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Mid-Century Cottage near Highlands+Cashiers, Family&Pet Friendly - Sleeps 9

Photo gallery for Mid-Century Cottage near Highlands+Cashiers, Family&Pet Friendly - Sleeps 9

Terrace/patio
Room
Fireplace
Room
Dining

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 9

Popular amenities

  • Onsite parking available
  • Dogs and cats allowed
  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Air conditioning
  • Outdoor grill

Explore the area

View in a map
Highlands, NC
  • Place, Whiteside Mountain
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Place, Dry Falls
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Place, Lake Keowee
    ‪44 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 9)

Green Room

1 Queen Bed

Long Room

1 Twin Bunk Bed and 1 Queen Bed

Master

1 King Bed

2 bathrooms

Guest Bathroom

Soap · Towels provided · Bidet · Toilet · Shower only

Master Bathroom

Soap · Towels provided · Bidet · Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Mid-Century Cottage near Highlands+Cashiers, Family&Pet Friendly - Sleeps 9

The Gerda Haus is a mid-century modern home located 5 minutes from downtown Highlands, NC and 10-20 minutes to sightseeing and waterfalls. This newly restored (2021) home brings together the old and new, featuring 3 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, and sits on a luscious, leveled acre. The Gerda Haus sleeps 9 comfortably. Highlighted by mountain decor, this rental has a spacious yard with a fire pit circled by Adirondack chairs. Rocking chairs sit on the covered back porch underneath timer-set string lights. A huge bay window provides natural sunlight in the living room and views of the outdoor gathering area. The dining room features 270 degrees of windows, providing a faux-outdoor setting. Entertainment includes over a hundred vinyl LPs with record player, RokuTV, a wall mounted big screen in living room as of 2022, high-speed internet, VHS/DVDs, board games and classic 1990s Nintendo video games.

The kitchen includes a fridge with freezer, electric oven, ice maker, two coffee makers (Keurig and standard), microwave and more. Both full bathrooms have bidets, and dual-setting Gabrylly shower heads with river rock floors.

The Gerda Haus is located near the Highlands-Cashiers hospital, and approximately 2.5 miles from Whiteside Mountain, Dollar General and Reclamations. This rental features a king size bed in the master, two queens, and a bunk bed with a full on the bottom and single on top. Come enjoy the mountain air, views and waterfalls!

For returning guests: we have upgraded to a stainless steel refrigerator, oven and a dishwasher! TVs have been upgraded and wall-mounted. We have improved and widened our driveway for easier entry to 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 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0-17
Please keep young children away from valuables.
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs and cats (limit 3 total)
No dogs on the furniture. Dog beds available!
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Please do not force hand crank windows open.
No animals on furniture.
Do not enter the basement

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
Long-term renters welcome
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 first aid kit and a deadbolt lock

About the neighborhood

Highlands

Located in Highlands, this vacation home is in the mountains. Highlands Art Gallery and The Bascom Center for the Visual Arts are cultural highlights, and some of the area's attractions include Highlands Biological Station and Cashiers Farmers Market. Take in the nearby slopes with snowboarding, or check out other outdoor activities such as ice skating.
View more Vacation Homes in HighlandsOpens in a new window
Map
Highlands, NC

What's nearby

  • Whiteside Mountain - 6 min drive - 5.4 km
  • Dry Falls - 7 min drive - 8.3 km
  • Lake Jocassee - 38 min drive - 43.1 km
  • Western Carolina University - 42 min drive - 48.3 km
  • Lake Keowee - 44 min drive - 61.0 km

Getting around

  • Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) - 79 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Shell - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Wildcat Cliffs Country Club - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Calders Coffee Cafe - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Oak Steakhouse - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Los Vaqueros - ‬5 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Mid-Century Cottage near Highlands+Cashiers, Family&Pet Friendly - Sleeps 9 pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 3 total). Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.

How much does it cost to stay at Mid-Century Cottage near Highlands+Cashiers, Family&Pet Friendly - Sleeps 9?

As of May 5, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Mid-Century Cottage near Highlands+Cashiers, Family&Pet Friendly - Sleeps 9 on May 25, 2026 start from $350, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking?

Onsite parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Mid-Century Cottage near Highlands+Cashiers, Family&Pet Friendly - Sleeps 9?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Mid-Century Cottage near Highlands+Cashiers, Family&Pet Friendly - Sleeps 9?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Mid-Century Cottage near Highlands+Cashiers, Family&Pet Friendly - Sleeps 9 located?

This family-friendly Highlands vacation home is located in the mountains, within 1 mi (2 km) of Nantahala National Forest and Highlands-Cashiers Hospital. Highlands Art Gallery and Highlands Playhouse are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Reviews

9.6

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. 19 out of 22 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 22 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 22 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 22 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 22 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

8.6/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Randal T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The property was clean and it meet our needs for a short weekend trip. Definitely better than a hotel.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our stay was short and sweet. We had a wonderful time! It was clean and welcoming.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Donna D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Had a quick but lovely stay. House had a great layout and vibe, well stocked and large variety of music, dvds and even nostalgic movies on VHS. Nicholas was incredibly kind and responsive. Highly recommend!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tyner K.

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

Great place close to town

This vrbo was wonderful and the host was very responsive, the house had everything you might need couldn’t possibly recommend more, will stay again next time i’m in highlands
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Pat N.

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

Very Nice Rental

Clean very nice accommodation
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Paige D.

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

Great rustic mountain getaway

This way a quiet mountain locatiin with plenty of private outdoor space to enjoy. Close to downtown!!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

JULIE M.

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

Location location!

Great location- easy access to highlands and cashiers- plenty of room for family and friends
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jake R.

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

Great place for anyone

We loved out stay here. We had two families staying with kids from 12 to 4 months and a dog and it fit us all wonderfully and everyone had a blast. The outdoor space was our favorite and the kids loved running around and exploring. We would love to come back and stay again.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

cindy z.

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

Great stay

Had a great stay.. The house was clean, spacious and close to everything in Highlands. Great communication with owner, and easy check in. Favorite part was the awesome record collection and stereo! Rooms were as depicted in VRBO with comfortable beds, pillows and plenty of space and big windows for the view. Didn't have time for a camp fire but would definitely come back again to enjoy Gerda house and Highlands
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Archie G.

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

Highlands Fun

Comfortable & clean house close to Highlands. My teenagers were blown away by the record player and had a great time listening to the eclectic vinyl collection on hand, as well as playing cards & board games, watching movies on DVD & VHS, etc. Great to unplug for the weekend!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Chris W.

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

Great Summer Vacation Spot!

We arrived the week of July 4th and loved this place. An easy 5 min drive (might have actually have been less) from Downtown and a perfectly secluded lot right off the road that you would never know is there unless you're looking. Loved the mid-century, but updated feel of the cottage which is perfect if you want that "authentic" Highlands feel of a house/cottage. It included everything we needed to stay comfortable, even allowing us to leave some stuff in the car since it had a number of baby related gear that served our 5-mo old. Our older kids enjoyed the "vintage" gaming systems. Had fun teaching them how to work a VCR and the record player with numerous vinyl's was used more than bluetooth speaker. Even loved the hallway bathroom with the big window to open while using, bringing in that mountain air, especially during one morning in the high 50's! Mattresses were very comfortable. Our pup enjoyed exploring the lot and we saw a number of deer exploring the lot in the mornings and evenings. Ended the week with a bonfire while the kids ran circles chasing each other around the house on the flat lot till the sun went down. Definitely recommend if you're looking for a retreat type feel, away from a neighborhood with your own space to spread out.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

4/10 Poor

Patti J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication
Disliked: Location, listing accuracy

Things to know before you book.

The house was a cool as it was presented. The Mid Century Modern vibe is great. It was roomy, comfortable and well-stocked. But, when we arrived the refrigerator and freezer were filled with opened food. The kitchen needs a new stove and there was no grill. We enjoyed the record player and album collection. The outside, however, was unkept. The grass needed to be mowed and weeds in the beds were 5ft tall. We used the broken broom on the porch to knock down the cobwebs before we sat down. The hammock was moldy. The house is in an unfortunate location. It is essentially on Cashiers Hwy. The traffic is constant and so loud we didn’t spend much time outside. Fortunately, you couldn’t really hear the traffic from inside the house. There is an abandoned car on the driveway up to house and the property adjacent to the house is an eyesore. It is separated from the house by shrubs so that you don’t look right at it but you do drive by it every time you leave and return to the house.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tish H.

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

Perfect for all ages!

We had 3 generations at this property and it was a great fit for us. Our adult children loved the retro decor, there was plenty for the grandkids to explore, and we enjoyed the ease of the one-level layout and comfortable furnishings. Will definitely be back. Owner was super easy to work with and flexible and timely with requests.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2022
Verified

8/10 Good

Devon B.

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

This was a perfect amount of space for 6 adults

This property worked well for 3 couples. It was a good amount of space. The kitchen was fairly well stocked with necessary utensils and the fire pit and grill were nice amenities. Beds were comfortable too. It was conveniently located between Highlands and Cashiers and hiking was very accessible. I would definitely recommend the Yellow Mountain Fire tower hike; it had great panoramic views. My one complaint is that I didn't feel like the porch door and the door in the back bedroom locked very securely.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Katy M.

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

Family Getaway

Great house and location! We enjoyed both Highlands and Cashiers during our stay. We will definitely keep this place in mind for future visits!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

rahul A.

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

Enjoyed our stay at the house. It’s close to downtown but located on a little hill which was great.

Renting was extremely easy and manager/owner was great at communicating and answering.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mary Angela T.

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

Beautiful Mid Century cabin, great location

We had such a wonderful time at this beautiful Mid Century cabin over Labor Day! Check in was easy and contact free. The cabin was clean and ready for our arrival. The cabin had everything: extra linens and towels, cleaning supplies, a tiny sewing kit, fancy skewers for s'mores and even the pantry was well stocked with spices and condiments! Our entire family loved sitting out by the fire pit every night in the beautiful back yard with gorgeous mature landscaping. The location is excellent with easy access to both Highlands and Cashiers. The owner is friendly and responsive. We're looking forward to returning!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2021
Verified

8/10 Good

Amanda C.

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

Wedding/Mountain get away!

My friends and I rented this property for a wedding we had in highlands! The house was a quick 5 minute drive from downtown! It had plenty of space for everyone to spread out! The owner had the house stocked with hygiene products, coffee and tea, and an extra air mattress! Check in and out was very easy and the owner was always a quick message away if we had any questions! Would stay again!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Margarita S.

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

Absolutely beautiful! Home way from home

This a beautiful house inside and out. The location is absolutely perfect. The house was clean and had everything we needed and more. Nicholas was amazing at communicating and very welcoming. We traveled with 3 teenagers and two small dogs. The house was specious and everyone enjoyed their space and had an amazing time. We enjoyed hiking, strolling Main Street every night, visiting many local gems, seating by the campfire, listening to old records and playing board games. Our puppies loved the yard, the comfy beds and treats. The friendly neighbor’s dogs were the best audition and came to visit every morning. Absolutely beautiful! We can’t wait to come back. Thank you Nick !
Stayed 11 nights in Jul 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kay P.

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

Go back in time when furniture was art!!

This mid century modern home is filled with beautiful furniture. We played Billy Joel and loved all the albums and loved using the modern speaker. My 20 year old soon loved the retro games!!! You will have everything you could need in this home. The beds are super comfortable and the bathrooms are well equipped. My husband loved watching sports in the living room and the rest of us hung out in the sunroom or on the porch, or in the hammock. We went waterfall hunting and wandered thru town.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sarah M.

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

Exactly what we needed

We booked this property last minute. I had to be up in highlands for work, we have a newborn AND a dog who needed to come with us. That’s a tall order. The house was exactly what we needed. It was very close to town. A lovely comfortable home. One of the bedrooms was perfect for our baby. Our pup was so comfortable. Me and my husband just kept looking at each other and saying “this is the perfect place”. Our favorite room was the dining room - it’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen, such a magical room to have morning coffee in. We would absolutely stay here again. Our host was lovely, just everything about this trip was easy.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Melissa B.

Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2025

About the host

Hosted by Nicholas Hower

Host profile image
Hello!

We are Nicholas and Maggie. The Gerda Haus is a family home. We spend most of our time in Tampa, FL with our two sons and dogs. Nick has ancestry in Western North Carolina back to the 1850s, and Maggie had family that lived in Highlands for the past 50+ years. We enjoy hiking, music and traveling!

Why they chose this property

The Gerda Haus takes its name from Gerda, the original homeowner in our family. We wanted to honor her by naming the listing after her and hanging up her paintings in the home. Gerda moved to Highlands in the 1960s because the climate and scenery reminded her of home back in Germany. This home is special to us and our families. Highlands and the surrounding area is too beautiful to not spend time here.

What makes this property unique

This home is 5-15 minutes from everything, Highlands and Cashiers. Highlighting its mid-century modern design, there are many large windows that bring in tons of natural light. Vinyl LPs and a record player below the flat screen tv blend the old school with the new. High speed internet is prevalent at each end of the house, or one can take it back to the 80s & 90s with a CRT TV and VHS tapes. String lights are queued up at dusk to illuminate the back porch and dining room that is surrounded by windows.
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