Come experience absolute tranquility... without roughing it!
About the property
- Cottage1600 sqft
- Bedrooms2
- Sleeps6
- Bathrooms1
- Half Baths1
- Minimum Stay2 - 4 nights
Escape from the everyday routine. Come up to Ashe County--N.C.'s coolest corner
The Nuthouse Cottage sits on a ridge with hardwoods to the south and a meadow to the east. Grazing cows, sheep or goats are within sight as are evergreens including a crop of Christmas trees for which Ashe County is well-known.
The cottage is a three story structure with a well-appointed and convenient kitchen including gas cooktop and oven and a dishwasher. The comfy living room has a wood-burning fireplace and it opens onto porches with rockers and tables, a gas grill, and gardens filled with perennial flowers in season.
On the second floor, there are two bedrooms with queen beds and a shared bath with a large walk-in tiled shower. The master bedroom features a gas-burning fireplace while the second bedroom has the spiral staircase up to the Crow’s Nest which has wide window seats for viewing the surrounding countryside. These are suitable for sleeping single and one sleeping bag is provided for this as well as blankets.
Amenities also include washer/dryer, DVD player and free WiFi. Firewood is available in season.
Owner
Diana and Traylor Renfro
- Response rate:
- 100%
- Response time:
- within one day
- Speaks:
- english
- Calendar last updated:
- Apr 16, 2018
About Diana and Traylor Renfro
We are Diana and Traylor Renfro, originally from Opelika, Alabama, where we grew up in the same church and schools. After college, we moved to Charlotte, NC, where I (Diana) worked as a Registered Dietitian and Traylor taught Economics at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNCC). Traylor soon changed to a career in Human Resources and I turned to artistic endeavors, primarily writing. We both always loved gardening and growing vegetables, flowers, and landscape plants. Our two daughters, raised in Charlotte, learned to love good food and beautiful gardens. We found these 45 acres late in 1999, on a pilgrimage out of the city into the country to the highlands of Ashe County. It was love at first sight. Responding to an ad in the 'Second Hand News' on a drizzly November day, we walked the fence line trying to comprehend just how much land could be included in 45 acres. There was a large bowl of a meadow with a boggy bottom full of springs that drained into a winding branch. To one side, there were bare hardwoods with an under story of Rhododendrons and Mountain Laurel. A couple of hills were too steep and rocky to walk. Other areas were filled with brambles or “freeze-dried” wild-flowers. Spreading over a bluff in the sun, surrounded by barbed wire and locust fencing, was a wide flat hayfield, and, at the bottom, another flat field grew healthy green rye. The old farmhouse, unusable due to a fallen tree which exposed the interior to the elements, would have to come down, but there were two large barns and half a dozen other outbuildings. Everything needed attention. No one had lived on the property for fifteen years. We just knew from the beginning that it was meant to be ours. It was calling to us, showing us its great potential, and we couldn’t wait to get started. Today, it’s the same place with amenities. And we believe as stewards of the land, it is meant to be shared. Come stay for a while and discover North Carolina's "coolest corner."
Diana and Traylor Renfro purchased this Cottage in 2000
Why Diana and Traylor Renfro chose Grassy Creek
Get away from it all! Escape from the phones and the emails, from television and traffic. Hide away in the country where you can hear music in the hills and watch the sky change colors. Come remember what it’s like to live close to the earth, where tree frogs serenade in summer while fireflies twinkle, where butterflies drift through the gardens and dragonflies hover around the pond. In autumn, experience the color changes of the hardwoods and reach for apples and pears as they ripen on the tree. Hike around in the crisp fallen leaves. In winter, suit up and sled down snowy slopes. Then build a crackling fire while the wind howls. By spring, you’ll want to warm in the sun while dandelions pop up. Why not sit on the pier by the pond and toss out a line with some fresh bait and tempt a bass or bluegill for your supper? You will find fresh foods grown organically right here on the farm or on nearby farms in Ashe County. Harvest fresh herbs, fruits and flowers in season. Ashe County North Carolina is a last frontier for exploring the Appalachian lifestyle. The arts venues and eco-tourism available within the natural rural setting create a rich life here. You will love it here.
What makes this Cottage unique
Do you remember where food comes from? What it’s like to breathe deeply of fresh air? How the Milky Way brightens the sky on a moonless night? Need to change your point of view? Escape from the phones and the emails, from television and traffic. Hide away in the country where you can hear music in the hills and watch the sky change colors. Come remember what it’s like to live close to the earth, where tree frogs serenade in summer while fireflies twinkle, where butterflies drift through the gardens and dragonflies hover around the pond. In autumn, experience the color changes of the hardwoods and reach for apples and pears as they ripen on the tree. Hike around in the crisp fallen leaves. In winter, suit up and sled down snowy slopes. Then build a crackling fire while the wind howls. By spring, you’ll want to warm in the sun while dandelions pop up. Why not sit on the pier by the pond and toss out a line with some fresh bait and tempt a bass or bluegill for your supper? You will find fresh foods grown organically right here on the farm or on nearby farms in Ashe County. Harvest fresh herbs, fruits and flowers in season. River sports, hiking/biking trails, trout fishing, antiquing, bluegrass music events, and outstanding artisan creations are accessible nearby, but many who visit here prefer quiet time for reading, reflection and quiet activities like fishing and bonfires beneath the stars.
Amenities
- Internet
- Pets Welcome
- Air Conditioning
- Heater
- Fireplace
- Kids Welcome
- Washer & Dryer
- Parking
- TV
- No Smoking
Bedrooms
- 2 Bedrooms, Sleeps 6
- Master bedroom1 queen, Linens are provided.
- Bedroom 21 queen
- Crow's nest2 child bed, 2 window benches; not suitable for adults
- The colorful master bedroom has a queen bed, two comfortable chairs, a gas-log fireplace, a ceiling fan and seven windows. The second bedroom has a queen bed, a window seat and a spiral staircase to the Crow's Nest on the third floor.
Bathrooms
- 1 Bathroom, 1 Half Bath
- Bathroom 1toilet, shower
- Bathroom 2toilet, First floor, by the kitchen.
- The upstairs bath has a fully tiled walk-in shower, large vanity and screened toilet. Plenty of storage space. Bath linens are provided. Downstairs, half-bath near kitchen and porches.
Location Type
- Mountain ViewThe Nuthouse Cottage sits on a hill with views of hardwoods and meadows. Cows, sheep and goats graze and wildlife abounds. Ashe County Christmas trees grow within view. Our pond is stocked.
- RuralCome remember what it’s like to live close to the earth, where tree frogs serenade in summer while fireflies twinkle, where butterflies drift through the gardens and dragonflies hover around the pond. In autumn, experience the color changes of the hardwoods and reach for apples and pears as they ripen on the tree. Hike around in the crisp fallen leaves. In winter, suit up and sled down snowy slopes. Then build a crackling fire while the wind howls. By spring, you’ll want to warm in the sun while dandelions pop up. Why not sit on the pier by the pond and toss out a line with some fresh bait and tempt a bass or bluegill for your supper?
- WaterfrontStocked pond with boathouse, pier, catwalk, picnic shelter, grill and bonfire ring.
Theme
- Adventure
- Away From It All
- Family
- Romantic
- Sports & Activities
- Tourist Attractions
Meals
- Guests provide their own meals
General
- Iron & Board
- Air Conditioning
- FireplaceWood burning fireplace in the living room and a gas-log fireplace in the master bedroom. Firewood is provided. FOR USE ONLY WHEN OUTSIDE TEMPS ARE BELOW 45F.
- Hair Dryer
- Heating
- InternetFree WiFi. Download speed >= 30 Mbps (for streaming)
- Clothes DryerFull size
- Linens Provided
- Living RoomSpacious with windows. Opens onto porches.
- ParkingPrivate, beside the cottage. Space for 3 cars.
- Towels Provided
- Washing MachineFull size
- Free Wifi
Kitchen
- Coffee MakerFunnel type with filters (#4 cone) provided. Table seats 6 comfortably.
- Dishes & UtensilsWe intend to provide everything you would need for a dine-at-home stay.
- Dishwasher
- KitchenFully equipped for those who love to cook.
- Microwave
- OvenConvection and conventional.
- Pantry ItemsStandard paper and plastic products are provided, including paper towels, table napkins, wraps, food storage bags, etc.
- Refrigerator
- StoveGas cook-top separate from oven. Pop-up vent.
- Toaster
Dining
- DiningTable linens are provided.
- Dining Area
- comfy seating for 6 people
Entertainment
- Books
- DVD Player
- Games
- Music Library
- Stereo(see Television)
- TelevisionYes... NO CABLE OR SATELLITE but Smart TV (43" 4k UHD) with Samsung Smart Hub®. Easily find and play your favorite movies, TV shows, sports, music, and games--with or without your own device.
- Video Games(see Television)
- Video LibrarySomething suitable for most ages.
Outside
- BalconyIndoor crow's nest with window seats for reading or computing in an elevated spot. 360-degree views.
- Deck / PatioStone patio with a chiminea surrounded by gardens. Wood for chiminea is provided. Picnic table with mountain view.
- GolfTwo golf courses are within half an hour: Jefferson Landing in Jefferson, NC and Mountain Aire Golf Club in West Jefferson, NC
- Kayak / Canoe2 kayaks and one canoe available for use by renters.
- Lanai / GazeboPicnic shelter beside pond and boathouse with a pier on the pond. Picnic tables, hammock, charcoal grill and fire circle nearby.
- Lawn / Garden48 acres of farmland with meadows, hardwoods, walking trails, gardens: flowers, herbs, vegetables, trial vineyard with both red and white varieties of grapes, blueberries in July, apples in autumn.
- Outdoor GrillGas grill behind the cottage near a second porch with table and chairs and the patio.
- Ski & SnowboardAbout 1 hour drive to several NC ski resorts.
- Water Sports GearLife jackets. Some fishing gear.
Suitability
- Long-term Renters Welcome
- wheelchair inaccessible
Pool / Spa
- Communal PoolReflection Pond has kayaks, fishing pier and boathouse, catwalk over the far end near a picnic shelter with tables and chairs, charcoal grill and a larger fire-pit. Some fishing gear is available.
Attractions
- restaurants
Leisure Activities
- antiquing
- bird watching
- eco tourism
- horseback riding
- photography
- scenic drives
- sledding
- walking
- wildlife viewing
Local Services & Businesses
- ATM/bank
- groceries
- hospital
Sports & Adventure Activities
- mountain biking
- cross country skiing
- fly fishing
- freshwater fishing
- hiking
- hunting
- kayaking
- fishing
- mountain climbing
- mountaineering
- pier fishing
- rafting
- swimming
- water tubing
Notes
- When fishing on our pond, no license is required. You are also five minutes from Helton Creek a popular trout fishing location where NC fishing licenses are required. So catch some fish and cook them up! You can kayak, canoe or go tubing down the New River in summer. (Outfitters are available if needed.) You can hear first class bluegrass music, attend cultural festivals, visit arts and literary venues and shop antique stores in Jefferson and West Jefferson, NC. Since we are close to the Virginia state line, Mount Rogers National Recreation Area and Grayson Highlands State Park are both a short drive away. The Appalachian Trail is nearby for hiking and the Virginia Creeper Trail for biking starts at Whitetop, VA. Life is simple here, and unbelievably quiet. Enjoy birding, watching wildlife, and rocking on the porch or floating in the pond. Starlit nights are a specialty.
56 Reviews
Latest reviews
Perfect in every way!
Beautiful home
Wonderful Cottage - Perfect for any adventure
Amazingly Peaceful
Amazing Thanksgiving!
lovely cottage and beautiful property
Location
Here in the highlands of Ashe County we have old-time mountain music, arts events, and unique hand crafts within an unspoiled rural environment near the New River and the Appalachian Trail. Grayson Highlands State Park is just over the state line in Virginia as is Mt. Rogers National Recreation area while Jefferson State Park and the New River State Park are just south. These areas as well as Bluff Mountain Nature Preserve offer hiking, birding and observation of native wildflowers. The Virginia Creeper Trailhead (Whitetop) is within half an hour. Biking is mostly downhill unless you are a champ and turn around and come back up. Phipps Country Store is the place to be on Friday nights to hear bluegrass music. Sometimes you can't tell the pros from the amateurs! On our property, there is a pond stocked with bream and bass, a funky boathouse and pier, a picnic shelter and a charcoal grill. There are grazing animals and we are also a registered wildlife preserve. The Nuthouse Cottage is well-equipped for those who like to cook and there is a gas grill out back. A chiminea is available on the patio for outdoor fires and there are two porches with rockers and tables. There are indoor fireplaces as well. For fine dining, weddings and events we recommend the River House Inn and Restaurant located just ten minutes away, on the New River. They have an excellent chef in a beautiful setting, home of the annual Wine Fest in July. For shopping, arts and crafts, and more restaurants, the towns of East and West Jefferson are within half an hour. Be sure to see cheese made at the Ashe Cheese Factory. Arts events are frequent including monthly gallery crawls in season. Nearby golf courses are Mountain Aire Golf Club and Jefferson Landing. There is so much to discover when driving around the county. Save time for a 'Sunday drive' even if it's not Sunday.
Rates & Availability
Additional information about rental rates
We do our best to accommodate early check-in (noon) and late check-out (2 pm). Contact owner for availability.