Elegant Luxurious Estate, Tennis, Jacuzzi, Absolute Privacy
- Minimum stay:2-5 nights
- Internet:Yes
- Pets allowed:Yes
- Wheel chair accessible:No
This incredible 215 acre estate, complete with 5 bedroom 7800 square foot lodge, will delight and intrigue you and your guests. Enjoy this unique opportunity to experience life in this tranquil, natural paradise.
Located within a 25 minute enjoyable drive to Asheville, Laughing Frog is surrounded by thousands of acres of forests, with miles of private hiking trails, numerous creeks meandering through the property, a gorgeous koi pond filled with water lilies and lotus, where hundreds of frogs congregate to lull you to sleep at night with their sweet music. Enjoy your private tennis court, gaming room with billiard table and 60 inch home theater screen, fully equipped gourmet kitchen with commercial Wolf Stove, and waterfall just outside your front door.
This lovely home was designed in the style of the summer adirondack 'cottages' of upstate New York, with flowing grand rooms. The grandeur is reminiscent of the Biltmore house and Richmond Hill Inn, but with the down-home comfort of the Ponderosa. Built using many local materials, it has beautiful features such as walnut, oak, and granite flooring, antique paneling from England and 200 year old stained-glass windows from one of the huge Rhode Island Seaport mansions, post and beam construction, soaring ceilings, and woodwork and stonework that took master craftsmen years to complete. You will luxuriate in the large, comfortable furniture, many of which are antiques, and wander through the sunroom, library, living room, great room, gaming room, huge kitchen and dining room, and 5 bedrooms. There are also numerous terraces, balconies, and porches to enjoy. There are so many wonderful spaces it is sometimes difficult to decide which one you want to be in!
The property is secluded and safe, with a full time caretaker nearby should you need anything. It is very close to many of the best things the Asheville area offers, such as art studios, galleries and museums, wonderful shopping, incredible restaurants featuring gourmet meals and outdoor dining areas, water sports such as rafting,tubing and kayaking, amazing private hiking trails, hotsprings, spas, and some very charming small towns, complete with cafes and antique stores.
The house has highspeed wireless internet, and a 58' HD home theater with dishnetwork. It is not often that a home of this quality is offered as a vacation rental. It was built over time, lovingly and thoughtfully. You will never want to leave.
Begin your day with a cup of gourmet coffee, sipped in the incredible sunroom which overlooks the many ridges of mountains to the south. Wander down to the private tennis court, built by our area's famous Gary Whalen, and drink in the serenity in this natural paradise. Hike on the 5 miles of private trails that meander through the mountains, then soak in the outdoor jacuzzi, completely private. You will be amazed at the tranquility and quietness, with no sounds of the outer world to disturb you. We are delighted to supply you with fresh vegetables as available from the property's working greenhouse and gardens, and fruit from the orchard.
Drive the short distance to stores, shopping, outdoor cafes, museums, or spend the day lazing in one of the cozy nooks in the home itself. Enjoy the best that the mountains have to offer in this incredible vacation rental, absolutely the finest that the Asheville area has to offer. The home was chosen for the photo shoot for Lowe's 2008 outdoor Catalogue, and featured in the October 2009 article "A lap of Luxury Southern Style: Five Star Relaxation in America" by Travel World International Magazine.
Keywords: Luxury Estate, Pet-friendly, green construction, hiking trails, eco-friendly, nature, hiking, private, quiet
Property Type
- 3 story
- Estate
- 8000 sq. ft.
Accommodation Type
- Vacation Rental
Meals
- Guests Provide Their Own Meals
Onsite Services
- Concierge
- Massage
- Private Chef
- Staff
Suitability
- Events Allowed
- Children Welcome
- Non Smoking Only
- Alternative Lifestyle
Bedrooms
- 5 Bedrooms, Sleeps 12, Beds for 10-12
- Bedroom 1
- Bedroom 2
- Bedroom 3
- Bedroom 4
- Bedroom 5
Bathrooms
- 5.0 Bathrooms, 1 Half Bathrooms
- Bathroom 1
- Bathroom 2
- Bathroom 3
- Bathroom 4
- Bathroom 5
Kitchen & Dining
- Dishwasher
- Refrigerator
- Microwave
- Cooking Utensils
- Kitchen
- Ice Maker
Amenities
- Covered Parking
- Garage
- Parking Off Street
- Air Conditioning
Entertainment
- VCR
- Stereo
- CD Player
- DVD Player
- Pool Table
Communications
- Free Long Distance
- Broadband Access
- Wireless Internet
Pool & Spa
Outdoor Features
- Lanai / Gazebo
- Outdoor Grill
- Gazebo
- Balcony
Theme
- Romantic
- Family
- Away From It All
- Luxury
Location & View
- Mountain View
Activities
- Live Theater
- Rock Climbing
- Skiing
- Basketball Court
- Hot Air Ballooning
- Rafting
- Kayaking
- Fishing
- Mountain Biking
- Hiking
- Racquetball
- Hunting
- Swimming
- Tennis
- Fitness Center
- Miniature Golf
- Wildlife Viewing
- Sight Seeing
- Shuffleboard
- Horseback Riding
- Shopping
- Antiquing
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Cinemas
- Museums
- Restaurants
- Golf
- Snowboarding
Reviews
Write a review-
Wonderful Retreat
Wonderful Retreat
- Guest Becky
- Date of stay 05/26/11
- Review Submitted 05/30/11
Laughing Frog Estate exceeds all expectations. The decor, amenities, and everything is just exquisite. It's not only a wonderful place to relax and unwind enjoying the scenic views, but there is also much to do for those who wish to be active. It's unique characteristics make it a vacation to remember by children and adults. I highly recommend this property and plan to return again soon. It's most enchanting!!Recommended for: Sightseeing, girls getaway, families with young children, adventure seekers, romantic getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1
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Guest comment entered by owner
- Guest Naomi and Steven
- Date of stay 07/06/09
- Review Submitted 03/25/11
Such a beautiful sanctuary. We have truly enjoyed and appreciated all that Laughing Frog has offered us. How to express our love for this place; our appreciation for your enormous talent, foresight and hard work- all so evident in things large and small- everywhere here; and our deep gratitude for your warmth, hospitality and friendship! We had such a magnificent time at Laughing Frog- everyone from 11 ½ to 80 ½ years old and hope to keep the memories cherished till we visit again (and make new ones)! Thank you and may you continue to bless the world with your special sparkle!Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1
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Guest comment entered by owner
- Guest Tabetha and Brian
- Date of stay 07/19/09
- Review Submitted 03/25/11
Thank you again for a wonderful week here in your beautiful home. We loved the elegance of our very own mountain retreat. Please let us know next time you’re in Carmel!Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
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Guest comment entered by owner
- Guest Russ and Jan
- Date of stay 08/01/09
- Review Submitted 03/25/11
¡Mucisimas gracias! Laughing Frog was the perfect choice for our 1st family “gathering.” A return here is high on our list.Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
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Guest comment entered by owner
- Guest Anna Maria
- Date of stay 08/18/09
- Review Submitted 03/25/11
First of all, let me say what a wonderful view! I love how in the morning the mist gathers around the mountains. I was amazed at how many trees and vegetation there was. I even saw a lizard! I will be sad when I have to go, but until then, I’m having the time of my life! Harmony, tranquility and peace are all reflected by the home, the surroundings, the art and the wine. Thank you!Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
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Guest comment entered by owner
- Guest Paul, Pat, Kerry, P.J.
- Date of stay 10/01/09
- Review Submitted 03/25/11
This is a beautiful home in the middle of nature’s best. Our hike up the mountain trail was like entering a shrine and will be a treasured memory. With our wonderful friends and this special setting, we have had many laughs with your frogs and sent some music into the hills!!! Thank you Kelley and Steve for sharing your home with me and my friends. It was wonderful! The wine and chocolates were so very nice of you.Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
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Guest comment entered by owner
- Guest Gerry and Allen
- Date of stay 10/02/09
- Review Submitted 03/25/11
A wonderful house, a wonderful time. We enjoyed everything!Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
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Guest comment entered by owner
- Guest The Select Group
- Date of stay 11/01/10
- Review Submitted 03/25/11
Thank you for a wonderful stay. The house is unbelievable and we feel so lucky to have stayed here!! Thank you!Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
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Guest comment entered by owner
- Guest Pamela, George, Margaret, Mollie, Tyler, Bailey
- Date of stay 01/17/10
- Review Submitted 03/25/11
Stephen and Kelley, Thanks for sharing your lovely home with us. “The human spirit needs places where Nature has not been rearranged by the hand of Man.” Unknown “Love is like a frog- there is no mountain on which it does not exist.” Hawaiian proverbDid you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
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Guest comment entered by owner
- Guest Chuck and Karen
- Date of stay 02/01/10
- Review Submitted 03/25/11
Kelley & Stephen, Thank you so much for opening your wonderful house to us. This past weekend is just what we needed. I’m not sure how you did it, but having the snow start as were driving up to the house, continue all night ans the next day, just to be gone for our drive home was amazing. Almost as amazing as your house. We can’t wait to return during the spring or the fall to see it in all its grandeur. Hope to return soon...Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
Rates
| Dates | Nightly | Wknd Night | Weekend | Weekly | Monthly * | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base Rate 2 night min stay |
$985 | $1200 Fri, Sat |
||||
| Thanksgiving Nov 24 - Nov 30 5 night min stay |
$1182 | $1440 Fri, Sat |
$8190 | |||
| New Years Week Dec 27 - Jan 2 5 night min stay |
$1182 | $1440 Fri, Sat |
$8194 | |||
Fees:
- Pet Fee: $100 + tax
- Property Damage Protection: $89
- Tax Rate 13%
Cancellation policy:
RENTAL RESIDENTIAL LEASE The Owner hereby agrees to lease the real property described as Laughing Frog Estate, Marshall, North Carolina to ______________. This lease shall be for a term of ________ nights, arriving ___________, 2013. This lease shall be in U.S. Dollars in the amount of $_________ for the specified length of stay above. This does not include N.C. tax of 13%, plus the cleaning fee of $400, plus $89.00 damage deposit. A down payment of half the rental fee , plus the $89 insurance which is due at time of booking. The owner will not consider the lease binding until the down payment has been received. Payments are considered NON REFUNDABLE, unless owner is able to rebook the week with another group.. If the Renter is not able to come for the week he has reserved, Owner will make reasonable attempts to re-rent the week. If Owner is able to re-rent week, all money will be returned to renter, minus a 10% cancellation fee. We highly recommend you consider travel insurance to protect yourself from unforeseeable changes to your plans. The remainder of the rental fee will be charged 2 months before the arrival date. It is also considered non-refundable, unless owner is able to rebook the property with another group. No events involving outside guests may occur at the Estate without prior approval of the owner. Any events might incur additional charges. CARE AND MAINTENANCE Renter accepts the premises in their present condition and agrees to take good care of said premises. This care includes not making any alterations, additions, repairs or improvements and/or any removal of the Owner's personal property from the premises without the approval of the owner. No pets will be brought without previous approval of owner. There will be a $100 per pet fee if pet has been pre-approved, and a $500 pet fee if pets are brought without owner's approval. The Renter also agrees to accept the liability of any negligence caused by a family member or guest of the Renter who would not live up to the above conditions of this rental contract. The Renter agrees to contact the owner at once if an infraction of the lease occurs with regard to damage and pay to owner immediately the cost of repairs or the solution to the problem incurred. Renter will pay reasonable attorney's fees and court costs, if any, incurred by the owner in enforcing this contract in court or otherwise to recover costs of damages. CONDITIONS OF RENT Check in time is after 4:00 P.M. -- Check out time is by 10:00 A.M. Any complaints which the Renter may have concerning the premises shall be directed to the Owner. The Owner will attempt to take care of any concerns or emergencies. A complaint may be resolved immediately, or may require some time. The Owner has no control over conditions outside the rented home. The Owner has no control over "Acts of God" which would affect the rental home or environment. Whichever the case, this does not alter the contract. The premises shall not be occupied by more than ten persons. The Owner or his agent has the right to inspect the premises at anytime if they have reasonable cause to believe the Renter or any other person is misusing or damaging the premises or furnishings therein. It is agreed that no smoking will take place within the home, and that if the renter or his guests smokes inside the home, the renter will be responsible for any and all professional cleaning fees or replacement of fabric or furnishings if necessary. This lease may be amended only by a written agreement executed by Owner and Renter. All discussions, understandings and agreements, whether written or verbal, between the parties, shall be governed and interpreted under the laws of North Carolina. If for any reason the Owner cannot deliver the property for the specified time, the Owner will try to find a comparable property to the satisfaction of the Renter. If the Renter cannot be satisfied, the owner will refund all money collected to that point. Owner will assume no personal liability with respect to Renter, Family of Renter or Visitor except in the case of Owner's willful deception of Renter regarding the premises or gross negligence in performing the duties as Owner. In no event shall the Owner be liable to Renter for any consequential or indirect damages, injury or for pain or suffering incurred by Renter in connection with this lease of the specified premises. The Owner will not be responsible for any loss or theft of possessions with regard to the Renter, Family of Renter or Visitor to the premises. If children are included in the rental party, the Renters are responsible for the behavior and actions of their children and any of the children's friends or guests. Renters must agree personally to supervise any children on the rental property, especially in regards to the hot tub, balconies, (both interior and exterior), ponds, etc. The use of stairways, balconies, hot tub, as well as gas and electric appliances are at the Renter, Family of Renter or Visitors' own risk. By affixing his (her) name to this lease, it is understood that the Renter has read and agreed to all the above terms and conditions. Signature of Renter __________________________________ Date: Renter's Name______________________________________ Street Address_______________________________________ State____________ Zip Code_____________ Telephone______________________ Names of all guests staying at the estate (for insurance purposes). Please list ages of minors. _________________________________ ________________________________ _________________________________ ________________________________ _________________________________ ________________________________ _________________________________ ________________________________ _________________________________ ________________________________ _________________________________ ________________________________ Will you be bringing any pets? _______ Will there be any smokers in the group?_______ (To enable us to provide outdoor ash trays for you.)
You can cancel, but you will not receive a refund.
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Owner info
Contact us
- Primary: (828) 712-9910 (North Carolina, USA)
Links to more information:
Photos
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Private Tennis Court
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Great Room
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Guest Bath
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This listing was first published here in 2008.
Date last modified - Friday, March 08, 2013
