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Creekside Cottage Near Parkway

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Welcome to Wren Cottage at Balsam Gap!
Relax in this comfy living room after a day hiking or sightseeing.
Lots of local guide books to help you decide what to do that day.
In addition to guide books, lots of fiction to choose from.
Rainy, snowing or just too cold to be out? We've got you!

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms2+ bathroomsSleeps 5

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Outdoor space

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 5)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Living Room 1

1 Single Sofa Bed

2 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Bathroom 2

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Bathroom 3

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Creekside Cottage Near Parkway

Escape to Wren Cottage at Balsam Gap, a peaceful, remodeled mountain retreat for up to 5 guests. Nestled in a private, rural setting just 5 minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway, this 1,350 sq. ft. cottage offers a fully-equipped kitchen, dedicated workspace, cozy fireplace, and an outdoor fire pit. Enjoy quiet wooded walks and easy access to Waynesville, Asheville, and the Great Smoky Mountains. Perfect for a relaxing getaway with modern comforts and natural charm.

Indoor Features:
• Living Area: Relax in the spacious living room on the large sofa, gathered around the cozy fireplace. Enjoy Cable TV with complimentary Netflix.
• Bedrooms & Sleeping: Rest deeply on ultra-comfortable memory foam beds. A Pack 'n Play is available for little ones. The cottage comfortably sleeps 4 in beds, and a fifth guest can be accommodated on the living room couch.
• Fully-Equipped Kitchen: The modern kitchen is fully stocked for preparing complete meals and includes a Keurig Duo coffee maker with complimentary K-pods and filter packs.
• Dedicated Workspace: A designated desk with high-speed WiFi allows you to work remotely, browse, or stream without interruption.
• Laundry: A washer and dryer are available for your convenience.

Outdoor Oasis:
• Deck & Yard: Sip your morning coffee on the outdoor deck or relax in the large private yard, which offers a distant mountain view.
• Fire Pit & Grill: Gather around the fire pit in the evenings to make memories under the stars. BBQ grills (gas and briquets) are also available for cookouts.
• Water Access: Take a peaceful stroll down to the charming creek located right on the property.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Remove personal items and remove leftover food and drinks
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Important information

You need to know

Property # 1425024vb
This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit

About the area

Waynesville

Located in Waynesville, this cottage is in the mountains. LoneBackpacker Gallery of World Photography and Museum of North Carolina Handicrafts are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Balsam Spa and Lake Junaluska Golf Course. Barber Orchard Fruitstand and Waynesville Recreation Center are also worth visiting. Take the opportunity to explore the area for outdoor excitement like hiking and other activities like birdwatching.
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Map
Waynesville, NC

What's nearby

  • Blue Ridge Parkway Balsam Entrance - 3 min drive - 2.1 km
  • Barber Orchard Fruitstand - 4 min drive - 2.0 km
  • Balsam Spa - 9 min drive - 8.8 km
  • Hazelwood Soap Company - 9 min drive - 9.6 km
  • Waterrock Knob - 10 min drive - 8.3 km

Getting around

  • Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) - 51 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Bojangles' Famous Chicken 'n Biscuits - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Papas & Beer - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Maggie's Galley - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Fuego - ‬11 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Creekside Cottage Near Parkway pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Creekside Cottage Near Parkway?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Creekside Cottage Near Parkway?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Creekside Cottage Near Parkway?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Creekside Cottage Near Parkway located?

Situated in the mountains, this cottage is within 3 miles (5 km) of Barber Orchard Fruitstand, Blue Ridge Parkway Balsam Entrance and Nantahala National Forest. Balsam Spa and Folkmoot Friendship Center are also within 9 miles (15 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 75 out of 76 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 76 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 76 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 76 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 76 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Staff & service

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

AmyRuth M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The house was so lovely and the property so peaceful. We wished we had planned more time just to be there and enjoy it. It is very easy to get on the Blue Ridge Parkway from the house and Waynesville is a sweet town. Will definitely be back!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Meghan C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful mountain home. Well decorated. Host was very nice and allowed early check in without hesitation. Quick to respond.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Judy B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Excellent accommodations to make for a very comfortable stay.and we'd would highly recommend this lovely home in such a tranquil setting.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nakeisha M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
One of the best rentals I have stayed in. Scenic area, very peaceful.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Joseph J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Check in is very easy and the location is convenient to town and only 2 miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway. The house is perfect, very comfortable with a cozy front porch and a beautiful view of mountains with a noisy little creek near by. Beds are comfortable and spent lots of time touring the waynesville area.
Stayed 12 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 29 Oct 2025
Thank you Joseph! You guys were excellent guests and you are welcome back anytime you can come. Sorry the last two days were so rainy! 🙂
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rhonda H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful property

2nd stay. Beautiful property and great location. Property manager is excellent.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rami D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We absolutely loved the Wren Cottage and cannot wait to book our next stay. The home was impeccably clean, well stocked and extremely comfortable. The kitchen had everything you'd have at your own home. The host was wonderful and always communicated very fast. The location is excellent, quiet and private. The beds are also very comfortable and we slept really well. Thank you for a great stay!!
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Dec 2025
Rami - Thank you so very much for the fantastic review! I'm so glad you guys had a great time and great sleep! You are welcome back any time.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cute cottage in a beautiful neighborhood

This adorable cottage is one of our favorite places to stay. It’s clean and comfortable and the neighborhood is beautiful!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Matt H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely cottage in the mountains

The home was just right for us, nicely laid out and comfy. Great for a long, relaxing weekend in the mountains!
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 13 Mar 2024
Thank you for the review, Matt! Glad you guys had some sunny days!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Patti T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful and Great Location

We loved our recent stay at The Wren Cottage… such a clean and well furnished rental! Beautiful linens, well stocked kitchen, cute front porch and total privacy made this an amazing rental!! Susan was very attentive to any questions we had…we would definitely rent here again!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 20 Sept 2023
Thank you so much, Patti! Please return whenever you can!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Absolutely perfect!

We can’t say enough about how wonderful this cottage is. It’s clean, comfortable and in a beautiful location. This is our second time renting it and we hope to be back soon!
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 20 Sept 2023
Thank you for the awesome review. You are welcome back any time!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rhonda H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wren Cottage

Location is amazing….close to Waynesville, Sylva, Maggie Valley and Asheville. Cottage is tucked into quiet mountain location with a lovely creek along side property that you can hear at all times. Cottage is clean and has multiple amenities. Definitely will book again.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 12 May 2025
Thank you, Rhonda, for the great review. Also, want to thank you for leaving everything in perfect shape! You are a fantastic guest!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Amanda S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Weekend getaway

We absolutely loved our stay! It was a nice long weekend getaway and so cozy! We were able to enjoy the snow, go sight seeing and relax! If anything was needed, we messaged and received a prompt response and we were able to have them check in during our stay to be sure we didn’t need anything. I’d absolutely recommend this house and would love to stay again in the future!
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

chris w.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Anniversary Get-Away

Super clean, cozy, homey, and well appointed. Peace and quiet abounds. Exceptional location for those wanting access to the Blueridge Parkway. Less than 5 minutes away. Bikers will love it.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 20 Sept 2023
Thank you for the great review, Chris!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Leslie E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

7 days in heaven

My husband and I recently stayed at Susan's cottage for 7 days. It was lovely, well located for reaching the parkway. Plan to return next year.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 20 Sept 2023
Thanks for the great review! We would be glad to have you return!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Joseph J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect stay at Wren Cottage

Wren Cottage is a perfect place to see the fall colors. We were very happy with the property. Everything that we could need was provided. The homes instructions were perfectly explained and felt at home as soon as we arrived. We felt close enough to everything and still secluded and private. We will be returning in the future.
Stayed 11 nights in Oct 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Oct 2024
Joe, thanks so much for the great review! We'd love to have you return! I'm giving you guys 5 stars too, for taking great care of Wren Cottage!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lacey M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fabulous cottage

This was one of the best work/vacation trips we’ve ever taken. The cottage was everything we could have asked for. We would think of something we would like to have and it was there. We even enjoyed the rainy afternoons sitting in the rockers on the front porch. The host were great and very responsive. We will definitely visit again.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 20 Sept 2023
Thank you, Lacey, for your great review. We appreciate you!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing home with beautiful views and hospitality!

This home was perfect for our family of 3. We arrived to a beautifully decorated home for Christmas and our daughter was so excited to have it feel like "home". We loved the location, views and peacefulness that it brought to our stay. The sweet treats and memory foam beds were appreciated also. We will be recommending this home to our friends and family and hope to return in the future! The owner is very sweet and helpful and a pleasure to work with. Highly recommend this home.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 20 Sept 2023
Jennifer, thank you so much for the awesome review! Hope you can come back many times in the future! Thank you for leaving the cottage in such fantastic shape!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Shelly R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Home Away from Home

We stayed at Wren Cottage for the first time this past June. After looking at so many homes to stay in, we found this gem. It was everything we could ask for and more. The location is perfectly set close to the Blue Ridge and the sweet city of Waynesville. The creek running along side the property was the perfect touch to the Mountain View from the front porch. The house was well stocked and oh so clean. We are already planning our next stay. You can’t go wrong with this beautifully loved home.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Carol V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful, charming and peaceful getaway

This property was amazing! The cottage was extremely clean and updated. Everything you could ever want or need was provided. This cottage is located in a very quiet neighborhood. The owner is always available and is very friendly and even baked a small cake for our arrival! This is one of the best rentals that I have stayed at. This cottage far exceeded my expectations. I wish all rentals were like this one. Thank you to the owners for providing such a wonderful rental.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 20 Sept 2023
Thank you so much, Carol, for the awesome review! And in turn, I would like to say that you guys left the cottage in excellent condition, and I really appreciate that! I appreciate your taking the time to write this great review too. Please come back when you can!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Eileen H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful week in the mountains

We stayed for 10 days and loved it. The house was perfect for us. It is nicely decorated, very clean and well equipped. Lots of care went into the details. We loved looking out the kitchen window and seeing mountains, sitting on the front porch enjoying the view and eating meals on the back patio. The location is excellent for exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway and surrounding areas. The owner was accessible and easy to communicate with. We had a great vacation. Thank you.
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 20 Sept 2023
Thank you for the great review, Eileen! Please return any time you can!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

PATRICIA B.

beautiful & relaxing

What a beautiful cottage. It was neat & clean, spacious. loved the swing and rocking chairs on front porch. Anything you could have needed to have a great stay was there. Coffee, bottled water. Big thick towels in baths, wonderful comfortable beds with memory foam. Also, lets not forget the little creek running through the property and you could sit by the stream and relax and enjoy the sound of the water running over the rocks. Its not far from the places we wanted to go. Couldn't ask for a better place to stay. Will definitely stay here again.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 20 Sept 2023
Thank you so much for your review! I'm so glad that you enjoyed your stay with us. Love your descriptions! Come back any time!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jessie H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful little cottage

The hostess goes out of her way to ensure your stay is perfect in her cottage. There are small toiletries in the bathroom, sugar and creamer in the kitchen, new rolls of toilet paper in all three bathrooms, etc. I was very inpreased by the attention to detail. The location is fabulous for hopping on the Blueridge Parkway and it’s also easy to get to Waynesville, Maggie, and Silva. We loved curling up on the comfy couch in the evenings by the fire too. Would highly recommend.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 20 Sept 2023
Thanks, Jessie, for the great review! We really appreciate it and are so glad you had a good stay! Come back anytime!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sondra E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Home away from home

If you’re looking to get away and stay in a cozy cottage that is tucked away in the mountains but close enough to places like Cataloochee Ski Area and downtown Waynesville, then look no further. From the lulling sound of the creek beside the house (that is easily accessible and has a bench beside it), to a well-stocked kitchen, to all the little extras that are placed throughout the house, we felt welcome and right at home. Thank you Susan for your hospitality and opening your home to others. If I could give you more stars I would.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Feb 2024
Sondra, Thank you so much for this awesome review! In turn, I want to give you five stars for leaving the cottage in such perfect condition! I really appreciate the time it took for you to write the review. That means a lot to me! You guys are welcome to come back whenever you can!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kathy D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Home away from home

Wanted to stay longer but had to leave. Your home was simply beautiful. Every detail was thought of. Location was tucked away in an amazing tranquil spot. Yet close enough to the mainstream. Wish the weather was nicer so we could enjoy the outdoors more. Hopefully will get to come back and take advantage of it then. Thank you Susan for being so accommodating and easy to communicate with.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 20 Sept 2023
Kathy, thank you so much for the great review! Please come back anytime!

About the host

Hosted by Susan O'Day

Host profile image
I love being a host because I love providing guests with a wonderful vacation in a very peaceful setting and close to everything. Guests always say they had a wonderful time in Wren Cottage.

Why they chose this property

In my opinion, Wren Cottage is in the best neighborhood in Haywood County. The Cottage is only 1.5 miles from the four-lane highway, 74. But, when you drive into this neighborhood you see all the views and the lushness of the trees and plants. The Cottage is on a private road, so no traffic. There are only 3 houses above the cottage on the private road.

What makes this property unique

Beautiful large front yard, creek on property, lots of privacy, a central hub for anywhere you'd want to visit, AND only 1.5 miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway!

Languages:

English

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