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Your mountain escape awaits!

Family-friendly vacation home in Horse Shoe

Photo gallery for Your mountain escape awaits!

The views don't get better than this!
Welcome to your mountain retreat!
One of a kind custom built home.
Drive in through the private gate.
Long-range views of the Pisgah National Forest!

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
4 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 103012 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Outdoor Space

Explore the area

View in a map
Horse Shoe, NC
  • Place, French Broad River
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • Place, Western North Carolina Agricultural Center
    ‪10 min drive‬
  • Place, Sierra Nevada Brewing Company
    ‪11 min drive‬
  • Airport, Asheville, NC (AVL-Asheville Regional)
    ‪12 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 10)

Downstairs bedroom one

2 Double Beds

Downstairs bedroom two

1 Double Bed

Downstairs bonus room

1 Double Sofa Bed

Main floor bedroom

1 Queen Bed

Master bedroom

1 King Bed

3 bathrooms

Downstairs bathroom

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Main floor bathroom

Toilet · Shower only

Master bathroom

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Dining area

About this property

Your mountain escape awaits!

"Half Way To Heaven" ~ Our custom-designed and built three-story home makes for an awesome mountain getaway to enjoy all the high country has to offer!

The house was thoughtfully designed by the same architects that designed the Nantahala Outdoor Center. This is very evident as the house purposefully brings the outdoors inside through the use of extensive windows, an open floor plan, vaulted ceilings, and material construction.

Through the many large windows, you will become part of the high country and experience one of the most phenomenal panoramic mountain views in the region! On the deck there is virtually zero light interference from surrounding communities as the property borders and overlooks the Pisgah National Forest, which makes the stars that much brighter for evening relaxing and amateur astronomy gazing (telescope on site). Also, keep an eye out for the wildlife that frequents the property, like deer, the occasional bear, and, of course, the blue ghost fireflies and white squirrels!

The house floor plan and four bedrooms are open and tastefully decorated and furnished with luxury linens and toiletries, and everything you will need for a comfortable worry-free stay. There are three flat screen HD TV's that are equipped with internet streaming to easily access Hulu (with live TV), Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon programming. The large open gourmet kitchen includes tons of cooking and serving utensils to make whatever meal your heart desires, plus there is a Webber gas grill on the back porch. The road to the home is well maintained; however, a 4-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended during periods of snow or ice accumulation.

The high country hosts many seasonal favorites with downtown music and summer festivals. Luckily, this house is just minutes from the Asheville airport and Sierra Nevada Brewery and only 20 minutes each from downtown Asheville, downtown Hendersonville, or downtown Brevard! Convenient activities include hiking, mountain biking, walking, fly fishing, river rafting, horseback riding, shopping, fine dining, outdoor plays, and brewery, winery, and cidery hopping, just to name a few. Don't forget the farmers markets and historical sites like the Biltmore Estate, Carl Sandburg home, and Flat Rock Playhouse!

There are so many fun adult and kid-friendly choices of things to do in the area, and with this house you are next to them all BUT also get to enjoy the feeling of total seclusion if you just want to get away from it all and relax.

** No RV's, 5th wheels, buses, campers, or trailers allowed. Thanks!

*** There are lots of small kid toys available; just ask before your stay, and we can have them available for kid play.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor Space

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House Rules

Check in after 2:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0-17
Ask for diaper genie, high chair, & pack and play.
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed, service animals permitted
Dogs less than 50 lbs. $350/pet
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Guest must sign renter agreement within 48 hours of booking. Security deposit required of $300.00. No smoking, vaping, no parties.
2 Dog max. Must be less than 50 lbs. $150/pet. Minimum renter age is 25 years old. Refer to rental agreement for full listing of house rules.
Quiet Hours: No parties, and please respect quiet hours after 10 PM for our neighbors’ comfort.

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
This property uses solar energy
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
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
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Property # 1739619

We should mention

A car is recommended for transportation to and from this property

About the neighborhood

Horse Shoe

Located in Horse Shoe, this vacation home is in a rural area and near theme parks. Johnson Farm and Oakdale Cemetery are local landmarks, and travelers looking to shop may want to visit Southridge Shopping Center and Biltmore Park Town Square. Traveling with kids? Consider Wolverine Paintball Park and Mineral and Lapidary Museum. Be sure to check out the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
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Map
Horse Shoe, NC

What's nearby

  • Unity Center - 8 min drive - 8.0 km
  • French Broad River - 9 min drive - 9.3 km
  • Western North Carolina Agricultural Center - 10 min drive - 10.6 km
  • Sierra Nevada Brewing Company - 11 min drive - 10.6 km
  • Biltmore Park Town Square - 15 min drive - 18.0 km

Getting around

  • Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) - 14 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Sierra Nevada Brewing Co - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Sierra Nevada Taproom & Restaurant - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Dunkin' - ‬13 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Your mountain escape awaits! pet-friendly?

No, only service animals are welcome at the property.

How much is parking?

Onsite parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Your mountain escape awaits!?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Your mountain escape awaits!?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Your mountain escape awaits! located?

This family-friendly Horse Shoe vacation home is located in the mountains, 0.3 mi (0.4 km) from Pisgah National Forest, and within 9 mi (15 km) of Johnson Farm and Southridge Shopping Center. French Broad River and Broadmoor Golf Course are also within 9 mi (15 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

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. 30 out of 31 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 31 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 31 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 31 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 31 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

William L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect property for a visit any time of the year! Looking forward to future stays!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

David A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wow what a unique, amazing house! We enjoyed the deck overlooking Pisgah national forest - watching the misty valleys in the morning and stargazing at night. Most rooms also have a great view looking west towards Mt Pisgah. A short drive from N Mills side of Pisgah and towns of Mills River / Brevard.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jim M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very good stay overall. We will be back. Great house. The hosts/owners stayed in constant communication. You feel like you're a million miles away from anything and everything but in reality you're only 10 minutes from a very high-end supermarket and under 20 minutes from the airport.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

John H.

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

Nice getaway

Brad was a good communicator and everything was as advertised.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Steve E.

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

Great location, better views...

Excellent experience from booking to checkout. Perfect communication with host. Mills River location is central to the region but one or two turns and a 10 minute climbing drive and you are away from everything, facing west toward Pisgah and a million dollar view. Property is a real find and we will visit again!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

James R.

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

Relaxing

Great stay. Nice get away. Plenty of room for 6
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

nina p.

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

Great area

Great house. Location. Hoast
Stayed 8 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Scott F., Greensboro

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

Just Great!

Beautiful house in a spectacular setting.
Stayed 9 nights in Dec 2020

10/10 Excellent

Kathryn E., Greenwood, SC

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

Wonderful place to relax

This is a fabulous house, with a really interesting design that's especially great for a 3-generation family reunion, plus a wonderful view. We appreciated that the host was very responsive to all of our questions and needs.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2021

8/10 Good

Tim K.

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

Great Getaway

Great location, great long range views, and the home is set up quite well for families. The only reason this isn’t a 5-star review is that the A/C units were having trouble keeping up with the midday heat.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kathy F.

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

Peaceful Mountain Retreat

Perfect location if you are looking to escape the hustle and bustle. Perfect balance of rustic with all the comforts and amenities you might need. Tucked away on the side of a mountain with beautiful views both sunrise and sunset! Ten minutes to airport and stores and 20-30 from nearby towns and Asheville!! Would go back in a heartbeat!!
Stayed 21 nights in Nov 2021

10/10 Excellent

Cheryl W., Washington, DC

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

Spectacular!

This was our 3rd stay at Brad’s and we’re hoping to stay here again next summer! Beautiful house, has everything you need, and you can’t beat the view! The porch is our favorite place, cool summer mornings are refreshing and sunsets are spectacular! We also enjoyed the new puzzles!
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jeff L.

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

Fantastic trip to the mountains!

Exactly what we were looking for. Beautiful Chalet in the mountains with amazing views! Countless deer and wildlife running through the property and Brad the owner was absolutely amazing. Everything as advertised and the pictures don't do it justice so do yourself a favor and give this place a try, you won't be disappointed. Will be back for sure!
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

joyce w.

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

wonderful home in a beautiful setting

The house is perfect for multigenerational or two families. The ratio of common space to private space is perfect. The house is immaculate, has everything you could need, and the owner was very responsive. Views are amazing from the deck and indoors as well. Love the radiant heat floors. Location worked well for us as nothing we wanted to do was more than half an hour away. Thank you for letting us share your house with us.
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Cheryl W., Washington, DC

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

Phenomenal!

This place is amazing! Luxurious, comfortable, has everything you need and amazingly amazing views! Watching the sunset was our favorite activity! We also loved the hammocks for the kids (and this big kid!) downstairs. Brad was extremely communicative and we enjoyed the extra touches to make us feel welcomed! I’d highly recommend this place and hope to be back next year!
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Scott W.

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

Thanksgiving trip

We had a great time! The views were amazing and once you go up and down the road a few times it’s not so scary! Lol! The house is clean and there were plenty of kitchen supplies to choose from. We had a really nice week. Lots of nearby activities to choose from. Thank you!

10/10 Excellent

Margaret L., St. Louis, Missouri USA

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

Ideal Mountain Get-Away

The location was exactly what we hoped for... in the mountains, no neighbors visible. beautiful sunsets viewed from the spacious deck. Comfortable home/beds -- beautifully appointed. It took app. 30 minutes to get to Ashville (which was fine for a day trip). Hiking nearby. Ideal for family time..sunset viewing, conversation, relaxation. loved it
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Cathy B.

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

Mountain Get Away

Overall a good experience. House was clean and well maintained. The kitchen well stocked with pots, pans and utensils. Bed in Master was very comfortable and towels, etc were nice and plentiful. Beautiful westward view. Our only downside was the 1.5 mile drive on a single lane road to the house was challenging for us. We did not drive it after sunset. Brad was very accommodating and helpful throughout the stay!
Stayed 10 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Kristen M.

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

Mountaintop Retreat!

Brad’s house was everything we could’ve wished for and more in a vacation house! Kitchen is fully loaded! We cooked at least 2 meals a day there and ate out on the beautiful deck overlooking the mountains. Beds and linens are very comfortable. Very close to nearby waterfall hikes, Asheville, and downtown Hendersonville. Brad and family were kind enough to provide a bin of kids toys which was a huge bonus for our 3 and 4 year olds! The house accommodated my family of 4 and my dad’s family of 3 very comfortably. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a relaxing escape to Hendersonville or Asheville!
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Daniel G.

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

Beautiful Property. Amazing views.

It is located at the top of a beautiful mountain. I recommend getting in there during day time so you can get familiarized with the road easier. The house is properly equipped with all you need for 8 people. We had a little problem with the water pressure but it was a general problem with the well pump. Owner found out about the problem and unfortunately the schedule for the repair had to be after my stay. Other than that was great. Thank you!
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jill Z.

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

Great location for enjoying NC Mountains!

This house was very clean and convenient to Brevard, Hendersonville, Asheville, Saluda, and Pisgah National Forest. It had a great view and we enjoyed sitting by the fire pit on the deck in the evenings. All towels and linens were very nice and the kitchen was well furnished with everything needed to cook. We also were allowed flexible hours for arrival and departure Communication with the owner was timely and helpful.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Cheryl W., Washington, DC

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

Awesome second time here!

Beautiful views you can’t beat in a beautiful, comfortable house with everything you could need. We enjoyed spending time as an extended family playing games and puzzles that are in the house. We’ll definitely be back and highly recommend it!
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Russell C.

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

Wonderful getaway!

Excellent stay. Very clean , well stocked, and great for our group of 9. It feels like you are in the middle of nowhere but everything you need is no more than 15 mins away. Brad was great to deal with as well!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Beth T.

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

Beautiful home with amazing views!

What a beautiful home with amazing views! The house was lovely with lots of room to spread out and enjoy being on vacation. The deck provided amazing views and a wonderful place to have early morning coffee or dinner. Looking forward to heading back...
Stayed 6 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Paul H.

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

Had a wonderful time

Very well equipped house with a great view. Very private location. Easy access to the blue ride parkway. Enjoyed many of the breweries and restaurants in Asheville. Sierra Nevada brewing is not far. Also enjoyed Oscar Blues brewery. Excellent communication from out host. We enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2021

About the host

Hosted by Brad Thomas

Host profile image
We are a family-centered group who love spending time together, especially in the mountains! As parents, we cherish making lasting memories with our loved ones—whether it's hiking, fishing, or gathering around the fire pit for s'mores. Our goal is to provide a comfortable, welcoming space for other families to enjoy quality time together. We hope you create just as many special moments at our home as we have!

Why they chose this property

Half Way To Heaven is more than just a place to stay—it’s an experience. Designed by the architects of the Nantahala Outdoor Center, this custom-built, three-story mountain retreat seamlessly blends modern comfort with nature. Floor-to-ceiling windows showcase some of the most breathtaking panoramic mountain views in the region, while an open floor plan, vaulted ceilings, and high-end furnishings create a luxurious yet cozy atmosphere.

Unlike other rentals, this home offers total seclusion while remaining just minutes from top destinations like Asheville, Brevard, and Hendersonville. Whether you’re here for adventure or relaxation, you'll love the expansive deck for stargazing, wildlife spotting, and enjoying the fresh mountain air with zero light pollution—a telescope is even provided for amateur astronomers!

Inside, you'll find spacious bedrooms with luxury linens, a gourmet kitchen fully stocked for home-cooked meals, and multiple entertainment options, including Smart TVs with Hulu Live, Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime. The home is also thoughtfully stocked with family-friendly amenities, and kid toys are available upon request.

For outdoor lovers, Pisgah National Forest, the Blue Ridge Parkway, waterfalls, and world-class hiking and biking trails are just a short drive away. Plus, the area's breweries, wineries, and historic attractions ensure there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a retreat with friends, Half Way To Heaven provides the perfect mix of privacy, luxury, and easy access to everything Western North Carolina has to offer. Experience a stay that truly feels like an escape—book your mountain retreat today!

What makes this property unique

Perched on the edge of Pisgah National Forest, Half Way To Heaven offers breathtaking panoramic mountain views with total seclusion. Designed by the same architects behind the Nantahala Outdoor Center, this custom three-story retreat seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor living with vaulted ceilings, an open-concept layout, and expansive windows that showcase the stunning scenery. With zero light pollution, guests can enjoy an unforgettable stargazing experience right from the deck—telescope included!

This luxurious yet adventure-ready home is equipped with high-end furnishings, luxury linens and toiletries, and a fully stocked gourmet kitchen, making every stay effortless. Cozy up indoors with three Smart TVs featuring Hulu Live, Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime, or fire up the Weber gas grill for a mountain-view cookout. Wildlife lovers will appreciate the frequent visits from deer, the occasional black bear, blue ghost fireflies, and rare white squirrels, all of which add to the magic of this mountain escape.

Despite its peaceful setting, this retreat is just minutes from top attractions. The Asheville Airport and Sierra Nevada Brewery are a short 15-minute drive, while downtown Asheville, Brevard, and Hendersonville are all within 20 minutes. Guests can explore hiking trails, waterfalls, mountain biking, river rafting, fly fishing, breweries, wineries, and the iconic Biltmore Estate with ease. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or a mix of both, Half Way To Heaven is the perfect getaway for families, couples, and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Languages:

English

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