Location: Sapphire, Smoky Mountains, North Carolina, USA (Near Cashiers) View Map
Accommodations: House, 4 Bedrooms + No additional sleeping rooms avail, 2.5 Baths (Sleeps 12)
Keywords: House, 4 bedrooms, sleeps 12, porches, campfire, backyard stream, mountain home, mountain getaway, mountain cabin, mountain house, cabin
Welcome home... to Memory Mountain Lodge. Relax. Refresh. Revive…
Enjoy the autumn colors with a weekend away in October.
Feel the stress leave your body as you rock in an Amish rocker and listen to the babbling mountain stream flowing in the backyard.
If you can't totally escape, know that there is high-speed wireless internet access.
Located on Hogback Mountain in Western NC, 8 miles east of Cashiers, temperatures are typically 12 to 15 degrees cooler than nearby Atlanta or Charlotte… yet only 2 ½ hours away from the hustle & bustle of those cities.
Built to look like a farmhouse, you’ll find yourself reminiscing about Grandma’s farm. The cabin has board & batten siding, front & back porches, pine wood floors & bead board ceilings throughout the first floor, and pine molding throughout the entire house. It even has the glass doorknobs just like Grandpa’s farm used to have! You’ll also enjoy the functional antiques (literally from Grandma’s house) sprinkled throughout. Don’t worry, you won’t experience any farmhouse drafts; the Lodge was completed in May 2003.
Want to explore nature's beauty? Start in your own backyard with what everyone likes best, the mountain stream (check the guest comments below). In addition, the Lodge is located between one-million acres of National Forests - Nantahala to the West and Pisgah to the North, East & South - so there is plenty to explore.
Waterfalls – Spectacular views, short hikes, strenuous hikes, swimming holes, slide rocks. This is the “Land of Waterfalls”.
Lake Fairfield - Only 5 minutes away, this private lake (only for Sapphire property owners and their guests) has a beach, swimming area, boathouse, picnic pavillion & beautiful granite-faced mountain views.
Hiking – Panthertown Valley, nicknamed the “Yosemite of the East”, Whiteside Mountain, Cold Mountain… literally 1000 of miles of trails for the beginner or the expert hiker.
Biking – Nearby DuPont forest has trails and the roads offer a challenge even for the heartiest cyclist.
Horseback Riding – Nearby WhiteWater Equestrian Center is the best.
Golfing – Award-winning Sapphire National & High Hampton are nearby, among several others.
Fishing –Try fly fishing on the French Broad River.
Wyndham Sapphire Resort amenities are all available for you for just $15/adult (good for 14 days) and kids under 14 are free. The resort is just 7 minutes away with indoor & outdoor pools, 2 jacuzzis, wet & dry saunas, an exercise facility, game room,putt-putt golf and free WiFi. Fairfield Lake is even closer with its beach, swimming area, boathouse and magnificent granite-faced mountain views.
Rather spend the day shopping? There are numerous unique shops in nearby Highlands, Cashiers and Brevard (and many spots in between). There are also craft shows, art festivals and bazaars throughout the year - especially April through October.
Looking for a place to getaway and scrapbook for the weekend? The lodge is well-stocked with all of the extras that make your scrapbooking experience complete: folding tables, lamps, cushions, and a large paper cutter.
Tell me more about the Lodge... There are 4 bedrooms (the master is downstairs) and 2 ½ baths. The kitchen is well stocked, there are games & movies (50+) for kids of all ages as well as a toy box upstairs. All TV’s have a DVD/VCR player as well as plugs on the front for easy game console hook-up. The front & back porches – with Amish rockers, a mountain checker/chess table, the addictive “Ring Game”, many other chairs, and the sounds of the babbling stream no matter where you sit – are definitely a hit, along with making s’mores in the campfire.
Our favorite things to do:
- Catching salamanders in the backyard mountain stream
- The Campfire - roasting hotdogs & making s'mores
- Hanging out at Fairfield Lake
- Snow fun! Skiing and tubing at nearby Sapphire Resort
- Renting a boat at Lake Glenville
- Finding a new waterfall... or an old one!
- "Secret" slide rock
- Playing the ring game on the back porch
- Reading on the porch & looking for "God-beams"
- Playing checkers on the front porch
- Playing a board game that we don’t have at home
- Taking a walk
- Star gazing
- Hiking up Whiteside Mountain
Special category of our favorite waterfalls:
- Cashiers Sliding Rock – fun but c-c-c-c-cold!
- Silver Run Falls - short, easy hike; nice swimming hole
- Dry Falls - neat to walk behind the falls
- Cullasaja Falls - hop on rocks, jump off cliff
- Turtleback Falls - slide rock for the adventurous
- Whitewater Falls-– hike up to "secret" slide rock
We have several books at the Lodge describing the many waterfalls & hikes in the area. In addition, check out the "Things To Do" page on the owners website for links to popular spots.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Air Conditioning : 2 units: upstairs & downstairs. Ceiling fans in every bedroom plus family room, screened porch & back porch.
- Linens Provided
- Washer : in unit
- Dryer : in unit
- Gas Fireplace
- Beds
- King Bed : in downstairs master
- Queen Bed (2)
- Double Bed (2)
- Twin/Single Bed (2) : plus 2 twin rollaways (1 upstairs, 1 downstairs)
- Bunk Bed
- Entertainment
- Shared Hot Tub : Wyndham Sapphire Resort amenities - 10 minutes away. 2 hot tubs.
- Sauna : free Wyndham Sapphire Resort amenities - 10 minutes away. 1 wet & 1 dry sauna.
- Cable/Satellite TV (3) : Pay per view enabled; just pay for the movies you watch. TV's have plugs in front - easy to hook up game console.
- DVD
- VCR
- Video Library : 50+ movies available
- CD Player
- Stereo System
- Shared Pool : free Wyndham Sapphire Resort amenities - 10 minutes away. 1 indoor & 2 outdoor pools
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen : Many guests state that it's better stocked than their kitchen at home!
- Cooking Utensils Provided : Several families have prepared Thanksgiving and Christmas feasts.
- Refrigerator : GE Monogram.
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Ice Maker
- Catering Available : Billy's Kitchen in Cashiers caters; he's great! 743-5355
- Outdoor Features
- Gas/Electric BBQ Grill : New grill (June, 2010)! Extra (full) propane tank under back porch.
- Deck/Patio : Actually a screened porch with a table and a pass-thru window to the kitchen. Great for a kids eating area or for playing a board game late into the night.
- View/Location
- Waterfront, not Lake/Oceanfront. Ask for details : Mountain stream in the backyard - bold enough to hear the soothing sounds from the cabin, gentle enough to let kids play, explore, collect & "capture".
- Communications
- Telephone (3) : 1 cordless with answering machine.
- Free Long Distance : Free long distance in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico.
- Broadband Internet : High-speed wireless internet (DSL from Verizon)
- WiFi (Wireless Internet) : High-speed wireless internet (DSL from Verizon). Free WiFi also available at the Wyndham Sapphire Resort.
- Other Amenities
- Full access to all Wyndham Sapphire Resort amenities for $15/adult for 14 days(kids under 14 free) including beautiful Fairfield Lake, 25% discount off rates at award-winning Sapphire National golf course and 25% off snow skiing rates, Campfire in backyard - roast hotdogs & marshmallows (s'mores) - mountain pie makers in pantry.
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed : Sorry, no exceptions; owner has severe allergies.
- Kid Friendly : Stream in backyard great for exploring, crawfish & salamander catching; "creek boots" of all sizes available along with buckets for collecting things. Campfire for roasting hotdogs & marshmallows (s'mores) - mountain pie makers in the pantry. Board games for all ages, a toy box upstairs and 50+ movies for all ages. A mountain checker/chess table on front porch and a ring-game on the back porch - fun for kids of all ages.
- Smoking Not Allowed : Sorry, no exceptions; owner has severe allergies. Smoking fine on front or back porches.
- Activities
- Golf
- Tennis
- Shopping
- Sailing
- Boating
- Waterskiing
- Jet Skiing
- Swimming
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Downhill/Alpine Skiing
- Snowboarding
- Wildlife Viewing
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Antiquing
- Miniature golf
- Horseback Riding
- Rafting
- Sledding/Tubing
- Hiking
- Rock Climbing
- Restaurants
- Fitness Center/Gym
- Other Activities
- Mountain stream in backyard - salamander catching is a favorite sport for kids!, Beach with swimming area/floating dock at Lake Fairfield - boat rentals (only 5 minutes away), Numerous waterfalls & slide rocks are close by - Cashiers slide rock - Turtleback falls - "secret" slide rock.
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
WE GIVE YOU THE MOST FLEXIBILITY!
Season 2 Nights 3-6 Nights Week Month
Sep6-30 + Nov1-May26*.....$200/nt......$160/nt.......$1100/wk.....$3600/mo
May27-Sep5 + Oct..........$280/nt......$250/nt.......$1600/wk.....$5000/mo
*Nov21-27 + Dec17-Jan1....$280/nt......$250/nt.......$1600/wk.......NA
3-night min Holiday Wknds, 5-night min June - August, 2-night min otherwise
$150 Cleaning; Damage Deposit $350; 50% down to reserve; NO HIDDEN FEES!
Check preferred; credit cards okay via PayPal-renter pays 2.9% fees
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
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Credit Cards Accepted:
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Map & Owner's Profile
Year Purchased: 2003
Why the Owner Chose Sapphire
We discovered the the Highlands-Cashiers area in 1999 and fell in love with it. Georgia has nice mountains but the temperature doesn't drop much from Atlanta. The temperature at our place is typically 12-15 degrees cooler than Atlanta. We got serious about looking for a place in the mountains in 2002, found our place on December 30th (it wasn't completed yet) and fell in the love with the look & feel of the house and the wonderful mountain stream in the yard.
The Unique Benefits at this House
We like the sound of the stream in the backyard, the cooler temperatures, the small towns of Cashiers & Highlands, and the multitude of easy hikes to waterfalls, swimming holes, slide rocks and spectacular views. We also thoroughly enjoy the amenities of Wyndham Sapphire Resort including Fairfield Lake; the 25% discount off golf, winter skiing, and boat house rentals is nice too.
Also home to the Sapphire Brewing Company restaurant. 25% discount off greens fees by using your Wyndham Sapphire Resort Amenities Card.
Owner's Map of Sapphire
Luann & Tony Rushin with Jerod and Hannah. Jerod is currently a rising junior at Georgia State and Hannah is a rising sophomore at Auburn. We've lived in Alpharetta, GA since 1994 (by way of State College, PA, Tucson, AZ, and Richmond, VA) and grew up in Corry, PA - a small town in the northwest corner of PA.
Property Photos
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- Memory Mountain Lodge - Sapphire, North Carolina - Memory Mountain Lodge
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- Campfire with stream behind - View from Back Porch - Sapphire, North Carolina - Memory Mountain Lodge
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- Amish Rockers on Front Porch - Sapphire, North Carolina - Memory Mountain Lodge
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- Bold Mountain Stream in the Backyard
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- Morning View from the Front Porch of Memory Mountain Lodge
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- Lake Fairfield (members only) and Bald Rock.
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- Whitewater Falls - highest falls east of the Rockies.
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- Cashiers Farmers Market - make sure the kids pet "Biscuit"
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- Amenities discount (25%) applies for Sapphire National Golf Club.
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- View from behind Dry Falls near Highlands
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- A popular restaurant in nearby Highlands.
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- Nearby Fairfield Lake (access via amenities card) - view from lake trail.
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- Kitchen - View from Front Entrance
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- Family Room
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- Master Bedroom - View from Kitchen
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- Bunk Bed Room!
Traveler Reviews (38)
trebon1038@hotmail.com
Guest: Jen
(Lenoir City)
Date of Stay: 09/02/11
Review Submitted: 09/11/11
We had a great stay but unfortunately needed more time to take things in so next year we are going for a week instead of the weekend. We got to enjoy a great craft fair in Cashiers and some of the fine dining in the area. We also did some shopping in Highlands. We took advantage of the full kitchen for morning and evening meals and snacks on the back porch. The wireless internet kept us connected with the outside world while being off the beaten path. It was the best of both worlds....private setting with access to nearby shopping and dining, including a grocery store.
Recommended for:Sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, romantic getaway.
What a great place !
Guest: Mike
(Atlanta, GA)
Date of Stay: 07/19/11
Review Submitted: 08/01/11
We had a chance for a late July, 2011 getaway from Atlanta. It was an easy 3Hr30Min drive from the westside of Atlanta ( with two stops ) The Sapphire/Cashiers area is beautiful and the house is fantastic. We found it very relaxing and warmly welcoming. Sounds from the stream in the backyard made evenings on the back porch even better. The days were wonderful for golf, walking, and running. We went out for dinner nightly with many options. We enjoyed the view from the outside deck at Sapphire National/Sapphire Brewing Company and they had many nightly specials and great prices, too. For other meals, we stocked up a large grocery, Ingles, maybe 10-12 minutes away that had anything we needed. The kitchen in the house was easy to use. The information Tony provides was most helpful and gave a great headstart to making the most out of our week. Overall, we had a fine time and look forward to going back again.
Recommended for:Sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, families with young children.
Family Trip to the Mountains
Guest: Todd and Carrie
(Irmo, South Carolina)
Date of Stay: 07/09/11
Review Submitted: 07/31/11
Just a quick note to say Thank You! for our stay July 9 – 16th at Memory Mountain Lodge. We had a wonderful week. Everything was just perfect! We also enjoyed using the amenities at the Wyndham Sapphire Resort this visit. Thank you again for sharing your beautiful mountain home!
Recommended for:Sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, families with young children.
Spring Break in the Mountains
Guest: Jennifer Kratochvil
(Fort Myers, FL)
Date of Stay: 04/29/10
Review Submitted: 06/28/11
I wanted to write and let you know what a memorable time we had at Memory Mountain Lodge! Our family of four and two other small families enjoyed Easter week at the Lodge. We had an easter egg hunt in the surrounding wooded area and the kids loved splashing in the creek out back. The accomodations were comfortable and homey. The pictures on the website accurately reflect the accomodations. From the extra bedding, extra roll out beds, pillows and blankets to having all the comforts of home. There was plenty of room to spare and everyone had space to spread out. The boys loved bunking in the bedroom with the bunk beds. The girls set up in one of the bedrooms upstairs with the twin beds. The kitchen was well-stocked - not like other rental units we have experienced in the past. Our family has rented homes all over North Carolina, Georgia, and South Carolina and this home is by far the best that we have stayed in and we have even been return customers several times during different times of the year. And we are a tough bunch to satisfy. We would definitely recommend this home to others. The property was clean and well taken care of. There wasn't one thing we wish we had - there were even sticks for roasting marshmallows over the fire. We loved the hammock, fire pit near the stream, and the games on both porches. One morning all the girls even got up at 5am to watch the Royal wedding. We ate at the Sapphire Brewing Company (for our last night out) and the Carolina Smokehouse for BBQ. We went horseback riding (for the third time) near Whiteside Falls with Carrie a former marine. We loved going down Sliding Rock, seeing all the water falls and even went to Twin Falls. We spent one rainy afternoon at the arcade at the rec center. We cooked out by the playground and fished in the stream near the track. The ladies discovered a hidden shopping gem - an upscale consignment store - Victoria's Closet. The kids loved getting ice cream cones at Sweet Treats. We even bought new hiking gear at the little hiking store at the main intersection in Cashiers. We travelled to Highlands one afternoon as well. The best day was when all of the kids were able to fish and actually catch at Lake Fairfield! What fun!
Recommended for:Sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, romantic getaway, families with young children.
Great for families
Guest: James
(Georgia)
Date of Stay: 06/18/11
Review Submitted: 06/27/11
We had a great time at this property.. The stream was a hit with the kids. The decor was pleasant. The kitchen was organized and equipped with sufficent utensils, etc. Wood in the pit for the first fire was an added touch.
Recommended for:Families with young children.
Great time at Memory Mtn Lodge
Guest: Chris
(Johns Creek, GA)
Date of Stay: 05/20/11
Review Submitted: 06/14/11
We had a great time at the Memory Mountain Lodge in May (2011). The lodge was cleaned up and ready for us, well appointed and had everything we needed. There was tons of space throughout the house. The one thing we didn't realize until the second day was that there was a separate thermostat for the 2nd floor. That made sleeping upstairs nice on the 2nd night. The back porch was my favorite spot; perfectly quite (except for the sounds of nature). Importantly, we were close to a lot of activities that we took advantage of (golf, dining, grocery store, hiking trails). I definitely recommend this lodge for anyone looking for a nice place to get away in the mountains. Chris Karabinos Johns Creek, GA
Owner response:Thanks Chris. The back porch is one of our favorite spots too. I'm glad you and your son enjoyed your mountain getaway.
Recommended for:Sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, families with young children.
Mountain getaway in February 2011
Guest: Barb
(Bluffton sc)
Date of Stay: 02/18/11
Review Submitted: 06/13/11
Owner was extremely accomodating to our group and available to answer any questions we had...the house was very lovely, spacious and cozy...the kids had a great time in the creek behind the house and enjoyed the local skiing. We will definitely be back again...Thank Tony for an awesome getaway to the mountains.
Owner response:Thanks Barbara. The stream has been a kid-magnet from the beginning - when Jerod & Hannah (my kids) were 12 & 10 years old. Come back any time!
Recommended for:Families with young children.
The most beautifull house in NC
Guest: Naty
(Miami)
Date of Stay: 12/25/10
Review Submitted: 01/20/11
It is a great place to stay in!!!!!!! Our family really enjoy the house and the amenities! The owners are really nice with their guest!!! We strongly recomend the house!! NC is very exited at winter, and the clubhouse is full of acativities to do. The house is very clean and has everything you need.
Owner response:Thank you, Natalia, for the kiind words. Likewise, we enjoyed having you and your extended family stay at Memory Mountain Lodge for Christmas and New Years. Come back any time!
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, families with young children.
Mere words cannot express our unforgettable experience in Memory Mountain Cabin
Guest: Lily
(Weston, FL)
Date of Stay: 01/02/11
Review Submitted: 01/19/11
My family and I were so amazed as we walked into your beautiful and welcoming home. Walking into each room was a surprise, and each one left us speechless. Every room is decorated with great taste. This home was impeccably clean and perfectly suited for our taste. We just cannot stop talking about our memorable and peaceful time spent at your home with our family. Each review I had read was NOT exagerrated at all. Every word was true and well described. We also appreciate the proffesionalism and courtesy from the owners from the moment we reserved the cabin until our today. Thank you, Thank you VERY much Mr. & Mrs Rushin for sharing your lovely home with my family.
Owner response:Lily - you are so kind. Luann & I enjoyed having you, Eddie and families stay at Memory Mountain Lodge. Welcome back any time... and tell your friends about us!
Recommended for:Sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, families with young children.
Lasting Memories
Guest: dennis
(naples, fl)
Date of Stay: 08/06/10
Review Submitted: 12/05/10
Memory mountain lodge has everything. We spent last august at the lodge and enjoyed every minute we were there. Activities at the lodge, the community and surrounding areas kept everyone both busy and happy. The lodge itself is wonderful....perfectly situated and well maintained. it is truly everything that Tom and Luann say it is. As our 5 year old grandson said with tears in his eyes..."Grampa, i dont want to leave" says it all. Memories that will last forever. Thank you for our best family vacation ever!
Recommended for:Sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, romantic getaway, families with young children.
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #92379
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