis. There are drawbacks to ‘ unzoned ‘ land. It is amazing how many people use it as a junk yard. It’s only as good as the intentions of your neighbors.

[@thinkingkingdomthoughts]

FYI weeping Willow trees have aggressive root systems. Known for breaking plumbing pipes and septic tank walls, fir get to fluid. Thought you’d wanna know, to avoid them. Thanks for sharing your life. Ya all are awesome!!!

[@davidwilliams9963]

Hey Mike. 6th generation Tennessean here, there is no such place as Mid-Tennessee. In Nashville they do call it The Mid State. In Tennessee it is divided into East, Middle, and West. Please call it Middle Tennessee. Thank you. Have enjoyed watching you and Jennifer for many years.

[@seabliss22]

We did the same thing!!! We bought Five Acres in East Tennessee. Instead of investing in an entire septic system, we buried an extra large septic holding tank. It can be pumped out just like a regular septic here in Maryland. Our plan is to put a steel barn on it to house our Fifth wheel. We have no restrictions on our land. P.S We plan to plant peppermint in potted planters. Marigold and other plants that mice , spiders and mosquitoes hate.

[@carolevans6150]

Happy Belated Birthday my Aquarian sister. 2/11 here.

[@janiemiller459]

What a dream come true and it’s all so very lovely!

[@neidaheusinkvelt1062]

Suggestion for natural plantings - lilac bushes, blueberry bushes, day lilies of different colors, ornamental onions, plumeria, plant some old fashion hollyhocks seeds in sunny areas. Pick hardy and low care perennials.

[@seabliss22]

You can plant Plumeria in Tennessee!!?? I thought that was a tropical flower. Please tell me I'm wrong. It's my favorite flower and I'd love to plant it here

[@brucewatson8451]

Wife and I have just watched one of the videos and have talked about TN in the past. We're going to watch a few more of your items and hope to see you on our travels. Bruce

[@brucewatson8451]

Hi folks. Great video and more than adequate information on the land and updates. I went to the web address given and it appeared that there were 12-64 acre lots. We were more in the mind of 5 acres or there-abouts. If you have any guidance you could send my way it would be appreciated. I am waiting for a return call regarding the Woodlands properties. Keep RVing, keep having fun. Bruce

[@AndrewEllisAndymanout]

Right around $43,000 for complete development is my guess. Look into automated pedestals. When your away you can grant access. You guys are an inspiration!

[@edwardbrothers5597]

Exciting times for you both. You didn’t mention the cost of the land. I realize there is a huge variance in property for size and location but a ball park figure would be great.

[@bethrand9292]

Please plant native Tennessee plants.

[@petsarrive2upetsarrive2u43]

Thank you for posting all you do. You have really got me thinking of this as an alternative. IT IS SO Scary talking to the developer, to just buy land, and do all the other stuff myself !! yikes... but you broke it down and so I'm thinking of doing it, as YOU folks did it... THANK YOU

[@davidnorth3411]

I think you’ve followed and used your vision along with all the rules , the improvement costs is what people who buy land fail to examine in the overview . The hollers you describe is guaranteed low to no neighbors on your doorstep . Being from a builder and helping individuals look into their development costs I can attest to how your site ideas are wise . Tennessee has exteme terrain , you’ve used that to your advantage , good project , will increase in value as you put your investment dollars forward.

[@faithkandler7092]

My favorite thing to hear is the sound of the wind blowing through the pines. I can sit and listen to that all afternoon.

[@anniegao6463]

love it . hope can visit you later . this is ann from vegas .

[@onamission4562]

Happy Birthday Mrs Jen

[@moricey4776]

Plant a fire wall and have a fire hose With good pressure, Amazon has small houses they will deliver. Impressive and modern.! 🤔👍🏻🇺🇸

[@sherylshupel]

Plant native shrubs along the edge. Native plants are alwasy easier to take care of, and keep true to local beauty. I'm quite excited to see how your site is coming along! We have been looking into something like this, but it's so hard to know where to go, or what restrictions are in place. We are probably still a few years out from making a decision, but starting early cant hurt!! Looking forward to more of your adventures!!

[@nenadee5779]

Sure hate to see so many trees destroyed 😢.

[@TheWestlandgirl]

Then City dwellings are more your speed? Or living in tents among the trees?

[@pamelahill7164]

Flowers and bushes

[@davechurch1327]

You did not mention how much the land cost?

[@williamthawley9251]

glad to see traveling robert is there, since I subscribe to both of you. looking forward to what you do together.

[@mattgreven7615]

I guess you could also become a harvest host site!

[@hoosier_daddy65]

Run an extra conduit for the fiber line to there the meter is going in the back .. this way it is there when they come out to install down the road..

[@rosarodgers7539]

My whole family plays volleyball 🏐 and that was my first thought when I heard 'volleyball' - so many years chasing balls down hills! 🙃😉

[@joycejohnson1396]

Jen you it it on the nose about the snakes, I would research and find bushes that would have a smell that would keep them away. Happy belated birthday Jen.

[@virginia2139]

Live your best life enjoy.

[@hopebowen7861]

I am truly excited for you both. Enjoy your RV retreat land and God bless 🙌 💖

[@melshel79]

Artificial grass is expensive for that open area but it would look good and there would be no maintenance.

[@jetgold]

If you have the capability to this , it such a wonderful place. All the best and good blessings. 👍

[@janetvelazquez9563]

I love seeing your sweet Norwegian Elkhound! They have been our favorite furbabies!

[@ter784]

Congratulations

[@richardtindell3172]

Looking good

[@marthamanigross]

Ohhh, too bad they are installing above ground power. Underground would cause a lot less problems, especially with the storms that hit TN.

[@suewilson4665]

I would put a gazebo back there, a nice beautiful area to sit an relax even a nice swing…

[@VoklstWestie]

What you're doing now, is of great interest to me as Im also looking for a "basecamp!" Or a few spread-out. Your lot you picked is bellisemo! I really like the way you made your circular driveway I also am looking to put a few rv pads for friends with electric and possibly extra dump chambers (or one main one for guests) ** Locking gate, is a great idea too. Thanks for much needed info!

[@galpalsal]

So exciting to watch things evolve! As a fan of both, how cool that you and Robert are on such similar paths!

[@ramblinginramsey1395]

Great project. I'm impressed. Perfect layout. I love the community area you will have over the sewer field. How about a bocce court? Pickleball? Croquet on a granite court? Keep it simple, right?

[@robertamiller8476]

Looking good. For landscaping I recommend contacting the local County Extension for gathering soil samples that will help to determine the best plants for your site. With all the pines and pine needles I would think the site is generally acidic. You mention utility poles for phone and electric. Why are they not doing underground to guard against line damages due to trees and ice conditions? Of course, it would cost more to the developer, but he should receive some utility company credits. A better feel for your fill (soil) needs was realized after observing your discussions around the fire pit and looking back upgrade at the RV. My guess is you will have a total not to exceed $45 to $50K to include the $14,500 you spoke about during the video ($14,500 and another estimated $35,000) Electric, pad and unknown contingency reserve. You did not mention if there were any closing costs (estimate)? My guess is, if a deal can be had for $80k, a person can be on site with similar conditions to yours for an investment of approximately $125 to $150k and you can let out the awning. Stay safe. I'll always remember the ruler explanation I received at Sunshine State RV January 2017. Hope to meet up sometime again in the future. Lloyd and Roberta Miller

[@journeysbyfaith2473]

How cool. We would love to do that.

[@karendurston2528]

Native plants! Natives support the local butterflies and birds.

[@e-square9976]

Well done. Very exciting. Truly happy for you fellow Michiganders….now Tennessee transplanters.

[@RealProVanR]

Love your land. Thanks for sharing.

[@brownsrvlifecampground9322]

You made a very good video keep up the good hard work We are making a RV campground also it's very time consuming and very hard work

[@stefann1546]

We had a lake house in Byrdstown TN, and absolutely loved it… however the humidity in the summer was brutal on this fair-skinned redhead. Had to sell and locate to a more suitable location. Can’t beat the dark skies & natural beauty of that area of the county! Enjoy the adventure!

[@alejandramguerrero5885]

Looking awesome !!

[@bonniejindrak8376]

Congratulations on the progress of your property. It’s looking wonderful. We are so happy for y’all. It’s so exciting to have Traveling Robert as a neighbor. Welcome to Tennessee!!! 😊 BTW We enjoyed meeting y’all at the Tampa RV show.

[@pattyk8594]

So happy for you! Looks beautiful!

[@JRMoritz]

Looks like you are putting together a great little retreat. We are from TN but living in FL.

[@steveedwards1692]

It’s looking great

[@rfleming7883]

Congratulations on your ambitious project. This is beautiful and inviting. It is costly, but you will be enjoying the benefits for years to come!

[@williambanning3742]

Looking fantastic thanks for sharing good luck !

[@reagan4583]

Looks great! I love Tennessee!

[@lizchilders4154]

Wow! Looking great and so peaceful.

[@heretodaygone2morrowrving231]

Great idea! Genius concept 👏 not sure ya mentioned how much the land cost and annual taxation. I'm really thinking of doing the same thing but having additional sited to rent out like an RV Air B&B.

[@CookingwithCatLover0330]

Great looking place! Thanks for the update.

[@onamission4562]

Congratulations beautiful area.

[@wyattearp1418]

Congratulations, We are happy for both of you. Thank you for sharing.

[@miamisammy4020]

Some hedges might be cool. But, you might want to see what plants live naturally in that area.

[@Carmencita1464]

Love it !!!! Congratulations guys!!! Happy birthday Jen 🎂🥳🥰

[@ThoseWhoGlampTogether]

Great video guys! We build a barndominium for our homebase. We'd recommend it!

[@GG-000]

Congratulations! Thanks for sharing your experience and information. Wishing you all the best!!

[@mikemanjo2458]

Looks amazing! We would love to find something like that a bit closer to us. Thanks for sharing your progress. Have a great week! ❤️🙏 Jane

[@lindareeves83]

Happy belated birthday Jennifer.🎈🎈

[@cindykessinger6104]

Thank you. We are also looking there. Please continue the updates.

[@cindylipkint574]

Congratulations! We’re so happy for you both! It must give you great peace of mind, to know that your new home base will be ready for you so soon, in the beautiful Tennessee mountains! We’ll keep an eye out for updates!

[@paula52]

Your property is beautiful. Best of Luck with it. I hope do something similar in the future. Love watching your progress.

[@deborahpeck7722]

I’m so happy for you I’ve been looking at property in msine to do the same thing

[@kathydavis5085]

You both SHINE with excitement! So happy for you both. Looking forward to seeing more until complete.

[@Tobelemke]

Best of luck, we really enjoy watching your new dreams come alive. Thanks for letting us know the costs. Mark and PJ Chicago Il

[@sharonepple243]

Love your new property! You two are so inspirational. My husband and I are nearing retirement and your definitely give us food for thought! Keep your great videos coming!

[@josephrobichaud5198]

Your super lucky to be able to get all that stuff done so quick, in my area most people are waiting a year just to get a lot cleared.

[@viviandarin694]

So excited for you. As a nomad with Michigan residency I relate to your dreams. WooHoo, best wishes

[@albertoparra8870]

Congratulations. We really enjoyed seeing your progress. Thanks for sharing your cost numbers. We bought a lot in Waverley TN from the same land developer and hope to do something similar to what you are doing, on our land in the near future. We will continue to follow your channel & your project progress. Than you!

[@dsrtlawman]

We bought at Paradise Landing. I know you did a video down there also. I would love to come look at you mountain top site and we'd love to have you stay with us on the river. As soon as the river receedes, we will get our property finished too. Hope to see you soon!

[@donnahill422]

You have a Norwegian Elkhound!! We've had Elkhounds for years! They're incredible dogs

[@jlynngaertner]

Beautiful! For plants, azaleas would be pretty in the spring at the tree line. I think they can handle some shade too. Maybe some crepe myrtles too.

[@jimbabar]

Looking Great! I am doing something similar on my lot with the RV hookups and septic, can you tell me which company is installing your septic?

[@kathiebauer5165]

Looking good. Berries would be nice. I hope more of these places pop up. So glad there are no restrictions. Have enjoyed Roberts clips too

[@TheWestlandgirl]

Bears etc love berries.

[@kathiebauer5165]

@@TheWestlandgirl So do people😊❤️🐻

[@RVLifestyle]

@@TheWestlandgirl No bears in this part of Tennessee

[@susanjackson1458]

Native azaleas and dogwood trees along the western and northern sides of the tree line will be wonderful in the spring, also Rhododendron and mountain laurel. But, yes, stay with native plants and grasses. NO nandina! It’s invasive.

[@Pops5]

Preventing erosion is where I suggest going with the “planting” and landscape choices

[@johnlonergan7237]

Thank you for sharing cost. I think that it is not unreasonable.

[@ralphprice5136]

Great update. What part of Michigan are you from? I’m a Michigander too and looking for an opportunity such as yours. Beautiful job on your property and love your videos. Thanks for sharing your stories with us!

[@marthamanigross]

I could see a pretty cabin style Park Model home in the center. Your family could come visit and stay in it. Hopefully the “no restrictions “ doesn’t bring unwelcome people/situations.

[@MarkRVillano]

If you're looking for a home or property and there's an HOA involved, run like the Dickens!

[@johnnylightning1491]

Looks like you're making progress. I think you may be in trouble if you don't want tall grass, unless you pay someone to mow it on a regular basis. Since you don't want grass, maybe planting some pine trees will keep the grass down, but then it also blocks the sun. As to snakes, I think your fears are misplaced. Yes, there are snakes in Tennessee, but there are snakes in Michigan, even rattlesnakes, but not so many. There's only 7,000-8,000 snake bites a year in the US and only five deaths. Since one of the biggest problems with RVs is rodent infestation snakes will help keep that population down, so maybe you want to encourage snakes to live on your property. Just for comparison there are about 49 people killed by lightning every year in the US so your chances of dying by getting stuck by lightning are 10 times what they are from snake bite. That and most folks that die from snake bite are men so Jennifer you're fairly safe from snake bite in Tennessee. Just some food for thought.

[@someguyinflorida]

I'm envious! Great job...but isn't the left side site hookups on the wrong side for a back in?

[@mfhairstream6812]

Looks cold

[@coryontheroad5459]

Like the smiles sweet and 😊

[@jolenecreech7648]

I would love to visit with you and learn about this this type of ownership. My son lives In Nolensville…Staying on our land in our own RV would be perfect.

[@kburkes4245]

I would keep some of those straight pine logs and use them for landscaping terracing, maybe building beds etc. Definitely something to control erosion.

[@geod3589]

In 2-3 years they will be rotten and breaking down.

[@bobw9297]

good luck , FYI it would cost $75 thousand just for the septic system and $200 per foot for a well and $250 per foot for power in my area plus a acer lot flat and dry will be $500 thousand ,,,, I am not kidding ..... eh

[@hangingoutenjoyinglifewith2268]

🔥🔥🔥🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@lisastillwell8129]

Just found you . Thanks for the breakdown . Could you show us how you access the lake/river from the property? Also, how much did the 35 truckloads of fill cost ?

[@norenejarman8280]

Looks good we will be neighbor's I just bought a lot and will be building a small home on mine . love what you have done I am sure we will meet at some point I love the videos

[@tomstapleton8175]

That is our plan also. We own Lot #23!

[@RVLifestyle]

Norene. Send me your lot number and contact info. I'm putting together a spreadsheet of owners so we can share info and resources in developing our properties.

[@odeannehartnett2538]

What type of black tank treatment will you be using in the RV? Is there something special to consider as it will be dumped into your septic system?

[@vickishort5148]

Pickle ball court

[@mattgreven7615]

Seems like a neat idea, but isn't the whole idea of a motorhome to travel? If you're going to park it--buy a 5'r! (but you may see some mobile homes there, too...)