Mission Statement
We are on a mission to create effortless, enjoyable vacations by removing hassle and putting our guests’ comfort and experience first.
The Tanasi Hills Story
What started as a passion project has grown into a vision years in the making.
In 2024, I saw an opportunity to create something special in the Ocoee and Hiawassee River area, a place where guests could truly disconnect, immerse themselves in nature, and experience the calm and beauty of the mountains without giving up comfort or luxury. I wanted to build more than a place to stay. I wanted to create an atmosphere: elevated, peaceful, and deeply connected to the outdoors. The area had a need and I wanted to create something to fill that with a luxury option to enjoy what this area has to offer.
With over 20 years in real estate, I’ve always been drawn to projects that blend creativity with purpose. This retreat became the outlet for that, combining my experience in development with a lifelong appreciation for quality design, thoughtful details, and unforgettable settings. Like any meaningful venture, the journey hasn’t been without its challenges, but we’re now incredibly close to bringing this vision to life.
When I’m not working on the property, you’ll usually find me doing what inspired this project in the first place, spending time outdoors with my family (Karie, Laci and Brody), enjoying the lake, fishing, hunting, and soaking up everything this area has to offer.
Shane Durkee
Owner & Developer | Ooltewah, Tennessee (transplant from Florida)
I hold a Bachelor of Science in Business with a major in Marketing from the University of Central Florida. Professionally, I’ve spent the last 20 years in the medical industry as a medical device sales representative. I’ve owned and operated multiple distributorships for various Orthopedic Implant Manufacturers. I own and operate Riverside Surgical, a supplier of Digital Surgical Imaging, where we rent and sell C-arms nationwide.
Alongside that, I’ve flipped multiple properties and currently own and manage both residential and commercial rental properties. This retreat represents the intersection of all that experience: business, development, design, and a genuine love for creating spaces where people can slow down and reconnect.
We Lead With…
Integrity
We lead with honesty and transparency, creating an experience guests can trust at every stage of their stay.
Attunement
We listen with care and lead with empathy, recognizing that every guest arrives seeking something different, and we adapt the experience to fit their stay.
Presence
We create space to slow down, stay open-minded, and fully engage with nature, comfort, and each other, offering a retreat that invites guests to be fully immersed in the moment and the mountains around them.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Tanasi Hills began as a vision to create more than just a place to stay—a retreat where thoughtful design, comfort, and nature come together to support real rest and presence.
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Tanasi Hills is owned and developed by Shane Durkee, whose background in real estate, development, and design helped shape a retreat rooted in quality, intention, and care.
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Every detail at Tanasi Hills is intentionally chosen, from the setting and architecture to the furnishings and guest experience. The goal is to create a stay that feels calm, seamless, and genuinely restorative.