Elevated Isolation: Georgia Steel Watchtower Property Hits the Market for $1.2 Million

For travelers and adventurers who have ever dreamed of literally sleeping among the trees, a truly one-of-a-kind property tucked deep inside the Epworth, Georgia, forest offers an escape that pushes the boundaries of traditional mountain living.

Listed for $1.2 million, the property centers around a striking, 60-foot-high commercial-grade steel watchtower built strictly for residential leisure, weekend getaways, and immersive nature experiences. Situated on more than 14 acres of rugged land, the towering structure sits directly adjacent to the sprawling Chattahoochee National Forest and boasts approximately 3,000 feet of pristine river frontage.

According to Logan Fitts, the listing agent with Mountain Sotheby’s International Realty, the property commands an immediate and lasting impression upon anyone who makes the journey to its upper tiers. When Fitts first visited the listing, he was immediately struck by the natural landscape itself, noting the rushing river frontage, hidden waterfalls, and towering hemlock trees dispersed throughout the terrain. However, the true climax of the site revealed itself upon ascending to the very top where the watchtower stands.

The living quarters perched atop the 60-foot structure are constructed from two repurposed shipping containers, cleverly adapted to provide modern comforts in an extreme environment. The main layout functions as an efficient bedroom suite complete with a comfortable bed, a cozy sitting area, a stove, and a functional kitchenette. A central landing separates this living space from the opposing container, which houses a fully equipped bathroom featuring a full shower, a toilet, and a double vanity.

Connecting the lower living quarters to the sky is a spiral staircase leading upward to a rooftop fire pit and open-air lounge area. While a mechanical lift is available on-site to haul heavier items such as suitcases, groceries, and packages up the height of the tower, human visitors must make the climb entirely on foot. The ascent requires navigating 82 steel-grated stairs, a feature that Fitts openly acknowledges can be somewhat daunting for first-time visitors.

Recalling his own initial trip up the tower, Fitts admits to feeling a momentary wave of nervousness given the considerable height and unique nature of the climb. Yet, once at the summit, that apprehension quickly transformed into an appreciation for authentic mountain thrills, providing a memorable experience that few traditional homes could ever replicate.

Once visitors successfully make the climb, the panoramic view becomes the undeniable star of the property. Surrounded entirely by dense forest foliage, those standing at the top enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and valley in one direction, while the rich, roaring sounds of the river flow directly below. Guests can even spot the property’s natural waterfall from their elevated perch. Fitts describes the experience as akin to staying inside a glass birdhouse at the top of the mountain, where occupants feel completely elevated and removed from civilization while maintaining a profound connection to the surrounding wilderness.

Reaching the property itself is an adventure that begins long before anyone ever sets foot

on the steel stairs. Accessing the remote parcel requires a four-wheel-drive vehicle, primarily because the final stretch involves navigating gravel roads and physically driving across the Jacks River. Fitts explains that anyone operating a vehicle with proper ground clearance and four-wheel drive should have no difficulty forging the river, noting that the water is notably shallow at the designated access point. While it might feel intimidating to novices, the river crossing quickly transforms newcomers into seasoned adventurers.

The current owner has maintained the property for approximately a decade, culminating in the completion of the tower house structure in 2023. Since finishing the ambitious build, the watchtower has operated as a successful short-term rental property, pulling in roughly $92,000 annually over a condensed nine-month operating window.

The seller is now looking to hand the reins over to a new custodian who can cherish the land, build upon its unique legacy, and perhaps enhance the experience even further. According to Fitts, the owner’s primary wish is to find a true outdoors lover who can genuinely appreciate the land rather than simply viewing the watchtower as an unusual metal dwelling in the middle of the woods. The entire project was conceived to encourage people to deeply enjoy, embrace, and protect the surrounding natural environment.

Despite feeling entirely remote and untouched, the property is not physically isolated from modern conveniences. Operating entirely off-grid with reliable solar power, a private well, an independent septic system, and a backup generator, the compound is located just a 30-minute drive from downtown Blue Ridge, Georgia. Once inside the property boundaries, however, the outside world completely fades away, leaving guests with neighbors consisting solely of towering trees and local wildlife.