Vacation Rentals by Owner
Mountain Getaway, Very Private on 10 Acres with Panoramic View [#128839] | View Property
Little Switzerland
House, 2 Bedrooms + Den, 2 Baths (Sleeps 6-7)
$110/nt - $125/nt; $500-$775/wk
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Traveler Reviews (39)
Charming and very Cozy
Guest: Laura Lea
(Ramseur, NC)
Date of Stay: 02/24/12
Review Submitted: 02/27/12
Our time was short but very well spent. The place was beautiful and I liked the inside decor. The hot tub was very relaxing and the view was awesome. We also enjoyed the cozy fire from the wood stove. We also agreed it would be nice to come up in the summer and enjoy the fire pit and the badminton. We enjoyed our meal at the Moutain View restaurant compelete with peanut butter pie. The retreat is definitely a place I would recommend and hopely we can stay there again.
Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway.
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:Age 55+, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
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:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
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:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
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:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
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.
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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!
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Guestbook Comment
Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 09/01/08
Review Submitted: 09/10/08
Excellent retreat! We would rate it high in these areas: A) location, B)secure, secluded and private, C) The View! D) well appointed cabin including comfort, AC, decor, deck, hot tub, grounds, kitchen and E) every detail is attended to by the owners and thoroughly communicated to the guests. A great place and we definitely will be back. We have already have reserved dates in 2009.
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Guestbook Comment
Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 09/01/08
Review Submitted: 09/07/08
Excellent retreat! We would rate it high in these areas: 1-Location/Accessibility 2- Secure, secluded, and private. 3- The View!!! 4- Well appointed cabin in many arenas: comfort, AC, nice decor, deck, hot tub, grounds, kitchen, and of course, The View! 5- Every detail attended to by the owners and communicated to the guests. No questions about anything. 6- A great place. We'll be back.
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Guestbook Comment
Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 09/01/08
Review Submitted: 09/01/08
I have read the guest books. I'm not surprised Rieke Retreat is many things to many special people. For a writer it is the place he or she only dreams exists. A place for where creativity blooms and art is all around. Who is a writer? A writer writes. Thank you for creating and offering such a wonderful "ends of the earth" haven. --Brian Huey, The Perpetual Writer. Brian Huey dot com
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Guestbook Comment
Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 08/01/08
Review Submitted: 08/24/08
Have had the pleasure of enjoying Rieke Retreat before and after renovations, and it just keeps getting better and better! The view, hot tub, and remodeling are awesome! So great to enjoy outside activites as well as peaceful relaxation. I can't wait to get back!!!
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Guestbook Comment
Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 08/01/08
Review Submitted: 08/24/08
Rieke Retreat just gets better and better each year. The improvement/remodeling over the past year are super. The hot tub and view this time were outstanding. Local events in Altapass and other sights were highlights. Thx for a great place to rest, relax, rechange and enjoy the beauties of nature!!!!
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Guestbook Comment
Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 08/01/08
Review Submitted: 08/22/08
RR is one of the most accommodating homes you will ever stay at. Between the badminton, horseshoes, hot tub, and majestic views, you will never want to leave. Our 7-yr old son never even said "I'm bored." Thank you for opening your home to us.
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Guestbook Comment
Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 08/01/08
Review Submitted: 08/22/08
One of the quietest, most refreshing situations in which we've ever vacationed. We found the combination of the property's being both unusually secluded but still accessible to the stores of Spruce Pine an unusual benefit. Highly recommended!
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Guestbook Comment
Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 07/01/08
Review Submitted: 07/30/08
The first time we visted RR, we knew we would return. The spectacular view from the deck/hottub, the cozy,inviting house and the serenity of the surroundings would only be enjoyed more if we had a lengthier stay. We were lucky enough to be there for the full moon this time. Outstanding!!!
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Guestbook Comment
Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 07/01/08
Review Submitted: 07/16/08
Everything you need is here, just bring family!! For the first time, my husband wasn't wanting to go home after the first day. There was plenty to see and do and if you didn't the house was the perfect place to relax. Will hopefully return soon! Thanks to the Reike's for sharing their little place in the world.
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The Perfect Getaway
Guest: AstonJay
(Richmond, VA)
Date of Stay: 06/07/08
Review Submitted: 06/18/08
The place was amazing! This was our first stay at the Rieke Retreat but I doubt it will be our last. Serene, peaceful, and relaxing yet minutes away from any outdoor adventure you can imagine. CONS ===== Our only major complaint was that there was no AC, although the site says there was. I left a message with the owner who called me back the next day and explained the window units are seasonal and didn't get put in for another few weeks. It still wasn't that bad since the mountain air is at least 10 degrees cooler than sea level and there's a ceiling fan in every room so even without AC during a weekend in which temperatures in Raleigh topped 100, it was always relatively comfortable. The view is great, but from the deck and the hot tub, you totally miss the sunset. The sunrise, however, more than makes up for it. PROS ===== Hot tub view is amazing and during sunrise hours, breathtaking. Rules on this site prevent me from posting a link here, but if you go to Flickr dot com and search for the keywords 'rieke retreat', you'll see what I mean! The owner was gracious in apologizing for the lack of AC and was responsive during the entire rental process. I was very pleased with service. The house itself was very clean and incredibly decorated with a level of detail that's as impressive as it is genuinely heartfelt. The mountain/bear theme is marvelously executed and the entire place makes you feel right at home. Local attractions were plentiful, accurate, and suitable for everyone from kids to adults. We weren't too terribly impressed with Little Switzerland itself, but we did love the Skyline Inn Tavern right down the road on the Parkway. Great place for a cold beer and excellent chicken wings and features a large outdoor patio overlooking about twice as much area as you seen in these photos here. Our experience, despite not having the AC, was truly excellent and well worth 5 stars. I highly recommend this retreat to anyone looking to escape into a world of beautiful mountains and hot bubbly water.
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Guestbook Comment
Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 06/01/08
Review Submitted: 06/28/08
What a wonderful retreat! Coming down the driveway to the house you turn the bend and the mountain view is just spectacular. Our vacation was so relaxing and refreshing for mind, body and soul. Am looking forward to returning.
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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:Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Guestbook Comment
Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 05/01/08
Review Submitted: 05/22/08
What a wonderful long weekend! Very relaxing. The renovations are lovely. We loved browsing in the used book store and relaxing in the hot tub.
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Guestbook Comment
Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 05/01/08
Review Submitted: 05/06/08
Words cannot express how beautiful and relaxing RR is! My family and I have been coming for several years now and each time we visit, I am still blown away by how peaceful and beautiful it is! Peter, you've done a great job with the renovations! My family and I visit in the fall, so this was my first experience visiting in the spring. My 16-year-old daughter and I decided to spend her spring break at RR and we were not disappointed! Even though we were a week shy of the shops opening, we still had an incredible time going horseback riding, driving on the parkway, and simply enjoying the simplicity of it all! I would highly recommend RR to anyone looking for the perfect escape!
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Guestbook Comment
Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 04/01/08
Review Submitted: 04/10/08
We went to Rieke Retreat to celebrate our 3rd wedding anniversary. What a wonderful experience! The view was absolutely amazing, so nice to wake up to that every morning :-) We enjoyed the hot tub as well, which is great to sit in at night and look at all of the stars. We also played horseshoes (the first time for me!) and actually did pretty well. It was such a beautiful house - we didn't want to leave! We will definitely be back and now my parents are considering going as well. Thanks for the wonderful memories!
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Guestbook Comment
Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 04/01/08
Review Submitted: 04/07/08
What a beautiful retreat. We had an amazing time doing absolutely nothing. A true relaxing weekend in a wonderful place. Hot tub and views are amazing. For that matter, the renovations in the house are pretty amazing too.
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Guestbook Comment
Guest: Phil Harrison
(Lexington, S.C.)
Date of Stay: 03/01/08
Review Submitted: 03/26/08
We have very mush enjoyed visiting Rieke for several years. The renovations are great. The views of the night sky from the hot tub are spectacular. Stars, satelites, meteors are great to see.
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Guestbook Comment
Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 03/01/08
Review Submitted: 03/25/08
The renovations has made Rickey’s Retreat look like a four star accommodation. We so enjoyed the hot tub and all the amenities were so clean and fresh. What a pleasure it was to enjoy the beautiful mountain view, and to wake up to a pristine white blanket of snow on Tuesday morning. It was a getaway that our family needed and enjoyed.
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Guestbook Comment
Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 03/01/08
Review Submitted: 03/23/08
I have stayed at the RR several times over the past few years and always the experience is positive!!In my opinion, the RR is like a fine wine that just gets better with age...
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Rieke Retreat Vacation House
Guest: KathySC
(Darlington, SC, USA)
Date of Stay: 03/01/08
Review Submitted: 03/21/08
This mountain "cabin" is a wonderful retreat from the world. The peaceful, private location makes a romantic weekend that much better - and the hot tub view sure helps! The kitchen is large enough for guests to prepare meals together and the dining table between the two rooms is a nice touch - you can watch the fire while eating. This is an especially nice place to stay in the winter, with the cozy fire stove and the heated floor tiles. The house was spotless when we arrived, which was great. There are plenty of linens and kitchen has a full complement of dishes and cookware. You only need to bring food and can stay up on the mountain your whole visit. The property is also beautiful, with trees all around. I love the outdoor bbq area and that they have a horseshoe pit and badminton area (and the supplies for those). In addition to all that, the prices are incredibly reasonable. I have stayed there twice (once for a girls week and once a romantic getaway) and each time has been fantastic. Can't wait to go again!!
Recommended for:Families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Guestbook Comment
Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 02/01/08
Review Submitted: 02/21/08
I love everything about Rieke Retreat! Even though the weather was freezing outside, we were warm and toasty inside! The renovations and extra bath are beautifully done! Can't wait to go back!
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Guestbook Comment
Guest: Richard Garrison_HAC122747
(Atlanta, GA)
Date of Stay: 01/01/08
Review Submitted: 01/27/08
Just spent our first "winter" visit at Rieke Retreat (we have been in the summer)! New remodeling is fantastic. Really opens the main area up and the 2nd bath is great. Winter views from hot tub are excellent as you can really see the topography of the mountains. The touch of snow added to the ambiance of the overall setting. Wonderful place!!!!!!!!
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Guestbook Comment
Guest: Frank Gladics_HAC118140
(Washington, DC)
Date of Stay: 12/01/07
Review Submitted: 12/28/07
Our Mid-August stay was wonderful. A week of mini-adventures around western North Carolina. Although very hot in the day, we new we would have the hot tub to relax in each evening and really enjoyed the views and solidtude at night. The house is great and wonderfully remodeled.
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Guestbook Comment
Guest: Paul Downing
(Columbia, sc)
Date of Stay: 11/01/04
Review Submitted: 11/13/04
Late October is a little late for full color leaves but the weather was excellent! The Rieke retreat is a wonderful place to take my family. We hiked down to Grassy Creek falls just one mile away and hiked under the falls! The new stone fireplace was perfect to grill my ribs. The kids had a blast rolling down the grassy hill! Harvest Moon and stars cap it off! Thanks Peter! Paul & co.....
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Guestbook Comment
Guest: Phil Harrison
(Lexington, S.C.)
Date of Stay: 04/01/04
Review Submitted: 04/13/04
Wonderful views, great hot tub. We were there for a solar eclipse in the hot tub. It just doesn't get much better than that..
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Guest: Peter Rieke
Date of Stay: 05/13/03
Review Submitted: 05/12/03
We just returned from the Rieke Retreat. The rhododendrums were in full bloom - lavender and red colors! Hot tub was great. New rug in the den and the new oil mountain paintings in the living room really added a lot. Thanks for adding a DVD player.
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