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Stay and Play @ Railway Rest, near AVL, trails, falls

Holiday home in Old Fort with free breakfast

Photo gallery for Stay and Play @ Railway Rest, near AVL, trails, falls

Master bedroom-queen-sized bed with memory foam topper, dresser and closet.
Another shot of the master bedroom with bedside bookshelf (and books :)!
Second bedroom-double bed with mattress topper, dresser and closet.
Full bath with all the necessities!
Full sized shower/tub combination.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 41000 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Barbecue grill
  • Washer
  • Parking available
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

View in a map
  • Place, Old Fort Railroad Museum
  • Place, Catawba Falls
  • Place, Lake Tomahawk
  • Airport, Asheville, NC (AVL-Asheville Regional)

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Living Room 1

1 Double Sofa Bed

Master

1 Queen Bed

Second bedroom

1 Double Bed

1 bathroom

Hall bath

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

Spaces

Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Stay and Play @ Railway Rest, near AVL, trails, falls

A mile from Old Fort’s breweries, winery and restaurants. Minutes to I-40 and Black Mountain. Asheville, The Blue Ridge Parkway, Grandfather Mountain, Chimney Rock and Biltmore House are a short drive. Hike and bike the trails in Pisgah National Forest, fish for trout in nearby Mill Creek. Watch wild turkeys or a train headed up the mountain. Perfect for couples, solo adventurers, business travelers, and families (with kids).

The cottage is cozy and quaint, offering a quiet relaxing stay. Stocked breakfast items are included - eggs, coffee, tea and homemade bread - all local, of course! Far enough away from the noise in town, but so convenient to all the area offers. It has everything you need to enjoy a little R&R. Get outside! Play Frisbee or Badminton in the yard or the large field beside the house. Sit by the fire pit and enjoy the evening. If you prefer, curl up with a book or magazine or pick a game available for a variety of ages. WiFi and TV streaming available. Combined living and dining area, FULLY equipped kitchen as well as full-sized laundry facilities. Larger bedroom features a small dresser, closet and a queen-sized bed with a memory foam topper. A double bed, dresser, and closet make up the smaller bedroom.

The Neighborhood

Railway Rest is located just outside the town limits in a quiet and peaceful setting. A vacant field and forested area are adjacent and to the rear of the property allowing guests privacy. Listen to the sound of Mill Creek across the street and enjoy fishing from its banks in town.

Hillman Beer, about a mile from our home has great food and beverages! Whaley Farm Brewing is too and offers craft beer, Abiocco Pizza on site as well as a small farm store with locally grown and/or made items!

Getting Around

Your personal vehicle or bicycle is needed for travel to and from town, or possibly to Black Mountain for the more adventurous cyclist - think Point Lookout Trail! The closest airport is Asheville Regional, approximately 45 minutes. Greenville/Spartanburg or Charlotte are alternates and are approximately 1.5 and 2 hours away, respectively.

If your dates here are booked, check out our new in-town tiny home - Mary Ida's Place - 3094419. Or if you need more space, rent both - they’re about a mile apart.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Breakfast included
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Gather used towels
Take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Place used towels in the laundry room. It isn’t necessary to strip the bed(s).
Make sure the trash is outside in the can (outside the laundry room door) and the lid is secured.
Make sure to sign out of streaming accounts and return the key to the lockbox.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

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
Long-term renters welcome
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
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 recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Old Fort

Located in Old Fort, this holiday home is in a rural area. Black Mountain Golf Club and Patricia Cornwell Tennis Center are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Chimney Rock State Park and Pisgah National Forest. Old Fort Railroad Museum and The Merry Wine Market are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
View more Holiday homes in Old FortOpens in a new window
Map
Old Fort, NC

What's nearby

  • Pisgah National Forest - 1 min drive - 0.4 km
  • Old Fort Railroad Museum - 3 min drive - 2.0 km
  • Catawba Falls - 10 min drive - 8.0 km
  • Black Mountain Center for the Arts - 16 min drive - 19.3 km
  • Lake Tomahawk - 17 min drive - 19.3 km

Getting around

  • Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) - 40 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Hardee's - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Centennial Eatery - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Seeker Coffee - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Dining Hall - ‬17 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Stay and Play @ Railway Rest, near AVL, trails, falls pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Stay and Play @ Railway Rest, near AVL, trails, falls?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Stay and Play @ Railway Rest, near AVL, trails, falls?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Stay and Play @ Railway Rest, near AVL, trails, falls located?

Situated in a rural location, this holiday home is within 2 miles (3 km) of Pisgah National Forest, Old Fort Railroad Museum and Arrowhead Monument. Mountain Gateway Museum and Old Fort Picnic Area are also within 2 miles (3 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. 121 out of 122 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 122 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 122 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 122 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 122 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Staff & service

9.6/10

Amenities

9.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

William L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Railway Rest is perfect! Great location for biking, hiking, and relaxing. David and Margaret go out of their way with great communication and a comfortable, clean, and well stocked home.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Stacey t.

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

Great place to stay, always clean and hosts are more than gracious.

Wonderful and peaceful as always.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Phillip G.

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

Great Location!

Very clean, nice place. Close to everything Old Fort. Thank you!
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Charlotte T.

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

Very friendly, easy to reach property owners

We had a great stay, and were welcomed by homemade bread, fresh butter and eggs. It was just the size home need needed as our home away from home, and everything was well cared for in the home!
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Renee T., Apex

Lovely home in Old Fort!

Our family had a wonderful time in this lovely home. David & Margaret were wonderful & we enjoyed the breakfast items they had waiting for us. The home was very clean & had everything we needed. We will stay here again when we are in the area!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2018

10/10 Excellent

Dorothy F.

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

Railway respite

This was our second time staying at Railway Rest. It's a peaceful, clean, quiet getaway only a short distance from Old Fort. Margaret and David are fabulous hosts and made us feel so welcome. Very enjoyable stay!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Joshua M.

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

Perfect location, size and super clean

This was the perfect getaway home for our family. Our toddler loved exploring the fields, and watching the train from across the road. Everything was extremely clean, and the owners were very communicative.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Melissa F.

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

Birthday Get Away

Really enjoyed our relaxing stay at Railway Rest. House was cozy and clean. The hosts left us farm fresh eggs and baked apple bread. Wish we were staying longer than a weekend. Definitely hope to stay there again! Highly recommended!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

renee g.

Would definitely stay here again

Very clean and comfortable home with a Super nice hostess who was very responsive to us! They provided lots of Information about the area . We had a great stay with everything we needed . Tons better than a hotel. Thank you Margaret
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2019

10/10 Excellent

Roxanne M., Southport nc

Lovely cottage. Great stay!

We enjoyed our stay at Railroad Rest. The cottage was clean and well stocked. Our hosts provided everything we needed including an amazing loaf of banana bread - which we greatly enjoyed! We especially appreciated the magazines about North Carolina that were tabbed with relevant articles. Highly recommended!
Stayed 5 nights in May 2019

10/10 Excellent

Regina M., Waxhaw, NC

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

Home Away From Home

We absolutely loved everything about our experience with Railway Rest! Margaret was wonderful. And what a welcome surprise to find homemade banana nut bread, a dozen eggs, orange juice, half and half, and assorted other beverages waiting for us in the refrigerator. This beautiful little house was perfect for our needs. Can't wait to come back!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2020

10/10 Excellent

Mary Anne S.

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

Serene Setting and Lovely Place

Railway Rest was looking so pretty during my April stay, and all of the plantings were in full bloom. The house is cozy and very comfortable with thoughtful touches like throw blankets and plenty of towels. Margaret and David had seen to any wish I may have had, and stocked the kitchen for breakfast as well as provided prompt communication. The only thing I would have wished for is to stay longer!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Caroline B.

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

Southern hospitality at its finest

This is the best VRBO I've ever stayed in. Numerous special hospitality touches - fancy soap, a very well-equipped kitchen stocked with food and drinks, a water filter, laundry detergent, local menus, and a binder of things to do - they've thought of everything. The cabin was immaculate. We enjoyed meeting our host when we arrived - he's a very personable guy. Be sure to treat yourself to cinnamon rolls from GoGo's in Old Fort, NC. They're the best I've ever tasted. There's a menu in the kitchen for you to decide on your favorite variety. Hope to visit again.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Steve D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
It was a cute and cozy place with everything we needed to be comfortable and enjoy our time
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mark R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect place for our getaway. As advertised. Exceptionally clean. Had a nice relaxing time.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Stacey t.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
6th time staying here, feels like our home away from home. Really appreciate hosts attention to detail. Our favorite R &R place.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Philip D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful place to stay for anyone who loves the outdoors! Hosts were great and the items provided for breakfast were enjoyed by all :)! I would recommend!!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Megan S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful home! The extra touches were much appreciated and made for a great stay-eggs, banana bread, coffee, half and half. So nice! Wonderful location for hitting the trails straight from the house. Thanks again!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Terry B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very clean! Loved the banana bread & eggs! Perfect for us as we were in town for a wedding. Had everything we needed. Liked that location was in the valley and we did not need to go up the mountain to get there.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

michelle r.

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

Cozy

Very peaceful and clean. Extra touches made us feel welcomed.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Peter D.

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

Perfect little place

My friend and I ran a 50mile race that started and ended at Camp Grier and this little house was perfect! Quiet and cozy and cute as can be!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Noah S.

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

Wonderful Retreat

We unfortunately were there as Hurricane Helene rolled in. The hosts were 100% open with communication and assisted any need we had as they could. While we had to cut our stay short due to the flooding of the town, we are thankful for the awesome hosts who made our time there safe and comfortable. The property is beautiful and would love to come back and stay again.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Marcos Damian S.

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

Un lugar genial

Nuestra estadía en la casa de Old Fort fue increíble! Llegamos al atardecer y encontramos esta preciosa casa de campo, perfectamente equipada, decorada con muy buen gusto, haciendo de cada ambiente un lugar cálido y confortable. David y Margaret fueron excelentes anfitriones, nos dejaron en la cocina un delicioso pan de bananas, más huevos, leche y manteca en la heladera para el desayuno. Las habitaciones son muy cómodas, ambas con lugar para ubicar la valija, además de las cajoneras. El baño y cocina muy bien equipados con todo lo necesario, un práctico sector de lavado junto a la cocina con lavadora y secadora. El ambiente principal cuenta con un sillón enorme y perfecto para descansar luego de una caminata por la zona. O mejor aún, disfrutar del porche, con su banco-hamaca para tomar un café y maravillarse de la paz y la belleza de la naturaleza. Alojarnos allí nos sirvió además para acceder cómodamente a varios tramos del recorrido de la Blue Ridge Parkway, y también de las Great Smoky Mountains. David y Margaret siempre atentos a cualquier consulta. Fue una experiencia hermosa y que recomendamos.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Victoria R.

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

Girl trip

Enjoyed the house so much. Had a wonderful girl trip and your home made it the best. Will stay again. Thank you
Stayed 1 night in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Autumn F.

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

Better than pictured!

I booked this home for my family who were coming into town for my wedding. They said the photos did not do it justice! They felt very at home here. Margaret was also very sweet and helpful, and answered all my questions very quickly!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

About the host

Hosted by David and Margaret

Host profile image
My wife and I live in western NC and are recently retired. We're not natives, but have adopted the area as home. We love it here in the Blue Ridge Mountains - what's not to love? Working in tourism for years and living in the area gives my wife a unique perspective - she knows where "the locals go" as well as the visitors! We can't wait to share our home and all the area offers with you!

We recently added a tiny home - Mary Ida's Place - an in-town, walkable location. If Railway is booked, please consider a stay with us there.

Why they chose this property

This property is near our home, so we are very accessible to our guests, if necessary. We also love the area and fell in love with the simplicity of this home. It's very quiet and peaceful, even though it's so convenient to so many area activities.

What makes this property unique

The property is quaint and cozy. Two adjoining lots perfect for outdoor games; small stream flows in between. Hike up the hill behind the house, cycle up to various mountain bike trails - Point Lookout, Kitsuma and Heartbreak Ridge or sit on the porch swing and watch a train chug up the mountain.

Languages:

English

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