See all properties
Entire home

Peaceful Creekside Mountain Retreat - Wren Cottage

Photo gallery for Peaceful Creekside Mountain Retreat - Wren Cottage

Welcome to Wren Cottage at Balsam Gap!
Relax in this comfy living room after a day hiking or sightseeing.
Lots of local guide books to help you decide what to do that day.
In addition to guide books, lots of fiction to choose from.
Rainy, snowing or just too cold to be out? We've got you!

Reviews

10 out of 10, Loved by Guests
Top 10% based on
2 bedrooms2+ bathroomsSleeps 51350 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Outdoor space

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 5)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Living Room 1

1 Single Sofa Bed

2 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

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

Bathroom 2

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

Bathroom 3

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Peaceful Creekside Mountain Retreat - Wren Cottage

Welcome to Wren Cottage at Balsam Gap - your peaceful mountain retrest. Nestled in a quiet, private rural setting surrounded by trees and nature, this beautifully remodeled one-level cottage offers the perfect blend of comfort, charm and relaxation. With 1,350 sq. ft. of thoughtfully updated space, a fully stocked and well-equipped kitchen for cooking full meals and cozy living areas designed for unwinding, Wren Cottage is an ideal escape whether you're here for a weekend getaway or a long stay.

- 5th guest sleeps on very comfortable couch.
- Ultra-comfortable memory foam beds for a great night’s sleep
- Cable TV and free Netflix for relaxing evenings in
- High-speed WiFi for work, browsing, or streaming
- Keurig Duo coffee maker with K-pods and filter packs provided
- Washer and dryer for your convenience during longer stays
- Quiet wooded walks right from the cottage for peaceful time in nature
- Fireplace to cozy up on cooler mountain evenings
- Large yard and spacious, flat driveway with easy, stress-free parking

UNPACK ONCE - and easy drive to these attractions
40 minutes - Great Smoky Mountains National Park
35 minutes - Harrah's Cherokee Casino and Cherokee
45 minutes - Nantahala Outdoor Center Rafting
20 minutes - Dillsboro Rafting Company
35 minutes - Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
5 minutes - Blue Ridge Parkway
15 minutes - Historic Waynesville, NC
40 minutes - Downtown Asheville, NC
40 minutes - Biltmore Estate

We live nearby and are always available if you need anything during your stay, but we fully respect your privacy. You’ll enjoy easy, convenient self-check-in upon arrival.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

Similar properties

Exterior
Charming 2-bedroom cottage with AC, WiFi in welcoming Waynesville
  • Kitchen
  • Pet-friendly
  • Air-conditioning
  • Parking available
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (5 reviews)
Charming 2-bedroom cottage with AC, WiFi in welcoming Waynesville

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 11:00 AM
default

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
default

Events

No events allowed
default

Pets

No pets allowed
default

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

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 and a first aid kit

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts

About the area

Waynesville

Located in Waynesville, this cottage is in the mountains. LoneBackpacker Gallery of World Photography and Museum of North Carolina Handicrafts are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Cataloochee Ski Area and Balsam Spa. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Smoky Mountain Jumphouse or Liston B. Ramsey Regional Activity Center. Take the opportunity to explore the area for outdoor excitement like hiking and other activities like birdwatching.
View more Cottages in WaynesvilleOpens in a new window
Map
Waynesville, NC

What's nearby

  • Blue Ridge Parkway Balsam Entrance - 3 min drive - 2.1 km
  • Barber Orchard Fruitstand - 4 min drive - 2.0 km
  • Balsam Spa - 9 min drive - 8.8 km
  • Hazelwood Soap Company - 9 min drive - 9.6 km
  • Waterrock Knob - 10 min drive - 8.3 km

Getting around

  • Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) - 51 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Bojangles' Famous Chicken 'n Biscuits - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Maggie's Galley - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Papas & Beer - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Butts On The Creek - ‬22 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Peaceful Creekside Mountain Retreat - Wren Cottage pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Peaceful Creekside Mountain Retreat - Wren Cottage?

As of 7 Mar, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Peaceful Creekside Mountain Retreat - Wren Cottage on 16 Apr, 2026 start from S$186, 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 at Peaceful Creekside Mountain Retreat - Wren Cottage?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Peaceful Creekside Mountain Retreat - Wren Cottage?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Peaceful Creekside Mountain Retreat - Wren Cottage?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Peaceful Creekside Mountain Retreat - Wren Cottage located?

Situated in the mountains, this cottage is within 3 miles (5 km) of Smoky Mountain Jumphouse, Barber Orchard Fruitstand and Blue Ridge Parkway Balsam Entrance. Nantahala National Forest is 2.6 mi (4.2 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. 72 out of 73 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 73 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 73 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 73 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 73 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Staff & service

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Judy B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Excellent accommodations to make for a very comfortable stay.and we'd would highly recommend this lovely home in such a tranquil setting.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nakeisha M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
One of the best rentals I have stayed in. Scenic area, very peaceful.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joseph J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Check in is very easy and the location is convenient to town and only 2 miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway. The house is perfect, very comfortable with a cozy front porch and a beautiful view of mountains with a noisy little creek near by. Beds are comfortable and spent lots of time touring the waynesville area.
Stayed 12 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rami D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We absolutely loved the Wren Cottage and cannot wait to book our next stay. The home was impeccably clean, well stocked and extremely comfortable. The kitchen had everything you'd have at your own home. The host was wonderful and always communicated very fast. The location is excellent, quiet and private. The beds are also very comfortable and we slept really well. Thank you for a great stay!!
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rhonda H.

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

Beautiful property

2nd stay. Beautiful property and great location. Property manager is excellent.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth M.

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

Cute cottage in a beautiful neighborhood

This adorable cottage is one of our favorite places to stay. It’s clean and comfortable and the neighborhood is beautiful!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Matt H.

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

Lovely cottage in the mountains

The home was just right for us, nicely laid out and comfy. Great for a long, relaxing weekend in the mountains!
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rhonda H.

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

Wren Cottage

Location is amazing….close to Waynesville, Sylva, Maggie Valley and Asheville. Cottage is tucked into quiet mountain location with a lovely creek along side property that you can hear at all times. Cottage is clean and has multiple amenities. Definitely will book again.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Patti T.

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

Beautiful and Great Location

We loved our recent stay at The Wren Cottage… such a clean and well furnished rental! Beautiful linens, well stocked kitchen, cute front porch and total privacy made this an amazing rental!! Susan was very attentive to any questions we had…we would definitely rent here again!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Amanda S.

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

Weekend getaway

We absolutely loved our stay! It was a nice long weekend getaway and so cozy! We were able to enjoy the snow, go sight seeing and relax! If anything was needed, we messaged and received a prompt response and we were able to have them check in during our stay to be sure we didn’t need anything. I’d absolutely recommend this house and would love to stay again in the future!
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth M.

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

Absolutely perfect!

We can’t say enough about how wonderful this cottage is. It’s clean, comfortable and in a beautiful location. This is our second time renting it and we hope to be back soon!
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

chris w.

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

Great Anniversary Get-Away

Super clean, cozy, homey, and well appointed. Peace and quiet abounds. Exceptional location for those wanting access to the Blueridge Parkway. Less than 5 minutes away. Bikers will love it.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Leslie E.

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

7 days in heaven

My husband and I recently stayed at Susan's cottage for 7 days. It was lovely, well located for reaching the parkway. Plan to return next year.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2019

10/10 Excellent

Joseph J.

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

Perfect stay at Wren Cottage

Wren Cottage is a perfect place to see the fall colors. We were very happy with the property. Everything that we could need was provided. The homes instructions were perfectly explained and felt at home as soon as we arrived. We felt close enough to everything and still secluded and private. We will be returning in the future.
Stayed 11 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lacey M.

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

Fabulous cottage

This was one of the best work/vacation trips we’ve ever taken. The cottage was everything we could have asked for. We would think of something we would like to have and it was there. We even enjoyed the rainy afternoons sitting in the rockers on the front porch. The host were great and very responsive. We will definitely visit again.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer R.

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

Amazing home with beautiful views and hospitality!

This home was perfect for our family of 3. We arrived to a beautifully decorated home for Christmas and our daughter was so excited to have it feel like "home". We loved the location, views and peacefulness that it brought to our stay. The sweet treats and memory foam beds were appreciated also. We will be recommending this home to our friends and family and hope to return in the future! The owner is very sweet and helpful and a pleasure to work with. Highly recommend this home.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2019

10/10 Excellent

Shelly R.

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

Home Away from Home

We stayed at Wren Cottage for the first time this past June. After looking at so many homes to stay in, we found this gem. It was everything we could ask for and more. The location is perfectly set close to the Blue Ridge and the sweet city of Waynesville. The creek running along side the property was the perfect touch to the Mountain View from the front porch. The house was well stocked and oh so clean. We are already planning our next stay. You can’t go wrong with this beautifully loved home.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Carol V.

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

Wonderful, charming and peaceful getaway

This property was amazing! The cottage was extremely clean and updated. Everything you could ever want or need was provided. This cottage is located in a very quiet neighborhood. The owner is always available and is very friendly and even baked a small cake for our arrival! This is one of the best rentals that I have stayed at. This cottage far exceeded my expectations. I wish all rentals were like this one. Thank you to the owners for providing such a wonderful rental.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2019

10/10 Excellent

Eileen H.

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

Wonderful week in the mountains

We stayed for 10 days and loved it. The house was perfect for us. It is nicely decorated, very clean and well equipped. Lots of care went into the details. We loved looking out the kitchen window and seeing mountains, sitting on the front porch enjoying the view and eating meals on the back patio. The location is excellent for exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway and surrounding areas. The owner was accessible and easy to communicate with. We had a great vacation. Thank you.
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

PATRICIA B.

beautiful & relaxing

What a beautiful cottage. It was neat & clean, spacious. loved the swing and rocking chairs on front porch. Anything you could have needed to have a great stay was there. Coffee, bottled water. Big thick towels in baths, wonderful comfortable beds with memory foam. Also, lets not forget the little creek running through the property and you could sit by the stream and relax and enjoy the sound of the water running over the rocks. Its not far from the places we wanted to go. Couldn't ask for a better place to stay. Will definitely stay here again.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2018

10/10 Excellent

Jessie H.

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

Beautiful little cottage

The hostess goes out of her way to ensure your stay is perfect in her cottage. There are small toiletries in the bathroom, sugar and creamer in the kitchen, new rolls of toilet paper in all three bathrooms, etc. I was very inpreased by the attention to detail. The location is fabulous for hopping on the Blueridge Parkway and it’s also easy to get to Waynesville, Maggie, and Silva. We loved curling up on the comfy couch in the evenings by the fire too. Would highly recommend.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2021

10/10 Excellent

Sondra E.

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

Home away from home

If you’re looking to get away and stay in a cozy cottage that is tucked away in the mountains but close enough to places like Cataloochee Ski Area and downtown Waynesville, then look no further. From the lulling sound of the creek beside the house (that is easily accessible and has a bench beside it), to a well-stocked kitchen, to all the little extras that are placed throughout the house, we felt welcome and right at home. Thank you Susan for your hospitality and opening your home to others. If I could give you more stars I would.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kathy D.

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

Home away from home

Wanted to stay longer but had to leave. Your home was simply beautiful. Every detail was thought of. Location was tucked away in an amazing tranquil spot. Yet close enough to the mainstream. Wish the weather was nicer so we could enjoy the outdoors more. Hopefully will get to come back and take advantage of it then. Thank you Susan for being so accommodating and easy to communicate with.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2019

10/10 Excellent

Gregory S.

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

Quiet, Cozy Mountain Getaway

First and foremost, this was the cleanest VRBO we have ever stayed in! It was beautifully decorated for Fall, with thoughtful touches throughout: A fully equipped kitchen for cooking just about anything; wide selection of books and games; cable TV and a smart TV for streaming from your favorite services; a multi-device charger for all your smart devices; a fire pit; corn hole boards; and simple check in and check out instructions. Communication with the host was quick and clear. She was very personable. We plan on staying here again! Thank you.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sue B.

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

Absolutely amazing!!

Our stay at Wren Cottage in Waynesville NC is probably one of the most enjoyable vacations we have taken in awhile!! The place is immaculate, very well cared for. Susan is an absolute gem to work with - very responsive. Susan has thought of EVERYTHING you need for your vacation - all the little touches! We thoroughly enjoyed sitting outside every morning with our coffee listening to the babbling creek and then again in the evening for our wine/beer. Thank you Susan for sharing your slice of paradise with us! We will definitely be back. Already planning our next trip!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2020

About the host

Hosted by Susan O'Day

Host profile image

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
Tell us how we can improve our siteShare feedback

Hotels

Holiday Rentals