The Little Lake House at Center Hill Lake

Escape to the peaceful shores of Center Hill Lake at The Little Lake House, a Black-owned mountain-modern vacation retreat tucked among the trees in Smithville, Tennessee.

Owned and hosted by Anthony “Tony” DePass, this thoughtfully designed two-bedroom, two-bath getaway combines the privacy of a wooded cabin with easy access to one of Middle Tennessee’s most beautiful recreational lakes. Set on a private one-acre wooded property, the 1,175-square-foot home offers seasonal lake views, spectacular sunrises, a wraparound deck, private hot tub, fire pit, and plenty of space to slow down and reconnect.

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Center Hill Lake is just a five-minute walk—or approximately one-minute drive—from the house, putting swimming, fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and boating practically at your doorstep.

And while the setting feels wonderfully secluded, Nashville and Nashville International Airport are only about an hour away, making The Little Lake House an inviting weekend escape for couples, small families, friends, and outdoor enthusiasts.

Highlights & Amenities

• Black-owned and independently hosted vacation rental
• 2 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms
• Accommodates up to 4 guests
• Approximately 1,175 square feet
• Private one-acre wooded setting
• Seasonal Center Hill Lake views
• Beautiful sunrise views from the deck and primary bedroom
• Private outdoor hot tub
• Wraparound deck with hammock, loungers and outdoor dining
• Outdoor fire pit with firewood provided
• King bed in primary bedroom
• Queen bed in second bedroom
• Fully equipped chef-friendly kitchen
• Indoor fireplace
• High-speed 576 Mbps fiber Wi-Fi
• Dedicated workspace for remote work
• Smart TVs and smart projector
• Retro arcade cabinet
• Board games and books
• Washer and dryer
• Central heating and air conditioning
• Smart-lock self check-in
• Free on-site parking
• Space for a boat trailer
• Pack ‘n Play available for families
• Dog-friendly with prior approval and applicable pet fee
• Single-level interior with no interior stairs
• Approximately 0.2 miles from the public boat ramp and swimming area
• About a 10-minute drive from Hurricane Marina
• Approximately one hour from Nashville and BNA Airport

Why Stay Here

The Little Lake House offers the kind of getaway that can feel remote without actually being difficult to reach.

Wake up to the sun rising over Center Hill Lake, enjoy morning coffee on the wraparound deck, spend the afternoon swimming, fishing or exploring the lake, and return home for an evening around the fire pit or a relaxing soak in the hot tub.

Water access is one of the property’s biggest advantages. The Puckett Point public boat ramp and swimming area are only about 400 yards away, allowing guests to reach the lake in approximately five minutes on foot or one minute by car.

Boaters can bring their own watercraft, while nearby Hurricane Marina provides another option for accessing Center Hill Lake. The surrounding region also offers waterfalls, hiking trails, parks and the renowned Appalachian Center for Craft.

Inside, the home is equally suited to relaxing and staying connected. Fast fiber internet and a dedicated workspace make longer stays and workcations practical, while the projector, arcade cabinet, games and comfortable living spaces provide plenty to do when guests simply want to stay in.

For travelers looking beyond the traditional hotel experience, The Little Lake House offers something increasingly special: a peaceful, independently owned Black-owned stay where the owner has created both a place to sleep and a gateway to experiencing the destination.

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Ownership & Heritage

The Little Lake House is a Black-owned vacation rental owned and hosted by Anthony “Tony” DePass.

An educator and frequent traveler, Tony approaches hospitality with an emphasis on creating stays that feel comfortable, thoughtful and uncomplicated. He describes The Little Lake House as a retreat where couples can slow down and small families or friends can reconnect in a peaceful natural setting.

His connection to the area extends beyond operating the property.

Tony also created Tony’s Guide to Center Hill Lake, an independent destination guide designed to help visitors discover the waterfalls, trails, lake access, local food, history, itineraries and lesser-known experiences found throughout the Center Hill Lake region.

That local perspective carries into his approach as a host. Rather than simply providing accommodations, Tony helps guests discover places to swim, hike, explore waterfalls, eat locally and experience Middle Tennessee beyond the usual tourist trail.

For Black Hotel Guide travelers, The Little Lake House represents another important part of Black hospitality: independent ownership in the rapidly growing vacation-rental and experiential-travel market.

By choosing stays like The Little Lake House, travelers can enjoy a memorable destination while directly supporting a Black-owned hospitality entrepreneur.

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