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"We love nothing more than relaxing on the deck or screened porch of StarGazer Lodge on a pleasant evening and trying to count the stars. We always lose count long before we're done."
If wonderful views and luxuriously appointed accommodations are what you seek, look no further than StarGazer Lodge. Situated above the trees in the gated mountain community of Big Canoe, the house engulfs you in comfort the moment you walk in the front door. As you enter, you are greeted by a massive great room with a huge wall of windows and views that stretch back to Atlanta. As you take in the view, you will find that your entire body relaxes a bit and you are reminded why you have chosen to be here, not there. In addition to the wonderful views, the main floor great room boasts a stacked stone fireplace alongside a fabulous leather seating area. The room also has a large table to seat up to eight and a chef's kitchen featuring granite on countertops and island. The kitchen is well stocked with everything the visiting chef will need to prepare a wonderful meal including a Cuisinart food processor, Kitchenaid Stand Mixer, an excellent blender, and all the cookware, bakeware, and serving pieces to host an elegant meal.
Just off the great room, the beautiful master suite is truly a retreat of its own. With french doors that open onto the screened porch, the already spacious bedroom doubles in size by bringing the outdoors in. All bedrooms at StarGazer Lodge are king-sized and fitted with 400-thread count linens. The master also has a 32-inch Sharp LCD TV with satellite and DVD. The master bath, yet another oasis unto itself, has an oversized garden tub and separate tiled shower with glass surround. Featuring twin vanities opposite each other, the master bath also boasts a huge window overlooking the mountainside. Beyond the bath, the master closet is almost its own room and has plenty of room for all your luggage to be tucked discretely out of view.
The screened porch has a doorway from the great room as well and is furnished with beautiful teak furniture. It opens to an expansive deck with large dining table and gas grill. You can sit out there are watch the sun coming up, the sun going down, all the fabulous stars at night as well as the twinkling lights in the distance. Your stargazing pursuits are assisted by an electronic digital telescope for bringing the moon and stars even closer than they already are. During the day, watch the birds fly right by you and perch in the tops of trees, right at eye level.
Upstairs at StarGazer is a large family room/media room with a Sony 57-inch HDTV with satellite and DVD. There are over 100 DVD's to choose from and a closet full of board games for family fun. In addition to amazingly comfortable sofas for TV viewing, the room has a great gaming table for intense competition or reading a good book. The entire house boasts wireless DSL so, if you have a laptop with a wireless card, you can use the internet anywhere you like. The media room also has a large wall of windows with fantastic views of the mountains all around. Off the media room are two large bedrooms (no need to fight, all rooms have brand new Stearns and Fosters king-size beds) w/bath. Both rooms have wonderful views.
On its own deck off the laundry room is a top of the line hot tub that seats five. Downstairs in the unfinished basement, a complete game room is available for your entertainment. A pool table, foosball, darts, and table tennis provide even more fun without ever leaving the house and will make you want to stay an extra day... or even two. The basement also has a large deck just outside for relaxing.
If you ever do decide to leave the house, the resort community of Big Canoe has much to offer. In addition to 15 miles of hiking trails past beautiful waterfalls and gorgeous nature, Big Canoe has 27-hole golf course that is truly a scenic wonder. With both indoor and outdoor tennis courts, a state-of-the-art fitness center with racquet ball and complete day spa, the adults will have plenty to do while the kids enjoy the Swim Club. One of Big Canoe's most popular amenities, the Swim Club provides an indoor Olympic-size pool, an outdoor pool overlooking the lake, and swimming, beach volleyball, paddleboats, and a rock slide into Lake Disharoon.
If the family chef needs a break, Big Canoe has several dining options to meet your needs. Appalachia Grill, just outside the gates of Big Canoe, is a wonderful dinner option with a full bar and great wine list as well as a wide-ranging menu with something for everyone. It is definitely our top recommendation for dining out! In addition, Lake Sconti Restaurant at the Golf Club serves dinner several nights a week and a champagne brunch on Sunday. For Italian, Piazza is in the heart of Big Canoe at Wolfscratch Village and Trevi Pizzaria is located just a short distance from the gate. Also near Trevi is Fireside Cafe and Pub serving New American fare within an upscale pub atmosphere.
No matter what activities you choose for your Big Canoe vacation, StarGazer Lodge will win your heart and you will want to visit again and again. If you have a larger group, the house can be rented in conjunction with Mountain Zen across the street to accommodate groups of up to 16. |
