Entire home

CATFISH COTTAGE-LAKE WATAUGA, TN -WATERFRONT-PRIVATE DOCK

Lakefront cottage with kitchen and patio

Photo gallery for CATFISH COTTAGE-LAKE WATAUGA, TN -WATERFRONT-PRIVATE DOCK

Entrance
(back down  recommended -- no turn around at cottage)
July 4, 2024
Front porch overlooks lake
new addition - for relaxing, fishing, swimming, yoga
cottage, covered porch, fire pit, private dock-June, 2017

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 4420 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Washer
  • Parking available
  • Fireplace
  • Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

View in a map
Butler, TN
  • Place, Watauga Lake Winery
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Place, Beech Mountain Resort
    ‪35 min drive‬
  • Place, Land of Oz
    ‪37 min drive‬
  • Airport, Tri-Cities, TN (TRI-Tri-Cities Regional)
    ‪95 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed and 1 Double Futon

1 bathroom

Bathroom

Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Dining area

About this property

CATFISH COTTAGE-LAKE WATAUGA, TN -WATERFRONT-PRIVATE DOCK

RESCHEDULING IS AVAILABLE AS CALENDAR DICTATES. Catfish Cottage is a private waterfront vacation rental which provides beautiful mountain views depicting all seasons! PERFECT FOR A COUPLE GETAWAY! Maximum of four guests are allowed.
PLEASE READ HOUSE RULES BEFORE BOOKING. Dogs or cats are CONSIDERED, and guests are expected to be forthcoming on the number and type of pet. NO SMOKING -- NO PARTIES A private dock, for use by renters only, is a place where you can either dock your personal watercraft, use the canoe or fishing kayak provided, or a pontoon can be rented from nearby Fish Springs Marina or Lake Shore Marina. The Watauga River flows into Lake Watauga just a few hundred yards from Catfish Cottage which enables adventurers to kayak or canoe up the river for quite a distance. TVA controls lake level which they usually start to lower in late August or September. Water depth at the end of our dock has never been less than 8'. This lowering doesn't allow canoeing all the way to the rapids. Fishing is great in Lake Watauga, and a license, if needed, is obtainable less than two miles away at Watauga Lake Mercantile (see their website). They are also the closest for "forgot to get" items. Ready for another adventure? Walk, hike, bike or drive just a little over a mile away to the Lake Watauga Winery which is in an old restored schoolhouse and hear about the ghosts that have revealed themselves since the property was purchased! Mountain City is only 16 miles from Catfish Cottage. It's an easy route to two major grocery stores. From Mountain City, it's another 17 miles to the Virginia Creeper Trail in Damascus, VA traveling on Hwy. 91 or in the opposite direction, you can travel to Boone or Blowing Rock, NC on Hwy. 421 from Mtn. City. Or, leaving the cottage and going through Pioneer Landing to Hwy. 321, it's 16 miles to the outskirts of Boone and then on to Linville, Blowing Rock, etc. The Bristol Race Track is about 40 miles from the cottage. Lots to do from this location. Or, simply stay at the cottage and relax. This is a NON-SMOKING vacation rental. WIFI is available as well as a phone. DISH TV is in the cottage as well as several DVD's. HORSEBACK RIDING on nearby Roan Mountain - or in Boone, NC. BIKE RIDING either in nearby Hampton TN or the world-known VIRGINIA CREEPER TRAIL! What adventures there are to be had! Dogs /cats are CONSIDERED. Please inform owners of the type of dog/cat you have when booking your dates. The charge is $25 per dog/cat per stay for the extra cleaning required.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Pet-friendly
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
Parking available

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House Rules

Check in after 12:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Must be strictly supervised
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed
Purchase Property Damage Ins. @ $59 -voids $200
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Lock the doors and return the keys
Please inform owner if anything has been broken or is not working properly. Thank you
If kayaks or canoe has been used, please pull out of water and secure in proper place on dock. Thank you
If you have a dog, please make sure all dog pooh has been picked up and discarded in trash. Thank you
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Report ANY problems:xxx-xxx-xxxx NO EXTRA OVERNIGHT GUESTS ARE ALLOWED DAYTIME GUESTS ARE LIMITED TO FOUR (4) IF SOCIAL DISTANCING CAN BE MAINTAINED D
NO SMOKING IN COTTAGE OR PORCH Guests must be forthcoming about what kind of pet and how many. Pets will be CONSIDERED--not automatically accepted
Dispose of personal items in trash -- not in toilet.

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, a first aid kit and a deadlock

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Butler

Located in Butler, this cottage is in a rural area and on the waterfront. Beech Mountain Resort and Watauga Lake Winery are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those looking for area attractions can visit Fish Springs Marina and Lakeshore Marina. Discover the area's water adventures with jet skiing and kayaking nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with mountain climbing and mountain biking.
Map
Butler, TN

What's nearby

  • Watauga Lake - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
  • Watauga Lake Winery - 7 min drive - 4.1 km
  • Beech Mountain Resort - 35 min drive - 26.7 km
  • Land of Oz - 37 min drive - 28.0 km
  • Grandfather Mountain - 59 min drive - 60.9 km

Getting around

  • Abingdon, VA (VJI-Virginia Highlands) - 78 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Butler Trading Post - ‬27 min drive
  • ‪JJ's Cafe - ‬25 min drive
  • ‪Barn Dining & Dancing - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪doe creek beverage - ‬20 min drive
  • ‪Ha & Jj's Store Deli & Produce - ‬28 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is CATFISH COTTAGE-LAKE WATAUGA, TN -WATERFRONT-PRIVATE DOCK pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at CATFISH COTTAGE-LAKE WATAUGA, TN -WATERFRONT-PRIVATE DOCK?

Check-in begins at 12:00 PM.

What time is check-out at CATFISH COTTAGE-LAKE WATAUGA, TN -WATERFRONT-PRIVATE DOCK?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is CATFISH COTTAGE-LAKE WATAUGA, TN -WATERFRONT-PRIVATE DOCK located?

Situated on the waterfront, this cottage is steps away from Watauga Lake and Watauga River. Watauga Lake Winery is 2.3 mi (3.7 km) away.

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. 241 out of 245 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 245 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 245 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 245 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 245 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Patricia S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very clean, cozy, beautiful place to stay!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nicholas M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great vacation spot for a long weekend; cabin was clean, well stocked, and very cozy. Huge porch with great views, perfect for board games and reading books in the hammock. We will definitely be coming back!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jamie H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Clean, fully stocked. Execellent host. We love Pat
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

kathy m.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful property. Decor and setup are great. Every detail was considered.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jon B.

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

Wonderful place

All the five star comments are true no complaints super clean awesome view. Everything was great. Couldn’t have been a more perfect place to stay.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Chastity W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Another summer down, and another wonderful stay. :) Nothing is overlooked and the place is spotless, with beautiful views in a peaceful location. Looking forward to hopefully another enjoyable stay in the future!
Early morning view.  :)
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tracey S.

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

Cottage on the lake

Easy access and we enjoyed the dock - and jumped in the lake every day - inside was very clean and modern - in fact, it was much more updated then we thought! The AC worked amazingly as we had temps in the upper 90s for several days!
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Tricia B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location
Beautiful place and great views. Cabin was very clean. Kayaks had broken seats so we couldn't use them. Driveway was super hard to back down. It needs to be graded to correct steep grade. There was room to turn around but they blocked off the space for no apparent reason. Had to reset the internet 3 times before the router worked. No cell service so be prepared with offline maps if you want to find anything.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kiria G.

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

It was super clean, very charming and amazing views. Great hosts. Loved everything about it.

Great experience. Would recommend 100%
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jamie H.

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

Best Family time together

Favorite part of my little family’s summer. We have the best time at Catfish every year. Pat is wonderful and the property is a gem.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Mark U.

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

Great Time!

Patricia and George were great hosts that were very accommodating to everything we needed. Great cabin. Great Lake. Great area. Great hosts! So naturally a great time!
Stayed 7 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Secellia C.

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

Amazingly Beautiful

We throughly enjoyed staying at catfish cottage. Everything is so well organized and the view is absolutely amazing. Very peaceful and tranquil. We will be back 😁
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Alice C.

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

Cozy lakeside cabin

My husband and I rent this cozy lakeside cabin at least once or twice a year. It's perfect for two people (plus dogs). Hosts are always so welcoming and the cabin is well-equipped. 10/10
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Perfection on the lake!

This small little gem lives large with vaulted ceilings, great kitchen, two comfy sofas, good sized bathroom and great mattress in bedroom and it is IMMACULATE. Wonderful covered porch with hammock and grill plus private dock with floating covered pontoon "porch". Responsive owners--just an easy and delightful stay!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2020

10/10 Excellent

Michele B., Salisbury, NC

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

Delightful retreat

This cabin has everything you need for a lake retreat. Everything is provided and labeled with great instructions and easy, promo communication from the hosts. This is my second time at Watauga Lake but my first time at Catfish cottage. We want to make it a yearly vacation because it was so peaceful, beautiful and perfect.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Denise F.

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

Lake time is the best time!

Catfish Cottage was the perfect place to stay for relaxing, enjoying nature and spending time with the one you love. Catfish Cottage was so comfortable and welcoming, thanks to the attention to details by Pat and George. My husband and I spent days on the dock, and evenings on the deck. If more stars were available to describe our time at Catfish Cottage, I'd give them. What a special place!
Stayed 5 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Melody T.

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

Weekend Getaway

10/10 ⭐️ Catfish Cottage was absolutely perfect for our weekend getaway with our dog. The cabin is nicely tucked away and so quiet and serene. Everything we needed was supplied within the cabin and the dock was perfect for laying lakeside and throwing toys for our dog to retrieve, the perk was the dog ramp! It was a game charger for helping him out. Pat was super responsive, provided great hospitality, and even had a bag of treats for our dog, as it was his birthday. Can’t recommend this cottage enough!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Shelley B.

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

Gem on the Wautaugua

I am as jealous as I can be! I didn't want to leave. It was beautiful in every way possible. The owners have thought of everything to have available for your stay. Right down to Q-tips!! It was quiet and so peaceful.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Timmesa W.

Best of the best

We could not get over how cute this little cottage was and how much attention to detail was given. Loved the pontoon float! Spent time in the hammock on the porch and enjoyed the beautiful view. The kitchen was fully stocked and everything was so clean and shiny. :) Thank you again.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2019

10/10 Excellent

stan c., enka-candler, N.C.

impressive

the view is beautiful and the cottage looks story book beautiful, inside and out! the owners take great pride, obviously, in maintaining this hidden gem. we have stayed at several different locations in the tennessee area and the catfish cottage has been the best!! i am a southerner and it was very nice to be treated with southern charm and hospitality...something that is becoming a rarity...2 thumbs up
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2018

10/10 Excellent

Lorene T.

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

Unpack & Relax

From the moment we unpacked the porch was calling out me. My husband and I are from Vermont and it was a LONG drive. Miss Pat and George were so accommodating and friendly. Invited us to church social and gave us some pointers on local animal rescues. The Cabin is BY FAR THE BEST EQUIPPED VRBO rental we have Ever stayed at and we have stayed in a lot in 10 years. Miss Pat and George are simply amazing. Thank you so much for everything!!! L & D
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Page M.

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

Perfect getaway

Gorgeous lakefront property literally just steps from the water. Cabin beautiful and has everything you need to make your stay perfect. Kitchen fully equipped with wonderful gas stove, spices, and any needed dishes/utensils. Have breakfast on the porch with the very friendly hummingbirds, canoe down the river 1.2 miles to small rapids and a sandy beach perfect for a picnic, and enjoy the spectacular sunset. Hosts are very attentive and make sure your every need is met. Definitely plan to return. Thank you very much Pat & George.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2020

10/10 Excellent

Lori O.

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

Perfect!

First, communication with owners could not have been better. This began at Christmas, 2022, when the freeze came and travel was not recommended. They sugg3sted and let us change our holiday rental dates to an anniversaey date in April. This is by far the cleanest place, it has all you need and more in regard to relaxing, water activity, cooking, ... The porch is so comfortable - lost time just watching the wildlife.The lake is beautiful. If we could have stayed another week, we sure would have.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Suzanne J.

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

Late Summer Getaway at Catfish Cottage

During a previous late-fall visit to Catfish Cottage last year, we endured cold weather with strong winds and snow! This fall's visit was much different. We enjoyed beautifully clear skies and pleasant summer-like temperatures. We took the opportunity to do some fishing, kayaking, birding (We saw a mature Bald Eagle!), walking and a lot of time just sitting on the deck or on the dock, enjoying true peace and quiet while watching beautiful sunsets light up the stunning fall colors in the hills surrounding the lake. Pat and George have created something very special at Catfish Cottage that touches us deeply with every return visit. Once again, we extend our sincerest thanks to Pat and George for the privilege of enjoying their marvelous creation.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Linda C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything was super! Clean, quiet and comfortable. Beautiful views and surrounding mountains. If you have any physical limitations, you may not access the water quite so easily. Check to be sure water level is not down as ramp can be steep.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

About the host

Hosted by Patricia or George Heinemann

Host profile image
We are an older couple who fell in love with the location of
Catfish Cottage. We kept the name that was on the cottage, but almost everything else has been updated (totally inside).

Why they chose this property

Location, location, location -- a perfect get-a-way for a couple. Family of four is our maximum.

What makes this property unique

It is at the intersection of the Watauga River which flows from Boone, NC and the lake. In the winter, out front of the cottage is a natural spring which when the lake is iced over, there is a circle of unfrozen water where the spring is. Kayaking and/or canoeing up the river is an adventure or just going for an evening canoe ride out in the lake. Pontoon rentals are available from either Fish Spring Marina or Lake Shore Marina in Butler, TN or Cove Ridge Marina

Languages:

English