Shipping Container Homes & Buildings: Camp Cargo - Artistic Retreat Constructed From Shipping Containers, Tennessee

Camp Cargo - Artistic Retreat Constructed From Shipping Containers, Tennessee

Location

Project	Camp Cargo
Containers	9 containers (9x 40ft)
Bedrooms	4
Bathrooms	4
Estimated property price	$560,000 (2025)
Area	1,600 sq ft (150 sqm)
Location	Sewanee, Tennessee
Year	2020

Welcome to Camp Cargo, a distinctive retreat set on five wooded acres in the mountains near Sewanee, Tennessee.

“As an agent, you usually rely on comparable sales to set a price—but when you find none, you know you’re looking at something truly special,” says Keith Killebrew of Parks Realty. “This property stands out because it’s built from nine full-size shipping containers sourced from around the globe. Designed to transport goods and stay watertight, they make an exceptional starting point for a home.”

The containers have been transformed into three separate residences:

A two-bedroom main home called A’HO, inspired by a Navajo greeting.

A one-bedroom guesthouse known as The Whale Song.

A compact studio dubbed Hummingbird Hut.

The main house even includes what Killebrew calls the “party container,” perched on top of the structure and perfect for multiple uses—whether as a bar, yoga space, or gathering area. Each dwelling also boasts its own deck space.

The seller, an artist, envisioned and built this creative compound. Inside, you’ll find exposed corrugated metal walls, efficient layouts, and quiet interiors. Finishes echo a midcentury modern aesthetic, and comfort is ensured with spray foam insulation and mini-split HVAC systems.

Privacy is another hallmark of Camp Cargo. Nestled deep in the woods, the property offers a secluded atmosphere while remaining close to local attractions. “Within 100 miles you’ll find 75 waterfalls and countless hiking trails—all atop a mountain,” notes Killebrew.

He acknowledges that this home won’t appeal to everyone. “The right buyer will have an artistic spirit, a love of nature, and a desire for something truly out of the ordinary. They’re not looking for a typical box—they’re looking for this box,” he says. “I believe the right person always finds the right home at the right time. This one will be no exception.”