House boat

Boathouse only accessed by boat/canoe/kayak NO WIFI/NO charging of any device

Photo gallery for Boathouse only accessed by boat/canoe/kayak NO WIFI/NO charging of any device

Pool
Property grounds
Kitchen and living room
Futon in living room
TV/blue ray player with multiple movie DVD's and multiple games supplied
Reviews
10 out of 10 Exceptional
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 425 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Pet-friendlyPet-friendlyPet-friendly
  • KitchenKitchenKitchen
  • Barbecue grillBarbecue grillBarbecue grill
  • GymGymGym
  • Outdoor spaceOutdoor spaceOutdoor space
  • Mountain viewMountain viewMountain view

Check out the area

Map
Robbinsville, NC
  • Popular LocationFontana Lake1 min drive
  • Popular LocationFontana Village Resort Marina33 min drive
  • Popular LocationGreat Smoky Mountains Railroad54 min drive

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

3 Double Beds

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Dining Area

About this property

Boathouse only accessed by boat/canoe/kayak NO WIFI/NO charging of any device

Please check cancellation policy and read the rental agreement in its entirety BEFORE booking. NO wall plugs available on the boathouse which means NO plugging in or charging of ANYTHING, including cell phones or ANYTHING that has a plug/USB/c-class/anything that draws power. DO NOT remove the TV/DVD plug to plug anything in or plug anything into the solar inverter or the wall plug that the solar inverter is plugged into. There is to be NO additional drain of solar power outside of the boathouse ceiling lights/fan, fridge, water pump, and solar inverter. DO NOT keep wall lights/fan, TV on when not using. Please reach out to me if there are any questions regarding this absolute requirement.
Guests that do not follow this requirement and other requirements detailed in the rental agreement, welcome letter, and posted inside the boathouse will lose their security deposit and possibly incur a fine of up to $1000. Guests are required to follow the check out instructions with detailed instructions on texting all the required photos. If this is not done, guests will lose their security deposit. For guests using my canoe or to access closest boat launch. It is CRITICAL to make arrangements ASAP at booking w Oros Landing (locked gated private local boat launch-no rental equipment/no gas/no supplies) since it can take time for them to respond.

ABSOLUTELY NO ROOF ACCESS! There is a security camera on the roof: Any guests seen on camera accessing the roof will be fined $1000.
The solar panels and connections are on the roof and prior guests have climbed on the roof, have dented the roof, and broken the solar connections leaving following guests without power.

It is ABSOLUTELY CRITICAL to either PRINT or make a SCREEN SHOT of KEY CODE & instructions BEFORE traveling to the boathouse because there is NO WIFI at boathouse & approx 5-10 miles away. Guests CANNOT access the VRBO app. to pull up the key code or info at the boathouse/immediate area and will receive NO REFUNDS if they don't have the keycode when at the boathouse because this was not done.

Guests will need to have their own boat/kayak/canoe or use my canoe (30-45 minute paddle) to arrive at the boathouse, a remodeled 265 sq ft solar powered floating cabin which is located in a sheltered cove in the Stecoah Creek area directly on Fontana Lake which is about 150 feet deep at the boathouse (no shore, no wading area so ALL guests must be strong swimmers). The boathouse can only be accessed by water and is not at the end of a dock. Guests without boat/kayak/canoe or not wanting to use my canoe can call Fontana Marina at 828-498-2017 to arrange for $100 round trip per person. The closest boat launch from the boathouse (about 30-45 minute canoe/kayak paddle) is Oros Landing which can be booked in advance by calling the owner and paying $10/night for parking, launching, and $15/night w trailer, and keyed gated access. Guests not wanting to use Oros Landing can launch further away at Cable Cove, Fontana Marina, or Prince Boat Dock (all about 30 minutes away with a power boat). Guests that have an electric motor will need to bring their own source of charging their boat batteries. ABSOLUTELY NO CHARGING OF BOAT BATTERIES OFF THE SOLAR POWER.

Guests will need to bring their own source of charging power for cell phones, or anything that draws power, life jackets, drinking water, sleeping bags/sheets/pillow cases/towels. There is no cleaning service, no cleaning fee, and no laundry service.

The boathouse is totally off the grid which means no shore power, no cable television, no WIFI, no phone, no AC, no heat, no ability to charge/plug anything in, and probably no cell service. Guests need to check the weather for the Robbinsville area before heading out to make sure they are prepared for the weather. No cancellation refunds because of weather.

There are other boathouses in the area which can be occasionally occupied on the weekend by their owners. The closest boathouse to my boathouse is currently unoccupied.

The boathouse features a kitchen area with Italian granite tiled kitchen, and pebble tiled backsplash, under counter fridge/freezer and 2 burner cooktop, bar seating for 3, French press for coffee (absolutely NO coffee makers allowed), dinnerware and utensils, basic kitchen supplies, pots/pans, and paper towels/garbage bags. The boathouse has a water filtration system but guests will need to bring water to a boil on cooktop to ensure water is safe to drink.

The living room area features a reclining full sized futon, and 32" TV with blue ray player with approx. 50 DVD's, books and games.

The bedroom area has (2) full/double beds (1 of which is a bunk bed). Pillows are provided but guests will need to bring their own bedding/linens/towels/ect.

The bathroom features a 12 sq ft slate tiled shower, sink, and marine toilet with marine toilet paper provided.

The partially covered front deck area faces the lake and National Forest and has a picnic table, propane grill with spare 20 lb propane tanks.

There is a double kayak included with the rental when at the boathouse.

This rental is a unique property for guests who understand there is no charging/plugging in of anything, can conserve the solar power by turning off lights, ceiling fan, TV/DVD player when not using, follow my instructions to the letter on the marine toilet, water pump, propane water heater and are able to provide their own linens/towels, and drinking water.

The boat house does not have a cleaning crew so guests will need to clean the boathouse thoroughly before check out and remove all garbage on departure. The boathouse is stocked with Marine toilet paper, paper towels, bio degradable soap for washing dishes/hands/shampoo, and garbage bags. There are some spices/salt/pepper and basic kitchen supplies. PLEASE DO NOT leave near/empty bottles or anything you brought with you on the boathouse at check out

Pets are not allowed on the furniture or beds and guests are requested to refrain from allowing pets in the boathouse when wet.

Lake Fontana water levels vary during the year but the boat house is always floating.

Property manager

Gaylene de Weijer
Premier Host
Premier Host

Languages

English
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Amenities

Kitchen
Pet-friendly
Gym
Outdoor space
Mountain view
Barbecue grill

House Rules

Check in after 1:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 3–17
Children must be swimmers

Events

No events allowed

Pets

Pets allowed: dogs less than 50 lbs per pet (limit one pet total)
Pets are not allowed on the furnutire or beds.

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
No AC and No heat in boathouse. Check weather for Robbinsville area and bring appropriate clothing and gear for weather. No refunds for weather.
At check out guests will need to thoroughly clean the boathouse by following check out instructions and text photos to avoid losing security deposit
No AC and No heat in boathouse. Check weather for Robbinsville area and bring appropriate clothing and gear for weather. No refunds for weather.

Damage and incidentals

You will be responsible for any damage to the rental property caused by you or your party during your stay.

Important information

You need to know

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

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Robbinsville

Located in Robbinsville, this houseboat is on a lake. Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center and Junaluska Medicine Trail are cultural highlights, and some of the area's attractions include Great Smoky Mountains Railroad and Bryson City Gem Mine. Appalachian Rivers Raft Company and Smokey Mountain Trains Museum are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with jet skiing and kayaking nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with mountain climbing and hiking.
Map
Robbinsville, NC

What's nearby

  • Fontana Lake - 1 min drive
  • Fontana Village Resort Marina - 33 min drive
  • Bryson City Gem Mine - 47 min drive
  • Great Smoky Mountains National Park - 53 min drive
  • Great Smoky Mountains Railroad - 54 min drive

Getting around

  • McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) - 125 min drive

Restaurants

  • Stecoah Diner - 26 min drive
  • Stecoah Diner - 32 min drive

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. 158 out of 171 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 12 out of 171 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 171 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 171 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 171 reviews" "

9.6/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Michael O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great boathouse
Loved staying at your boathouse! It’s the cleanest boathouse we’ve ever stayed at. First time we’ve ever had a hot shower on Fontana Lake! Everything works great. We’ll definitely stay at it again.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kerry K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great place
Everything was great. Clean & well stored. Really enjoyed the stay as always. Thanks again
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Caiden H., Greensboro

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Too short!
This was my third trip to the boathouse and my first going solo and first in the fall. It’s gorgeous and the lake was warmer than it was outside. Only negative thing is that I was only able to spend one night due to a last minute family obligation. This place is pure magic. Every time I go I scour the internet for houseboats for sale. It’s not a typical “vacation”, but if it sounds like something you’d love you absolutely will.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Scott D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Boathouse
If you love being on the water and away from the crowd this is the right place. Beautiful scenery and pease and quiet. Definitely not for the person that likes the amenities of a hotel. Love this place!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Keanna G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful getaway!
Beautiful place to stay, Gaylene has put a lot of thought and effort into making this spot enjoyable and easy to navigate a setup you may not be familiar with! Would definitely recommend
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

About the host

Hosted by Gaylene de Weijer

Host profile image
My family and I love this lake and area because of its proximity to all the things we love to do like water sports, mountain biking, white water rafting, and just relaxing on this beautiful 30 mile long wilderness lake.

Why they chose this property

We loved the idea of being totally off the grid and living on solar power. It is a little like glamping where you have all the comforts of a solid roof over your head in inclement weather but can still relax with movies and games while cooking and grilling under cover.
There is very little boat traffic in the area and the water is perfect for swimming in the summer. Locals love this area as there is great fishing in this lake especially during the cooler months.

What makes this property unique

My husband and I love the super comfortable bed and the spacious slate tiled shower. My favorite thing to do at night is relax with my favorite beverage, watch the moon rise over the mountains, and then watch a movie powered by the sun!

Languages:

English

Premier Host

Premier Host
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