Our Story

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1946

O.H. Banks, a prominent property owner and citizen of Shady Dale, GA acquired this property as farmland and allowed working tenants to occupy the cabin

1820s schoolhouse

Originally constructed in the 1820's as a two room schoolhouse, the structure was located near the Baptist church in Shady Dale and was moved to its current location years later. The house claims a colorful history of ownership. An interesting man named "Pig" told the story of a blacksmith who occupied the house during the war and was known for the wild parties he held there. As Pig tells the story, the house became known as "Pearl Harbor". Pig remembers receiving many whippings from his mama for sneaking through the woods to observe these infamous wild parties.

"Ruffwood"

In the 1960"s Mr. O.H. reclaimed the cabin for a family retreat and named the property "Ruffwood" to describe the beautiful hardwood trees that surrounded the property.

1994

OH Banks passed away in 1994, and his daughter "Sunny" carefully maintained the property for the next generation to enjoy with their children and grandchildren.

2014

Sharing a common love for animals and outdoors, Sene and Amy serendipitously discovered Ruffwood and began the slow and painstaking restoration of the cabin and surrounding property, only then truly discovering the quiet wisdom of their predecessors in positioning the cabin perfectly to provide calming vistas and gentle breezes on even the hottest of summer days