Location: Valle Crucis, Blue Ridge Mountains, North Carolina, USA (15 minutes to Boone and 15 minutes to Banner Elk) View Map
Accommodations: Guesthouse, Studio + Other (See Description), 1 Bath (Sleeps 3)
Overlooking the upper valley, StoneGarden's view is of three creeks to one, forming the "cross of the valley - Valle Crucis". Protected farmland and the 1842 est. mission are across the valley (over yander). A winding 1500+ft paved driveway brings you up to the house from Apple Cove Road off of Clark's Creek Road...off the beaten path...it is a unique lodge-type boutique guesthouse...much more the mountain experience...a quiet place with a view, deer and turkeys. The original Mast General Store is about a mile and half away. Banner Elk and Boone are 15 minute drives. Blowing Rock is about 20 minutes (the back way).
I live upstairs in the main house common area and am available as host, concierge, bellhop, housekeeper, waiter, bartender, guide and where I have local maps, table games, crossword puzzles, books, socializing in the "Pine Room" and a warm fire when it is chilly outside. It is a laid-back atmosphere. I rise early with breakfast in the main house dining room with coffee at 7:30 and 8am - 9am...cereals, cut melon and other fruits, hot biquits, bacon or ham, milk and OJ...and the day's crossword puzzle and weather report. Most of my guests are pleasently surprised by the breakfast and I want to keep it that way. If you are out for the evening, I will leave the outside lights on and turn them off when you come in. There are gardens, woods and a park area to wander in, a grilling area, picnic tables, deck sofas and hammock for an afternoon nap. In the summer, the hummingbirds are abundant, the gardens are in full bloom and there are local outside free concerts in the parks - for which I provide lawn chairs.
The suite (850sqft) is separate from the main house and has a kitchenette with sink, microwave, refrigerator, Cuisinart water boiler, Cuisinart toaster oven, coffee maker, flatware, plateware and more. The suite also includes a large 42" flatscreen tv with dvd and sat/tv channels. For those that are particular, the linens are double-washed (1st bleach, then detergent), washed mid-blankets and mattress covers, high-end mattresses and pillows are protected...yes, I am an allergy aware person. Hand soaps, shampoo/conditioners and skin lotions are provided (of special interest to those that use airline travel to visit the area).
When you arrive, I will provide a short orientation, encourage you to make yourself at home (and mean it) and then leave you alone unless you need something. You are welcome in the main house, but if you want to socialize with me...you will have to ask me more than once or I will assume you are just being nice. My basic understanding is that I provide service and privacy, but I have to admit I enjoy guest more times than not. I can often get you into a local crowded resturant only if I know that is your desire.
Oh, and there is a nice hike only a few minutes away...30 minutes max to the waterfall (and huge boulders) and 30 minutes back...wear a bathing suit in the summer.
I have found...that some people just want a clean, nice place of escape (from their children and pets and don't want to see other's when they show up)...that some people want an out of the way place that is fairly close to the hubbub...that some people like to just be left alone and some like to socialize...that some people just like to sit around watching tv and some people can't stand to just sit around watching tv...that some people actually like winter (ok...that was a jab)...I have found that I just like for them to enjoy whatever they enjoy about StoneGarden Guesthouse.
This is a "quality over quantity" place - reasonably priced, but restricted as to pets and children - an escape for adults in a warm, mountain atmosphere. Off-seaason - a 10% suite rate discount is offered to return guests and referrals.
An idea to save $...bring a preparation of meat, veggies to grill, potatoes in the microwave and you have a dinner...another...preparation for a slow-cooker meal - slow-cooker available - slow-cook your meal while out playing around and come back to a meal, then hand me back the slow-cooker to clean and make available again...can't do that at a regular B&B or motel/hotel.
WARNING/DISCLOSURE: Guest subject to StoneGarden Paralysis (SGP). Symptoms are tendency to laze around, fall asleep mid-day or afternoons in hammocks or deck sofas or garden grass area. Cure: Bobo licking face (no cure if falling asleep while standing). Addiction likely. ONLY IN EXTREME CASES guest decide to schuck everything at home and move to Valle Crucis.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Air Conditioning: Rarely needed, but nice to have during surprise heat or high pollen.
- Washer: Laundry appliances available.
- Dryer: Laundry appliances available.
- Linens Provided: 100% Egyptian Cotton, 400count, triple sheeted
- Beds
- Queen Bed: triple sheeted, 100% Egyptian Cotton, 400count
- Twin/Single Bed: Next to queen in McCrary Suite. Triple sheeted, 100% Egyptian Cotton, 400count
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV: Large 42" flat-panel TV with Dishnetwork connection.
- DVD
- CD Player
- Kitchen
- Refrigerator
- Microwave
- Catering Available: to your door resturant delivery service provided locally...continental breakfast provided in the main house common area.
- Outdoor Features
- Gas/Electric BBQ Grill: separate viewing deck with grill, table, viewing chairs, napping sofa, and more...in addition to main house decks.
- Deck/Patio
- View/Location
- Mountain View: peaks and upper valley...great summer sunsets
- Communications
- WiFi (Wireless Internet)
- Other Amenities
- Seating area with fireplace...great for watching sunsets...picnic table in the woods...gardens...grilling deck.
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed: sorry, but some people like to stay where the pets of others have not...what is the first thing a dog wants to do when he enters a place where other dogs have been?
- Not Suitable for Children: Minimum age of occupant is 21yo.
- Minimum Age Limit for Renters: 21yo.
- Smoking Not Allowed: outside areas provided
- Activities (on site and nearby)
- Golf
- Shopping
- Sightseeing
- Restaurants
- Rafting
- Kayaking
- Swimming
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Antiquing
- Horseback Riding
- Other Activities
- smart things guests have done...bring meat, prepared bag of veggies to grill, microwave potatoes...another...bring preparation of ingredients for slow-cooker...slow-cooker available...cook, eat and bring me the slow-cooker to clean and make available again...another...order delivery from a selection of numerous resturants via Boone Take-out Express.
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
$149/nt season (May 1st-Nov 30th). $899/wk (7nts) PT
Plus taxes (PT) of 6% County Occupancy and 7.75% State Sales Tax.
+$30 single night stay. Minimum age of guests and occupants is 21yo.
Guaranteed reservation equal to single night stay non-refundable.
NO ADDITIONAL CLEAN-UP, PROCESSING OR INTERNET ACCESS FEES.
Off-season reservations are limited by a 3-4day weather report.
Drive-way access is unreliable many times during off-season - 4WD a must.
Off-season: 10% suite rate discount is offered to returning guests or referrals.
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Credit Cards Accepted:
Map & Owner's Profile
Year Purchased: 2005
Why the Owner Chose Valle Crucis
I chose the area and later decided to rent...I have been around the world - have settled here. Considering how much travelling I have done, it is probably odd that my world seems to be Boone in one direction and Banner Elk in the other...and I like it that way.
The Unique Benefits at this Guesthouse
I think it is a bit more the Western NC mountain environment than a hotel/motel...a traditional guesthouse atmosphere...without the complications of renting a house and arriving alone. I live here and for some that is a plus in that there is someone available on the property to offer service...offer suggestions for enjoying the area...knows who to call for emergencies...I have even put air in the tires for guest cars.
Owner's Map of Valle Crucis
I have lived here since 2005 (with my Brittany, Bobo). My mother's side of the family has roots in the area since late 1700s...I visited the family graves (generations of mountain doctors and wifes) and decided I belonged here. I thought I would have friends coming to visit often...so I bought a bigger house than I needed...so I made a few changes turning it into a guesthouse. Now I enjoy guests often. The suites are McCrary (mother's maiden name) and Varnell (grandmother's maiden name).
Property Photos
- front view of the house - Valle Crucis Vacation Guest Home with Water View
- Where breakfast is served. - Valle Crucis Vacation Guest Home with Water View
- The Pine Room - Valle Crucis Vacation Guest Home with Water View
- Inside the social area...come visit when the "welcome" sign goes up.
- one of the outside decks of the social area
- Entrance deck to Waters Fellowship Hall common area.
- the entrance to McCrary Suite
- room view from one angle in the McCrary Suite
- room from another angle in the McCrary Suite
- A garden entrance.
- some of my "stone gardens" in the front yard and a view angle behind
- anyone for a picnic?
- how about a nap in the woods in a hammock next to the deer trail
- an interesting evening...would be nice with a fire, glasses of wine with someone
- almost to StoneGarden...only two more switchbacks and up
- on-site manager, concierge, maid, gardener, satirist, etc... visit Bobo and me
Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #194620
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This listing was first published here in 2008.
Date last modified - November 18, 2009
