Sapphire Heaven, Luxury Mountain Cabin with a Spectacular View

• We loved our stay; sorry for the late review

  We loved our stay; sorry for the late review

  • Guest Joleen A.
  • Date of stay 10/14/10
  • Review Submitted 02/15/12
  My husband & I really loved your cabin, John. It was one of the most relaxing places we've stayed. The interior was just as gorgeous as the pictures. Our favorite moments: enjoying the hot tub & outdoor shower (we were lucky to be there before the first freeze!) and relaxing on the back porch (the hammock was made for napping!). We also ventured up into Highlands & really enjoyed the little shops in town & visiting the waterfalls in the area.

  Owner response: We appreciate your review. Stacy and I love letting others discover the healing energy of our retreat as much as we enjoy staying there ourselves. Responses like yours are a tremendous reward for the time, effort, and expense we dedicated to creating Sapphire Heaven. Of course we can't take credit for the spectacular view, or the splendor mother nature has on display there, but we can sure share what we found.

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1

• Private with stunning views

  Private with stunning views

  • Guest Kevin B
  • Date of stay 11/12/10
  • Review Submitted 11/24/10
  When I stumbled onto this cabin after hours of searching online, it seemed head and shoulders above any other I had seen. When I arrived it met and often exceeded my expectations. The view is spectacular, the cabin has a more modern and classy style than the cheesy/plaid style seen in most other mountain rentals (reclaimed wood plus modern fixtures makes the cabin feel rustic yet new somehow), the lot and even neighborhood is so extremely private that we never saw anyone else, the place is loaded with thoughtful amenities from local guides to games to great audio/video equipment (along with tons of CDs and DVDs to enjoy and speakers throughout the house), and the soaking hot tub was a true highlight with a clear line of sight to the amazing view and starry night sky. The cabin, while private, is still minutes from tons of great hikes littered with waterfalls and a few decent restaurants and shops. It truly was a perfect location for our weekend getaway, and I would highly recommend it to anyone.

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, girls getaway, adventure seekers, romantic getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers.

  Owner response: I am so glad you were able to visit and, as it appears, benefit from your stay at Sapphire Heaven. There is great reward for Stacy and I in knowing our efforts are truly appreciated; however, even without our rustic creation this particular spot where the cabin is located would still be on another whole level of special. We were just lucky enough to find it. Without leaving the back porch you can witness a broad spectrum of natural forces from high above the summit to the eastward distant ripple of mountain ridges. Of course, like a photo, words don’t do it justice…but its fun trying.

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 4/4

• Excellent place for a much needed getaway.

  Excellent place for a much needed getaway.

  • Guest Diesel Ben
  • Date of stay 07/11/09
  • Review Submitted 07/23/09
  Accurate description of property and surrounding areas. Very clean and well-maintained. My wife and I would definitely return to this area in the future when vacation planning. This is a great place to escape to and get some relaxation. All restaurants/cafes we visited in the area of either Cashiers, Sapphire, or Highlands were run very well and had excellent food and service. This is an area in which many people vacation, so most of the establishments are geared for just that. They take good care of you.

  Recommended for: Romantic getaway.

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 16/16

Fees:

• Housekeeping, 3 guests: $100 + tax
• Property Damage Protection: $49
• Pet Fee, 2 pets: $200 + tax
• Pet Fee, 1 pet: $100 + tax
• Housekeeping, 4 guests: $120 + tax
• Pet Fee: $100 + tax
• Housekeeping, 2 guests: $80 + tax
• Tax Rate 11.75%

Cancellation policy:

Cancellation: If Guest needs to cancel the reservation more than 30 days prior to arrival Guest will only be charged a $100.00 administration charge, but if cancellation is less than 30 days prior to arrival the only option will be to receive a credit for all funds received. The credit must be used within 12 months; no refunds. If the rates during the desired reschedule time period are higher, the difference must be paid, plus any applicable taxes. If Guest reschedules into a season with a lower nightly rates, there will not be a refund of unused credit. Any remaining credit will still be available, but only within the same 12 month time frame, no refunds. There will be no refunds, partial credits, or credits for future use once your party has checked into Sapphire Heaven, regardless of the circumstances. *Please note Guest may wish to purchase travel insurance. Coverage from some insurance companies may cost as little as $50.00. The Homeowner will not be responsible for cancellations made less than 30 days prior to arrival, even in the event of a natural disaster. Terms and Conditions continued… Check-in: Check in time is any time after 4pm. In certain circumstances especially during high seasons our housekeeping services may not be able to get the homes ready by exactly 4pm, so we ask for patience if this does happen. During low season we can occasionally arrange check-ins earlier than 4pm but this must be arranged days in advance. Check in is direct to Sapphire Heaven. Guest will be issued a lock-box code, gate access instructions, and directions to the property prior to your arrival. It is your responsibility to make sure that you bring the provided access information. Keys must be left in the lock-box each time you leave the property. Check-out Check out time for Sapphire Heaven is 10am and is strictly enforced. During the low and mid seasons we are occasionally able to arrange a later check out, for which there is a $50.00 fee. Reservation Changes: Please remember this is not a hotel, so the same reservation flexibilities do not exist. Reservation dates can occasionally be extended, but under no circumstances can the stay be shortened once a party has checked in. No Smoking in the Cabin: Ashtrays are provided so that our Guest can smoke outside the cabin only in consideration and respect for future guests who may have allergies to nicotine residue. Pets: Pets must be registered. There is a non refundable charge of $100.00 each, for all pets. If the Property Manager reports an unregistered pet, all Guests will be asked to leave immediately and there will be no refund. Occupancy: The maximum occupancy for Sapphire Heaven is four and it is strictly enforced unless otherwise agreed upon in writing (E-mail, etc.). There is no camping of any description allowed on the property. If there are more than four people staying overnight on the property, all Guests will be asked to leave. Age Related Restrictions: We do not accept reservations from anyone under the age of 21. A $500.00 security deposit is required for reservations made by any singles group. No Large Parties: Entertaining friends is fine, but a group of over 8 extra guests becomes a party larger than we permit. Security System: The security system is comprised of a monitored fire and forced entry system, plus a four camera exterior video surveillance system and DVR recorder. Please make sure both systems are on when you leave the cabin for a period of time. The video surveillance system, although unmonitored, has the capability of being monitored via the internet. A digital video recorder records activity when the camera motion sensors are activated. Guest may opt to turn this system off when in the cabin. Terms and Conditions continued… Locked Out, Lost Cabin Key, or missing gate remote control: There is a $50 fee for a lost cabin key or a lost gate remote control, plus a $50 fee if someone has to drive out to open the cabin. Please return the house key to the combination lock box every time you leave the cabin. Bear Cautions: Those guests who would like to see a bear will be disappointed by the fact that the following is only included for the infrequent times that a bear ventures onto the Sapphire Heaven property. We are in Western North Carolina and at some point that will happen, but a high percentage of guests will not see a bear. After use, guests are responsible for burning off the residual grease from the outdoor grill by turning the burners to the maximum setting for several minutes. Neglecting this responsibility could result in substantial grill damage from a bear being attracted to the smell. Food should never be left outdoors. If no one is at the cabin, windows should not be left open with food on the counters. A bear will not hesitate to cause damage when trying to access food. Any necessary repair or replacement costs associated with bear damage due to guest negligence will be born by those in occupancy at the time. Trash / Garbage: Trash and garbage must be bagged in plastic garbage bags only. Excess filled bags must be placed in the trash can located in the heavy frame box under the grilling deck. The lid must be secured and the door to the box must be bolted to prevent animals from accessing the refuse. Trash and garbage must not be put anywhere else outside. Trash is picked up every Tuesday from that frame box by a collection service. Firewood: There may be already split firewood available at the cabin. If not, there should be plenty of cut logs stacked on property to split. There is a splitting maul provided for your use. Split firewood is also available at area stores. I shouldn’t have to say this, but the rental history has proven I do… please don’t burn anything other than firewood in the fireplace (no plastic bottles, trash, etc.). Thank you. No Sub-leasing: Sapphire Heaven may only be occupied by the contracted guests for the term of the lease. Mountain Cautions: Please be aware that, just as in any high elevation mountain setting, not only are there possible encounters with snakes, insects, and animals, but the topography features steep inclines, cliffs, slippery rocks, other natural obstacles that can be extremely hazardous (or even cause death) to people of all ages. Guest accepts the risk and responsibility of overseeing all of the outdoor activities of their children and their accompanying children’s friends. Winter weather may impede access to and/or from Sapphire Heaven. There is no snow and/or ice removal service for the driveway of Sapphire Heaven. Roads in the Preserve take time to be made passable. When traveling in the mountains during the winter months Guest should monitor the weather and be wary of mountain road conditions. If slick road conditions may occur, Guest should plan to drive during the warmer times of the day. If scheduled departure from Sapphire Heaven could possibly be prevented by snow or ice, Guest is responsible for taking the necessary steps to insure departure will be on time. That could include parking down the mountain close to 64. Terms and Conditions continued… Guest agrees to hold harmless the Homeowner for the dangers associated with this mountain environment, including weather related, and the naturally occurring topographical, hazards on or near the property. Sapphire Heaven is a five acre gated estate located in a 200 acre protected, private, conservation area. Hiking, fishing, and mountain biking are permitted in the Preserve, but motor vehicles are strictly prohibited from the trails. All of the roads that are open to motor vehicles throughout the Preserve are paved. Preserve management personnel are present on the common property to care for the sensitive environment. Equivalent care for the surroundings must also be practiced by all guests; after all, its Mother Nature’s finest! You have chosen a superior, but very independent style of vacation accommodation. Like all homes, things do occasionally break or stop functioning. We will do our best to address problems in a timely manner, but may find ourselves at the mercy of contractor schedules. We ask our Guest to exercise patience at these times. Please know that we will do everything we can to remedy any situation as quickly as possible. To prevent water pipe ruptures during months with freezing temperatures (app Oct. 15th – April 30th) the water to the outdoor sink / shower will be shut off and the pipes drained. The hot tub is still usable during cold months and can be filled from the patio exterior hose bib. However; if the hose is left connected to that hose bib, it cannot drain, causing the pipes in the wall to freeze, and then rupture. Although instructions not to leave the hose connected are written on the wall just above that hose bib, the hose has been left connected two times. Both times the pipes have ruptured. The cost to repair the plumbing and replace the hose bib, each of those times, exceeded $800. If Guest leaves the hose connected to the hose bib on the hot tub patio and the pipes freeze, then rupture, Guest agree to pay $800.00 (eight hundred dollars) for the repair. Articles Left Behind: In the hurry to checkout many families will leave something behind in the cabin. If it is in plain sight the housekeeper will report it to us and you will be notified. Because the housekeeper charges Homeowner for her services, and she will be the only person able to pack and mail the item(s) from the Post Office (provided Guest wants the item returned), there will be a service fee of $15, plus the cost of the postage, due by check.

If you have any questions please contact the owner.