Location: Little Switzerland, Blue Ridge Mountains, North Carolina, USA (Little Switzerland, NC)
Accommodations: House, 2 Bedrooms + Den, 2 Baths (Sleeps 6-7)
Right off the Blue Ridge Parkway, one of America's most beautiful scenic routes is your own private mountain getaway. Enjoy the spectacular view of the Blue Ridge mountains while relaxing in the 6 person hot tub on the deck (open year-round).
Tucked away in your own hollow of 10 acres, there is cleared land for badminton, volleyball, croquet, barbecue and hiking. And in the winter months, hot tubbing and riding a tube or sled down a hill in the snow. Of course there is nearby skiing (Banner Elk).
Fine dining is less than 1 mile away. The Biltmore House, America's premier castle is 40 minutes away in Asheville, NC. Linville Caverns are 30 minutes away via the Parkway. 2 hour drive from Charlotte and 40 minutes from Boone. Golfing and hiking easily accessible.
We call our mountain getaway in Little Switzerland the 'Rieke Retreat'. It has been in the family since 1970. It used to be an old homestead for the 'McKinney family' starting in the 1920's.
Starting Dec. 1st, we decorate the entire house with Christmas decorations including a Christmas tree with lights in the main room. Outside there is a live Blue Spruce Christmas tree below the deck which is strung with little white lights. You just plug in the outdoor extension cord, and the tree lights up. It can be seen from all over. Wreaths, bows, and lots of special effects for Christmas are yours and stay until mid-February. All you have to do is pray for snow and put another log on the fire.
What is 'LSD'? 'LSD' means Little Switzerland Downtown. It is only nine-tenths of a mile from our house. In the non-winter months, the New Book Exchange is the highlight. Here you can relax on a sofa in front of a big fireplace, sip coffee or wine and get lost in the book of your choice (I forgot the classical music in the background). Hungry? Go next door to the Little Switzerland Café and have the best Trout BLT in the world followed by apple pie and ice cream! Need a bottle of wine and some cheese for later on? Go through the doors to the Little Switzerland General store and they have quite a selection. You have entered another world. And you are not dreaming.
In the non-winter months, Grassy Creek Golf course is a public course only 10 minutes away in Spruce Pine. Mount Mitchell Golf Course is about 20 minutes away and is under the largest mountain East of the Mississippi River - Mt. Mitchell. It is well-established and famous for its layout and views.
In the winter months (Dec., Jan., Feb., March) there is great North Carolina skiing only 40 minutes away. Main resorts are Sugar Mountain, Beech Mountain and others near Blowing Rock and Banner Elk. Many people stay at our house to rest and hot tub after a long day day of skiing nearby. Keep in mind we are at 3500 elevation and it snows often. (Our driveway is not steep, don't worry).
Other Activities: Gem Mining
In the summer, the best organized whitewater rafting which is closest to the Rieke Retreat is the Nolichucky River about 45 minutes from the house in Erwin, Tennessee. Little Switzerland is the perfect place to train for bicycling. You can start at the Little Switzerland entrance to the Blue Ridge Parkway and try to 'Assault on Mt. Mitchell' which is about 33 miles. Lance Armstrong has been known to train in this area.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Air Conditioning : 2 window units which will cool entire house.
- Linens Provided
- Washer
- Dryer
- Covered Parking
- Off Street Parking
- Parking for RV/Boat/Trailer
- Wood Fireplace
- Wood Stove
- Beds
- Queen Bed
- Double Bed
- Convertible Bed
- Entertainment
- Private Hot Tub : Open year-round. Seats 6.
- Cable/Satellite TV
- DVD
- Video Library
- CD Player
- Stereo System
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Refrigerator
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Outdoor Features
- Charcoal BBQ Grill
- Deck/Patio
- Balcony
- View/Location
- Mountain View : View of Table Rock, Hawk's Beak, and Linville Gorge
- Communications
- Telephone
- Broadband Internet
- WiFi (Wireless Internet)
- Other Amenities
- BBQ pit, outdoor picnic area, badminton, horseshoes, radiant heat in floors, checkers, and games.
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed
- Handicapped Accessible (may have limitations)
- Wheelchair Accessible (may have limitations)
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities
- Golf
- Tennis
- Shopping
- Kayaking
- Swimming
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Cross Country Skiing
- Downhill/Alpine Skiing
- Snowboarding
- Wildlife Viewing
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Antiquing
- Horseshoes
- Horseback Riding
- Rafting
- Sledding/Tubing
- Hiking
- Rock Climbing
- Restaurants
- Fitness Center/Gym
- Other Activities
- Badminton and square dancing on weekends in summer and fall
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
April thru Oct .. $125/night $775/week.
Nov thru Mar:$105/nt,$625/wk. $500/week in Jan./Feb.
Add $75 required maid fee (cleanup at end of stay including.
$50 refundable deposit. Maximum of 7 guests.
Paypal accepted.
Will not rent by the month.
2 night minimum.
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Owner's Profile
Year Purchased: 1970
Property Photos
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- Sunrise and view from deck - Blue Ridge Mountain Rental
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- Hot tub at end of deck - the perfect place anytime - open year-round - Blue Ridge Mountain Rental
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- Back side of Rieke Retreat in snow - Blue Ridge Mountain Rental
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- Den with futons and fireplace
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- Kitchen with granite countertops
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- Master bedroom
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- Bar
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- Front side of Rieke Retreat in snow
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- House front from entry road
Traveler Reviews (38)
Still One of the Best
Guest: Mountain Woman
(Black Mountain, NC)
Date of Stay: 05/08/08
Review Submitted: 05/20/08
We've visited this wonderful hide-away many times since we honeymooned here in 1990. This was our first return since the kitchen/dining area remodel and gorgeous decor upgrade. Did not want to leave. If you love long range vistas, privacy, and easy access to mountain area attractions, this is your place. We reside in the Asheville area, but this is still one of our favorite "sneak away" places - all the amenities of home with none of the chores. Clean, beautiful mountain cabin decor. Great chicken salad at the LS Cafe and Dannys in Spruce Pine. The Blue Ridge Parkway drives and vistas change with every visit. Exceeded our expectations.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+.
AMAZING!
Guest: Gigi
(Charlotte, NC)
Date of Stay: 01/27/12
Review Submitted: 01/30/12
I just spent the weekend here with my husband for his birthday. The photos don't do this place justice! It's beautiful, cozy, and we will definitely be returning. If you choose this house you won't be disappointed!
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, girls getaway, age 55+.
Gorgeous, Private & Peaceful....A Real Getaway
Guest: DJ
(Florida)
Date of Stay: 10/01/11
Review Submitted: 12/02/11
We spent the first week of October 2011 in this lovely home. The quiet & privacy here is out of this world! We saw deer, chipmunks, & lots of beautiful Fall colors. Beds were comfortable, kitchen was modern & easy to cook in & it had all the amenities of home. The heated floors & stove came in handy during a cold front that passed through. This home is filled with books, magazines, games, etc. Lots of of entertainment & interesting pieces of art :) The hot tub is wonderful & the view of table rock cannot be beat! The lawn guy surprised us one evening by popping by unexpectedly. We would have liked some warning on that. Also, the washer/dryer is not located inside the home itself. Instead, it's under the back deck in a tiny little room, causing you to have to walk down a steep hill with your basket in order to do your wash. Also, the 2nd "modern" bath is dark & cold. You will much prefer the older one with more space & a much bigger sink. Renters beware that the main bedroom is an attachment to the home off a porch. It's cold, as it's far away from the heating stove (it has a heater, but it old & doesn't work well at all) & if you make trips to the bathroom at night, you have to walk through the cold porch area. One note on the deposit refund. While you can pay for your rental by PayPal, you are NOT refunded that way. Instead, you wait 3 weeks & a paper check is sent by mail. Seemed a bit backward to us.....can't figure why it's okay if the owner get their money electronically, but not the other way around? Overall though, if it's privacy you wish for, you will get it here. Not a soul around & so much beauty, you can't get bored. If you want tasty food, hit up the mountain view restaurant in town. It was wonderful. Other than that, not much about the town impressed us...we had more fun driving farther out.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway.
Cozy, comfy, fabulous
Guest: Freggy
(Camden SC)
Date of Stay: 11/06/10
Review Submitted: 12/02/10
We spent our 30th anniversary weekend at this fabulous mountain retreat, arriving in a light snowfall. The house has everything you need for a relaxing get-away, and the snowfall added a quiet beauty to an already lovely setting. The Book Exchange in downtown Little Switzerland is a booklovers paradise you won't want to miss, and the Blue Ridge Parkway is just around the corner. A++
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers.
Total relaxation, total enjoyment
Guest: Michael
(Wilmington)
Date of Stay: 10/05/10
Review Submitted: 10/30/10
My fiancée and I recently stayed at the Rieke Retreat, and loved every second of it. We needed an escape from work and school, and this tucked away house was the perfect prescription! The rates are amazing for everything that is provided/available during your stay. The view from the hot tub is breathtaking at sunrise (I still see Table Top Rock when I close my eyes), and the property is very well maintained and set up for all types of outdoor activity. We spent most of our time hiking and geocaching (which is plentiful in this part of the state), and saw some of the most beautiful waterfalls just minutes from the property. I highly recommend this property to anyone interested in peace, quiet, and comfort. I can't wait to go back! I would give it more than 5 stars if I could!
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Don't stay anywhere else!
Guest: Glendy
(Matthews, NC)
Date of Stay: 09/10/10
Review Submitted: 09/18/10
Our stay at your cabin was absolutely amazing! My husband and I have rented 6 or 7 cabins in the last 2 years, and this was by far our best cabin rental ever. The privacy, the view, the grounds, the accuracy of everything about the cabin and it's amenities! We were only able to stay for the weekend but have already recommended this cabin to many of our friends and are planning on coming back for a whole week! You can't ask for a more perfect cabin to get away from it all and just relax. Seriouly, you can sit on the beautiful wrap around deck and hear the angels sing! LOVE, LOVE this cabin!!!
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Guest: Leah8
(Greensboro, NC)
Date of Stay: 05/06/09
Review Submitted: 05/06/09
We had a wonderful time and would love to come back! You have a beautiful house and property. The views from your house were amazing. We saw several beautiful waterfalls and lots of mountains. We went horseback riding, hiking, played badminton and horseshoes, visited an apple orchard and explored a mineral mine. The location was so convenient. It is a great place to relax and enjoy nature.
Recommended for:
Great Romantic Getaway
Guest: BandJW
(South Carolina)
Date of Stay: 12/21/08
Review Submitted: 04/09/09
My wife and I spent our honeymoon at Rieke Retreat and had a wonderful time! This is a great place to get away from the world and enjoy the beautiful North Carolina Mountains. We enjoyed the cabin, and we had a great time exploring sites along the parkaway.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Guest: Shana Brooks
(Troutman, NC)
Date of Stay: 10/23/08
Review Submitted: 10/23/08
One of the most beautiful places on Earth! Had a fabulous time hiking, visiting the caverns and enjoying the breathtaking views that surrounded us at the Rieke Retreat. We look forward to coming again when it snows!
Recommended for:
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #128839
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