In 1978, David Yoder left Los Angeles for the hills of Northeast Tennessee. He built a three-room log cabin on the present site of Timberfell Lodge. His success in opening his house to gay guests during the 1982 World’s Fair in Knoxville prompted him to remodel his home and convert it to a full-time, men-only Bed and Breakfast. Thus, Timberfell Lodge opened for business in the summer of 1985.

The response was astonishing, and the Lodge grew in popularity. By 1990, Timberfell Lodge expanded even further. A 20′ by 40′ heated swimming pool and adjoining pool house was constructed. The facility houses a beer bar, bath house, redwood sauna, and 8-man hot tub. In 1992, the Barn was converted to a dormitory for summer staff, and the Annex opened with more guest rooms.

A clothing optional policy was instituted, and was a great success. In January 2000, Timberfell Lodge was sold. The new owners realized the great potential in Timberfell Lodge. David Yoder was a pioneer in this industry, and the innkeepers wish to revive this pioneering spirit and energy, and to bring Timberfell Lodge into the new millennium as the premier men’s retreat in the Southeast United States.