Farm/Ranch in Anderson County, Tennessee
Rarely does a farm/ranch of this size come to market with approximately one mile of frontage along the Clinch River, extensive equestrian infrastructure, productive pasture, mountain views and direct proximity to Norris Dam and Norris Lake. As the first privately owned farm/ranch below Norris Dam, the property occupies an exceptional position along the Clinch. Situated at the end of the road with TVA land bordering the northwestern boundary, the 181-acre farm/ranch offers a level of privacy that is increasingly difficult to find less than 30 minutes from Knoxville.
The history of this land reaches back more than two centuries and is closely tied to the families who own it today. The property traces its beginnings to an 1803 Revolutionary War land grant to Matthew Massengill, the fifth great-grandfather of the current owner, for his military service. The original grant encompassed approximately 2,000 acres on what was then the Tennessee frontier. In 1964, the farm/ranch changed hands when it was purchased by the current owner’s wife’s family, creating a unique connection in which both the husband’s and wife’s families have ties to the land spanning generations.
Following the 1964 purchase, the property was developed into a dairy operation. The University of Tennessee laid out the original dairy barn to specifications designed for efficient airflow, and the property later served as a UT demonstration farm during the early adoption of artificial insemination in cattle. At one time, the operation was also featured in Progressive Farmer.
Today, the farm/ranch is operated as a horse boarding facility, with much of the agricultural infrastructure still serving the land. Approximately 50 acres of pasture have been used for hay production, while fenced and cross-fenced fields support the equestrian operation. Automatic waterers serve the fields, and Klene Pipe feeders and high-tensile fencing are already in place.
The main boarding barn provides 26 stalls, including standard 12′ x 12′ stalls, several larger stalls and ten approximately 12′ x 16.5′ stalls. Stalls are matted and equipped with automatic water. The barn includes a tack room with 30 individual tack lockers. The former milking parlor has been repurposed to provide additional storage, a restroom and an office area with refrigerator.
Equestrian facilities continue with a lighted 60′ x 120′ covered arena with footing professionally installed in 2025 by Precision Equine Specialists, along with a 125′ x 250′ outdoor arena. Six run-in sheds are distributed among six separate pastures and fields, with an additional run-in shed near the residence. A separate 24′ x 36′ two-stall owner’s barn behind the house includes a tack room and sink.
Additional farm/ranch improvements include a 40′ x 30′ garage/shop and a pole barn for hay storage. Equipment and furnishings may also be negotiable with the sale.
Beyond the working portion of the farm/ranch, established logging and riding trails extend through the wooded acreage. An elevated homesite within the woods overlooks the Clinch River and takes advantage of the surrounding mountain views, creating the possibility for an additional residence positioned away from the existing farm operation.
The river is one of this property’s defining features. Approximately one mile of Clinch River frontage places the farm/ranch along one of Tennessee’s most recognized trout fisheries. Beginning immediately below Norris Dam, the cold-water Clinch tailwater is known nationwide for quality trout fishing and has been included in Trout Unlimited’s Guide to America’s 100 Best Trout Streams. Rainbow, brown and brook trout are found in the Norris tailwater, making the property’s position as the first privately owned farm/ranch below Norris Dam particularly noteworthy for the serious fly fisherman and recreational angler.
The recreational opportunities extend well beyond fishing. The property supports wild turkey, whitetail deer and small game. A dedicated clay shooting range is equipped with six professional-grade Promatic clay target throwers, along with an area for pistol shooting. Miles of existing trails provide opportunities for horseback riding, hiking and exploring the wooded portions of the farm. A long, usable stretch of relatively level ground measuring approximately 3,000 feet also creates an unusual aviation component. The property offers ample room for helicopter operations and potential for use by certain small aircraft.
The residence is a Craftsman-style 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home with an attached 2-car garage and cedar-shake-style vinyl exterior. The primary suite is located on the main level, with two additional bedrooms downstairs. A wood-burning stove on the lower level provides enough heat to warm the home.
Norris Lake and Norris Dam Marina are approximately five miles away, adding boating and lake recreation to what is already available directly from the property. Knoxville is less than 30 minutes away, while Pigeon Forge is approximately 1 hour 20 minutes, Chattanooga approximately 2 hours 15 minutes and Nashville approximately 3 hours away.
From its origins as part of an early Tennessee land grant, to its years as a progressive dairy operation, and now as an established equestrian farm/ranch, this property has remained working land for generations. As a privately owned farmranch below Norris Dam, its 181 acres and approximately one mile of Clinch River frontage are joined by productive pasture, extensive horse facilities, wooded trails, hunting, nationally recognized trout water and close proximity to Knoxville and Norris Lake—a combination that would be difficult to reproduce in East Tennessee.
