Top-rated for comfort — guests feel right at home here.
Discover nearby landmarks
Walk to Laurel Valley Golf Course
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 7
Popular amenities
Hot tub on site
Patio
Barbecue grill
Internet access
Air conditioning
Refrigerator
Explore the area
Townsend, TN
Laurel Valley Golf Course
Place, Laurel Valley Golf Course
15 min walk
Cades Cove
Place, Cades Cove
28 min drive
Dollywood
Place, Dollywood
43 min drive
Knoxville, TN (TYS-McGhee Tyson)
Airport, Knoxville, TN (TYS-McGhee Tyson)
31 min drive
Rooms & beds
2 bedrooms (sleeps 7)
2nd Bedroom upstairs
1 Queen Bed
Master Bedroom main floor
1 King Bed
Open Loft
1 Double Sofa Bed
2 bathrooms
Bathroom 1
Bathroom 2
Spaces
Deck or patio
Kitchen
About this property
GREAT EXPECTATIONS - 2 Bdrm/2 Bath, wood burning fireplace, secluded, Laurel Valley
Welcome to Great Expectations, where your dreams of staying at a log cabin in the mountains will become reality! This secluded 2 bedroom/2 bath cabin is all that you can hope for. Located in the beautiful and exclusive golf community of Laurel Valley, Great Expectations is a very comfy home away from home.
On the first floor, you will find an open floor plan with high ceilings and plenty of natural light. The living area features a sofa, 2 rocking chairs, a wood-burning fireplace, and a large flat screen TV. The adjoining kitchen has plenty of space for cooking meals for your family. The fully equipped kitchen is just the right size for gathering around the table. The master bedroom on the main floor features a huge log king-size bed. It has a flat-screen TV. A dresser and a large walk-in closet make this convenient for your stay.
Upstairs, you will find an open loft for playing games with the family or just hanging out. There is a sofa sleeper for two guests. The 2nd bedroom and the 2nd bathroom are upstairs. The upstairs bedroom has a queen-size bed with a huge walk-in closet, dressers & a chair for reading. We have placed a twin-size roll-out bed for a child.
On both the front and back decks, you will find accommodations for eating meals outside or just relaxing with a cup of coffee or a glass of wine. A nice-sized hot tub sits on the side deck for your enjoyment as well!
This cabin is located in Townsend, TN, just outside of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is about 20 minutes from Pigeon Forge and another 10-15 minutes from Gatlinburg. You will find lots to do, like zip lining, horseback riding, sightseeing, river tubing, and much, much more, just minutes from the cabin.
This cabin has a somewhat steep road leading up to it, which may require a 4-wheel drive vehicle in ice or snow.
We do not accept pets in any of the cabins without specific written approval from management. Only dogs that have specific and formal training as a SERVICE dog will be allowed in our cabins. Emotional support animals are not accepted.
IMPORTANT: Out of respect for the holidays and our employees, we do NOT allow ANY check-ins or outs on Thanksgiving Day or Christmas Day
Check-In: *3 pm - there is NO check-in office, you go straight to the cabin
Check-Out: *10 am - Please follow our checkout guidelines.
Fireplaces: *On During: October 1st - April 1st
Common Concerns: *Road Conditions: Some of our cabins are on steep, narrow, curvy, mountain roads. If you are concerned about road conditions to get to a cabin, please feel free to ask us! None of our cabins requires a 4-wheel drive under normal weather conditions, but some do in inclement weather. *TV & WiFi: We do have TVs and WiFi in most of our cabins. There are times when heavy cloud cover, weather systems, mountains, or trees will cause problems with the signals. We always want our guests to have the comforts they want on vacation, but there are times we cannot control this problem. *Pests & Wildlife: Here in the Smoky Mountains, we have lots of native bugs and wildlife. All of our cabins are treated for pests, but there are times you will find bugs or even have trouble with bugs. Fall/Winter is ladybug season in the Smokies, and these little buggers are attracted to heat, meaning your cabin and every other one out there that is warm! They will swarm to the cabin, and you'll probably see them alive/dead on windowsills, in vents, etc. Rest assured that your cabin has regular pest control and is professionally cleaned, including bug removal, before and after your stay. However, these bugs come back right away, and unfortunately, there is nothing that can be done about them until the season passes. Please never feed, taunt, or approach any wildlife. This is their home, and we are the visitors. *There are no refunds for storms or power outages. If there is a power outage, there will be no water and potentially no heat. Storms can also make roads impassable, so if a storm is in the forecast during your reservation, come prepared with water and non-perishable food, etc.
FEES: The management company of this cabin charges a $20 per stay Damage Waiver Fee to every customer. It is automatically included in your rate. This covers our guests for up to $350 worth of accidental damage should damage occur during their stay. If damage occurs to the cabin, furnishings, etc, please report it to management as soon as possible so that the damage can be repaired. You may opt out of paying the $20 damage waiver fee by putting down a $350 REFUNDABLE damage deposit.
✨ Peace of Mind & Travel Insurance: I want your stay to be stress-free and enjoyable. Please note that this home has a strict cancellation policy. Because life can be unpredictable, we encourage all guests to purchase travel insurance for extra peace of mind. This way, you can book with confidence knowing you’re protected no matter what comes up. This can be done at www.insuremytrip.com where you can pick the coverage that suits your situation.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
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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 indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
About the neighborhood
Townsend
Located in Townsend, this cabin is in the mountains. The Little River Railroad and Lumber Company Museum and Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Laurel Valley Golf Course and Next To Heaven. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's going on at Jack Renfro Stadium, or consider a night out at The Trillium Venue.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park - 11 min drive - 11.3 km
Cades Cove - 28 min drive - 27.4 km
Cades Cove Visitor Center - 38 min drive - 38.0 km
Dollywood - 43 min drive - 44.5 km
Getting around
McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) - 32 min drive
Restaurants
Walland Shop Groceries And Gas - 12 min drive
Peaceful Side Social - 10 min drive
The Barn at Blackberry Farm - 20 min drive
The Artistic Bean - 10 min drive
The Townsend Abbey - 9 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is GREAT EXPECTATIONS - 2 Bdrm/2 Bath, wood burning fireplace, secluded, Laurel Valley pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at GREAT EXPECTATIONS - 2 Bdrm/2 Bath, wood burning fireplace, secluded, Laurel Valley?
As of Jun 20, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at GREAT EXPECTATIONS - 2 Bdrm/2 Bath, wood burning fireplace, secluded, Laurel Valley on Sep 2, 2026 start from $282, 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.
What time is check-in at GREAT EXPECTATIONS - 2 Bdrm/2 Bath, wood burning fireplace, secluded, Laurel Valley?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at GREAT EXPECTATIONS - 2 Bdrm/2 Bath, wood burning fireplace, secluded, Laurel Valley?
Check-out is at 10:00 AM.
Where is GREAT EXPECTATIONS - 2 Bdrm/2 Bath, wood burning fireplace, secluded, Laurel Valley located?
Situated in the mountains, this cabin is 0.8 mi (1.3 km) from Laurel Valley Golf Course and within 6 mi (10 km) of The Little River Railroad and Lumber Company Museum and Tuckaleechee Caverns. Dark Island Swinging Bridge and Shadows of the Past Hiking/Biking Trail are also within 6 mi (10 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
Excellent property! Quiet neighborhood but close to lots of parks. We really enjoyed our stay and the visit from momma bear and her cubs
Holly W.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Apr 28, 2026
Thank you so much for the 10/10 review! We are thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the peace and quiet of the neighborhood along with the nearby parks.
How exciting that you got to see a mama bear and her cubs! That is such a special mountain memory to take home with you. We are so glad the property provided the perfect setting for your stay, and we would love to host you again for more wildlife spotting in the future!
Hi Emily,
Thank you for the 10/10 review! We are so glad to hear that Great Expectations was the perfect fit for your family of four.
The photos you shared of the snow on the ground are absolutely stunning! There is something so peaceful about seeing the Laurel Valley landscape covered in white, and we’re thrilled you were there to capture those memories. We hope those snowy views made your stay even more special.
We would love to host your family again—whether it’s for more snow or some summer sunshine!
We absolutely loved this cabin. The hot tub was very clean and easy to use. The kitchen had all the utensils and pans that you would need to cook. The king bed is also very comfy.
Madison E.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Feb 20, 2026
Thank you so much for the 10/10 review, Madison! We are thrilled to hear you enjoyed the cabin and found the king bed so comfortable. We take a lot of pride in keeping the hot tub sparkling and ensuring the kitchen is fully equipped for our guests, so it’s wonderful to know those details made your stay even better. We’d love to host you again for another cozy getaway!
Sweet little cabin that served us well as our headquarters for a hiking vacation in the Smoky Mtns.
Whitney S.
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Apr 7, 2025
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear that the cabin served as a great base for your spring break hiking adventure in the Smoky Mountains. It sounds like the perfect spot for a peaceful getaway! We hope you had a fantastic time exploring the area and that you’ll consider staying with us again for future adventures. Thanks again for choosing our cabin!
Long weekend to the Peaceful Side of the Smokies. My spouse and I made a quick trip to Townsend and stayed at Great Expectations. The cabin is comfortable and cozy. The listing description is accurate and the communication is excellent. Highly recommended. We would stay here again.
Patty R.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Oct 20, 2025
Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your stay at Great Expectations and found everything just as described. It’s wonderful knowing you had a cozy and comfortable getaway on the Peaceful Side of the Smokies. We truly appreciate your recommendation and can’t wait to welcome you back for another stay!
The cabin was very clean and well stocked with what we needed.
We were very pleased with our stay and will be returning. The floor plan
Was great and beds were comfortable. Cabin was clean and had everything we needed.
Thank you for your kind words about the cabin. We are delighted to hear that you found it amazing. We strive to provide a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all our guests. If there is anything else we can do to enhance your stay, please do not hesitate to let us know.
I rented this cabin for our Pastor and his wife to stay as he was going to marry my son and daughter in law at Cades cove. They were very happy and plan to stay again .
Absolutely gorgeous property. Well stocked with anything needed to cook. Very spacious and beautifully decorated.
Brandy M.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023
Response from VrboOwner on Apr 5, 2023
Thank you so much for staying with us at Great Expectations! From the well stocked kitchen to the private hot tub & decks, this cabin provides everything you need to relax in the mountains.
We had a great stay at Great Expectations. The cabin was so clean the beds were so comfortable. It had everything you needed. The wood burning fireplace was so relaxing. The owners were so polite and made us feel right at home. I decided to go out for a walk and ran into a bear just sitting in a neighbor s yard looking at me . I froze till could get my camera out to take a photo. Found out he was a neighbor hood bear . How exciting, but I didn’t waste time getting back to our cabin
Wilma S.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Jan 28, 2026
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience at Great Expectations! We’re thrilled to hear that you enjoyed a clean, comfortable stay and found the cabin well-equipped and relaxing—especially the wood-burning fireplace.
We’re also glad we could help make you feel right at home. And what an unforgettable Smoky Mountains moment—spotting one of our neighborhood bears! While always a reminder to admire wildlife from a safe distance, those sightings certainly add to the excitement and uniqueness of a mountain getaway.
We truly appreciate you choosing to stay with us and would love to welcome you back again for another memorable visit!
Very well appointed, comfortable, and quiet. Exactly what we were looking for and found at Great Expectations.
Gerald T.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2023
Response from VrboOwner on Nov 23, 2023
Gerald, thank you for your kind words! We are so glad that you found Great Expectations to be comfortable and quiet - that is exactly what we strive for. We appreciate your feedback and hope to see you again soon!
A pleasant and relaxing two night stay after touring southern cities. Highlight was watching the first fireflies of the season from the hot tub. The cabin had everything we could have wanted,
The cabin was extremely clean! We loved having access to the country club for swimming and golfing. It was a bit of a drive to Pigeon Forge but it seems every cabin would be a little bit of a drive through the mountains. Would definitely recommend this cabin to others!
A quiet cabin in the mountains with all the amenities! They were so great about making sure we had a pack-n-play at the cabin for our baby. It was clean, easy to find and the community pool was perfect for our family! Can’t wait to tell others!
Molly O.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on Jul 15, 2024
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear that you had a peaceful and perfect stay at our cabin in the mountains. It's great to know that you found our amenities to your liking and that the pack-n-play made your stay even more comfortable for your little one.
We're glad you enjoyed the cleanliness of the cabin and found it easy to locate. It sounds like the community pool was a hit with your family as well!
We truly appreciate your recommendation and can't wait to welcome you back again in the future. Please feel free to spread the word to others looking for a serene mountain retreat!
This cabin is perfect for several couples, or a small family. It was very clean when we arrived, and a very comfortable layout. The kitchen was equipped with just about everything that you would need to prepare meals, however it could use a larger coffee maker. Cathy, the owner and house manager, was very easy to communicate with.
My husband and I came to the area to attend the Smoky Mountain Scottish Festival and Games and this was the perfect location. It was relaxing, quiet, and close enough to not miss any of the activities. The cabin was super clean and so well organized. We loved the back porch where we could have coffee in the morning and a glass of wine in the evening. The hot tub was great to soak in after the nearly six hour drive to arrive. The little cabin certainly lived up to its name.
It was beautiful. Relaxing. Secluded! And the hot tub was magnificent! It was my family’s first time staying in a cabin and we enjoyed every minute of it. Don’t hesitate to get this cabin! You won’t regret it!
This was the perfect getaway after the holidays. The cabin was clean, cozy, comfortable and well equipped. Staying in Townsend is always perfect because it not as busy as Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge yet close enough to get to hiking and other places. The only part we didn't like was the uphill street to get to the cabin and the downhill driveway. Somewhat scary and not sure how it would be if bad weather. Enjoyed our stay!
We used the cabin as base for visiting my aunt in Kingsport, we have always enjoyed the quiet side usually hiking. This trip was myself and my mom who is handicap and uses a cane to walk, the cabin was fully accessible to her without steps to enter and having a step in shower. It was clean and welcoming, furnished with all we needed to prep meals and comfortable beds allowing for a greay nights sleep. We do make as many trips as my work allows and hope to return again.
Kim K.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023
About the host
Hosted by Cathy Moore
We just love the Great Smoky Mountains and come up here several times a year. We finally decided to start making the mountains our HOME and purchased this wonderful piece of property.
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests