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Secluded Retreat Panoramic Views, Low Rates, Hot Tub, Fire Pit

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Enjoy panoramic views from the top of the Mountain
The open-concept great room is spacious enough to accommodate large groups
Large, fully equipped kitchen with incredible views
Large custom dining table hand built by a local craftsman
Downstairs Bathroom

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
4 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 82200 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Hot Tub
  • Pet friendly
  • Washer
  • Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

Map
Cherokee, NC
  • Santa's Land Family Theme Park and Zoo
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Soco Falls
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • Harrahs Cherokee Casino
    ‪12 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bedroom 1

1 Twin Bed and 1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

2 Twin Beds

Bedroom 4

1 Double Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Shower only

Bathroom 2

Bathtub

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Garden
Dining Area

About this property

Secluded Retreat Panoramic Views, Low Rates, Hot Tub, Fire Pit

Water Rock Garden Retreat was designed specifically to showcase the incredible natural beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains. Water Rock Garden Retreat is located on a 15-acre knoll just outside of Cherokee, North Carolina. At an elevation of 4500 feet, there are breathtaking 360-degree views with a 30-mile view of Tennessee and the great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is located at a high elevation in a rare location. From the 4500 elevation knoll and to the West you can see most of the entire length of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with Clingman's Dome the center of the view. At 6,643 feet, Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. To the south you face directly up to the 5800 peaks of the Plott Balsam Range. To the East is our namesake Waterrock Knob. It is the highest peak in the Plott Balsams and is the 16th-highest mountain in the Eastern United States.
Within a short hike is a private trail to a stunning series of waterfalls on Black Rock Creek culminating in 100 feet plus Kobe Falls.
Extremely private, there are no other homes within site or sound. The retreat has large terraced grounds covered with an abundance of gorgeous flowers for the enjoyment of our guests. There is lots of flat yard space for the kids to run around and a great firepit area for nights around the campfire.
Located within easy driving distance of the finest outdoor recreation areas in Western North Carolina for both hiking and rafting, including the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Blue Ridge Parkway, Nantahala wilderness area, Cataloochee Ski Area , and Cherokee Indian Reservation.

Water Rock Garden Retreat is ideal for people who love solitude, unspoiled views, spectacular gardens, wildlife, starry nights and full moons, and the sound of rushing mountain streams in the distance. It is beautiful any time of year!

The Retreat's ground floor is open and spacious with ten-foot ceilings and a fireplace. The house has four bedrooms (three upstairs, one downstairs), including a large master bedroom. The rooms are equipped with two queen-sized beds, one full-sized bed, two twin beds, one twin-sized futon, and two twin-sized bunkies. The house has two full baths, an antique claw foot tub and a wood-fired hot tub! We will provide one set of sheets and blankets for each bed as well as plenty of towels.

The large custom kitchen is well equipped with utensils, dinnerware, pots, pans, and an outdoor grill. The house also has a 500-square-foot, partially covered, cedar deck and an enclosed crow's nest atop for all-weather viewing of the incredible, panoramic view.

Waterrock Garden Retreat may not be for everyone! This is a very remote location. You will feel like you are the only ones in the world! It is best enjoyed by those looking to get away from it all and unplugging in the cathedral of nature. While you are located at the heart of outdoor recreation many guests report they get there and don't want to leave for the duration of their stay! The Retreat is located three-point-seven miles up a well-maintained (but bumpy in spots) gravel road. Water Rock Garden Retreat is easily accessible by car, SUV and even trucks with trailers. The road dead ends at the retreat. The road is passable by almost any car except under snowy or icy conditions when a four-wheel drive would be necessary. Four wheel drive is required November 15- April 1. It takes approximately 15 minutes to travel the road. Cars that ride extra low (such as some luxury or sport cars) may not be appropriate. Ask us if you are not sure about yours.

Located 10 miles from Harrah's Casino in Cherokee and the Blue Ridge Parkway, central to the Smoky Mountains Country Club Golf Course and the Great Smoky Mountain Railway Station in Historic Dillsboro where you will find unique shops, galleries, collectables, and crafts.

Centrally located to Maggie Valley, Cherokee, Bryson City and to Rafting and Tubing in the Nantahala Gorge with numerous hiking and biking trails throughout the area. Enjoy outdoor recreation along nearby waterfalls, hike and commune with nature, float the many rivers and streams on tubes or rafts, or visit local area flea markets.

No hunting or shooting permitted at the retreat. We encourage wildlife to stay in the area.
Keywords: Home

Property manager

Tama Dickerson

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Hot Tub
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet friendly
Outdoor Space

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0-17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 2 total)
Dogs love Water Rock! Plenty of room to explore!
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
FOUR WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLE REQUIRED NOVEMBER 1- APRIL 1 DUE TO HIGH ELEVATION AND POSSIBILITY OF SNOW/ICE

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 not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher

We should mention

A car is required for transportation to and from this property

About the neighborhood

Cherokee

Located in Cherokee, this vacation home is near theme parks and in the mountains. Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Nantahala National Forest reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Santa's Land Family Theme Park and Zoo and Fantasy Golf & Game Room. Maggie Valley Festival Grounds and Queen's Farm Stables are also worth visiting. Take in the nearby slopes with snowboarding and skiing, or check out other outdoor activities such as sledding.
Map
Cherokee, NC

What's nearby

  • Santa's Land Family Theme Park and Zoo - 8 min drive - 6.8 km
  • Soco Falls - 9 min drive - 8.2 km
  • Harrahs Cherokee Casino - 12 min drive - 10.1 km
  • Museum of the Cherokee Indian - 16 min drive - 13.1 km
  • Unto These Hills Outdoor Drama - 17 min drive - 13.7 km

Getting around

  • Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) - 65 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Gordon Ramsay Street Pizza - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Wicked Weed Pub at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Granny's Kitchen - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪SoundBytes - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Brio Restaurant Group - ‬13 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Secluded Retreat Panoramic Views, Low Rates, Hot Tub, Fire Pit pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total).

What time is check-in at Secluded Retreat Panoramic Views, Low Rates, Hot Tub, Fire Pit?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Secluded Retreat Panoramic Views, Low Rates, Hot Tub, Fire Pit?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Secluded Retreat Panoramic Views, Low Rates, Hot Tub, Fire Pit located?

Situated in the mountains, this vacation home is within 6 mi (10 km) of Nantahala National Forest, Santa's Land Family Theme Park and Zoo, and Soco Falls. Harrahs Cherokee Casino and Soco Gap are also within 9 mi (15 km).

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 81 out of 92 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 6 out of 92 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 92 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 92 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 92 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

9.6/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

tim d.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A little piece of heaven
This is a great place to unwind surrounded by nature. We brought everything we needed only went down the mountain 3 times. It accommodated my large family and their pets. Thank you for letting us use your place. It was amazing.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Delaina H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful Place
The experience was amazing. Thank You.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

James C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great place to get away from it all
We spent five days here, and the best days were when we never left the house. It's such a great property, with hikes, views, etc. We will be back!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jason J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Meaningful
Revetting
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Melissa E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Mountain get away
The views from this property are absolutely breathtaking! Be prepared for a long drive up, 15 minutes on gravel Road, but it is well worth it! This is our third trip here, we will be back! Thank you so much for everything.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Holly P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Peaceful retreat
Lovely, secluded and quiet mountain top stay with sweeping views of the mountains. The hot tub was a real highlight, particularly as we approached the full moon. Highly recommend.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Randall B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Million Dollar Views
While the pictures are accurate, you don't get the whole effect until you arrive how amazing the views are. We stayed as a surprise for my wife's birthday and she literally had tears in her eyes when we arrived and she looked out over the mountains. We are both avid outdoors people and enjoy hiking trips and this location put us close to some good trails. I would highly recommend this place.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ashley L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful Christmas Stay
The view was phenomenal! It was the perfect place for our family to celebrate Christmas together.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Gretten G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing retreat
This property is amazing if you want to rest and be in touch with nature. It's secluded and it can be difficult to arrive if you don't follow the instrucctions provided. Tama the owner is a wonderful host, very attentive and keep the house and surrounding areas in excellent conditions.The house has spectacular views from all the rooms.The heater works fine so the house is always cozy. All mattresses are confortable and the same for bed sheets. The kitchen is ample and has plenty of pans and cutlery for a large group and there is also a carbon grill. Dining table also large enough and you'll have beautiful panoramic views of the mountain while eating. Be aware that Internet signal is not very good! The fire pit was a favorite and wood is supplied. We loved to roast marshmallows and drinking wine near the fire at nights. It was a true lovely experience and all my family really enjoyed to stay ( mostly our husky as the property is pet friendly) We highly recommended!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

carol t.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A.azing property
The place was spacious and well kept. The boys enjoyed the hot tub and fire pit. The stove was Hughes. It was close to Cherokee and Smokey mountain pRkway
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Roberta K., Louisville

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
It was an awesome cabin. The view was awesome.
There were 5 of us and only 2 wash cloths. There was food left in fridge and pantry when we got there but that is all. Our over all stay was awesome and I do recommend this cabin. I would rent again
Stayed 5 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Eric B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
breathtaking
best views in WNC
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Lauren N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Long Weekend
Beautiful views, hot tub was a little tedious but overall had a great time
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Barbara M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful get away
Very good place to stay would stay again and again. The view was amazing
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Ken E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fabulous View
The view from the property is breathtaking. It was very peaceful with beautiful flowers galore. This property is for people who love nature, peaceful isolation, and relaxation. We did spend time in the Great Smoky Mountains and Cherokee, but we didn't want to go up and down the gravel road more than once a day. This property is rustic and not for those that prefer fancy accommodations. If you love wild flowers more than cultivated roses, this is the place for you.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Danielle F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect Home for a Getaway
This place was perfect for a week long getaway just to relax. We came for ten days and only left twice, which was perfect. All the other reviews are pretty spot on - views are amazing, place is very comfortable, no AC is needed as with windows open it stays cool, fully stocked kitchen, and very peaceful. We had no trouble getting up and down the mountain (and I have a sporty car) but it is a longer drive and as others say best to do it first in the day time and follow the instructions provided. We had good signal with Verizon at the house just as an FYI. The place is amazing, the only thing I would say is if you are used to pristine brand new things then this may not be for you as some things are a bit older and show wear (though the owners are clearly updating items too). Overall would definitely recommend and would definitely go back in the future!
Stayed 9 nights in Jul 2022

6/10 Okay

Timothy H.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Perfect location, but dated and in need of deck repairs.
Pros: Location is on top of the mountain with exquisite views! Cons: The HUGE deck the is on the second floor is rotting and needs replaced. We stayed off the deck, which was a shame, we would have preferred to be on the deck. We went during a heat wave, and no air conditioning. It was recommended to leave the crows nest open and all the windows to create a draft. It was breezy, but only if you wanted NO PRIVACY and left all the doors open. The gardens needed more kept and trimmed out. You cant see the house from where you park. It is a long walk to the house and not ADA friendly. So, It is not a perfect fit for everyone. We had a daily slithering visitor, a (not exaggerating) 9 ft. long black snake. We were cautious of him, I don't recommend walking thru the overgrown garden from the back porch to the hot tub. Especially, at the pond , where it sunbathed on the rocks surrounding the pond. It's a critter-eater, rat snake and not poisonous, so, don't kill it. We were warned about bears, but did not see any or evidence of any.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Michael S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Much needed getaway
The property is a great remote getaway. With Amazing views. It's high elevation offers great views and cooler Temps. We enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Dylan S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
All about the views
Interesting place saw a giant black bear add some paranormal experiences overall a good time was had by all
Stayed 4 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Scott E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Any day is good day at Water Rock
If you like being in the mountains with nature, this is the place. Water Rock Garden
Stayed 8 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Ginger G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful view!
A family vacation with lots of room for all to have space. Yes, a good chance to return!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2022

10/10 Excellent

joseph s., panama city beach, FL

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Another great stay
Like all of our past visits here, we enjoyed the peaceful remote location and the outstanding views. Glad we made it up here for autumn leaves. Enjoyed many great hikes from the house and cooked in the spacious kitchen. What a great place!
Stayed 8 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Suzanne P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Superb views
We enjoyed our stay. The views were beautiful and being located right under Water Rock Knob was special. The drive up to the house was no problem. It was one of the better drives we have had to a high elevation property.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Kelli W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Living amongst the clouds!
What a magical location! The views are stunning, you feel as if you are living amongst the clouds! This home and it’s location can’t be beat! The owner was also very responsive with questions.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Amber P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect Peaceful Family Fun
We visited with my son who returned from active duty deployment. This was the perfect place for family to visit. Different ones came at different times and stayed for a couple of days. We were there for a total of 5 nights. We enjoyed the hot tub, the fire pit, and sunset on the deck. We played games and cards and enjoyed large family dinners at the kitchen table. The host always responded quickly and kindly. We did not need or try the TV or Internet, but had consistent cell service on ATT, Verizon, and Sprint. This was a perfect trip. We hope to be able to visit this property again!
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2021

About the host

Hosted by Tama Dickerson

Host profile image
I am a long time preservationist and developer who first came to this area in 1980 after falling in love with the Smoky Mountains at first sight. The mountains you will see surrounding Waterrock Garden Retreat were my first delopment project. I succeeded in largely preserving land adjoining our 15 acres with only 5 homes to date to 240 acres with 70 acres going into preservation with the Nature Conservancy. Currently, I am developing Olivette Riverside Community and Farm in Asheville NC.
National Association of Home Builders 2019 Best Green Community in US
NC Home Builders Association 2019 Community of the Year
NC Home Builders Association 2018 Community of the Year
NC Home Builders Association 2018 Best Sustainable Community
My other main project currently is Paint Rock Farm a Glamping Retreat, wedding venue , and hemp farm located on 160 acres in Hot Springs NC. i am happy to say we have been able to place 111 acres of our farm here into a permanent conservation forest through Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy.
My other true love in life is spirituality and healing. I am a LRT (Loving Relationship
Training) teacher, Breathworker , and Ordained Ministerial Counselor and devoted a large part of my life pursing my desire to bring peace, love, and healing to both the Earth and those of us who share it.

Why they chose this property

I would consider choosing Waterrock Garden Retreat if you value the incomparable location in the Great Smoky Mountains over anything.

What makes this property unique

Solitude, incomparable views , nature at its finest, waterfalls, an impossible to beat experience of the mountains at a high elevation.

Languages:

English