Before the owners purchased this cabin, their family often rented cabins in the north Georgia mountains for three day weekend vacations. Because "roughing it out in tents" was not on the "fun list" for everyone in the family, they decided that cabins would be the next best compromise. One time, in 2006, they happened to rent a cabin in Blairsville, not too far away from the present lodge. The family fell in love with the area, and decided to buy a cabin there to which they could return anytime.

The three main criteria the desired cabin had to have were: privacy, beautiful views, and low maintenance. After combing the area, and with the help of friends, the family finally came upon the present place of the Lodge. Privacy was offered by its border with the National Forest in the back, and plenty of seclusion on every other side. The valley sunset view was arresting. The maintenance simple. Finally a cabin with all three criteria! However, the original building was only a simple, albeit lovely, private, hidden cabin, with a gorgeous view. As the children grew, Cornel & Kristina decided to expand and remodel the cabin. With engineering approval, two new levels were added, two indoor fireplaces, the entire semi-circular back wall which encompasses the kitchen and master bedroom, and the Rock Cottage guest house, also rentable on its own. Because the backyard hill started its incline within a few feet of the original kitchen door, covering the entire present day back yard, the hill was dug out and excavated about 40 feet in, and a retaining wall installed. Afterward, the pizza-oven and fireplace were added. The rock driveways, fire-pit, and waterfall were the final touches. To encourage the youthful adventure of their children, the owners had the tree-house built, memorializing the original intent of the remodeling: a retreat for the family. Through Cornel's relentless hard work and exceptional leadership, the cabin was transformed into the present day Lantern Lodge.