Winter Star Retreat - Private, Waterfalls, Hike the Black Mtns

This place was even better than we expected. The photo does not do the creek

justice. The sound from the creek is therapeutic. We were looking for a

quiet, peaceful place to relax and this place was perfect.

We had a great time staying at the Winter Star Retreat. Sandy and John were so kind and helpful. I’m so glad they met us to take us up the mountain to the property as it made us feel safe. The cabin was very clean and nicely stocked with everything we needed. Definitely will be staying here again in the future.

The waterfall, the hiking (can get on many trails without hoping into a car), the hot-tub, and the deck were the highlights. One of the few places I have stayed that I immediately thought about coming back to. In addition to these highlights, the kitchen was fully stocked with cook wear and there were many nice little touches/additions that made the stay easy (like flashlights, walking sticks, firewood, etc...)

We had an absolutely splendid week at Winter Star Retreat. The drive to the cabin is what one expect to have pure mountain seclusion....the very last house on Winter Star Road.

WE LOVED IT. John welcomed us to the cabin with a short tour and tips which allowed us to settle right in as if we were at home. The 2-story cabin is uniquely tucked into the north side of Winter Star Ridge. The layout of the cabin provides views to the south over Winter Star Creek. The 1st floor bedroom has pleasant views of the wooded drive to the north. The kitchen, dining area and living area face towards the west with views of mountains and woods. The wood burning stove provided beauty and warmth on chilly days. Our pups loved laying in front of the stove as much as we loved watching the flames. The loveseat and recliner are perfectly placed to enjoy the trees and upper falls through a large picture window. The L-shaped back deck provides another dining option, a couple of rocking chairs and a wonderfully, relaxing hot tub to enjoy while listening to the water tumble through the creek. The second floor of the cabin provides two more bedrooms each with their own unique view. We found the cabin to be extremely well supplied from kitchen to laundry to towels and paper products. A great big thank you for the thoughtful touches! We highly recommend the hike to the Isom Mica Mine from the cabin. It was strenuous but the views were so rewarding. The town of Burnsville is a quintessential mountain town with all the conveniences one would like too. The town square and Main Street are great with unique dining and shopping options. We spent an awesome day in Weaverville with a trip to Crucible Glassworks and then visited Marcia and her angora goats at Good Fibrations in Barnardsville. Another gorgeous day was spent with a drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway to Mt. Mitchell State Park. Do check out NChighpeaks.org which features webcam views of from Mt. Mitchell. Where to begin with the creek and waterfalls? You cannot put into words having such beauty mere steps from the cabin. The waterfalls are easily viewed and accessed from the back porch. Additionally, the upper deck with Adirondack chairs and fire pit is separate from the main house which requires a short, steep trek. We spent a sunny day playing in the creek and drinking in the mountain views. It is now "our new happy place". So from snow on our first day to sun shiny days in between, Winter Star spells pure magic.

Winter Star was an incredible spot. The great pics of the waterfall don't even do it justice! John and Sandy were absolutely lovely and thoughtful hosts as well. The only catch is the drive up--I have a Subaru impreza and I was still scraping the bottom with rocks and serious divots in the road. But the location and cabin is worth the bit of climb. We also enjoyed hiking in the area. Thank you Sandy and John!