Location: Highlands, Smoky Mountains, North Carolina, USA (Between Highlands & Cashiers, off of Whiteside Cove Road)
Accommodations: House, 6 Bedrooms + Loft + Den, 4 Baths (Sleeps 18)
Deep woods location, at the end of the road. Fantastic views of the mountains across the valley. Very private and rustic with only one neighbor in sight. Our backyard borders the Nantahala National Forest, and a 15-minute path leads from the property to the Chattooga River and Chattooga River Trail with beautiful river access, picnic areas, swimming holes and endless hiking. This area is rated "wild and scenic" by the forest service - a rare honor!
Kids love this place as we have built a special "kids cave" inside - cozy and kid-size to get away from the adults with their own secret spot Outside are play areas, swings, fort and hammock. All close enough so parents can enjoy their time on the upstairs screened porch and still keep an eye on the children.
Built in 2003, this passive-solar design is naturally warm in winter and cool in the summer. It also includes air conditioning and ceiling fans, a very warm see-thru gas fireplace on the main floor, and electric heat in each room.
The open floor plan designed especially for family reunions and corporate retreats. We have six bedrooms (one king, four queens, two twins), four baths, large loft (with bunk bed & trundle bed), den w/trundle bed, family room, dining room, breakfast nook, and screened, covered patio and exterior deck with charcoal grill. Five BRs share adjoining baths. The mail-level BR is designed for limited mobility persons with a bath nearby and low-threshold shower stall.
For mealtime, there is a 12-14 person dining room table, plus large circular table for 4 - 6, and seating for 6 at the kitchen bar-top.
State-of-the-art appliances, including large center-island kitchen with gas range, and large laundry room.
I built this for my own family and go there often when its not rented. It is stocked with many books, games and DVDs (and usually staples and condiments in the pantry). Also have satellite TV and wireless internet, and a treadmill with DVD player for those who like their exercise inside.
Lots of edible plants outside including blueberry, blackberry, elderberry, gooseberry, hazelnut, currant, cherry trees, apple trees, pear trees, grape vines, etc.
Keywords: Home, lodge, retreat, vacation rental, mountain cabin
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Washing Machine
- Clothes Dryer
- Parking Off Street
- Parking For RV/Boat/Trailer
- Linens Provided
- Gas Fireplace
- Air-Conditioning
- Beds
- Twin/ Single (2) : The main floor BR has 2 single beds. The Upstairs loft has 2 single beds and a bunk bed.
- Sleep Sofa /Futon (2) : The Den has trundle bed (acts like a couch, but pulls out to form 2 beds)
- King : The "master" BR has a King Size bed.
- Queen (4) : Four Bedrooms have Queen Size beds.
- Bunk Bed (2) : Bunk bed is in the loft.
- Entertainment
- Video Library : Lots of videos for the kids and family.
- DVD
- Satellite Or Cable
- VCR
- Stereo System
- CD
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen
- Cooking Utensils
- Catering Available
- Refrigerator
- Microwave
- Dish Washer
- Ice Maker
- Outdoor Features
- Lanai : This covered, screened-in porch is on the main (ground) level floor, which becomes three stories up at the rear of the house because of the sloping lot. Great views, very pleasant!
- Deck/Patio : This open deck adjoins the charcoal grille, and includes a picnic table, benches and other seating . . . and a fabulous view of the mountains across the valley.
- Outdoor Grill Charcoal
- View/Location
- Mountain View : Beautiful view of the mountains across the valley.
- Communications
- Free Long Distance
- Wireless Broadband
- Telephone
- Other Amenities
- For exercising there is a treadmill in the den with flat screen DVD/VCR, Den also has a trundle bed and is main-floor level, making access easy for the physically impaired (No steps necessary)
- Suitability
- Children Welcome : This was designed for my children, and has a small "kids cave" (under the stairs) that they love to play in. Outside we have cleared woods, trails, hammock, swings and fort. Nearby is a fantastic swimming hole with beach and "sliding rock" suitable for all ages.
- Handicapped Accessible (May Have Limitations) : The main floor has a BR with 2 single beds, and a nearby bath with low-threshold shower stall. Living room, dining room kitchen, deck and porch are also located on this floor, so limited mobility guests need not miss out on any of the action.
- Pets Considered : We allow well trained, well behaved pets. Please contact me with a description of the pet.
- Non Smoking Only
- Activities
- Jet Skiing
- Fishing
- Rafting
- Mountain Biking
- Hiking
- Golf
- Skiing
- Swimming
- Cycling
- Hunting
- Sight Seeing
- Horseback Riding
- Restaurants
- Sledding
- Antiquing
- Wildlife Viewing
- Shopping
- Rock Climbing
- Kayaking
- Other Activities
- A path from our property leads to the "wild and scenic" certified portion of the national forest, and the Chattooga River and Trail. Canoeing, flyfishing and white water rafting are nearby, along with countless trails and waterfall hikes.
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
Rented by the Week year round. 4day/3night stays off peak. PEAK SEASON: $2,400/week June, July, August and holidays. LOW SEASON: $1,600/week April, May, September October, November, December OFF SEASON: $1,200/week January, February, March Non-peak Season, long weekend stays:@$950 in October, $850 other. Thurs - Sunday Accessible & Comfortable in winter also. Sales tax of 10.75% must be added to the above rental rates
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Owner's Profile
Owner Description
Year Purchased: 2003
Originally from Florida, we grew up we spending time every summer at my parents summer home nearby. Wonderful, lifelong memories were created on each trip, so as I got older I decided to build a place of my own, and big enough for family reunions. I did not originally intend to make this lodge available as a Vacation Rental, but I bumped into a rental owner who convinced me it was a good idea. I tried it, and based on the glowing reports I get from my appreciative renters I am sure I am doing the right thing. This is not your usual Vacation Rental. It is first and foremost my "mountain house", and is fully stocked with games, DVDs, books, etc. There is almost always unopened food in the pantry and refrigerator that guests are welcome to use at their discretion - no replacement necessary - but I usually find more food than I left!
Why the Owner Chose Highlands
We chose this location because it is so close to the gourmet mountain towns of Cashiers and Highlands with their great shopping, dining, golfing, outdoor activities and people. (We see more of our friends up here in the summer than we do at home!) The elevation is cool, the woods are deep and lush, the air is clean and fresh.
The Unique Benefits of this House
Our backyard borders the national forest - we wouldn't have it any other way! Peace and quiet, and nature's beauty are right outside the door. On site we also have a fire pit for campfires, hammock, swings and kids play area, and lots of adventure for the kids.
Property Photos
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- Exterior view (side entry showing)
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- Dining Room with loft above.
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- View from screened-in porch.
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- Front deck with BBQ grille
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- View of kitchen and dining area
Traveler Reviews (6)
Beautiful Mountainside Retreat
Guest: Bill
(Athens, Alabama)
Date of Stay: 11/21/11
Review Submitted: 12/20/11
We stayed at Melby Monte over the Thanksgiving Holidays. We had 17 people in our group and the house was not crowded. Had a large dining tablet that made our meals very enjoyable. We enjoyed the firepit on the cool nights and the kids loved the kid cave. The house was well equiped with everything we needed. Owner was very helpful with anything we needed. Thanks for sharing your wonderful house with us!
Recommended for:Sightseeing, families with teenagers.
Great Home and location
Guest: Peter&Ana
(PA)
Date of Stay: 06/25/11
Review Submitted: 10/11/11
The home is roomy and accommodating - plenty of room for everyone. We loved the views and especially hiking the trails. The children had fun around the campfire and exploring the woods. Thank you for having us in your home and making our family retreat memorable.
Recommended for:Sightseeing, adventure seekers, families with teenagers.
A great short break
Guest: Asheville Mushroom Club
(Asheville NC)
Date of Stay: 08/29/10
Review Submitted: 09/09/10
Our club stayed at the property in August 2010 and had a wonderful time. The property and its spectacular surroundings live up to every single detail in the description. We hiked, relaxed, and cooked great meals in the large well-equipped kitchen. Even with 15 people in the house it did not feel crowded and there was plenty of space to relax. A problem with the dishwasher was reported to the owner and fixed within a few hours. This is a wonderful place for a large family or group looking for a truly secluded location in pristine natural surroundings, but within reach of many area attractions. We all hope to come back. Grade: A+++
Recommended for:Sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children.
Great Place!
Guest: DJ
(Hawkinsville, GA)
Date of Stay: 07/24/10
Review Submitted: 08/18/10
What a great place! The house is well suited for a large group with lots of bedrooms. My girls loved sleeping upstairs in the loft right next to the window - said they felt like they were camping - but in a cozy bed. This was a great place for us to "get away from it all" with beautiful mountain views and mountain trails right in the back yard. But, it was also convenient to shopping and restaurants in Cashiers and Highlands.
Recommended for:Sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children.
Guest: MORE TRUE COMMENTS
Date of Stay: 05/27/09
Review Submitted: 05/23/10
Other comments: The hikes through your trails gave our kids a great thrill. I love this place. I think this house is beautiful. Your home is warm and welcoming with spectacular views. Your home afforded us the opportunity to gather in once place yet not be cramped for small group areas to share and play games and find “space”. Our grandchildren loved playing in the little play-houses. The house/lodge is perfect. What a great spot!! The kids loved the “clubhouse”, loft and of course the woods. What an amazing house and view. We enjoyed the fire pit all evening. This is a very beautiful place and ideal for family get-togethers. Your lodge is great and the river is full of trout. The play areas are a blast.
Recommended for:
Guest: Actual guest comments
Date of Stay: 05/20/09
Review Submitted: 05/23/10
We have had countless compliments recorded in our guestbook, and never a complaint. Following are just a few comments: “Your home fits its surroundings perfectly – spectacular! We really enjoyed the views of gold, orange and red. Mother nature did a wonderful job: the hiking to the streams and waterfalls are breathtaking. We enjoyed sitting outside to see so many stars.” – Kim A. “Heaven on earth! What a spectacular location and the house is wonderful. We enjoyed the porch at night – wish we had brought the telescope! We also enjoyed the trail out back . . . “ – Ann K. From a Thanksgiving: “My parents 50th wedding anniversary was outstanding . . . The location is spectacular and the lodge is wonderful. Sightseeing, hiking, fishing and even shopping is all close at hand. We even had snow the last two days and all have our Christmas card photographs taken care of.” – Julie F “We had a wonderful time vacationing at your beautiful home. The kids loved the hike down to the river. We all enjoyed horseback riding, the waterfalls, tubing, campfires and shopping! It was so relaxing for us to have the kids playing outside without worrying about them. Your house was plenty big enough for all 12 of us . . . “ – Jennifer B. “ . . . this is one of the nicest vacations we have had. We shall miss the ever changing views of the mountains, the good-tasting water right out of the faucet, being able to see lots of stars, sleeping with the windows open . . . “ Debbie E. “ I don’t think we have ever stayed anywhere with such amazing views – 360 degrees – it was beautiful . . . our granddaughter especially liked the “Harry Potter” rooms . . .” – Ann S. “A true vacation in every sense of the word! Fun, relaxing, beautiful – a great house. We wanted for nothing! Love it!!!” – Diane P., North Palm Beach “Great fun for all – house was great!!” – John A., Houston “ . . . had a great time! Your home is beautiful, and was perfect for our team building experience . . . “ – Emily H
Recommended for:
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #28064
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