Cardinal- Cozy with Loft, Pond View, Hot Tub, Nature Trails, Creek, Near Town
1153 Sq. Ft. – 2 Bed + Loft/ 2 Bath - 1 Queen – 2 Singles - Sleeps 4
Overlooking a serene pond, Cardinal Cabin is a 1,152 sq ft classic log retreat designed for total relaxation. Unwind on your porch with pond views or take a dip in your private 5-person hot tub. Guests enjoy full access to Upper Ridge Retreat's shared 10 acres, complete with hiking trails, a mountain creek, pond, horseshoe pit, picnic area, and communal bonfire spot for evening stargazing. It’s the ideal mountain getaway for couples and families alike.
About Cardinal Cabin
Living & Gathering · Cozy Main Living Area: Classic log cabin charm, rustic wood finishes, serene pond views, and comfortable seating centered around a warm fireplace and a TV/DVD setup for classic movie nights. · Kids' Hideaway Loft: An open loft space above featuring two custom built-in sleeping benches.(Safety Note: Accessible strictly via a vertical wooden ladder. An exciting hideaway for older children, but not suitable for toddlers or guests with mobility restrictions.) · Year-Round Comfort: Central heating and air conditioning throughout the home for every season.
Kitchen & Dining · Fully Equipped Kitchen: Complete cookware, bakeware, updated appliances, and ample counter space for preparing delicious home-cooked meals. · Dining & Coffee Corner: Dining table positioned with pond views, plus a coffee station featuring a Keurig K-Duo (Hot & Iced Single Serve K-Cup and Carafe Coffee Maker) to start your mountain mornings.
Bedrooms & Sleeping Arrangements (Sleeps 4+ Loft) · Primary Bedroom: Features a comfortable Queen bed with fresh linens and peaceful nature views. · Guest Bedroom: Outfitted with two Twin beds, perfect for kids or friends. · Loft Sleeping Benches: Two custom built-in benches in the loft for extra lounging.
Bathrooms · 2 Full Bathrooms: Freshly stocked with plush bath towels, hand soap, and a starter set of essential toiletries across both levels.
Outdoor Living & Privacy · Private Porch & Spa: Unwind on your porch with pond views, equipped with a dedicated 5-person hot tub, gas grill, and outdoor seating overlooking the serene pond. · Peaceful Seclusion: Positioned approximately 200 feet from neighboring Kingfisher Cabin, providing an ideal balance of personal privacy and connection to nature. · 10-Acre Shared Grounds: Direct access to Upper Ridge Retreat’s shared 10 acres, complete with private hiking trails, a mountain creek, property pond, horseshoe pit, picnic table, and a communal bonfire spot for evening stargazing.
Other Details to Note
Cabin Layout & Proximity · Peaceful Privacy: Positioned approximately 200 feet from neighboring Kingfisher Cabin on 10 private acres, offering an ideal balance of personal seclusion and connection to nature.
The Kids' Loft · Access Notice: The hideaway loft features two custom sleeping benches. Accessible strictly via a vertical wooden ladder, it’s a fun adventure for older children, but not suitable for toddlers or guests with mobility restrictions.
Mountain Access & Vehicle Requirements · Gravel Mountain Access: The final portion of the drive to the retreat is on a scenic, well-maintained gravel mountain road. · Spring, Summer & Fall: Easily navigable by standard 2WD vehicles. · Winter Months: A 4WD or AWD vehicle is required due to potential mountain snow, ice, and elevation gains.
Connectivity & Utilities · Wi-Fi & Cell Service: Wi-Fi is provided for streaming and remote work. Cell service can vary depending on your carrier due to the mountain elevation.
Nearby Destinations & Drive Times · Downtown Black Mountain: 4 miles (~10 minutes) · Downtown Asheville & Biltmore Estate: ~25 minutes · Chimney Rock State Park & Lake Lure: ~25 minutes · Asheville Regional Airport (AVL): ~35 minutes
Safety, Security & Cameras · Exterior Security Devices: For the safety and security of our guests and property, exterior security cameras monitor the outside areas of the cabin and property. There are no cameras inside the cabin or in any private outdoor spaces (including the hot tub area).
Verification, Deposit & Rental Agreement · Guest Screening & ID Verification: To comply with local regulations and protect our home, primary guests must complete a quick digital ID verification process (which may include a soft background check) and sign our standard Rental Agreement prior to receiving check-in instructions. · Security Deposit Hold: A temporary security deposit authorization hold will be placed on your payment card shortly before arrival and released after departure, pending a clear damage inspection.
Property Rules & Expectations · Age & House Rules: Primary guest must be at least 25 years of age to book. No unregistered guests, parties, or loud events. Quiet hours begin at 10:00 PM out of respect for neighbors and nature. · Wildlife & Trash Care: Upper Ridge Retreat is situated in a vibrant mountain environment frequented by native wildlife. All food waste and trash must be disposed of in designated bear-proof receptacles.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
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Pets allowed: dogs less than 999 lbs per pet (limit 2 pets total)
Pets are allowed at this property
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Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
No smoking allowed at this property
Check-out instructions
The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks, and take out the trash
Turn off the lights, lock the doors, and return the keys
Leave one front door key on the indoor key hook. Place the second key back in the outdoor lockbox and scramble the code.
Unplug small appliances, turn off stove/oven, gas grill. Set hot tub: 80°F (May–Oct) / 90°F (Nov–Apr). Set thermostat: Heat 55°F / AC 75°F.
We hope you loved your stay! Small hosts rely on 5-star reviews to survive, as 4 stars is treated as a failing score. If you enjoyed your time, leaving 5 stars would mean the world to us!
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
By booking, guests agree to our Rental Agreement terms and completing iDentify ID verification.
A refundable security deposit hold is placed 2 days before check-in. Use of hot tub, fire pit, trails, pond, and creek is strictly at your own risk.
Guests assume all liability for safety and supervision. Primary renter must be 25+. No parties or unregistered guests.
Important information
You need to know
Property # 5362882
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
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
About the neighborhood
Black Mountain
Located in Black Mountain, this cabin is on the waterfront. White Horse Black Mountain and Black Mountain Center for the Arts are cultural highlights, and some of the area's landmarks include Swannanoa Valley Museum and Arrowhead Monument. The Merry Wine Market and Ten Thousand Villages are also worth visiting.
Black Mountain Center for the Arts - 12 min drive - 9.6 km
Swannanoa Valley Museum - 12 min drive - 9.6 km
White Horse Black Mountain - 13 min drive - 10.0 km
Lake Tomahawk - 13 min drive - 10.3 km
Pisgah Brewing Company - 15 min drive - 13.1 km
Getting around
Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) - 52 min drive
Restaurants
Recess Coffee and Baked Goods - 13 min drive
McDonald's - 13 min drive
Ole's Guacamoles - 15 min drive
Phil's Bar-B-Que Pit - 12 min drive
Dripolator Coffeehouse - 14 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Cardinal- Cozy with Loft, Pond View, Hot Tub, Nature Trails, Creek, Near Town pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 999 lbs per pet.
How much does it cost to stay at Cardinal- Cozy with Loft, Pond View, Hot Tub, Nature Trails, Creek, Near Town?
As of Oct 8, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Cardinal- Cozy with Loft, Pond View, Hot Tub, Nature Trails, Creek, Near Town on Nov 16, 2026 start from $311, 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 Cardinal- Cozy with Loft, Pond View, Hot Tub, Nature Trails, Creek, Near Town?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Cardinal- Cozy with Loft, Pond View, Hot Tub, Nature Trails, Creek, Near Town?
Check-out is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Cardinal- Cozy with Loft, Pond View, Hot Tub, Nature Trails, Creek, Near Town located?
Situated on the waterfront, this cabin is 2.1 mi (3.3 km) from Pisgah National Forest and 2.4 mi (3.8 km) from Catawba River. White Horse Black Mountain and The Merry Wine Market are also within 6 mi (10 km).
Reviews
9.8
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
A very nice wooden cabin, located above a little pond in the woods. Very quite and secluded. We enjoyed our time there. The gravel road to the cabin is quite long and partly steep, but can be managed with a normal 2-wheel-drive car.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
Grenda H.
May 21, 2026
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location
Host was wonderful with our concerns. Cabin was cozy clean and comfortable. Setting was just what we wanted.
Great cabin that’s secluded and private yet still only 15 minutes to the heart of downtown Black Mountain. Decorated for Christmas which is always a plus this time of year. Would definitely stay again!
We had a beautiful stay at the cabin! Everything was clean and the home was comfy for us. We enjoyed a few little hikes in the trails on the property, we enjoyed playing in the creek and swinging in the tire swing further down the neighborhood. Close to town and had fun on our outings. Best was coming home after our adventures out and enjoying the super clean hot tub! Loved everything about our stay!
It was a beautiful cabin with beautiful views. The cabin was close to Black Mountain and the drive up and down the mountain was beautiful although a little scary at times because I am afraid of heights. However, I acclimated after a couple of trips. It is a perfect location for a long weekend getaway.
We had a great stay! We loved walking the trails, sitting in the rockers on the front porch, grilling out, eating at some great restaurants and traveling the areas. The weather was nice , cabin was clean and kitchen had everything we needed.
Great cabin in a secluded area great for a get away and relaxation.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2022
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
Shaun E.
Feb 24, 2018
Great location and beautiful cabin!
We loved everything about the cabin. The road to get to it is super bumpy and mountainous, but we liked that also!
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 26, 2020
Glad you enjoyed the cabin! Yes, the 1.5 mile gravel road to the property may get bumpy. The road is graded regularly but weather conditions affect the road in between. Two wheel drive vehicles are acceptable throughout most of the year except for snow conditions. The nature paradise is worth the trip!
Archival
10/10 Excellent
mary b.
Jul 22, 2017
Great family cabin
We had a great vacation and enjoyed the cabin. The owner did a great job providing lots of attractions, hikes and restaurants. We would stay here again.
We enjoyed our time in Black Mountain and at the cabin a ton! Great location off the beaten path, but not too far a drive from the town. And the host was super responsive to a call we needed to make for help with something in the cabin! We definitely plan to keep this cabin in mind for our next trip to Black Mountain!!! :)
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
About the host
Hosted by Heather
You’ll usually find our family hiking, exploring national parks, or enjoying the great outdoors. We absolutely love the slower pace of the mountains and the opportunity to unplug from the busyness of everyday life.
When we’re not enjoying the cabins ourselves, we’re grateful to share this special place with other families and friends seeking adventure, relaxation, and connection in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina.
Why they chose this property
Our family fell in love with Upper Ridge Retreat for the same reason many of our guests do, because it is set within 10 private acres in the beautiful mountains of the Western North Carolina countryside. The property features three cabins, a large pond, hiking trails, a flowing creek, picnic tables, a bonfire area, a tire swing, and plenty of space to relax.
It gives us the chance to slow down, unplug, and reconnect with the people who matter most. We cherish our time spent here together exploring the outdoors, sharing meals, and making lifelong memories.
What makes this property unique
What makes our property truly unique is that it offers the rare setup of three distinct cabins, Kingfisher, Cardinal, and Osprey, nested together on one private mountain acreage. It was designed from the ground up to be the ultimate flexible getaway for families, groups, or multi-generational trips. Whether you book one cabin for a quiet family hiking trip or reserve the entire estate so everyone can vacation under the same canopy of trees, it’s a place designed to let you slow down, unplug, and experience the mountains together.