Vacation Rentals by Owner

life on a cloud!

Guest: kate (nyc)
Date of Stay: 03/30/12 Review Submitted: 04/13/12

what a beautiful mountain top house! the house itself is so clean and nice. Awesome art is displayed throughout. Its the kind of place you are happy to be. Through the big windows you can see the most beautiful views of the smokey mountains. You feel as though you are living on a cloud. Which leads me to the porch. A large wrap-around porch that lets you sit outside, sip coffee or eat dinner while watching the "lake of fog" tides roll in and recede out. it is absolutely breathtaking. we enjoyed playing board games with the kids, and making snuggly fires in the wood stove fire place. Also, our dog fred had such a great time eating on the porch with the views. he loved to just sit and stare out over the land. I would definitely recommend this house for others, as well as stay there again!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, pet owners, sightseeing.

2nd time around

Guest: tom (durham nc)
Date of Stay: 10/24/11 Review Submitted: 11/08/11

We loved it the first time and again this time. Besides being a fabulous place to stay, Hawks View is located near many outstanding artist studios and art galleries that are far superior to what can be found in most other places, including large cities. Don't miss the Penland Gallery and be sure to enjoy a tour of the local studios. Check out the Crimson Laurel Gallery, which has one of the best collections of ceramics I've ever seen. The property is extremely well maintained, the views are wonderful, and it is highly functional. No need to eat out, so we cannot report on area restaurants.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with young children, romantic getaway.

Great October Vacation

Guest: Sherri (Castle Hayne, NC)
Date of Stay: 10/17/11 Review Submitted: 10/22/11

This home is very nicely furnished with alot of fun art, and extremely comfortable. We had everything we needed and the MOST beautiful mountain views. The wrap around porch is so nice and we loved being on top of the mountain and enjoyed wonderful privacy. The stars at night were so bright. We loved the buck stove, we had nights there in the 30's and the fire and warmth were great. We hope to return there again soon, this is the best place we have stayed in our visits to the NC mountains. The foliage on this 3rd week of October was absolutely beautiful at this elevation. The full size bedroom on the main floor was perfect for my elderly Mom, but the bathroom was a step over tub for those who might need to know that. Thanks

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Best View in the Region

Guest: Lu (Chicago area)
Date of Stay: 09/30/11 Review Submitted: 10/05/11

Mike and I just got home about an hour ago, and I can't wait to say how much we loved your cabin! You have the best view possible, and the house is very comfortable. We enjoyed a lovely warm fire on Saturday night, after a vigorous hike on the Appalachian Trail, where we encountered both sleet and snow. It was cold but fun, and we had dinner out in Spruce Pine, and came home to make a warm fire and watch a good movie (provided by you)! We hope to come back and bring our boys along (Joe is 25 and Matt is 24). Our twin girls, Rachael and Tess (both 23 next month) absolutely loved the cabin. We made our breakfasts both days and played a game (also provided by you) one night. We enjoyed our last day, and stayed until 3:30 p.m., basking in the sun, on your porch, in the rocking chairs. It was very hard to leave. You have everything set up comfortably, with interest. We will be back, and only regretted not having more time this trip. Thank you for sharing - LU"

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

So Enchanting Even the Rocks Sparkle!

Guest: Dana (Knoxville TN)
Date of Stay: 09/16/11 Review Submitted: 09/19/11

You can stop looking for a place to stay right now. Hawk's View is the place you want. The photos can't begin to do this place justice. It's the perfect blend of modern, rustic, and comfortable; both inside and outside. This part of North Carolina is so mineral rich, that even the rocks glitter with silver and gold flecks--you just don't get that everywhere. The hammock is big enough for two, but be forewarned that once you are in it, you will not want to get out of it. Super clean, stocked with everything you might need. Really comfy beds. Close to Boone, Blowing Rock, Spruce Pine--don't miss eating at the Tin Lizard in Spruce Pine--bring home carrot cake. For a taste of real Appalachia, visit Jack at Dellinger's Mill for fresh-ground cornmeal, polenta, and grits, then head on over to the Orchard at Altapass for some live music and dancing with Bill--IF you can pry yourself away from Hawk's View.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guaranteed good time!

Guest: Alex (Charlotte)
Date of Stay: 09/02/11 Review Submitted: 09/05/11

We loved our stay at Hawks View. Private, truly incredible views, excellent and interesting decor. In addition - there was plenty of space and everything was well stocked. The scenery changes hourly - morning through the night Cynthia followed through on all questions before our arrival. Once we arrived - there was no need for any questions or follow-ups. Among all the other virtues - the property is also centrally located. We trekked as far as Roan mountain and up/down the Blue Ridge. The Penland school nearby is worth a trip. If you are a runner - Spruce Pine and the surrounding area has some nice trek. I thoroughly enjoyed an 11 mile run during the stay. It is a little piece of paradise!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

If you are looking for a small gem in western Carolina...

Guest: Peter and Lisa (Florida)
Date of Stay: 08/14/11 Review Submitted: 08/28/11

We lived at Hawks View for two weeks while attending the Penland School. As great as the Penland experience was for us, it was difficult to leave in the mornings. The views are incredible. Take time to review the photos on the house's excellent website as you consider your rental. The reality surpasses the pictures! Everything was exactly as represented. The detail and charm of the place can't be overstated. Highly recommmend and we'll be back!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Amazing Views!

Guest: wjlandis (Louisville, KY)
Date of Stay: 07/17/11 Review Submitted: 08/03/11

I don't think we could have had better views anywhere. Wonderful porch overlooking the valley and the mountains; we spent most of our time there reading in the hammock. The house is beautiful, and kitchen was extremely adequate. Would highly recommend the trip to Grandfather Mountain to the northeast and to the Biltmore in Asheville- both just under an hour drive. Would highly recommend the Tin Lizard Pub in Spruce Pine. Excellent pub menu, and phenomenal dinner menu for a nice, and local, meal out. My only complaint was the heat, which the locals noted was the hottest week of the year. Temps reached 90 at the house which made it difficult to cool in the evenings and at night without an air conditioner. I'm sure it would have been quite comfortable if the temps would have been "normal".

Owner response:We agree the temperatures in the mountains seem to have risen the past few years so we have added A/C for the 2012 rental season.

Recommended for:Age 55+, romantic getaway.

beautiful mountain home

Guest: mountaingirl4901 (Charlotte,NC)
Date of Stay: 05/02/11 Review Submitted: 05/09/11

The home was very open and comfortable. The views are spectacular. The pictures of the home were accurate. The surrounding towns had wonderful mom and pop resturants. There are plenty of gallerys ,potters and artists to see and visit. A very enjoyable getaway and very relaxing! I highly recommend this place.

Recommended for:Age 55+, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Jiggs1961

Guest: Jiggs1961 (Mount Pleasant, PA 15666)
Date of Stay: 04/16/11 Review Submitted: 04/28/11

This listing proved to be every bit as beautiful as described. The photos are what drew us to this incredible property and although accurate could not fully illustrate this incredible property. The views were breathtaking. It was so peaceful & quiet. We would awaken early each day to hear the tom turkeys serenading the hens in the valley. Each evening as the sun went down over the horizon, we basked in the soothing sounds of "spring peepers" singing their hearts out. The house was clean & well maintained with the owner providing thoughtful and concise instuctions to operational functions of grill, cable TV, lighting, etc. In addition, I received a call from the owner the day after our arrival to make sure everything was to our satisfaction. One exceptionally nice touch was a reference book made up by the owners with very comprehensive informations about local attractions, restaurants and local maps. We give this property a "five out of five star rating" and have already recommended it to several of outr closest friends and family!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Charming Gen with Great View!

Guest: Lesli Y. (Charlotte, NC)
Date of Stay: 11/11/10 Review Submitted: 01/06/11

We stayed at Hawks View in November and absolutely loved it. The house was more amazing than pictured with fabulous little artistic & architectural details throughout. The porch was wonderful to relax on and watch the beautiful sunsets. The kids and the dog thoroughly enjoyed the grounds and climbing on the boulders below the house. The town of Spruce Pine is only about 10minutes away and we found some really great shops and restaurants there. Highly recommend this area for anyone looking to relax and take in the wonderful Smokey Mountains!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Beautiful Cabin near Penland School !

Guest: Trish H. (Leesburg,VA)
Date of Stay: 10/31/10 Review Submitted: 11/08/10

We loved your house!! Everything was beautiful, clean, and well organized. The views are so beautiful from each window, and everywhere we looked there was attention to detail that only a true artist could have devised. My time at Penland was very well spent, in fact transformative. We look forward to renting your house again sometime in the future. Also, the gem mining was fun and the galleries were wonderful! Trish

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Breathtaking View. Nice Decor. Very nice place.

Guest: Ted and Barbara (Jacksonville, FL)
Date of Stay: 10/22/10 Review Submitted: 11/03/10

My wife and I met another couple and shared this wonderful place. We hiked to nearby waterfalls, enjoyed the sunsets, drove the Blue Ridge parkway at the peak of the Fall Folliage. The cabin was very nice, well layed out, rustic decor, but with modern amenities. We will definitely be returning to this gem of a getaway. (Maybe they will have an internet connection next time to put the icing on the cake).

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Heaven on Earth

Guest: Kim (Leesburg Fl)
Date of Stay: 10/21/10 Review Submitted: 11/06/11

Well, I all I can say is our visit was wonderful and hope to return to your cabin in the sky. The house was warm and cozy and the view was fantastic. We'll be back!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, girls getaway, romantic getaway.

Autumn at Hawks View

Guest: 30misty07 (Lawrenceville Ga)
Date of Stay: 10/10/10 Review Submitted: 10/24/10

We loved our stay at Hawks View, sitting on the porch enjoying the fantastic views. The house is convenient to the parkway and all the small towns.nearby. We went up to Roan Mtn. for the first time. The house has everything needed for a relaxing vacation in the mountains. The house and the views were exactly as pictured on the website, absolutely beautiful! We would recommend Hawks View as your mountain destination.Thank you Cynthia for renting out your beautiful home for the perfect fall vacation!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Hawk's View is Incredible!

Guest: NicholeandScottF (Henderson, NC )
Date of Stay: 10/08/10 Review Submitted: 10/11/10

"Wow!" That's all my husband and I could say from the moment we arrived at Hawk's View. The cabin is beautiful. It is modern and clean, yet rustic and cozy with all of the amenities of home. And the open mountain view is incredible! We loved sitting on the private balcony and the lower deck looking at the wonderful view. The morning fog and sunsets were both amazing. We could not ask for more. We loved each moment that we were there and wished we could have stayed longer. It is a hidden jem. Thank you so much for sharing your lovely home with us and we will definitely be back again soon.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Possibly even better than described

Guest: Casey (Nashville, TN)
Date of Stay: 10/01/10 Review Submitted: 10/11/10

My husband and I had an absolutely wonderful stay at your cabin. It is truly a special place and we're delighted to have been able to visit. As artists, we found it very inspiring and rejuvenating. The view truly defies description. Also, with the spacious layout, this would be a great place for two couples, so we're hoping to rectruit some friends and visit again soon!

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with young children, pet owners, romantic getaway.

Wonderful Views!

Guest: EnjoyNature (Knoxville)
Date of Stay: 05/29/10 Review Submitted: 06/03/10

Just spent 3 nights at Hawks View and thoroughly enjoyed the home and the view. The decks made it easy to enjoy the views. Found it to be convenient for exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway. In all, it made for a very enjoyable long weekend and look forward to coming back!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, sightseeing.

Mountain Bliss....

Guest: gitfiddle (Greensboro)
Date of Stay: 04/28/10 Review Submitted: 05/05/10

Hawks View was exactly as advertised. We couldn't have been more pleased. If I ever built a mountain home, I doubt I could ever come up with a better location, design, view, etc. The home was wonderfully equipped and provided a great deal of entertainment, just by finding all the usual art objects, unique details, and extra touches that truly made it feel like home. We were very reluctant to leave. The owners were very professional and quick to respond to all questions and requests.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with young children, pet owners, romantic getaway.

You will not want to leave!

Guest: Bull City Girl (Durham, NC)
Date of Stay: 04/24/10 Review Submitted: 04/27/10

Hi Cynthia, You may add my name to the list of people who are over-the-top enthusiastic about Hawk's View House! Once I arrived around 2:30 on Saturday afternoon I never left the mountain until I absolutely had to this morning. Rain, high wind, the sun, the moon, the hawk --- I experienced it all during my brief stay. I'm grateful that you are willing to share your place with friends, and total strangers, such as myself. It's a masterpiece!

Recommended for:Age 55+, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Terrific vacation value

Guest: dudleyboy (Orlando, Florida)
Date of Stay: 10/18/09 Review Submitted: 04/26/10

What a view! We knew it would be nice but pictures can't capture the splendor. The home is well built and very comfortable; suited our needs perfectly. All of the homey touches are well thought out with instructions where needed. We loved this beautiful spot "away from it all" yet convenient to Linville Falls as well as Spruce Pine for shopping and dining.Thanks for sharing your wonderful home. We WILL come back!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, pet owners, sightseeing.

Guest: Jean
Date of Stay: 10/11/09 Review Submitted: 05/07/10

The perfect place for peace and relaxing an of course re-connection! Spectacle view and perfect time of year -leaves just showing their colors. Thank you for a beautiful "home away from home"! We stopped in town and hunkered down for the weekend. The artist touches within the house (along with the creation of the house) added such a touch of whimsy and charm. Just beautiful and absolutely refreshing? We look forward to returning.

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Guest: Carol, Fred and Meridith, BirmingHam AL + NYC
Date of Stay: 08/09/09 Review Submitted: 04/07/10

Comment from our Guestbook at the house: "We have loved being here in this beautiful cabin on the mountain. Husband here writing -reading - relaxing. Mother and daughter at Penland - creating - learning and being together. Could anything be so perfect! I hope it will become our annual vacation. This beautiful art-filled house is a plus.

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Guest: Lax
Date of Stay: 07/27/09 Review Submitted: 05/07/10

Comment from our guestbook at the house: Thank you Cynthia and Alex for creating nirvana and inviting others to share in your creation. It just doesn't get anymore beautiful than this!!!!!

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A Piece of Heaven

Guest: 530 (Orlando, FL)
Date of Stay: 07/24/09 Review Submitted: 05/26/10

Cynthia and Alex are among two of the most creative spirits I've encountered. They both put their professional talents to work to design a true masterpiece of a cabin out of Dwell Magazine that sits atop a mountaintop. I went with a couple of friends and we didn't want to leave. I highly recommend this vacation spot to anyone including even the most sophisticated traveler. Lorraine

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 07/09/09 Review Submitted: 07/09/09

cynthia I just wanted to jot you a line and thank you so much for sharing your beautiful home with us! To say it was perfect would be an understatement. We could not have asked for anyplace more beautiful. To my delight, your wonderful perennial garden was in full bloom. The weather was glorious and it was absolutely fantastic to have the mountain breezes blowing through the cabin allowing us to breathe in pure, fresh mountain air. I loved your artsy touches, and your sophisticated, yet cozy decor. I am a huge fan of folk art and it was fun to see yours displayed in such a cool way. I would so love to go back to Hawk's View again and again! It truly is, as you well know, a magical place! That weekend away was just what the Dr. ordered. A million and one thanks to you. With much appreciation, Nancy and Jay Flanagan

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Guest: Cathy
Date of Stay: 07/05/09 Review Submitted: 05/07/10

The view is breath taking and fantastic. The wrap around porch is rerlaxing. The house is comfortable and is nicely decorated. The kitchen is fully equiped and did not lack anyhting.

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Peaceful Mountain Retreat

Guest: Hippie Prof (Key West, Florida)
Date of Stay: 06/19/09 Review Submitted: 04/08/10

We very much enjoyed our stay in your cozy and nicely designed mountain cabin. The sky was blue and the weather beautiful during our visit, and the panoramic view of the surrounding mountains is breathtaking. We especially enjoyed relaxing on your porch during sunset time and savoring the multicolored sky at the end of each day. We also had fun hiking the nearby trails, particularly the one leading to a spectacular waterfall. You are fortunate to have such a peaceful and attractive retreat in the North Carolina mountains. We look forward to visiting again next summer or fall. Bill, Key West

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Beautiful, artistic, and immaculately clean home with FANTASTIC view.

Guest: flutegirl (Fort Myers, FL)
Date of Stay: 06/12/09 Review Submitted: 04/08/10

"We love the view from your house! spectacular! How fortunate you are to have this place. We had a wonderful relaxing time here. Our son discovered a beautiful spot down the hill (halfway) from here and decided he would name it "half rock". It is now his favorite "hide-a-way spot". We also admired your beautiful artwork throughout the house. Each day we'd find something new; a fresh discovery. The bedrooms were spacious and comfortable and the kitchen was well stocked with every utensil and dish we could possibly need. Our favorite rooms (besides the loft) however were the bathrooms. You have the most beautiful sinks imaginable. Loved using them. Besides hiking, we took several trips to the Penland School while we were there and enjoyed visiting the artists' studios. Thank you for sharing your fabulous place with us!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Mountain Escape

Guest: iris catherina (greenville sc)
Date of Stay: 06/09/09 Review Submitted: 04/13/10

Thank you for sharing your mountain retreat with us. The details sprinkled around the property and interior were so engaging and we enjoyed the eclectic touch! The property hike was fun also! Our 5 week old loved gazing @ the lines of the ceiling trusses. We will certainly remember our wonderful stay here and hope to return again.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Jan + Willie
Date of Stay: 05/07/09 Review Submitted: 05/07/10

Comment from guestbook at house: Fantastic- Beautiful - Peaceful Enchanting - Home away from home Comfortable - Inviting Self -Sufficient...Perfection

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Great Getaway

Guest: EricL (Germanton, NC)
Date of Stay: 05/01/09 Review Submitted: 04/07/10

What an eirie for the spirit! playful, peaceful and perfect, with delights for the senses in every direction. We came to celebrate our 15th anniversary and fell in love all over agian Susanah + Eric, Germanon NC

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Jane S.
Date of Stay: 09/29/07 Review Submitted: 09/28/07

Comment from our Guestbook at the house: "Can heaven be much further away???? What luck to find your beautiful hide-away. Everything so tasteful and accommodating. I bought my paints and my dog, Lucy. I felt great creative energy and Lucy loved her escape to the wild. You must have the best view of anyone in NC! I certainly hope to come again. (Step out of your house which you know so well....enormous space is near" Rainer Marie Wilke) Jane S. Charlotte, NC"

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Guest: Matt S. and Gwyn R.
Date of Stay: 08/26/07 Review Submitted: 08/25/07

Comment from our Guestbook at the house: "An amazing retreat! Love the house, the view, and the nature surrounding it all. Loved having our dogs with us while we took classes at Penland. Thank you for providing such a wondeful home and sharing it with others. Matt S. and Gwyn R."

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Guest: Mark and Deborah C.
Date of Stay: 07/29/07 Review Submitted: 07/28/07

Comment from our Guestbook at the house: "Great View, Great Location. The house is extremely comfortable, and has all the conveniences of home. We spent the majority of our time on the porch watching the sun go down, the fog rise and lower, and the beautiful scenes that were presented to us. Mark and Deborah C. Aurura, ILL"

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Guest: Jean and Robert
Date of Stay: 07/08/07 Review Submitted: 07/07/07

Comment from our Guestbook at the house: "We feel so lucky to have found this lovely home so close to Penland School. The morning fog is awesome. The privacy comforting and the design outstanding. This is a perfect get away. we appreciate your sharing your home with others. Jean and Robert, South Carolina"

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Guest: Chris and Dehorah
Date of Stay: 06/13/07 Review Submitted: 06/12/07

Comment from our Guestbook at the house: "Magnificent! We loved it and hope to return someday. Astonishingly beautiful. Chris and Deborah, Maryland"

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