A planned tiny home community in the Appalachian foothills of East Tennessee for people seeking a simpler, more grounded way of life.
Designed around nature, privacy, meaningful neighbor relationships, and intentional living.
Click Here to Become a Founding Resident
Why OJO Tiny Home Communities?
🌲 Nature  🏡 Privacy  🤝 Community
- Live surrounded by forests, rivers, lakes, and some of the Southeast’s finest outdoor recreation.
- Private homesites thoughtfully arranged to give you both independence and a real neighborhood feel.
- A place designed around balance – independence when you want it, community when you choose it.
Property Highlights
- Approximately 18 – 20 private homesites
- 6.28 acres in East Tennessee
- Clubhouse
- Hard-line fiber-optic internet
- Beautiful mountain setting
- Community gardens
- Fire pit and activity areas
- Water and wastewater included
- No HOA fees
- Conveniently located 10 minutes from Parrottsville, TN and 20 minutes from Newport, TN
- Close to the French Broad River, Douglas Lake, Knoxville, Gatlinburg, and the Great Smoky Mountains
What Life Looks Like Here
Example Home Sites
Life at OJO is designed around balance—the freedom of having your own private home combined with the benefits of a welcoming neighborhood. Whether your ideal day includes hiking, gardening, kayaking, working remotely, sharing a meal with neighbors, or simply enjoying a quiet evening under the stars, OJO is being designed to support a slower, more intentional way of living.
The Property and Layout
Location and Drive Times
Nearby Activities
• Hiking, Cycling, Lake and Stream Fishing, Kayaking & Whitewater Rafting, Mountain Biking, Caving, Climbing
French Broad River and Douglas Lake
Why I Started OJO
OJO began as something personal.
Like many people, I grew up in an environment that looked successful from the outside but didn’t always feel healthy or supportive on the inside. We had the large country house and later the house on the water, but I learned early that a beautiful home alone doesn’t create happiness or a sense of belonging.
That experience stayed with me.
Later, through my own life experiences, I became interested in what actually helps people feel at home — not just housed. Again and again, I found myself drawn to the same conclusion: people do best when they feel safe, respected, connected to nature, and part of a community they can opt into.
The tiny-home model offers a different possibility — not simply smaller houses, but housing that’s simple, affordable, and thoughtfully designed, without sacrificing privacy or independence.
I founded OJO because I wanted to build that kind of place — one I’d want to live in myself, and one where people can enjoy nature, meaningful relationships, and a quieter, more grounded way of life.
My Pledge
My pledge is not simply to develop a property, but to help create a place where people know and support one another and enjoy both privacy and genuine community.
I look forward to welcoming you.
Please feel free to email me with any questions.
— Joseph J. Dogoli, MA
Founder
FB https://www.facebook.com/ojotinyhomecommunities/
Click Here to Become a Founding Resident
As a founding resident, you’ll have early input on shared spaces, community guidelines, and events — helping shape the practical, everyday experience for future neighbors.
Currently accepting Founding Resident Applications. Fee: $50
Applicants will receive regular project updates as milestones are completed and additional information becomes available.
Thank you for your patience, trust, and interest in becoming part of the OJO community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Timeline and Project Status
The property has been purchased; site work has begun; planning and permitting are well underway; and OJO is a legally registered business in Tennessee. However, the community is still in the contractor bidding phase for the remaining infrastructure and homesite development.
Can I reserve a lot?
Not at this time.
Why is there a $50 application fee?
The application fee helps cover administrative costs associated with reviewing applications and establishing the founding resident program. Submission of an application does not constitute a reservation, lease, purchase agreement, or guarantee of acceptance.
How are Founding Residents selected?
Applications are reviewed individually rather than accepted purely on a first-come, first-served basis. Because the property is designed around a quiet, low-traffic lifestyle, we’re especially looking for applicants who work remotely, are semi-retired or retired, or otherwise don’t require a daily commute. In other words, we consider practical fit with the community. We also aim to accept a range of households. Not every applicant will be offered a spot, though we’re happy to keep your application on file for future openings.
When will home sites be available?
We are targeting late 2026 through mid 2027 for our first residents. As with any land development project, timelines can shift based on permitting, financing, weather, and contractor availability, and we’re committed to keeping applicants updated at every step. Founding Residents will be the first to know as dates firm up.
What will lease rates be?
$1100.00 per month.
Why does an Asheville, NC address show up for OJO?
Our original plan was to establish OJO near Asheville, North Carolina. However, due to property costs and zoning restrictions in that area, we were unable to find a location that met the parameters our community needed. We ultimately found the right fit in East Tennessee, near Parrottsville and Newport — and that’s the actual, current location of the OJO property. Any references to an Asheville address are outdated and no longer apply.
How many home sites will there be?
There will be approximately 18 – 20 homesites.
Will pets be allowed?
Yes, with number and weight limits.
How long until I hear back?
We aim to respond to all inquiries within 1–2 business days. Please note that full application review may take up to 30 days, as we’re carefully evaluating each founding resident spot.
Legal Business & Property Information
To demonstrate that the project is real, organized, and professionally structured.
