Pickens South Carolina

Peace-in-the-Forest Retreat - Couples, Artists, Forest Lovers Pickens, South Carolina Vacation Rental by Owner Listing 104486

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Location: Pickens, Upcountry, South Carolina, USA (20 miles from Greenville,SC, 10 miles from Table Rock St Pk)

Accommodations:  Cabin, 1 Bedroom + Convertible bed(s), 1.5+ Baths (Sleeps 2-4)

Keywords:  Cabin

PEACE-IN-THE-FOREST RETREAT offers singles, couples, artists, writers, forest lovers and others a reprieve from the rat race by providing privacy and quiet in a very beautiful and comfortable, custom-built cabin, immersed in hardwood and pine forests of the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Located near the Blue Ridge Escarpment – that incredibly beautiful transition between the blue ridge mountains of the Appalachians and the SC foothills. The cabin is located on 100 acres of forested land with many hiking trails that we are fortunate to be stewards of. It is also located within 15-30 min from Table Rock, Keowee, Devils Fork, Ceasars Head, & Jones Gap St. Parks; 30-40 min from Hartwell, Lakes Keowee & Jocassee as well as DuPont STate Forest(NC); less than an hour from whitewater rivers (Chattooga, French Broad & more), & many trout streams & waterfalls. It is 30 min from Greenville, SC; 40 min from Brevard, NC; 40 min from Clemson ; 45 min from Hendersonville, NC & 1 hour & 15 min from Asheville, NC.

THE CABIN - [more images avail.upon request] We built the cabin in 2004 from pine trees that we cut and sawed here on the property; its surrounded by 100s of acres of privately owned forest land with scattered homes. This provides a rare kind of quiet, broken by the sounds of animals, the wind and rain. The dark night skies also allow for great star gazing. The exterior of the cabin is made of white pine board and batten while the interior consists of white pine paneling and sheet rock, yellow pine floors, and tall cathedral ceilings throughout. Original oil paintings, quilted wall hangings, stain glass and other art impart a pleasant aesthetic quality to the cabin.

LOCATION, LOCATION... - The list of “Activities” below – with the exception of hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing - are not actually onsite but within easy driving distance. For example, there are many fine golf courses, fishing and boating opportunities within 10 - 45 min. While nearby Pickens and Easley offer some restaurants and cultural/entertainment opportunities, Greenville clearly offers the widest and finest selection of these. The beautiful downtown district has many fine restaurants, the Peace Center (plays, ballet, music), museums, galleries and shopping. One of the recent additions is the restoration of the Reedy River Falls area in West End, the centerpiece of which is a curved suspension bridge (walking only), truly an architectural wonder, which overlooks the falls, downtown area and park. Other local cultural attractions include the Pickens County Museum of Art and History, located 10 min away in Pickens. The museum also operates the restored Hagood Mill site, one of the few active grist mills in the region. Most Saturdays there is music and more at the Hagood Mill, celebrating the early history of the area in terms of music, storytelling, blacksmithing, quilting and more. Its open for tours Wed-Sat.

DAVID'S FEATURE FAVORITE SWEET SPOT – I highly recommend kayaking, canoeing or swimming on Lake Joccasee - one of the most beautiful lakes in the Southeast. I will rent canoes and kayaks depending when available. This deep, clear lake is literally perched at the edge of the mountains – and is thus fed by clear mountain streams, whose waterfalls, in some cases, actually fall directly into the lake. The surrounding mountain landscape with rich forested slopes and coves, coupled with the wide, deep waters provide a uniquely beautiful scene. Only one small area of this large lake has been developed - a small amount of private land and a small amount that is part of Devils Fork State Park but the rest is undeveloped forest belonging to Duke Power, SC/NC, or US the Forest Service.

ECOLOGISTS DELIGHT - We are located in the Upper Foothills Physiographic Province where we have a blend of Piedmont and Mountain species. This area is the southern tip of the range for white pine, Eastern Hemlock, rosebay rhododendron and other woody and herbaceous species. Much of the land is classified as ranging from oak-hickory forest to various pine-hardwood mixes (white, Virginia and Shortleaf pines) to cove hardwood-hemlock forests. Historically, this was Cherokee land – points and other artifacts can still be found today. It was settled mostly in the late 1700s and 1800s by white settlers. Scattered homesites can still be found from this period. Cotton and corn was planted on much of the land in the area as late as the 1920s and 1930s but most was abandoned at that time. These cultivated and terraced lands, once abandoned, eventually reverted to forest and are now dominated by 70-80 year old Virginia pines and mixed hardwoods. Evidence of old terraces and erosion gullies are still evident in the forest. Other parts of our property were never plowed historically. Rather, these somewhat more steep lands were periodically harvested for timber and other wood products; heavily grazed by cattle (woodland grazing) and burned periodically. These disturbances were mild compared to cultivation impacts. The result is a much more productive and ecologically healthy forest. These forests are dominated by chestnut oak, white and red oaks, hickories, maples, interspersed with yellow poplar, shortleaf pine and large white pine. Deciduous magnolias, Silverbells, basswood, beech, sourwood, dogwoods and other species are also also prevalent. Common on some sites are ‘laurel slicks’ – thick patches of mountain laurel that appear as shiny, green, ‘slicks’ from a distance. In the spring, nothing is finer than the bountiful white blooms of Mt. Laurel. These forests support a wide array of birds, reptiles and mammals. Some of the common mammals include – deer, turkey, squirrels, fox, skunk, bear, raccoons, bobcat and, more recently, coyote

Vacation Rental Features

  • Amenities
    • Air Conditioning
    • Linens Provided : Beds are ready with clean linens when you arrive. Clean towels will hanging in bathrooms.
    • Washer
    • Dryer
    • Parking for RV/Boat/Trailer : No sewer hookups but space available.
    • Wood Stove : This little woodstove can heat up the entire cabin if needed. Firewood and kindling is provided. There is also a central heat system.
  • Beds
    • Queen Bed : In master bedroom w/ additional 4 inch thick memory foam topper.
    • Convertible Bed : This 2-sleeper futon is located in what I call the 'office' or study - a 10 x 12 room with lots of glass(and window shades) - it has a separate door to the back deck and into the central main room - so privacy is easy. This room, with its comfortable couch/futon and mobile desk and chair make it a flexible space. It can even be set up as a small studio if desired but is certainly a great place to write, use your computer, or just relax etc.
  • Entertainment
    • Cable/Satellite TV : Direct TV - 120+ channels (the "select package"); Connection box in the office/extra bedroom TV + DVD present: an LED flat screen TV in the office w/ futon.
    • DVD
    • CD Player
  • Kitchen
    • Full Kitchen : This is a small kitchen but since we love to cook, we have lots of nice amenities. It has a gas range, waffle maker, toaster oven, microwave, french press, automatic coffeemaker, pressure cooker, 3 sizes of cast iron frying pans, good knives and more.
    • Cooking Utensils Provided : wine glasses, plates, cups, bowls, graters, utensils, sharp knives etc.
    • Refrigerator
    • Microwave
  • Outdoor Features
    • Charcoal BBQ Grill
    • Deck/Patio : Our back deck is charming as it is elevated on a forested slope - you feel as if you are literally in the trees but at the same time can see the sky, feel the sun, and breathe the fresh air of this place. It also has an outside fire place (Chimenea) to gather around on cool days or nights.
  • View/Location
    • Mountain View : From the cabin, there is no mountain view. Rather, there is a different kind of view - a view into and through the forest, as the cabin sits just above a cove or forested ravine. There are places where you can hike on the 100 acre tract where you can view the Blue Ridge Mountains. Also, 2-3 miles away is Glassy Mountain, A SC Heritage Trust Preserve - this granitic dome or monadnock is special to view but if you go there to hike, you have quite a view of the mountains as well.
  • Communications
    • Telephone : This land line is available for limited free long distance (see below), for local calls, and for linking to the web. I suggest that you find a local access number for your internet provider (Greenville, Pickens, Easley, SC) to avoid excessive long distance use (see below). At this isolated location, DSL or cable is not offered by anyone [I could charge more for the isolation but...] Cell phone reception here is fair but sometimes you have to walk on the front or back deck to get better reception.
    • Free Long Distance : I allow up to 5 hours of long distance usage (at 5 cents a minute, thats a $15 dollar value). You are responsible for any amount over that.
    • WiFi (Wireless Internet) : No Cable or DSL is available in my area, but I do have a Verizon 4G Wireless "MiFi" set up in the bedroom which allows use throughout the house by up to 5 computers. Not as fast as DSL but still pretty good.
  • Other Amenities
    • Woodstove with firewood and kindling provided, Central heat/AC, No Smoking (smoking and pets allowed outside). Information will be provided for starting fires and for using the woodstove safely.
  • Suitability
    • Pet Friendly : Pets are allowed on the property on a case-by-case basis. Please contact me about your pet(s).
    • Handicapped Accessible (may have limitations) : The cabin has a handicapped/wheelchair accessible entrance in the front as well as from the cabin onto the deck, and 3-foot wide doors throughout. The bathrooms, while having a 3 foot wide entrance, do not have the required turnaround room to be classed as handicapp accessible. At this time, the cabin does not have a hand rail beside the commodes. I can answer specific questions about accessibility, so please contact me with questions.
    • Wheelchair Accessible (may have limitations) : See description under "Handicapped Accessible"
    • Kid Friendly
    • Smoking Not Allowed : I don't care if you smoke but please don't do it inside the cabin. Outside the cabin, smoke but don't be a litterbutt - that is, don't throw butts on the ground.
  • Activities
    • Golf
    • Tennis
    • Shopping
    • Kayaking
    • Sailing
    • Boating
    • Waterskiing
    • Swimming
    • Biking
    • Mountain Biking
    • Wildlife Viewing
    • Fishing
    • Hunting
    • Health/Beauty Spa
    • Live Theatre
    • Zoo/Wildlife Park
    • Restaurants
    • Rafting
    • Hiking
    • Fitness Center/Gym
    • Cinemas/Movie Theaters
    • Museums
  • Other Activities
    • Folk (contra) dancing and more - To experience traditional dance and live music, travel 25 minutes to the historical and popular River Falls Lodge - an old dance hall located in the mountains along the middle fork of the Saluda River. Listen or dance to exhilerating live music that ranges from Appalachian old time to Celtic and New England fiddle tunes. Don't miss it! For more info, see harvestmoonfolk.org

 

Rate Details (In US Dollars)

Personal Currency Assistant

Jan 01-Dec 31 .. $75/night .. $95/night on weekends .. $450/week;
3 day weekend special $240;
$50 cleaning fee added to all rentals; 2 night minimum.
Owner will provide payment option details
CANCELLATION POLICY: I prefer to reschedule. Otherwise, from date of booking to
30 days prior to arrival, full refund less $100 cancellation fee. 0-30 days of
arrival, there is no refund unless unit is rebooked, in which case refund will be
made only for days re-booked less the cancellation fee.

Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.

  • Credit Cards Accepted:

  • AX
  • VI
  • MC
  • DS

Dates available:Year Round
Before contacting us, please check our calendar for your desired dates

Note: Each property is individually owned or managed.

Owner's Profile

Owner Description

Year Purchased: 2004

I am a Forest Ecologist, Old-time musician (fiddle/banjo/guitar), folk dancer, gardener, shiitake mushroom grower, father and more.

Why the Owner Chose Pickens

I built a house on this same property in 1990 but it wasn't until 2003-04 that we built the rental cabin (which is located on the opposite side of the ridge from where we live). It wasn't until later in 2006 that we decided to use the cabin as a vacation rental. I love the forest and land here and have invested time and energy to help others be able to enjoy it. The rental cabin is a way for others to see this piece of paradise at a very affordable price.

The Unique Benefits of this Cabin

Exceptional, custom built cabin. Quiet. Comfort. Privacy. Long walks on trails through beautiful forest. Great location in the center of paradise (I'm biased!). Close driving distance to many trout streams and other great recreation. Incredible rural roads for cyclists. Close to the very fine cities of Greenville, SC and Asheville, NC.

Property Photos

Traveler Reviews (7)

Peace-in-the-Forest Retreat - Couples, Artists, Forest Lovers
5/5

If you want to get away from it all this is it!

Guest: S&C (Atlanta, GA)
Date of Stay: 01/13/12 Review Submitted: 01/19/12

We had such an amazing time at the cabin. You really do get the most peace you've ever had in the forest. We turned the cell phones off and just enjoyed the scenic forest, the great trails right behind the cabin, and gazing at the stars with the chimenea on the deck. Make sure to check out Table Rock state park which is less then 10min away. The waterfalls there are incredible. You will become a forest lover if you weren't before and we plan on staying here many more times for sure!

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Helpful votes: 0/0

Peace-in-the-Forest Retreat - Couples, Artists, Forest Lovers
5/5

NE Ohioians

Guest: Guy (Ohio)
Date of Stay: 11/14/11 Review Submitted: 11/20/11

Great cabin, trails, wildlife viewing, wildlife sounds and surroundings. Thank you for sharing your property with us. We'll see you next fall.

Owner response:Thanks! I spoke to these folks on the phone near the end of their stay and it was clear they had done a lot of hiking and exploring on the property and really enjoyed it. I took a hike this fall evening around dusk and for about a 30 minute period off and on while hiking, I was fortunate to hear turkey after turkey leave their roost in the tops of tall pines and a few hardwoods. Kind of magical. Its a startling but very pleasing sound to hear: the scramble to rise from the top of the tree, then the big sound of their wings carrying them to their next perch.

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Helpful votes: 0/0

Peace-in-the-Forest Retreat - Couples, Artists, Forest Lovers
5/5

Great place to stay

Guest: Shorty (Easley)
Date of Stay: 09/02/11 Review Submitted: 09/07/11

I thought this cabin was wonderful. We had a great time staying there for the weekend. Thank you to the owners for sharing it with our family.

Owner response:I am glad your family enjoyed it! Hope you can come back some time.

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Helpful votes: 1/1

Peace-in-the-Forest Retreat - Couples, Artists, Forest Lovers
5/5

True Relaxation

Guest: Diamondback (Mountains of WNC)
Date of Stay: 01/21/11 Review Submitted: 01/27/11

We truly enjoyed our time at this beautiful cabin. Not knowing what to expect from a cabin in the woods in SC, it was relaxing and refreshing. David has thought of everything! Extra fire wood, paper to get the fire started, kindling, extra towels, water if the power were to go out-these are just the things off the top of my head. We took our dogs with us. We could just open the door and let them go. The trails around the cabin and property were beautiful. The wood burning stove and chiminea were a great source of entertainment! The most perfect roasted marshmellows ever from the comfort of a rocking chair on the back porch. We could go on and on. Simply put, it was a pleasant break from the day to day grind in a perfect setting. Oh, please give Gracie an extra treat for us! We and our dogs enjoyed her visits. Highly recommend this wonderful alternative to the typical vacation desination.

Owner response:Thanks for the review and acknowledgment. I love it when folks enjoy the cabin, land and the special things there. Thanks for leaving the cabin in good shape! Come again!

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Helpful votes: 3/3

Peace-in-the-Forest Retreat - Couples, Artists, Forest Lovers
5/5

A Perfect Cabin Name

Guest: Robin (Greencastle, PA)
Date of Stay: 11/26/10 Review Submitted: 12/29/10

This little cabin was the perfect getaway for my husband and I, and our little dog. Very comfortable living quarters. The bed is so comfy you will melt in it. We had a great time taking walks on the mountain trails and fixing meals at the house. Very, very quiet and peaceful. 4/10 of a mile off the road - no one knows you're there, but convenient to Pickens, Easley and Greenville shopping. The wood stove was awesome too. This is a great place to relax and unwind. Our most enjoyable day was driving up to Caesars Head Mountain and taking in the awesome view and hiking to Bridal Veil Falls in DuPont State Forest. Thank you for sharing your little Peace-in-the-Forest with us. We enjoyed our stay very much.

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Helpful votes: 3/3

Peace-in-the-Forest Retreat - Couples, Artists, Forest Lovers
5/5

Perfect Honeymoon Spot

Guest: WeThreeGeeks (Florence, SC)
Date of Stay: 05/31/09 Review Submitted: 07/31/10

I LOVE THIS CABIN! My husband and I spent our honeymoon in this lovely cabin in May 2009. It is truely peaceful and has an air of relaxation. We had fun grilling and sitting on the deck enjoying the quietness of the surroundings. We also enjoyed daily visits from Gracie - what a sweet dog! There is quite a few pieces of unique art in the cabin that gives it character. There are many hiking trails throughout the property to explore. We definitely want to return to this little slice of heaven one day!

Owner response:It is a sweet spot and a very comfortable cabin; in addition to trails on the property, its located near several state parks, lakes and streams in the area. Very private but safe. David

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Helpful votes: 3/3

Peace-in-the-Forest Retreat - Couples, Artists, Forest Lovers
5/5

Lovely, relaxing sanctuary in the woods

Guest: Kath (Indian Land, SC)
Date of Stay: 05/07/10 Review Submitted: 07/22/10

Stayed here with friends and dog in early Spring and had a wonderful time. It is not a huge cabin, but no space is wasted and we were very comfortable with three adults and three children (the boys loved sleeping in sleeping bags on the living room floor). Everything is in good shape, nothing worn out or broken, kitchen appliances all in working order. Cabin feels very private, looking out over the trees away from the road. Large back porch was our daily retreat. There are several short trails on the property, and many, many long trails within a short drive. If you are looking for a pretty, comfortable place to relax and get away from the rest of the world without having to drive for hours up into the mountains, then this is your place.

Owner response:The cabin is ideal for a couple, 2 couples, or a family of 4 and if you are like the reviewer above, it has just enough space for 6 if you are ok to sleep on pads on the floor or if one of the kids is small enough for the small couch. Folks consistently love this place and I am glad to provide the opportunity to share this beautiful place. David

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Helpful votes: 2/2

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Dates available:Year Round
Before contacting us, please check our calendar for your desired dates

Note: Each property is individually owned or managed.

Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #104486

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This listing was first published here in 2006.

Date last modified - Thursday, January 05, 2012