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Mathews' Mansion, a cabin by a mountain lake

Photo gallery for Mathews' Mansion, a cabin by a mountain lake

Mathews' Mansion is a lovely retreat for unwinding. Sorry, no dogs.
Beautiful View from Driveway
Rock Yourself to Sleep on the Screened Porch.
Front Deck Overlooks Lake
Patchwork Bedroom Queen-sized!

Reviews

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 4750 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Laundry
  • Barbecue grill
  • Outdoor Space
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

Map
Lake Santeetlah, NC
  • Santeetlah Lake
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Cheoah River
  • Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest
    ‪20 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Patchwork

1 Queen Bed

Snug-a-Bug

1 Double Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Dining area

About this property

Mathews' Mansion, a cabin by a mountain lake

Long overdue for a lazy afternoon in a hammock? How about a rocking chair overlooking one of the most pristine lakes in the world? At Mathews' Mansion, a small cabin on a lake full of fish, you will find a bit of heaven. No clocks, phones, or TV's, only rest and the rustling of maples. Bring your camera for some great nature shots. Chipmunks, hummingbirds, and raccoons are common visitors. Smoking okay on screened-in porch.

Lake is great for bass, boating, swimming. Santeetlah Marina is only a quarter of a mile. Hike the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest and other lush trails in the region. Take a drive on the breathtaking Cherula Skyway. Nearby streams & rivers are world-famous for fly-fishing, whitewater rafting, kayaking, canoeing, and tubing. Ride the choo-choo from Bryson City to the Nantahala Gorge. Visit a pow wow at the nearby Cherokee Reservation or see the outdoor drama. Try your hand at ruby mining. Go antiquing for quilts & carvings. Cycle, or just relax!


Tail of the Dragon: Mathews' Mansion is close to the Tail of the Dragon, the famous curvy Highway 129, which attracts sports car enthusiasts and cyclists from all over the country. Along Cherola Highway one will view spectacular breathtaking mountain views. For more details visit our website.

Cherokee Artifacts: Did you know that Cherokee artifacts have been found in Lake Santeetlah? Stop at the Cherokee Museum in Robbinsville to see what local residents have found while walking the shores. While there, visit Chief Junaluska's grave site. Take a drive through the Snowbird reservation and picnic at one of the creekside tables. Always keep your eyes open, for you, too, might find a Native American relic!

Property manager

Marsha Mathews

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Air conditioning
Laundry
Outdoor Space
Parking available
Mountain view

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House Rules

Check in after 12:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 20
Check out before 12:00 PM
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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
Do not leave food or garbage outside because raccoons will break open the bag and spread it all around.
The septic system cannot accommodate heavy usage. Limit the number of friends and family members that may wish to visit you during your stay.
Return items to original locations. For example, if you move furniture, please put it back before you depart. The kayak can be dragged up. Thank!

Important information

You need to know

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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock

We should mention

A car is required for transportation to and from this property

About the neighborhood

Santeetlah

Located in Robbinsville, this cabin is in a rural area and on the waterfront. Cheoah Dam and Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center are local landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Junaluska Medicine Trail and Appalachian Rivers Raft Company. Be sure to check out the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
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Map
Lake Santeetlah, NC

What's nearby

  • Santeetlah Lake - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
  • Junaluska Medicine Trail - 11 min drive - 12.4 km
  • Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest - 20 min drive - 10.8 km
  • Fontana Lake - 40 min drive - 45.2 km
  • Fontana Village Resort Marina - 41 min drive - 45.9 km

Getting around

  • McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) - 101 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Lynn's Place - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Kin Cafe - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Wendy's - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Willow Tree Restaurant, Catering and Bakery - ‬10 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Mathews' Mansion, a cabin by a mountain lake pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Mathews' Mansion, a cabin by a mountain lake?

Check-in begins at 12:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Mathews' Mansion, a cabin by a mountain lake?

Check-out is at 12:00 PM.

Where is Mathews' Mansion, a cabin by a mountain lake located?

Situated on the waterfront, this cabin is steps from Santeetlah Lake and Nantahala National Forest. Santeetlah Town Hall and Cheoah River are also within 15 minutes.

Reviews

8.6

Excellent

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 38 out of 73 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 22 out of 73 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 8 out of 73 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 4 out of 73 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 73 reviews

8.4/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Check-in

9.6/10

Communication

9.6/10

Location

9.2/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

nevelyn o., Inverness fl

Anniversary getaway

We enjoyed every moment of this wonderful place it was a wonderful experience peaceful lakeside cabin
Stayed 3 nights in May 2018

10/10 Excellent

Brittany D.

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

Cute place on the lake!

The location is fantastic! The view of the lake and the screened patio are wonderful. Do be prepared to be a bit warm though in the summer as the A/C unit is mounted in the living room and doesn't reach the bedrooms well. Interior is a bit dated but it was clean enough and the real treat is enjoying the patio and views!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jeannine C.

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

Lake Santeetlah

Great location. Beautiful lake views.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Anthony B.

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

Great little cabin!

This was a great, simple little cabin. You can tell it was built as a little summer getaway, once upon a time. Very basic, and somewhat dated, but it has what you need, including a coffee pot. We loved it, except there are a lot of close neighbors. Its peaceful, but not always quiet. I did want to mention, the smaller bed is a full size, I was a little confused about what size it would be.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Dave P., Hanover, USA

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

Peaceful getaway

Very peaceful getaway , beautiful view of the lake.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

William W.

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

Relaxing fall weekend

My son and I on a guys trip. House was as advertised and had everything we needed for a comfortable stay. Great location on the lake with easy access to grocery store, restaurants, and attractions. Would definitely stay again.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Stefan N.

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

.Cozy Place

This was a nice place to relax and get away from the noise of the city. We enjoyed the kayak and swimming in the lake and lots of fun.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Dylan S.

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

Stay was good!

Only issue we had was turning around the trailer when we pulled in a warning would have been nice but it was a beautiful spot!!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Julie H.

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

Peaceful

Just the view was breathtaking and quiet and peaceful and relaxing
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kelli B.

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

A perfect mountain retreat

The cabin definitely reminded me of my granny's place in the Ozarks. Small and cozy, juat what you need. There are stairs that lead to the lake and the neighbors are nice. Please note, bring your own sheets. Size queen work best and towels for the shower and lake. The views are amazing and the deck is probably the best part.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

8/10 Good

Daniel R., Calimesa

Liked: Check-in, communication, location

Beautiful Views and Very Relaxing

The property is small and not very elderly accessible! However if you came to relax and enjoy all the lake has to offer, this IS the place! Wish I could upload a photograph or 2! Owner is awesome! Very kind and very accomodating!!!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2022
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

James P.

Nice, quiet, beautiful and we loved it!

The view from the screened in porch and deck are absolutely beautiful. The facilities were clean and well-maintained. They were very helpful with anything we needed. Eating our breakfast each morning in the porch looking at the water was a quiet and wonderful way to start each day. The only problem we had was negotiating the steps. We would definitely recommend this property to others.

6/10 Okay

Lori D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Communication

relaxing place to stay

cozy cabin. decent view of lake. just like it was advertised. Not good boat and swimming access to water. smelled musty. I tried to communicate with owner but no response. Could stand a few improvements. Comfortable bed.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Scott F.

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

Hidden Gem

There are many gem mining opportunities in NC, but this one was a real find! The pictures don’t do justice to the beautiful setting of this cabin in the mountains. It was clean, cozy, and conveniently located. We were able to hike in Joyce Kilmer, ride a train out of Bryson City, raft on the Nantahala and fish in the Santaheela. Unexpected find that led to an exceptional vacation.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2021

8/10 Good

Heather F.

A Peaceful Retreat

Mathew’s Mansion is a wonderful spot for quiet reflection and renewal. The screened porch has a perfect view of the bird feeder where a beautiful variety of birds flocked. Accommodations are just as Marsha describes. Small, yet sufficient. The lake is gorgeous and there are so many adventurous things to do all around.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2019

10/10 Excellent

michael ann b.

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

Perfect Little Lakeside Cabin

We loved our short stay in this home. The rental was just as described in the listing. If you love swimming , floating, and kayaking in the crystal clear , cool water of Lake Santeetlah, this is the place for you. The cabin had just what we needed, easy lake access, a place to sleep and shower, and a small functional kitchen. We absolutely loved the screen room and the deck. If you need Wi-Fi, cell service, TV, or swanky new accommodations, this isn’t the place for you. It was perfect for my husband and I, and we can’t wait to return.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022

2/10 Terrible

Tobey L., Clayton

Disliked: Cleanliness, listing accuracy

Put your money towards a nicer place

Tons of ants, homes in bathroom walls w/ bugs coming out while you shower. No sheets on any bed. Horrible accommodations
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2020

4/10 Poor

Kristi M.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Location

The location and proximity to Lake Santeelah is exactly what we were looking for, right on the lake! The house was tiny and cute and quirky although it was very damp. My children had a severe reaction to the dampness and/or mold growing because of the wetness. The owner was very responsive and helpful and kind. There is a little stairway access down to the water to put in kayaks or canoes. It's at the end of a cul-de-sac so there is no traffic.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Daniel H.

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

Awesome Vacay

Beautiful area. The house is cozy. It’s so quite and peaceful there. Spent most of the time kayaking on the lake with my wife and hanging out on the big deck playing guitar. Not far from Appalachian trail, Joyce Kilmer forest, and the tail of the dragon. Lots of wildlife showed itself to us. Grocery store in town is pretty solid, had everything we would have bought if we didn’t bring it ourselves. At night time you can really see the stars, unlike where I live, and it’s a beautiful site. There’s an awesome mead brew place down the road, really good stuff. Overall just a great trip to get away from the city and relax. Hope to do it again soon. 10 out of 10
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022

8/10 Good

Alex M.

Liked: Cleanliness, communication, location, listing accuracy

Check in mishap, but great rental!!!

We had a fantastic time! Enjoyed the house and the cleanliness! Definitely would recommend to others! Only thing to critique is that the check in process was a bit difficult for us as we could not find the right house for about 15 minutes. The address on the home page of the rental listing states 209 although it was recently changed to a different number, the number was correct on the ‘check in sheet’ sent to us, but this miscommunication was not figured out until we had went down another street and back looking for the ‘209’ number. Other than that we had a good time and would definitely come again!
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2022

8/10 Good

Tonya B.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Cleanliness

Quaint

The home could use a good cleaning with regards to dust buildup and maybe some instructions on heating the place. It was as described, a step above camping… but a big step above. We enjoyed the lack of TV and cell service… it gave us the opportunity to play card and board games that we’d ordinarily not do. We didn’t have access to the lake as the stairs were unsafe and there’s no dock, so that was disappointing however the owner did go above and beyond with assisting us on our arrival date…an unexpected delay on our end occurred but the owner cleared the way for us to adjust our time without a financial penalty so we were very grateful for that. If you’re looking for a small little retreat with the basic amenities, close to town and across from a beautiful lake…. This is your place..!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2021

6/10 Okay

Jim R.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Santeelah Haven.

Quaint, small but adequate cabin with a great screened porch. Lots of trees between us and the lake but we could see it and enjoyed sitting in the rockers. The lake access stairs ended abruptly at the water and getting in and out was a challenge. Would have loved better access, a dock would be especially good. The hot water heater was very hot. Temp could be reduced to avoid burns. In the kitchen, a drain board for under the dish drain is needed. A few more dishes. We usually cook and eat in. Paid for cleaning service but brought our on linens, hauled our own trash, and vacuumed the floors as directed. Had to empty and wash the silverware holder before use as it was not clean. Nice flowers in vases and exciting viewing of a screech owl family close to house in the evening.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

6/10 Okay

Holly T.

It serves its purpose, as a place to stay, but there are definite problems to be fixed.

So, I'll start off saying that it definitely serves the purpose it needs to, a place to eat, sleep, and clean, as well as coming with a gorgeous view, an amazing location, and a price that can't be beat, there are problems that need to be addressed. First, the smell. The first thing that greets you when you open the door is an incredible musty smell. It's borderline overpoverpowering but was bearable after airing out the House. Second, the sleeping situation. This house is listed as sleeping for 4, but there's only beds for three, so one person is going to get stuck with the couch, which isn't a pullout bed style couch, it's just a couch. And the smell is horribly musty. Third, just some miscellaneous problems, the beds being hard, the boat launch being so underwashed it's borderline dangerous, and a rodent that had taken residence in the cabinets looking for the chicken nuggets left by the previous rentors. I will say though, the deck area is amazing and this house would be perfect if we didn't have to go inside. And to be honest, this house would be perfect if all these problems were fixed.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2017

10/10 Excellent

Jason B.

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

Simple & Rustic Cabin - Perfect Getaway!

The property is just as described in the listing and we were absolutely thrilled with our stay! Owner was out of town when we booked the cabin very last minute (due to Hurricane Dorian messing up our beach vacation) so it did take the full 24 hours for our booking to be approved/confirmed. Finding the cabin was easy since we have stayed at Lake Santeetlah before, but a note to those who haven't: there is a *very* steep, downhill right turn onto the *very* narrow road where the cabin is. All amenities are just as described. Everything worked properly, the hot water was very hot with a nice, simple shower area. There is a window AC unit that more than adequately cools the place or you can open the windows for fresh, clean mountain lake air. We wanted privacy and that is definitely what we got due to all the tree coverage and since you can barely see the house from the lake itself. There is a wooden staircase that leads down to the lake via a small concrete slab for water access. However, there is a dock to the right of the house that is a bit easier to utilize for lake access unless otherwise posted. Kayak was available for use on a bank near the front door. Keep in mind the cabin is really small - perfect for a couple. Wouldn't really recommend for more than 3 people, tops, and lake access is not great for small children, though there is a small beach nearby anyway. If you're looking for a private, quiet, kind of off the grid getaway, this is it. No tv and no wifi but honestly we liked that. Great screened in porch and a very spacious deck. We really enjoyed our stay and would definitely return in the future - thank you!!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2019

8/10 Good

Laurie M.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

About the host

Hosted by Marsha Mathews

Host profile image
I am a professor at a small college, an author of three poetry books, a mother, and a grandmother. I love my cottage on Lake Santeetlah and named it Mathews Mansion when I inherited it from my parents. I have enjoyed fixing it up, one project at a time, from the septic tank to the roof. When the economy fell, I started inviting guests to stay to offset the costs of property taxes, utilities, and maintenance. It's a lot of work, but when I'm there, I feel like I'm in a tree house overlooking the lake.

Why they chose this property

This property is exquisite, set in among some of the oldest mountains on the earth. The wildlife intrigues me because I grew up in Florida where birds have much longer legs. In addition, each season brings something new, especially autumn when the leaves turn red and gold and flutter in the breeze like butterflies. The screen porch is where I spend most of my time, rocking, reading, watching the lake, the chipmunks, and listening to songbirds.

What makes this property unique

This is not a place to party. it is a place to relax and retreat from the hubbub of daily pressures. It is great for those who want to hike, kayak, or simply rock in the rocking chairs. Only an hour or two from river rafting, Cherokee, DollyWood, Gatlinberg, Asheville. Chief Junaluska's burial site is right there in Robbinsville (6 miles) and a small museum and Native American garden.

Languages:

English
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