Cabin

Banner Elk Riverfront Log Cabin | 5 Min to Sugar Mtn Skiing | Hot Tub

Photo gallery for Banner Elk Riverfront Log Cabin | 5 Min to Sugar Mtn Skiing | Hot Tub

A rustic cabin with a fire pit and wooden benches in front.
Property video
A cozy log cabin interior with a leather sofa, a wooden coffee table, and a dining area with a kitchen in the background.
A log cabin-style room with a stone fireplace, a bed, a chair, a small table, and a ceiling fan.
A cozy log cabin interior with a fireplace, a television, and a dining area.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Family fun awaits
    Top-rated for families.
  • Firepit available
    One of the few properties with a dedicated outdoor firepit.
  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
  • Discover nearby landmarks
    Close to Sugar Creek Gem Mine
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Hot tub on site
  • Patio
  • Toys
  • Barbecue grill
  • Air-conditioning
  • Refrigerator

Explore the area

View in a map
Banner Elk, NC
  • Place, Sugar Creek Gem Mine
    ‪12 min walk‬
  • Place, Sugar Mountain Resort
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Place, Grandfather Mountain
    ‪18 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed and 2 Single Beds

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Bathroom 2

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Number of living rooms
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Banner Elk Riverfront Log Cabin | 5 Min to Sugar Mtn Skiing | Hot Tub

The Space: 1880s Heritage, Lived-In Comfort
Step back in time without giving up comfort. Originally built in 1884 and meticulously restored, "This Old River Cabin" is a 1,200 sq. ft. sanctuary that blends authentic Appalachian character with present-day comfort.

The Vibe: Curated local art, hand-poured concrete, and reclaimed wormy chestnut wood create an atmosphere rooted in regional craftsmanship.

The Location: Waterfront on the Elk River. You are 1 mile from Sugar Mountain Resort and 2 miles from downtown Banner Elk, close to the action, yet tucked away in nature.

Easy Access: Featuring rare flat parking and a charming private wooden bridge entrance, making arrival simple even in winter months.

Chef’s Kitchen & Coffee Bar
We’ve preserved the 19th-century soul of the kitchen while providing the tools a serious cook expects.

Artisanal Design: Custom cabinets crafted from the cabin’s original walls and a deep farmhouse sink.

The Coffee Ritual: A fully stocked bar featuring a Drip Maker, French Press, and Chemex for the perfect mountain morning.

High-End Gear: Equipped with a Crockpot, blender, professional knives, and a full suite of spices and oils.

Authentic Living Note: To protect our historic plumbing, the kitchen does not have a disposal. We provide a high-capacity water filtration pitcher in place of a fridge dispenser to ensure the freshest mountain water while maintaining the cabin’s vintage integrity.

Rest & Refresh
Master Sanctuary: King bed with premium linens, a dual-zone heated mattress topper, and ambient lighting.

The Bunk Room: Custom-built bunks + 1 Queen bed. A cozy, flexible retreat designed for both kids and adults.

Spa-Inspired Baths: Featuring rain shower heads and hand-carved stone sinks sourced directly from the Elk River on the property.

Outdoor Living
Riverside Relaxation: A wraparound deck with string lights, a porch swing, and rocking chairs next to the rushing water.

Evening Magic: Gather around the private fire pit or soak in the hot tub under the stars.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Children are welcome at this property
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
No pets allowed at this property
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
No smoking allowed at this property
• Late Checkout Standard checkout is 10 AM. Approved late checkout to 12 PM is $50.
Staying more than 2 hours past checkout will result in a charge equal to the full daily rate, as our cleaners must prepare the home for
incoming guests. • Minimum Age Primary guest must be 25 or older and staying for the duration of the trip.

Important information

You need to know

Property # 2883963vb
This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, outdoor lighting and a deadlock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

About the area

Banner Elk

Located in Banner Elk, this cabin is in a rural area and on the waterfront. Sugar Mountain Resort and Beech Mountain Resort are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Grandfather Mountain and The Blowing Rock. Travelling with kids? Consider Tweetsie Railroad and Land of Oz. Take in the nearby slopes with snowboarding and skiing, or try out other outdoor activities such as sledging.
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Map
Banner Elk, NC

What's nearby

  • Sugar Creek Gem Mine - 12 min walk - 1.1 km
  • Sugar Mountain Resort - 4 min drive - 3.1 km
  • Beech Mountain Resort - 16 min drive - 12.9 km
  • Hawksnest Tubing Park - 16 min drive - 17.7 km
  • Grandfather Mountain - 18 min drive - 17.9 km

Getting around

  • Tri-Cities, TN (TRI-Tri-Cities Regional) - 86 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Town Tavern of Banner Elk - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Blink Elk Tap Room - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Banner Elk Cafe - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Puerto Nuevo - ‬9 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Steps to Elk River! Cozy Cabin w/ Hot Tub & Bunk Room pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Steps to Elk River! Cozy Cabin w/ Hot Tub & Bunk Room?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Steps to Elk River! Cozy Cabin w/ Hot Tub & Bunk Room?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Steps to Elk River! Cozy Cabin w/ Hot Tub & Bunk Room?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Steps to Elk River! Cozy Cabin w/ Hot Tub & Bunk Room located?

This family-friendly Banner Elk cabin is located on the waterfront, within 1 mi (2 km) of Sugar Creek Gem Mine and Sugar Mountain Resort. Lees-McRae College and Banner House Museum are also within 3 miles (5 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 21 out of 22 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 22 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 22 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 22 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 22 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The house is very clean and warm. Everything was wonderful. The water in the Jacuzzi was clean and hot when we arrived. Thanks for the pumpkin donuts!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful historical cabin in a great location…private but close to everything. The house was outfitted perfectly and the bedding was amazing! We really enjoyed it.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Aug 2026
Jessica, thank you so much. That balance you described, private but close to everything, is exactly why we fell for this spot. Our 1884 log cabin sits right on the Elk River, so you fall asleep to the water, but you are five minutes from Sugar Mountain and about twelve from Beech Mountain, with downtown Banner Elk just up the road. Guests tend to arrive planning to go out every night and end up in the riverside hot tub instead. We are glad the details landed, we put real thought into the linens and the little things that make a Blue Ridge cabin feel like a retreat instead of a rental. Come back and see us, fall color on the river is something else.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful property with a very responsive host! Will definitely stay again!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 10 Nov 2025
Thank you, Brittany! We're so glad you enjoyed your stay. It was a pleasure hosting you, and we’d love to welcome you back to the cabin anytime for another peaceful getaway.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great property, very relaxing next to the water.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 10 Nov 2025
Thank you, Matthew! We’re thrilled you found the cabin relaxing and enjoyed being by the water. It’s such a special spot to unwind, and we hope to have you back again soon.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A very special place!!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 10 Nov 2025
Thank you for staying with us! We hope to welcome you back soon.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Responsive host. Beautiful property with everything we needed and special touches.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 4 Nov 2025
Thank you, Kristi! We’re so glad you enjoyed your stay at This Old River Cabin and appreciated the special touches that make it feel like home. We love sharing this cozy spot along the river—especially as the mountains start to sparkle for the holidays and ski season begins in Banner Elk. We hope to welcome you back soon for another peaceful getaway!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This cabin delivered everything we were looking for… a quiet and relaxing long weekend. We are a family of 5 with a 14, 13, and 11-year old. They loved the bunk room, outdoor area, and jacuzzi. Incredibly comfortable setting for outdoor fires, puzzles, movies, or just enjoying the sound of the river. Would be great for a ski weekend, or a summer trip if you want to escape the heat. Highly recommend!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 10 Aug 2026
Thank you for the thoughtful review, and for bringing the whole crew up here. The bunk room seems to get claimed the moment families walk in, so we are glad it was a hit with the kids, and mid March is a good week for it, with enough snow left on the mountain to make a long weekend out of it. Outdoor fires, puzzles, movies, and the river in the background really is the rhythm of this place. We hope you found your way into the jacuzzi after a day out in the cold as well. Summer is its own thing here, the river runs loud and the mountain air stays cool, so the cabin has two very different personalities depending on when you come. Thank you for spending your long weekend with us. You are welcome back in either season.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Family time

Our stay was just so relaxing. We loved the cabin and we loved being outside on the creek/river and sitting by the fire pit. The location makes it very easy to get to different mountain attractions. So glad we had the chance to stay here. Thank you!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 13 Nov 2023
Thank you so much for your delightful review! We're thrilled to hear that you found the cabin relaxing and enjoyed the beautiful surroundings by the creek/river and fire pit. It's wonderful that our location worked well for your mountain explorations. We truly appreciate your kind words and hope to host you again for more unforgettable moments. Safe travels and warm wishes!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Banner Elk cabin

We loved our stay in this rustic yet modern cabin. My family had a wonderful weekend getaway here and enjoyed the property so much, we loved the river right on the property and the hot tub overlooking it. That was the highlight for us :) The kids loved the bunk beds and the master bedroom is so spacious, easily fit the pack and play for our 2 year old. Thanks for letting us stay in your cabin, we hope to come back!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 13 Nov 2023
Thank you so much for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear that you and your family enjoyed your stay in our cabin. It warms our hearts to know that the river and hot tub were highlights for you—those serene moments by the water are truly special. We're delighted the kids enjoyed the bunk beds and that the master bedroom was comfortable for your little one. It was a pleasure hosting your family, and we'd be absolutely delighted to welcome you back anytime you wish to return. Safe travels, and we look forward to hosting you again! 😊🏡
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Storybook setting

We absolutely loved staying at Old River Cabin in Banner Elk. It was everything we hoped it would be and more. Every little detail was thought of from wonderful cooking spices to the most luxurious bedding. We also greatly appreciated the use of non toxic care products in the kitchen and bathrooms. The hot tub and surrounding river were just icing on the cake! This was truly a magical getaway for us! We can’t wait to return:)
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 15 Sept 2023
Dear Tempe, Thank you so much for your wonderful review of Old River Cabin! We are so happy to hear that you had a magical getaway at our cabin. We take great pride in making sure that our guests have everything they need for a comfortable and relaxing stay, and we are thrilled that you enjoyed all the little details, from the wonderful cooking spices to the luxurious bedding. We also appreciate your feedback about the non-toxic care products. We believe that it is important to use products that are safe for both our guests and the environment, and we are glad that you found them to be a positive addition to your stay. The hot tub and river are definitely two of our favorite features of the cabin! We love watching the river flow by and soaking in the hot tub after a long day of exploring the mountains. We hope you will come back and visit us again soon! Sincerely, Veronica The Old River Cabin Team
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Secluded but close to everything!

Beautiful home built in the 1800’s with a modern twist. Everything you would need is there! I loved the secluded feel, but you could be close to a shop in a few minutes. The porch is amazing. Overlooks a small river that has stairs down to it, so my son played for hours! And the hot tub is off a little path with the cutest Edison lights. Such a relaxing stay and the host was very communicative!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 15 Sept 2023
Thank you for staying with us Catherine. Please come back and see us again soon!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Weekend get away

My husband and I stayed at the river cottage for a long weekend. I was excited to stay here from the pictures it looks so cute and charming and it did not disappoint the setting was perfect the attention to detail was amazing they have done a such a great job keeping the character of the cottage the sound of the creek was perfect the fire pit was so nice to have. Veronica was amazing at getting back asap with any questions I had, and very attentive! It was in a great location a short drive(3 minutes) to downtown banner elk and close by to blowing rock and Boone we took the parkway. We had a great time and will definitely be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 15 Sept 2023
Absolute dream guests. Can’t wait to have you back ❤️
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Rustic elegance with refined comfortThis rustic cabin delivered an exceptional, luxury-level experience while maintaining its authentic mountain charm. The beds were remarkably comfortable, with premium mattresses and high-quality linens that made every night deeply restful—an unexpected and welcome touch in a cabin setting.The hot tub was immaculate and perfectly maintained, offering a peaceful, spa-like retreat and the ideal way to unwind after a full day on the slopes.The host’s communication was truly outstanding—prompt, clear, and attentive from booking through check-out. Every detail felt thoughtfully handled, making the entire stay seamless and stress-free.The location was ideal, with convenient access to nearby ski resorts while still feeling private and serene. It struck the perfect balance between adventure and relaxation.This cabin sets a high bar for rustic luxury. We would absolutely return and highly recommend it to anyone seeking a refined mountain getaway with all the comforts done right.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 31 Jan 2026
Thank you for such a generous and thoughtful review. We are really glad the cabin felt like the right balance of mountain character and comfort during your stay. We put a lot of care into the beds, linens, and overall feel of the space, so it means a lot to hear that it translated into truly restful nights. The hot tub is something we personally enjoy as well, especially after long days on the mountain, so we are glad it felt peaceful and well maintained while you were here. We also appreciate your kind words about communication. Our goal is always to make things feel easy and well supported from start to finish without overcomplicating the experience. Thank you for choosing to spend your holiday time here and for taking the time to share your experience. You were a pleasure to host, and we would love to welcome you back anytime.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Above Expectations

We were four old college roommates meeting up for a girls weekend. This Old River Cabin was the perfect place for us to relax and reconnect. Loved the mix of the rustic old cabin and modern furnishings. The back porch was a wonderful place to enjoy a glass of wine and listen to water in the little river. Beds were all really comfortable. Location put us 15-30 minutes from everything we wanted to do: Grandfather Mountain, Blowing Rock/Boone, wineries/ breweries and restaurants. Veronica was a fabulous host. She was always quick to respond to any questions. If you are looking for a place to stay in Banner Elk that is unique and not your typical basic mountain cabin, you will love this place!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 13 Nov 2023
Thank you so much for your thoughtful review! It warms my heart to know that This Old River Cabin provided the perfect backdrop for your girls' weekend, offering that blend of rustic charm and modern comfort. I'm delighted you enjoyed the back porch and the soothing sounds of the river. It sounds like you explored some fantastic spots in the area, and I'm thrilled to have played a part in your Banner Elk experience. You and your friends are welcome back anytime! Cheers to more memories in the mountains. 🏞️🍷
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We came to stay for our anniversary weekend in Aug. Even though there was no central AC the cabin was very comfortable with the window unit downstairs and fan upstairs, opening the windows was a plus and you can hear the river. Location was great, very close to the grocery store, Banner Elk, Grandfather mountain and Blowing Rock. Our hostess was amazing with passing along info in a timely manner, check in/out was easy, and she shared so much info about the area. I cannot say enough about the cabin and property. Sitting on the back porch listening to and seeing the river , drinking coffee was priceless, and the little wooded path to the hot tub was great. I would recommend a 4wd if the weather is bad to get in and out. We definitely want to come back again
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 10 Aug 2026
Thank you for the kind words, and once again happy anniversary. It means a lot that you chose the cabin to mark the occasion. You noticed the things we love most about this place. Mountain air and open windows do most of the work up here, which is why the window units and fans have always been enough, and having the river drift in at night is the whole reason we fell for this spot. Coffee on the back porch and the little wooded path down to the hot tub are exactly how we spend our own mornings and evenings here. Grandfather Mountain, Blowing Rock, and downtown Banner Elk never seem to run out of things to do either. We would be glad to have you back anytime.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Wonderful Holiday

What a beautiful home in a fabulous location. Our family spent a low key thanksgiving in this home. We relaxed in the cozy surroundings, enjoyed the fire pit and hot tub. This home had everything we were looking for, it was clean and had comfy. We can’t wait to come back.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 10 Aug 2026
Thank you for the perfect rating, and for leaving the cabin in such good shape. July on the Elk River is a favorite stretch of the summer for us, when the water is loud enough to drown out everything else and the mountains stay cool while the rest of the state bakes. We hope you got plenty of time in the riverside hot tub and made it up to Sugar or Beech, or maybe just stayed put on the porch, which is what the 1884 walls of this place seem to encourage. Thanks for choosing our little cabin for your weekend. You are welcome back any season, though fall color on the river is hard to beat.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Aug 2026
Thank you for the perfect rating, and happy anniversary once more. Late May is a quiet, green stretch of the season here, when the river runs full and the mountain air stays cool, and we are glad the cabin made a restful place to mark the occasion. Our one regret is that the statewide burn ban kept the firepit off limits that weekend, so we hope the porch, the sound of the water, and the hot tub tucked down the wooded path more than made up for it. Thank you for spending your anniversary inside these 1884 log walls. We would love to host you again, especially in the fall when the color along the river is at its best.
Verified review

8/10 Good

Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 10 Aug 2026
Thank you for the review, and for choosing the cabin for Thanksgiving week. Late November is one of our favorite times here, with the leaves down, the river running clear, and the hot tub earning its keep on cold nights. We are always looking for ways to make a stay better, so if anything at all fell short we would genuinely welcome hearing about it. Thank you again for spending the holiday with us.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Mar 2025
Thank you for staying with us Brett. We hope to see you back on the mountain again soon!

About the host

Hosted by Veronica

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Languages:

English, Spanish

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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