Meet Ben Cooper and Ted Donath, the owners of The Atlas—a charming A-frame cabin tucked away on their farm in Ellijay, Georgia. Their journey started in 2021, fueled by a passion for creating unforgettable guest experiences and a love for thoughtful design. Drawing inspiration from their travels, Ben and Ted envisioned a space where every detail invites comfort and relaxation amid the North Georgia Mountains. After careful consideration, they chose the A-frame for its striking visual appeal and modern, minimalist style that perfectly blends with the natural surroundings. We had the pleasure of visiting The Atlas for our recent fall drink shoot—you might’ve caughst glimpses of it on our Instagram or website! It’s a stunning cabin and farm that offers an unforgettable experience.
The Story of the Atlas A-frame Cabin:
(Owners Ben & Ted)
Q: What inspired you to build an A-frame cabin?
A: "When we moved here to the farm in 2021 we knew that we wanted to build cabins. It's such a special place and we wanted to share that with others. We've also traveled a lot and always noticed a distinct difference staying in places where the guest experience had been thought through really well - small touches that make you feel extra welcome and comfortable. When we started the process of looking at designs, we kept coming back to a-frames - they have such a unique visual impact, and we were lucky to find a design that fit the more modern + minimal aesthetic we were going for, without feeling completely out of place for the surrounding area."
Q: Do you have any memorable moments from the building process?
A: "Many! Some of them good and some of them not so good! This was our very first construction project, so we learned a LOT during the build process - mainly the art of patience! At one point after the cabin had been framed out (but before any of the roof or windows were on), we had a particularly intense and sudden storm that hit while we were at the work site. It felt like a hurricane and we thought the whole structure might come down - there were construction materials flying everywhere. But the a-frame stood firm - a testament to the great construction job our contractor teams did."
Q: Did you have a specific location in mind from the start, or did the spot choose you?
A: "We knew the spot we wanted to build on from the very start. It's on the same farm property where we live, but far away enough from our house that it still feels private. There was a small house there already, perched on a more elevated - but crucially, flat - piece of land - that had a great view out over the fields. There was already electricity supply and a well, so it felt like the right spot. Demolishing the house was fun to watch, especially when the old chimney stack came down. It's a great location, as it feels completely secluded and serene, but has super easy access out to the main road."
Q: What inspired the name Atlas?
A: "The name was inspired partly by our love of travel. We also wanted a name that began with an 'A' - it felt strong and also mirrors the shape of the structure. It also shows up near the beginning of an alphabetical list! There were a few potential names in the mix, but we kept coming back to Atlas, so it really stuck with us from early on."
Q: What’s your favorite spot in the cabin?
A: "The main living room is our number one spot, especially when the late afternoon light streams through those full-height windows onto the ceiling/wall panels. It just feels like you can bliss out completely in there. We also LOVE the primary bathroom - we made the shower the main event in there, and it's huge and super luxurious, almost like being in a spa."
Q: What fuels your passions?
A: "A lot of coffee! That and the reactions we get from guests and friends who come to stay at the farm. It's easy to get complacent and normalize living in a beautiful place like this, but we're reminded that we are super lucky to be able to have and share this experience with other people."
Q: What’s your favorite coffee drink and Bizarre Coffee roast?
A: "I (Ben) am a bit of a coffee purist, so I love the simplicity of a pour-over or a cold brew, or a cortado or flat white if I'm feeling an espresso drink. Ted loves a black coffee too, but maybe a little more partial to a jazzy flavored syrup here and there. We're currently loving the
Freaky Deaky Medium Roast, and I've also been making cold brew with the
Splendor Roast too."
Q: And lastly, we have to ask—what makes you weird?!
A: "Maybe the amount of time we spend talking to our animals? We have goats, chickens, alpacas, cows and a donkey here at the farm, and we say good morning to each and every one of them every single day (usually before we've spoken to any humans). Alpacas also have their own special brand of weird energy, so that feeds into the mix too!"
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We had the amazing opportunity to do our latest
fall drink shoot at the stunning Atlas Cabin which was the perfect background to create all of the cozy vibes. Check out some of the moments we captured below!
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Whether you’re seeking a serene getaway or simply looking for inspiration, The Atlas offers a perfect blend of comfort, design, and natural beauty. Ben and Ted’s vision has brought to life a space that truly embodies their love for thoughtful design and unforgettable experiences. We’re excited to share this gem with you and invite you to explore its charm firsthand. Book a stay and get ready to immerse yourself in the magic of The Atlas A-frame cabin!
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