Reviews for Whittier Vacation Rental - VRBO 44019 - 3 BR Smoky Mountains Cabin in NC, 'Following the River' Exec. Log Cabin on Rivers Edge, Pets Ok

Nice place in general

Guest dte94
Date of stay 05/22/13
Review Submitted 06/04/13

Location is very nice. The best part is the hammock and fire place.

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EXTRAORDINARY VACATION; AMENITIES AND SERVICE

Guest Anonymous
Date of stay 09/15/12
Review Submitted 09/24/12

We loved this vacation cabin. Right on the river, unique quality furnishings, great floorplan, easy access to many area attractions. The view and river access couldn't be better. Our small children swam and fished in the river every day. We did raft trips pushing off right from the front yard. Bass fishing was great, we caught 11 Bass on a tube float trip, stopping at rock islands and doing a picnic lunch halfway down the river. Owner even helped drop off our car at the take-out spot. Owner was available for babysitting, and helped with restaurant reservations and recommendations. A thorough checklist of amenities was provided and reviewed upon arrival, and the cabin exceeded our expectations. Close to Bryson City, with many restaurant choices and fun kids activities, including train ride. We are looking forward to returning again next year. Would recommend the "Following the River" cabin to anyone who enjoys outdoors, great views, quality accommodations and first-rate service.!

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

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So Many Possibilities But Very Little Reality

Guest Capt Steven
Date of stay 09/07/12
Review Submitted 09/12/12

I visit North Carolina every year to ride motorcycles, fly fish and enjoy the mountain air. My wife and I found this place on here at VRBO and the photos looked amazing. We have rented through VRBO a dozen times for this area alone and have never been disappointed. Till Now.. We booked this place for 10 days paid in advance. THE ADD and OWNER ARE DECEIVING.... We were NOT TOLD that the Owner lives down stairs on weekends.. We would be sharing house with Elderly Man that lives there full time. Limited access to outside area due to dangerous construction debris. Eating area is on back porch. My Review.. ACTUAL HOUSE - INADEQUATE Tiny living area.. bedrooms were so small the beds went from wall to wall and closets would not open for lack of room. Kitchen is tiny as well as bathrooms. Jacuzzi tub does work. FURNISHINGS - RECYCLED - The Owner proudly shared with us when we arrived that everything in house was recycled including the beds, couches, sinks, fixtures, chairs, windows, tables windows and all. The lower level had the king mattress on a queen box spring.. The box spring and frame went to the floor when sat on. Bed upstairs was so beat they put cheap egg crate foam on top to ease the hardness. Dinning table (only place to sit and eat) was on back porch. Couches were recycled, musty and VERY uncomfortable. TV was 30 years old and TERRIBLE reception, upstairs in tiny corner. OVERALL CONDITION - TERRIBLE - I fixed a ceiling fan that would not spin due to lose blades. Dusty, and not clean. Dirty sheets in upstairs bed with hair from something.. Cue tip on a candle holder in bathroom.. Place was filthy and musty. Clutter EVERYWHERE. Stuff on every counter top, books, nicknacks, junk. We had no place to put our own stuff. SETTING - The river was great.. yard was nice. There is a Fire pit nice seating around it. There was a well established hive of Yellow Jacket Wasps that were at fire pit under a rock, prevented us from using that area for fear of being stung. We did venture out there and my wife got stung. Thats where we had had enough. Owner blamed yard caretaker for this. OUTCOME - We left on third day to move into cheap hotel for good night sleep and find another place. Contacted owner of this place and told her of our issues and tell her we moved out. She offered us additional nights but no partial refund. Even with her breach in contract. This would have gone a long way. This place and its owner give VRBO a black eye and all need to stay away.

Owner response: We are grateful that these guests were able to find another place more suited for their taste. We wish them a safe drive home. Godspeed. Our heart goes out to our caretaker who is recovering from cancer. I personally drove in from Atlanta and greeted these guests in her absence. I escorted them through our lovely cabin. I overextended myself with wine, gifts and my personal assurance that all their needs, while visiting Following the River, would be met. At the time of the walk through, concerns and safety issues were addressed, basic questions were answered, keys were exchanged, and the contract, confirming their approval of occupancy, was signed and witnessed. It saddens me to hear they needed to leave early. At no time, prior to their departure, did I respectfully hear discourse concerning any discomfort or personal requests from these guests. My personal cell number was given as their contact, and I gave them every courtesy, under our signed contractual agreement, to ease their financial loss. We provide a high standard of quality, privacy and excellence. Our reservation and concierge service, groundskeepers, room services and security is provided to assist our guests daily. A private entrance on the backside of the property gives access to the very private owner owned lower basement level. It is privately used for owner and care taking staff only and, absolutely has no barring on our guests independence, privacy or full use of grounds. Caretakers and owner have 24-houraccess to the private downstairs quarters. A professional courtesy notice is always extended to our guests when repairs and/or grounds upkeep is required. VRBO photos show exactly what to expect when you arrive at our Cabin. Our decor is an eclectic mix of antiques, High Country Furnishings, and local mountain-made accents. Our spacious 400 sq ft window enclosed porch is cooled by the mountain riverside air & warmed by our gothic stone fireplace, all living and dining areas are all clearly displayed. All our interior doors and Cinderella-style kitchen windows, I proudly boast, came from an old Ashville inn. We are very proud to be green-minded, and to display our lovely recycled and refurbished finds. We provide for our long-term guests with special event planning i.e. weddings, family reunions, etc. We also offer early-morning breakfast specials, dog walking and babysitting services upon request. Sincerely, The Owner and Management Staff of Following The River Log Cabin

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Wonderful Experience

Guest ugadawgs86
Date of stay 08/19/12
Review Submitted 09/25/12

This cabin is the best of the best! Everything was absolutely amazing! All the little touches of home were there to make us feel welcome and cozy! I can see many future memories being made there with my family! The view of the river is wonderful to wake up to every morning. Sitting around the fire pit was one of our favorite activities, listening to the river pass by. We loved every mionute of our stay and can't wait to go back ASAP! The owner was wonderful and very helpful with any questions we had! Overall an outstanding experience!

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

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work and play in luxury in North Carolina

Guest wvondog
Date of stay 08/10/12
Review Submitted 09/24/12

Ten years ago, I had the opportunity with my writing partner to go to North Carolina and finish writing a feature script we've been working on. We were looking for a place that was calm and peaceful and yet had all the things we needed in a vacation home. We were able to locate this property on VRBO and through the owner, and were able to fascillitate staying there for a week and a half. It was the most delightful and fruitful experience. Recently we went back for my 63rd birthday with my family. The place is still very well kept, and had everything we were looking for. The serenity was perfect, and the place exceeded our expectations. It was clean, it was quiet, it had everything we needed. Most importantly, it felt like home. We had some of our meals catered by the caretaker who was at our beckon call and answered our every whim. This last time around we enjoyed it just as much as the first time. Because of this duel experiences, we will definitely be back again at to this cabin. I think anyone who comes here will have a wonderful experience and walk away with a smile on thier face.

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

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Golf, fishing, NOC, Casino

Guest Ken
Date of stay 07/30/12
Review Submitted 10/02/12

My family and I spent a week at "Following the River" this summer and absolutely loved it. There were so many things to do including great golf, unbelievable fly fishing on Cherokee land, and a really cool casino. Zip-lining at the NOC was exhilarating! After long exciting days, it was so nice to sit by the river and just listen to the water rush by. At night, we sat back and watched the kids roast marshmallows on the fire and run around trying to catch lightening bugs. Anyone who enjoys the great outdoors, adventurous tubing, hiking, fishing, and just about any other outdoor activity you can think of will have a blast here. We will definitely go back again.

Recommended for: Adventure seekers, sightseeing.

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Awesome river cabin!!!!!!

Guest Cori
Date of stay 07/30/12
Review Submitted 09/27/12

What a wonderful place!!!!!! Our family could not have found a better place. The cabin had beautiful custom furnishings with attention to detail. Along the river is great fishing, tubing, swimming not to mention a gorgeous view. We tubed right from the cabin and we were picked up by the owner at the finish!!!!if Jillian, the owner, is in town, she is a gem of a host. She helped us find the best places for our family to experience and enjoy. The trout fishing, tubing, fishing, catalaloochee ranch kissing wolves and horse back riding, dining, hiking, etc. We felt so fortunate to have such a wonderful owner. Jillian was willing to do pretty much anything to make our stay special, even baby sitting!!!!!!!! All in all a wonderful experience. We are booked for next year!!!!!

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

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Basking in the sunset ....

Guest Dane
Date of stay 06/21/12
Review Submitted 09/25/12

This was my 4th stay at the Following the River Log Cabin & it just gets better & better every time! I have been there in the past with friends & most recently with my family. The house itself is the epitome of North Carolina with it’s rustic log interior, warm furnishings & cozy décor. The kitchen is well stocked with all of the necessities to feed the entire family a home cooked meal or if you need help finding a place to eat our the care takers are more then helpful with suggestions of the local restaurants. They were also very knowledgeable in the surrounding activities such as horse back riding , white water rafting & hiking the beautiful trials. But by far my favorite thing about this cabin is the spectacular sunsets on the river that can be viewed from the hammock in the back of the house….. Simply breath taking . Can’t wait to spend another vacation there!

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

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Smoky Mountains best kept secret!!

Guest Free Range Cajun
Date of stay 06/20/12
Review Submitted 09/25/12

An authentic log cabin with a tree in the middle of it!! We had breakfast each morning on the back porch overlooking the river and siting on half logs. One bed had a grapevine as a canopy. The Tipi outside with the firepit in front was the perfect place to relax after a long day or if the fire was too much the Andarondeck chairs nearby were very comfortable to sit and visit. The owner helped us make horseback riding plans, directed us to the Occee for rafting, gave us instructions to hike the chimney tops, gave directions to the tubing nearby and offered maps to wonderful local eateries that you could not find unless you had this kind of help. This is the perfect place to relax with family and friends in the morning and/or night and spoke to different adventures during the day. It was very centrally located. We even took a bath in the river...yes, it was freezing.

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

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Astounding stay at Following the River

Guest Don
Date of stay 06/18/12
Review Submitted 12/27/12

We had a fabulous stay at Following the River. The cabin was clean, and comfortable. The caretaker lives next door, so there's a lot of attention to making sure every detail is perfect! The location is very convenient to points of interest nearby. We hope to get back to the cabin soon. Great stay! Thanks

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

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Wonderful Business Retreat

Guest Millard
Date of stay 06/17/12
Review Submitted 09/25/12

I have rented this cabin several times in the past few years as a retreat with several of my business friends. We have found the facilities to be very comfortable, clean and convientent to numerous local attractions.The owner/caretaker has always gone out of her way to make our stay enjoyable. The amenities are great: fresh coffee daily, comfortable beds, a well stocked library, great view of the river from the back porch and outside picnic and grilling area. I plan on booking this cabin for a return visit next year. My business friends had a wonderful time and a very relaxing retreat. We look forward to our next visit to "Following The River Log Cabin".

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

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A Wonderful Retreat

Guest Vice President, Andy
Date of stay 06/16/12
Review Submitted 09/24/12

We have spent many wonderful vacations here at "Following the River Log Cabin" with 3 other couples. It was everything we had hoped for! Comfy and Welcoming-the beds are soo comfortable. It was everything we had hoped for. We love coming here to hike the Chimney Tops in Gatlinberg. White Water raft in the Ocoee River. Horse back ride at the Cataloochee Ranch. We also loved staying at "Home" relaxing on the back porch. Thank you for many great memories at Following the River Log Cabin my Home away from Home. The Brombosz's

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

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Highly recommend!

Guest Momby
Date of stay 06/08/12
Review Submitted 09/24/12

My Husband and two kids stayed for one week this past summer and found it to be the perfect get away. The cabin is beautiful and is filled with so many special touches that it makes you feel at home. My favorite spot in the cabin is the dining area where I sat every morning and enjoyed my cup of coffee overlooking the river. The view is simply priceless. My kids loved the river and we enjoyed many hours watching them swim. The kitchen is well equipped with all the amenities. My husband and I stayed in the master bedroom downstairs, while the kids stayed in the two bedrooms upstairs and were happy entertaining themselves with a plentiful collection of games ,books and videos. The grounds are also spectacular. Their is a cute front porch with rocking chairs. Plenty of room to run around and play ball and the fire pit is awesome with plenty of comfortable chairs to enjoy. It is in the center of everything. So many activities that you don't need to go anywhere. My son enjoyed a wonderful day of fishing in Cherokee and loved the tubing at Deep Creek. My daughters favorite activity was horse back riding at the Cataloochee Ranch and blueberry picking near the cabin. My best memories were the quiet and peaceful moments of just hanging out at the cabin and enjoying the comforts and the beauty surrounding us.

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

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Family Getaway

Guest N4getaway
Date of stay 05/04/12
Review Submitted 09/25/12

My family and I came here for a weekend getaway. We found the log cabin to look just like the pictures. Comfortable and tranquil. We enjoyed taking in the view of the river as we rested in the hammock. It was a great spot for us all to relax and spend time with each other. The owner was extremely friendly and helpful. We would visit again.

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

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Best mother's Day.

Guest tiger14
Date of stay 05/04/12
Review Submitted 09/24/12

I was surprised with a weekend up in the Smoky Mountains. This was such a peaceful place to spend a weekend with my kids and Husband along the river banks. The Cabin was great. I love the log cabin. I have always wanted to stay in a real log cabin and this is it with all the comforts of home. You should not miss this one. It is going to be on my list to go back to very soon.

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

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What a perfect place for a get away

Guest kathryn
Date of stay 02/11/12
Review Submitted 09/25/12

What a wonderful romantic get away. This place was so quaint. Breath taking decor and view. We loved sitting by both the magnificant big boulder fireplaces. There was one one in the den sitting room and one in the dinning room overlooking the beautiful river. Everything was clean and in working order. We prepared our meals in the well equipped kitchen. The concerned and friendly caretaking staff took care of our every need, but gave us the privacy we wanted. We had all the comforts of home. It was enchanting,We didn't want to leave. What a treat to stay in such a beautiful place. There is lots of space and accomodations. . We plan to return and bring a party with us. You want find a more perfect place to relax and have a great vacation.. I can't wait to visit again.

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

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Vanishing Stress

Guest Stressed Teacher
Date of stay 12/15/11
Review Submitted 09/24/12

I am so happy to see this lovely property continues to be advertised on VRBO.I have spent several Christmas seasons at this cabin and have always felt so welcome and at home. I hate to leave as my stress level from my job as an educator vanishes within a few hours of sitting on the back porch, listening to the beautiful sound of the river as it winds through the landscape. The antiques are amazing, many are so unique.Pieces I have never seen anything like. There was even a beautiful toboggen the owner allowed us to use for sledding nearby. There was plenty of room for my entire family and we loved the layout. Hot water on demand was such a plus with all the people we had staying with us. We appreciated a lovely meet and greet by the owner upon arriving and throughout our stay she was very accomodating. From shopping, to activities such as horse back riding, and even making arraingements for us to visit the Biltmore house in Ashville,we were treated with great kindness and friendship. The casino is close by and loads of fun as well!!!! I highly reccomend this rental to anyone that is in need of a quiet,beautiful restful vacation, as well as those that love to get out and see the sights, gamble and enjoy the outdoors.

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

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Great cabin

Guest Quig
Date of stay 11/04/11
Review Submitted 09/26/12

I don't know why someone would Ever write a bad review for this great place! I stay here every time I go on vacation and it is hard for me to leave! The website pictures show the place exactly how it is and everyone gets a walk-thru when arriving. It is convenient to attractions and the scenery is beautiful. I am actually thinking of getting married there! This is a wonderful, relaxing and beautiful vacation spot that I recommend to everyone I know!

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

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Amazing place to stay

Guest Quig
Date of stay 03/13/10
Review Submitted 09/22/11

I love going to this vacation spot! I have been several times over the years and always have a problem leaving! You have to see it to appreciate the pictures. It is close to everything without the hustle and bustle of staying in a city like Gatlinburg. If you want to relax and do things on your own time,or just lay in the hammock all day!, this is the place! It's not a corporation, it's family owned so it's much more cozier, like being at home. :) Love, love it!

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.

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 6/7

The Ardoin Family

Guest Family Get Away
Date of stay 08/15/08
Review Submitted 07/15/11

A few years ago we traveled from Louisiana to Whittier on a much needed vacation. Our first impression is that the photos are just a hint of how awesome this property is. We were greeted with plenty of parking, the scenery of the river that runs behind the cabin is amazing and the fire pit was our favorite activity. Weather it was breakfast by the river or the sun setting on the river, the peaceful atmosphere and convenient amenities made it easy to relax and enjoy nature. This cabin is close to everything from the Smokey Mountain National Park, trails, rivers, restaurants, and other attractions unique to this area. We will definitely be coming back and hope to bring a few friends next time to share the experience. Our only complaint is that it was so hard to leave!

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

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 7/8

Vacation Rentals by Owner

'Following the River' Exec. Log Cabin on Rivers Edge, Pets Ok [#44019] | View Property

Traveler Reviews (20)

Nice place in general

Nice place in general

EXTRAORDINARY VACATION; AMENITIES AND SERVICE

EXTRAORDINARY VACATION; AMENITIES AND SERVICE

So Many Possibilities But Very Little Reality

So Many Possibilities But Very Little Reality

Wonderful Experience

Wonderful Experience

work and play in luxury in North Carolina

work and play in luxury in North Carolina

Golf, fishing, NOC, Casino

Golf, fishing, NOC, Casino

Awesome river cabin!!!!!!

Awesome river cabin!!!!!!

Basking in the sunset ....

Basking in the sunset ....

Smoky Mountains best kept secret!!

Smoky Mountains best kept secret!!

Astounding stay at Following the River

Astounding stay at Following the River

Wonderful Business Retreat

Wonderful Business Retreat

A Wonderful Retreat

A Wonderful Retreat

Highly recommend!

Highly recommend!

Family Getaway

Family Getaway

Best mother's Day.

Best mother's Day.

What a perfect place for a get away

What a perfect place for a get away

Vanishing Stress

Vanishing Stress

Great cabin

Great cabin

Amazing place to stay

Amazing place to stay

The Ardoin Family

The Ardoin Family