GATLINBURG, Tenn. — As the third anniversary approaches, a luxury Smoky Mountain vacation destination that was destroyed in the 2016 wildfires is planning a huge rebuilding and expansion project.
Buckberry Lodge, situated on top of a mountain in Gatlinburg with stunning views of Mount LeConte, was almost a total loss after the fires. It was made up of 46 suites in four buildings, along with a lodge building that held a restaurant.
This WBIR video from 2007 shows what it looked like before the fires:
The family managed to reopen for business with one building in the year after the fire. Now, they're ready to do more.
Owner Buddy McLean confirmed to 10News that a rebuilding project set to start early in 2020 will eventually expand the resort to more than double its original size.
PODCAST: Inferno: The Gatlinburg Disaster
In an email, McLean said they will add new one, two and three-bedroom suites, each with fireplaces, soaking tubs, kitchens and decks. A new restaurant and bar and a swimming pool are also in the plans, along with meeting spaces and the ability to host weddings.
