Meet the Family

The Heartbeat of Talking Water

Behind every detail at Talking Water Nature Retreat is a family that poured their love, creativity, and energy into making this dream a reality. From DIY projects to managing day-to-day activities, get to know the people who made this special place possible.

James & Bobbie (Sonner) Such

Bobbie and James have called Chattanooga home since 2016, where they’ve planted roots and started their family. Parents to four lively young children, they balance the joys of raising kids with the passion of running Talking Water.

Bobbie, a registered art therapist, juggles building & managing the retreat while keeping the kids entertained.

James works at a local foundation repair company and tackles projects whenever free.

If you reach out to Talking Water, it’s likely Bobbie who will be on the other end, ready to help make your stay unforgettable.

John & Karen Sonner

Our mountain roots run deep.

Bobbie’s grandmother, Sandy (Shoemaker) Sonner grew up on Signal Mountain, Chattanooga. Her father was a 1930s beneficiary of the New Deal and worked for the TVA bringing phone lines to the region. Life later moved Sandy away, she married, and she raised her 6 children, including John Sonner (Bobbie’s Dad).

Bobbie’s mom is Karen (Kelly) Sonner. Karen’s family, including her dad, scraped by for generations in coal mines of Kentucky, Virginia, and Tennessee. Nowadays, Karen utilizes her green thumb as the “arborist” of the group.

John & Karen are youthful free spirits. They live a semi-nomadic lifestyle these days, with John working in IT and Karen recently retiring from decades as an elementary school teacher. Their faith in the vision of Talking Water has been instrumental.

Ken Kelly Sonner

Ken, Bobbie’s brother and John & Karen’s son, is the family’s very own lumberjack—when he’s not sitting behind a desk, that is.

Though his career keeps him busy, Ken loves taking breaks to handle heavy lifting and tend to his animals.

The whole family is hoping that fate will bring him permanently back to Tennessee soon. Until then, he prefers to be known as a man of mystery…

The Next Generation

Ken contributes his son, Slade, a patient & strong teen to the family business.

James & Bobbie contribute 4 (smaller) child laborers.

All five kids enjoy a deep connection to the land. They are fans of hands-on work, chipping in by swinging hammers, stacking wood, and other daily tasks to keep Talking Water running smoothly.

Coop Biddies

We love our chickens! Their coop is located by the pavilion.

Our chickens provide us with loads of rainbow-colored eggs each day – and endless entertainment! Check out the in-coop brooder for our newest additions 🙂

Our Inspiration

The idea for Talking Water took root during family reunions in the 1990s, where countless memories were made in beautiful, offbeat settings.

These gatherings, filled with exploration, shared meals, and lively conversation, left a lasting impression on Bobbie. She loved seeing the joy on her relatives’ faces and creating her own adventures during these trips. Over time, the dream of creating a retreat where others could experience these light-hearted moments grew stronger.

Fueled by a passion for DIY construction and design and inspired by the stunning backdrop of Chattanooga’s mountains, our family set out to turn this dream into reality. We’ve built a place where guests can bring their own laughter, meals, and open spirits. Whether you’re traveling solo or with a group, we wholeheartedly welcome you to experience the magic of Talking Water.

We found our perfect land...

The Property

Come Experience the Magic of Talking Water

Whether you’re staying in one of our cabins or exploring the grounds, we invite you to become part of our story. Let the natural beauty of Talking Water inspire you, and make memories that will last a lifetime.

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