Hello!
We are Eddie and Lisa Coutras and we live in Franklin, TN. We own and operate a digital marketing/publishing firm for over 2 decades. When we’re not working, we spend a lot of our time relaxing or playing at Tims Ford Lake.
With our busy schedules, nothing compares to our real passion which is our grand daughter who manages to keep us young!
In this guide, we'll provide you with all the information you need for your stay with us - from getting the most from your time at Tims Ford Lake, all the way through to your checkout.
In this easy-to-navigate web app, you'll find all the information about the property, get lots of ideas of things to do Tims Ford Lake, our Wi-Fi login credentials, and so much more.
We have worked tirelessly to make our home a special place for our guests to enjoy and love to give everyone a 5-star experience.
Suggestions to get the most out of this guide:
Add this guidebook app to your phone. If you haven't already followed the prompt to add this app to your phone, we recommend that you do! It just takes a few seconds, and it will allow you to find this guidebook in the future by tapping the app icon on your phone screen (like a normal app!)
Relax, unwind, have fun, and enjoy your stay!
Eddie and Lisa (615) 948-4552 Eddie@BestKeptSecretEscapes.com
Directions
WHERE YOU’LL BE
Just steps away from everything you could need, Located in Hopkins Point, this conveniently-located community is located just 10 minutes from Tims Ford Marina, Bears Trace Golf Course, and the State Park.
GETTING AROUND
Escape to fresh country air and the soothing sound of lake water lapping gently on the shores of Tims Ford Lake, TN. Relax on the porch swing in the gazebo or take in some swimming or fishing from the dock on our quiet cove. Enjoy evenings under the stars around the fire table. Our 5-star cottage is family-friendly and 6 miles from Tims Ford State Park and Tims Ford Marina, 16 miles from Jack Daniels Distillery and Lynchburg, TN 18 miles from Tullahoma, TN and 8 miles from Winchester, Tennessee.
What We Provide
Our house will be stocked with most of what you need for your stay.
Our kitchen comes fully equipped with the basics to cook and enjoy most meals. We also include the following:
- All Bedding (linens, blankets, pillows)
- Iron
- Ironing Board
- Towels
- Hair Dryers
- Keurig and Drip Coffee Makers
- Pack N’ Play
We also provide a starter supply of the following items:
- Shampoo/Conditioner/Lotion/Soap
- Laundry Detergent & Dryer Sheets
- Dishwasher Pods
- Toilet Paper
- Paper Towels
- Coffee Filters
- Trash Bags
If you run out of any of these items, you can easily replace them at one of the nearby stores listed in this guide.
Don’t Forget To Bring
It's not an exhaustive list, but here are a few things that we've found our guests often forget:
- Travel insurance
- Beach Towels
- Appropriate Clothing
- Food Drink and Condiments
- Personal toiletries (complimentary shampoo/conditioner/shower gel are provided)
- Chargers for you electrical items
- Sunscreen
- Any medicines you require
- A really good book
Keyless Door Lock
Before you arrive, we'll provide you with an access key code. This will allow you to check yourself into the property. Keep an eye out for the access code in your email inbox 24 hours before arrival.
Please ensure you have the access code before you travel. If you haven't received it before you leave, please get in touch with me. There's nothing worse than arriving somewhere new (potentially at night!) and not being able to get in! We want to make your check-in as easy as possible.
- Enter your 6-digit passcode on the Schlage keypad. Your passcode was provided with your check-in instructions.
- Tap the lock icon on the lower right to lock the door when leaving the house.
- The door will automatically lock after 5 minutes.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Fire/Police: 911
Fire Non-Emergency: (931) 962-2006 Police Non-Emergency: (931) 967-3840
Nearest Medical Center:
Southern Tennessee Regional Health System 185 Hospital Road Winchester, TN 37398 (931) 967-8200 9.8 miles (19 minutes away)
Nearest Urgent Care Facility:
Complete Express Care 1211 Dinah Shore Blvd Winchester, TN 37398 Monday through Friday: 8:00am to 7:30pm Saturday and Sunday: 9:00am to 3:00pm (931) 967-6669 9.1 miles (18 minutes away)
WiFi
Our home has free WiFi. The details are:
ID: coutras_network
Password: funinthesun
The service is provided for your enjoyment but you are responsible for safe and appropriate use and complying with all laws.
Home Technology
Our home is equipped with state of the art technology to enhance security and automation. Please refrain from touching, unplugging or removing any of these devices.
ROBO VACUUM CLEANER The robo vacuum (affectionately known as HAL2000), is located in the rec room downstairs. It is diabled and will not run while guests are occupying the residence.
OUTDOOR CAMERAS There are 4 outdoor security cameras that run 24/7 to alert us of any suspicious activity. There are NO CAMERAS IN THE RESIDENCE.
NEST THERMOSTAT To operate the Nest thermostat, simply push the ring in and rotate to select either heat or air conditioning followed by pushing the ring in to activate that selection. Turn the ring for the desired temperature.
WATER DETECTION You will notice these small "pucks" measuring 3" square throughout the house wherever there is a water source (behind toilets, refrigerator, sinks and washing machine). If there is a water leak intrusion, the device will detect and turn off the main water source to the house to prevent flooding. These devices have an intermittent blinking blue light indicating it is active.
WiFi MESH NETWORK The house is equipped with high speed internet and maintains a consistent strong signal throughout the property with a mesh router system. There are 3 of these devices (one on each floor and one on the exterior wall at the lower rear entrance).
AUTO LIGHTS Both interior and exterior lights are automatically set to turn on and off at designated times. The automatic interior lights are disabled while guests are occupying the house. Please refrain from tampering with the auto light panel to the interior right of the front door as it controls the exterior floodlights.
Kitchen
The kitchen is one of the places we hang out the most. The grandkids love the sit up bar and it often becomes the place where we all end up congregating and chatting. Because we love this space to much, you can be sure that it's properly supplied!
Should you have any questions before (or during) your stay please let us know!
DISHWASHER
We've included a starter supply of dishwasher pods and dish washing liquid. Place one in the soap drawer, adjust the settings to your liking, press start, and close the door.
Washer & Dryer
The washer and dryer are located in the laundry room downstairs. We have provided a small bottle of detergent and dryer sheets for your convenience. Please leave the washer door slightly open when not in use to minimize moisture.
Games & Puzzles
Plenty of games and puzzles for those days when the weather is not cooperating. Located in the master bedroom closet upstairs.
Fire Table
USING THE FIRE TABLE Click the play button above for start up instructions. Children under 18 MUST be accompanied and supervised by an adult and cannot be left alone on the deck. Under no circumstances can anyone under 21 operate the fire table. Please allow time for it to cool down when you've finished before putting the cover(s) on. The fire table is designed for ambience and NOT for roasting hotdogs, marshmallows or any other "grillable" food. Also, please turn off the (blue valve) when not in use. Carefully follow the operating instructions located in the guest book in the kitchen. The grill also uses natural gas and the blue valve at the base must be turned on. Again, please turn off the valve when you are done using it.
FIRE DECK CUSHIONS Feel free to use the cushions located in the patio boxes next to each sofa on the lower patio. Please return them to these containers to keep them dry for the next guests.
House Rules
GUEST MUST SIGN OUR LEGAL RENTAL AGREEMENT AND PROVIDE A PHOTO OF VALID DRIVERS LICENSE PRIOR TO CHECK IN Text 615-948-4552 or email to Eddie@BestKeptSecretEscapes.com.
CHECK-IN AND CHECK-OUT TIMES Check-in is after 3PM (central time), check-out is before 10AM (central time). Guests who remain past the 11am checkout time without prior agreement agree to pay a late checkout fee of $50 for any part of the first hour and $50 per hour for each additional hour as well as any additional costs incurred by the Host in facilitating the Guests' removal from the premises and/or caused by their late departure. THE NUMBER OF PERSONS PERMITTED TO OCCUPY AND USE OUR HOME IS STRICTLY LIMITED TO EIGHT (8) INDIVIDUALS AT ALL TIMES. Exceeding a total occupancy of 8 persons will result either in immediate eviction without compensation or a $200 per guest per night charge at the full discretion of the Owner. “Actual occupancy” includes all persons irrespective of age (including toddlers and/or infants), and regardless of whether they are day or night visitors or overnight visitors. "Day or night visitors" would include individuals other than the registered guests accessing the property (interior or exterior including the dock) at any time. PLEASE NOTE: FOR SECURITY REASONS, VERIFICATION OF THE GUEST COUNT WILL BE MADE VIA FRONT DOORBELL CAMERA. Thank you for your understanding.
SMOKING AND/OR PETS PROHIBITED We do not allow smoking, loud music/noise, pets, and open flames including use of the wood burning fireplace. Please be courteous and clean up your butts/ash if you smoke outside.
GARBAGE RULES Guest will be required to deposit trash in the receptacles located outside to the right of the Cottage. Trash bags are provided and MUST be sealed before placing in receptacles. NO LOOSE ITEMS! Failure to do so will result in a $150 fee to the Guest.
SECURITY Please close and lock all doors and windows when you're not in residence.
KEYS Unreturned and/or lost keys will be charged a $25 replacement fee.
BBQ Please be sure the grease is flowing to the secured can attached under the grill and not on the wood decking.
USING THE FIRE TABLE
USING THE KITCHEN Please don't deep fry in the kitchen, it's a fire hazard. Stir frying is ok.
PROTECTING THE FURNITURE
- Place coasters under bottles and glasses.
- Clean up any spills immediately.
- Do not sit on the furniture in wet clothing.
- PLEASE DO NOT ALLOW CHILDREN TO HAVE ANY KIND OF MARKERS OR CRAYONS INSIDE THE COTTAGE.
LUGGAGE Luggage racks are provided in each bedroom. Please do not place luggage on bedding.
QUIET TIME Please keep the noise down after 10pm and before 7am, especially outside. No parties or events permitted.
LAUNDRY ROOM Dirty towels shall be placed in the laundry room. Wet towels, washcloths, etc. in the laundry sink. Also, the laundry room is used for our family storage. Please replace whatever is taken.
KITCHEN Although we thoroughly clean between guests, we expect that on the last day of your stay the kitchen is wiped down and any dishes used are cleaned and put away.
CANDLES Use of candles are prohibited.
BATHROOM Only toilet paper and human waste is to be flushed down the toilet.
SPILLS OR DAMAGE Any spills or damage shall be reported immediately; we understand mistakes happen, but we would like to assist you with cleanup if necessary.
About Tims Ford
Nestled in south central Tennessee between Tullahoma and Winchester, the clear, deep water of the Elk River meets the wooded sloped shores of Tims Ford Reservoir. The water creates inlets and coves popular with both anglers and boaters.
Evidence suggests that the area has been inhabited for over 10,000 years as a hunting and fishing ground for the middle woodland tribes. The Reservoir wasn’t formed, however, until 1970 with the completion of the Tims Ford Dam. Construction on the dam under the control of the Tennessee Valley Authority started in 1966 to provide water, hydroelectric power, and flood control for the surrounding area. In addition to the Elk River, the lake created by the dam is fed by several creeks and is ringed with inlets and coves. There are also over 5 miles of island shoreline to explore making Tims Ford Reservoir very popular with canoeist and kayakers.
Boating on the lake isn’t limited to quiet paddling. There are several full service marinas with rentals and boat ramps. Water levels fluctuate about 15 feet a year, but at over 10,000 surface acres, the lake is large and deep enough that recreation is not adversely affected. In fact, Tims Ford Reservoir is known as one of the top recreation and bass lakes in the southeast.
Anglers can fish Tims Ford Reservoir from the bank or by boat. There are several fishing tournaments held on the lake every year, and healthy populations of large mouth, small mouth, black bass and striper draw anglers from all over. The tailwaters below Tims Ford Dam are a great place to fish for catfish and brown and rainbow trout.
Accommodations around Tims Ford Reservoir include, but aren’t limited to lakeside cabins in Tims Ford State Park. The park also has campsites for tents and RV’s and a conference facility. There are over five miles of paved trails in the park suitable for biking or hiking, and a full service marina with rentals and a public boat ramp. The shores of Tims Ford Reservoir are also home to the Bear Trace Golf Course, and there are even a few restaurants that let patrons dine on the water.
There is plenty to explore in the area around Tims Ford Reservoir. Nearby Shelbyville, self proclaimed the “Tennessee Walking Horse Capitol of the World,” is home to the Tennessee Walking Horse Museum. The Tennessee Walking Horse or Walker was bred to carry plantation owners around their land. Their smooth gaits and incredible stamina makes the horses a Tennessee treasure. A completely different kind of treasure, the Jack Daniels Distillery in Lynchburg, Tennessee is less than an hour from Tims Ford Reservoir. Established in 1866 by Jasper Newton it is the oldest registered distillery in the United States and still proudly displays No. 1 on its label. Historic Lynchburg is also a charming town to explore. For visitors who prefer a more out of this world adventure, 37 miles south of Tims Ford Reservoir in Huntsville, Alabama, the US Space and Rocket Center has the most complete manned space flight collections in the United States and is the home of Space Camp.
Its proximity to both Woods and Normandy Reservoirs and the rich history of the surrounding area only add to the reasons to visit Tims Ford Reservoir. The fantastic fishing, exceptional amenities and beautiful scenery are reason enough to visit Tims Ford Reservoir over and over again. (www.lakelubbers.com)
TIMS FORD LAKE STATISTICS
Lake Type: Artificial Reservoir, Dammed Water Level Control: TVA Surface Area: 10,700 acres Shoreline Length: 241 miles Normal Elevation (Full Pond): 888 feet Minimum Elevation (Min Pond): 870 feet Maximum Elevation (Max Pond): 895 feet Average Depth: 14 feet Maximum Depth: 150 feet Water Volume: 325,400 acre-feet Completion Year: 1970 Water Residence Time: 240 days Lake Area-Population: 7,007 Drainage Area: 529 sq. miles
Restaurants
NASHVILLE HOT CHICKEN & FISH
Parking lot of Henley Millwork Factory Outlet and Dollar General | Decherd Blvd | Decherd, TN 37324 | (931)361-7007
SHENANIGANS
Easygoing, long-running hangout offering draft beers, wine, pub grub & live music nights. 12595 Sollace M Freeman Hwy | Sewanee, TN 37375 | (931) 598-5774
HOLT’S DINER
356 Dinah Shore Boulevard | Winchester, TN 37398 | (931) 313-5240
TA KRAI THAI CUISINE
11 S College Street | Winchester, TN 37398 | (931) 327-2100
TWIN CREEKS MARINA
Okay, this is now my favorite dining spot on the water! You can get there by boat or car. Check their website for live music dates and times (https://www.twincreekstfl.com/). They’re open Sun – Thurs 11am-9pm. Fri & Sat 11am – 11pm. Fun for the whole family or the couple who needs to sneak away from the kids for couple of hours!
1260 Lynchburg Road | Winchester, TN 37398 | (931) 229-4095 | 7 miles (12 minutes away)
WESTERN SIRLOIN STEAK HOUSE
Not to be mistaken for Western Sizzlin. This place has great steaks and salad bar in a modern atmosphere! The service is very good and these folks are very friendly. If you’re sitting in the bar area, ask for Stacy. She goes the extra mile to take care of you! A great lunch spot in the bar area while watching multiple ESPN-tuned TV’s. Closed on Monday’s.
1911 Decherd Boulevard | Decherd, TN 37324 | (931) 967-0789 | 9.9 miles (20 minutes away)
SUNRISE (THE BREAKFAST PLACE)
Great, traditional southern home cooking in a modern atmosphere for breakfast (which is the most important part of your day!) Little or no wait time. Friendly staff and great service! Closed on Monday’s. 42 East Heikens Drive | Decherd, TN 37324 | (931) 962-3355 | 10.4 miles (21 minutes away)
FIESTA GRILL MEXICAN RESTAURANT
Just a short 20 minute drive to the neighboring town of Cowan. There are several Mexican restaurants in Winchester, but this one is by far, one of our favorites! Excellent food and service. The Cowan Railroad Museum is next door. The kids will love climbing up on the trains! Open every day 11A-9P (9:30P on Fri and Sat) 226 Tennessee Avenue South | Cowan, TN 37318 | (931) 962-9939 | 14.7 miles (23 minutes away)
Shopping
WALMART SUPERCENTER
A one-stop store for groceries and water toys!
2675 Decherd Boulevard | Winchester, TN 37398 | (931) 967-0207 | 9.8 miles (20 minutes away
DOLLAR GENERAL
For a few essentials, this Dollar General Store is your best bet! Just 8 minutes away!
3460 Lynchburg Road | Winchester, TN 37398 | (931) 283-1577 | 4.7 miles (8 minutes away)
Attractions
FALLS MILLS AND MUSEUM
This place was built in 1873 and functioned as a cotton and woolen factory. Fascinating museum with a country store and log cabin bed and breakfast!
134 Falls Mill Road | Belvidere, TN 37306 | (931) 469-7161 | 2.1 miles (20 minutes away)
JACK DANIEL’S DISTILLERY VISITOR CENTER
America’s oldest registered distillery. Great sampling and non-sampling tours! It’s funny to me that the Jack Daniel’s Distillery is located in Moore County…. A DRY county! ;-)
133 Lynchburg Highway | Lynchburg, TN 37352 | (931) 759-6180 | 16.4 miles (28 minutes away)
THE OLDHAM THEATER
The smell of fresh popcorn will draw you into this historic theater with two screens. Renovations have preserved the venue’s vintage look. See a first run movie in the grandeur of the 1950s. Check it out in the evening when all the marque lights are on! 115 1st Avenue Northeast | Winchester, TN 37398 | (931) 967-2516 | 8.3 miles (16 minutes away)
Nature
TIMS FORD STATE PARK
The park offers over 27 miles of scenic trails! Also has a multi-use mountain bike/hiking trail with an out and back totaling 16 miles and runs along the shoreline of the Tims Ford Reservoir. The 2 long swinging bridges are spectacular!
570 Tims Ford Drive | Winchester, TN 37398 | (931) 962-1183 | 6.6 miles (12 minutes away)
BEAR TRACE AT TIMS FORD PARK
Beautiful Jack Nicklaus course that sits on a peninsula, surrounded by Tims Ford Lake. Open to the public.
891 Wiseman Bend Road | Winchester, TN 37398 | (931) 968-0995 | 7.6 miles (14 minutes away
Coffee Shops
CLASSIC CADILLAC COFFEEHOUSE
312 Old Cowan Rd | Winchester, TN 37398 | (931) 313-5618 | www.classiccadillaccoffeehouse.com
WALNUT HILL COFFEE COMPANY
100 1st Avenue West | Winchester, TN 37398 | (931) 313-5472
Checking Out
Check-out is before 10AM (central time). Our home is professionally cleaned at each checkout but if you could please help with the below,
- Deposit trash in the receptacles located outside to the right of the Cottage. Trash bags are provided and MUST be sealed before placing in receptacles. NO LOOSE ITEMS! The trash pick up service will not collect unsealed bags! Failure to do so will result in a $150 fee to the Guest.
- Place all dishes utensils in the dish washer and set to wash cycle.
- Do not leave any food out.
- Remove all bed linen and place in laundry room.
- Close and LOCK all doors and windows. Please double check upstairs living room and master bedroom patio doors as well as downstairs patio door.
- Turn off all lights including the gazebo.
- Turn off stove and oven.
- Be sure to turn off blue gas valve under fire table and cover it (after it has cooled down).
- Check blue gas valve is in the off position under grill as well.
- Leave ceiling fans on in the 2 bedrooms downstairs only.
- Keep closet doors open in both bedrooms downstairs to keep moisture out.
- Dry all towels before storing.
- Please check to be sure toilets are not overflowing.
We also request that you leave a review to let us know how your stay was. We love to hear from our guests! Please travel safely and come visit again any time you’re at Tims Ford Lake!
