Spacious Affordable Private Mountain Retreat

• "Brigadoon" in the Georgia Mountains

  "Brigadoon" in the Georgia Mountains

  • Guest Eshie
  • Date of stay 10/18/12
  • Review Submitted 11/12/12
  Prior to my visit, along with three girlfriends, to this Lakemont cottage, I checked out the photos and comments on the VRBO website. One of the reviewers wrote that her group had given the name "Brigadoon" to this mountain retreat, and that appellation immediately appealed to me. For weeks before our trip, I kept thinking about going to Brigadoon and recalling the enchanting folk tale about the village of that name which was located in the highlands of Scotland. According to the legend, this village appears for only one day every one hundred years! Upon our arrival, my first impression of this real-life Brigadoon was a pleasant surprise, as the VRBO photo of the exterior of this woodsy cottage does not begin to do it justice. The photo fails to capture the beauty of the setting. I found myself standing on a rolling three acre site -- without another house in view -- only mountains, and sky, and trees brushed with all of the colors of autumn. The VRBO site that features this charming cottage also provides a long list of close-by activities and places to see, so I shall not reiterate that information, but I can state with surety that practically any activity that your heart desires is available to you and your guests -- of all ages and all levels of physical ability. Your challenge will be to whittle down your choices for the time you have available. You will have help with this task in the form of a comprehensive notebook which has been compiled with great care by the owner. This book not only provides information about local activities and sites, but it also recommends restaurants -- which are some of the best I've found anywhere -- and there are even maps to help you find your way around. As for the specifics regarding the cottage itself, the previous reviews say it all. This cottage is everything it is said to be, and you will not be disappointed. I definitely plan to return to Brigadoon, and there are only two things I would do differently. I would stay for longer than a weekend, and I would set aside at least one day to just 'stay at home' and relax in the tastefully decorated cabin. "Brigadoon," the folk tale, focused on the contrast between the frantic life of the city and peace and simplicity of the country. Brigadoon, the cotttage, carries forth this theme with ease -- and thank goodness that the Lakemont Brigadoon is with us for more than one day every one hundred years!

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

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• City Girl

  City Girl

  • Guest City Girl
  • Date of stay 11/02/12
  • Review Submitted 11/04/12
  The home is absolutely beautiful! There are so many great things about the home I can't list them all here. I'm already planning my next stay at this awesome mountain home. Can't wait to go back.

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

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• Fine cuisine in NE Georgia

  Fine cuisine in NE Georgia

  • Guest St. Simons Traveler
  • Date of stay 10/07/12
  • Review Submitted 10/23/12
  Once home from Lakemont, I couldn't wait to write the owner and VRBO to rave over the pleasures of "Brigadoon", as we named this surprising spot! We had one day of heavenly fog and mist to compliment the fall foliage and two more days of bright sunshine and sparkling water in the lakes for any variety of water sports. One of the best meals I've ever had thrilled us at a nearby hotel--mountain trout at its best and never-better Fried Green Tomatoes (and a first:not-to-be-missed pimiento cheese fritters). Breakfast the next morning at a family buffet comprised of about 22 dishes, including first-rate ham, sausages and bacon. Our second night's meal left us happily satisfied at a prix-fixe dinner in a vineyard at which the chef described each item on his menu and instructed us as to why he had paired each wine with the entree'. Nearby fresh produce assured delectable delectable fruits, such as persimmons, apples and pears, and pumpkins in the fields foretold the onset of Hallowe'en. Our group of four women friends wanted just what we got--a beautiful getaway with charm in a comfortable environment of good food and a fire in the home fireplace when we returned from our day of sightseeing, along with promise of more to do the next day. We had quietude, sophistication of menus, possibility of adventure and time to talk over old times. Indeed, we each planned future trips, together and separately, some with grandchildren, others with each other again. If anyone could fail to enjoy this home and its environs, he should just give up and stay home!

  Recommended for: Girls getaway, sightseeing, age 55+, adventure seekers.

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• Lots to do in the mountains!

  Lots to do in the mountains!

  • Guest Bid
  • Date of stay 10/06/12
  • Review Submitted 10/15/12
  Needing a change of scenery and pace (only 1 1/2 hrs from Atlanta) some friends joined my husband and me for a 2 night getaway to view the fall colors in the North Georgia mountains. October and November are lovely months to visit with sunny days and cool nights. After a day of biking and hiking along the 5 1/2 mile trail next to the Tallulah River, relaxing in front of a fireplace was lovely. Don't miss farmers markets and roadside stands selling newly picked apples, fall vegetables, fresh apple cider and charming mountain handicrafts. The Saturday morning Farmers Market on the Clayton Square through November is not to be missed. Less than ten minutes from the house are several unique places to eat from the casual Louies on the Lake (Lake Rabun) to the elegant charm of the Lake Rabun Hotel (dinners Thursdays-Saturdays and brunch on the weekends) to the gourmet fare at the Red Barn Cafe in Tiger which is an adjunct of the renowned Tiger Mountain Vineyards and Winery. With Clayton only 12 miles away, of course you are very close to the famous family dining at the Dillard House off of Highway #441 in Dillard. If you decide not to go exploring, zip lining, hiking, biking, fishing or boating in one of the many nearby lakes (Tugaloo, Tallulah, Rabun, Burton, etc.) you can stay at the house and play darts or any number of games contained in a large game chest next to the fireplace. In addition to a large TV on both first and second floors, there is also a game table on the first floor, a ping pong table and a pool table for your leisure. Golf at The Orchard is another option for sports enthusiasts. Horseshoe pits and a fire pit were just starting to be constructed the day we left. This house sitting on three acres is totally private. A large table with extra leaves inside and a 6 foot picnic table outside on the 60 foot outdoor deck gives you dining options. We ate most of our meals at the above mentioned restaurants and had a special gourmet dinner at The Farmhouse at the Persimmon Creek Vineyards off of Highway #76 west of Clayton (must make advance reservations). The property was clean and well-maintained and the kitchen was extremely well appointed. We are thinking about returning in the winter if we decide to spend a weekend skiing in nearby Saffire Valley. We highly recommend this charming Lakemont address in the "heart" of the Lakemont Arts district on Old Hwy 441 and the Chattahoochee National Forest.

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

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• What a fabulous find!

  What a fabulous find!

  • Guest MC
  • Date of stay 09/07/12
  • Review Submitted 09/10/12
  I cannot begin to express how much we enjoyed our weekend! This place is beyond precious on the inside! Someone has gone in and decorated or “dressed it to the nines”….I felt like I was staying in one of those $1000 a night suites! There is a breathtaking mountain view from practically every vantage point in the house……the back porch, master bedroom, den, guest bedroom and kitchen….This place will tranquilize you and make you forget about everything you left behind! We did not bring any kids this trip but I wish we had….there is a full basement packed with things to keep the children busy….a pool table, fishing rods, games, etc….For the ladies, the fishing holes are so close you will be surprised at how your “almost forgotten love” for fishing is re-ignited! For those times the crew decides to stay “on deck”, your children will be in the basement for hours on end, trust me! I can guarantee you will never hear the words “I am bored”. On the contrary, I feel rest assured you will have to go down to make sure everything is ok since they have their own kitchen, tv and rooms for endless entertainment! This is the one place I would feel safe letting the kids explore! The owner has also cleared a tremendous field large enough for a full baseball game and soccer games….the adults have their own paradise on the extraordinarily large porches and the back porch gives you full view of the “game field” while you enjoy the brand new spectacular grill! Someone has thought of everything for your stay….a beautiful fireplace lures you into the den and the design/layout allows you to completely get away/have complete privacy if you so desire! The Jacuzzi in the master suite is a magnificent way to end every day and the modern kitchen allows you to have everything at your fingertips….this is NO mountain retreat for “roughing it”! This is a place to pamper yourself and those you love while surrounded by tranquil and stunning wilderness! I cannot wait until the fall foliage starts to turn….I am planning on being a regular during the fall, winter and summer months….it is the perfect place to escape the heat during the summer, take in the beauty of fall foliage and close enough in proximity to the slopes for a complete ski weekend! I cannot go on enough about how perfect this place is for anyone and everyone and every type of weekend….a romantic getaway, a couples retreat or a full blown family affair! Bravo to the owner! What a fabulous find!

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

  Owner response: FYI - This review is from a good friend. It is accurate but might be a little "fluffy"

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• Perfect Multi-Family Getaway

  Perfect Multi-Family Getaway

  • Guest Jessica Kirkwood
  • Date of stay 08/31/12
  • Review Submitted 09/03/12
  This is truly a spacious and well-appointed cabin! The owner has thought of everything you might need. The cabin is close to hiking and the famous waterfall silde in Tallulah Gorge, the public beach access at Tallulah and Rabun lakes and so many more North Georgia activities. The basement makes a perfect retreat for kids so that the adults can talk, cook and enjoy themselves upstairs. I highly recommend this place!

  Recommended for: Girls getaway, families with young children, sightseeing, families with teenagers, adventure seekers.

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• Fun, big place to get away

  Fun, big place to get away

  • Guest Kevin
  • Date of stay 08/16/12
  • Review Submitted 08/20/12
  Although there aren't any crystal lakes, babbling brooks, or breathtaking views - this house is a great "home base" for all sorts of mountain adventures. It's huge, has great amenities, and is very comfortable. Perfect for familie, friends, couples, or any large group just looking to get away from the city for awhile.

  Recommended for: Families with young children, sightseeing, families with teenagers, adventure seekers.

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Additional information about rental rates

Rates based on how many people are staying overnight. 2 person rate is base rate. *Add $6/night per person (over 2 people)*.

Cleaning Fee: $70 base... $6 per person for cleaning fee (over 2 people)

5% tax on rental

Fees:

• Over 2 people - $6 per person / per night: $6
• Pet Fee: $30
• Cleaning - 2 people -$6 per person (over 2 people): $70
• Tax Rate 5%

Cancellation policy:

100% refund if canceled at least 60 days before arrival date. --------------------------------------------- Abbreviated Rental Agreement preview--------------------------------------------- Basics: - Key box on 4x4 post on front deck to left of door. A 4 digit key and separate 4 digit alarm code will be given to renter before arrival. - There is a 4 digit alarm code. Upon entry to front hall you will hear a beeping if alarm is on. The alarm keypad is to right of dining table. Enter 4 digit alarm code and then "off" button. Beeping should stop. It is important to change water heater setting to "standard" from "vacation". Water on "standard" is 115 degrees. Water on "vacation" is 60 degrees. The water heater is downstairs next to garage door. You need to press/hold "lock icon" for 4 seconds and then press "standard" and it would be great if you changed to "vacation" upon exit. There is a wifi-enabled thermostat so just email me a # of what temperature you want upon your arrival (If I don't hear from you I'll set at 63 in winter and 75 in summer). Complimentary high-speed wireless internet (6mb DSL by Windstream) is provided as a convenience only. Wifi passcode is listed on dsl modem below TV in living room. --------------------------------------------- Upon Exit: - Trash & recycling center is extremely convenient to house. Obviously it is easier for me if you remove your own trash and dump at recycling center which is free. If you take a right on 441 going South toward Tallulah Falls you immediately go over bridge and in a couple hundred yards the first road on right is a high quality and free trash/recycling center. If you don't have space in car or time just leave trash bags in garage. - Make sure all doors & windows are locked and lights are off. Please enter 4 digit code into alarm and then press "away" button... You will have 60 seconds to leave via front door. If in doubt, leave alarm off. - Upon exiting front door lock door and place key back in key box, close and jumble apparent #s. Don't worry about thermostat as I can change to "away" schedule remotely. --------------------------------------------- Damage Remediation: We ask that you pay any invoice for repair or replacement that we send to you after you leave property. After we realize and document the damage we will send via email an invoice and a digital picture of damages and a digital copy of specific receipt for repair or replacement. If you notify us of the damage immediately we will try to absorb some of the repair/replacement cost. --------------------------------------------- Pets: Pets of any kind shall not be permitted inside the 2nd floor of the rental unit at any time. If specific prior approval for keeping pets only in recreation room and garage (600 sq ft) has been granted by the owner please respect other renter's (and the owner's) pet allergies and do not let pets in living areas at any time. The referenced 600 sq ft is easy to vacuum and not carpeted. If specific prior approval received for pets there is a maximum of 2 pets. --------------------------------------------- Details: - Strong cell phone signals at house. Landline (706.782.5779) in living room and master bedroom for free incoming calls & free outgoing local and local 911. - DirecTV... Choice Xtra package with one HD DVR... includes Atlanta networks and Sports South channel (2 HD receivers, 3 TVs). Roku is available in master bedroom (HuluPlus, Netflix & Amazon Video available with your own accounts). DVD (Blu-Ray) player in living room (w/ netflix). Playstation 3 downstairs with 6 games.- Max overnight guests is 12. Guests ages six and over are counted as chargeable guest. - Extra supplies are on shelves in laundry room. A wet/dry vac is beneath stairs. - If you turn house alarm on at night (code and "stay") you may open the windows upstairs and downstairs without alarm activating. - A water filter self-cleans every third night around 2 AM (you might hear water-draining sound in garage for ~30 minutes). This is expected and allows for maintenance-free whole house water filtration. There is a locked “owner’s storage” downstairs adjacent to garage which contain owner's personal items (and tools). - If the electricity goes out (very rare because power generated from local dams) it is pitch dark... so there are flashlights and candles and lighters around... landline phone should work when electricity is out.

100% refund if canceled at least 60 days before arrival date.