New Kitchen+Relaxing Riverfront View+Hot Tub+Dog-Friendly

Hi, I’m originally from Washington, D.C., but I’ve had the chance to live in different places around the world. No matter where I go, I always find myself happiest outdoors—hiking, exploring local spots, or just sitting with family and friends, taking it all in. While I live on the beach in northern Florida for much of the year, my pup Zadie and I look forward most of all to our summers here in the NC mountains.

That’s what I love about hosting. This home gives guests the same things I look for when I travel: comfort, a connection to nature, and space to enjoy time with the people who matter most. Here you can sip coffee outside while listening to the birds, spend a day exploring the mountains and river, or gather around the fire pit and talk late into the night.

For me, being a host is about sharing that feeling of ease—where you can settle in, feel at home, and let the beauty of the place work its magic.

This home is set in one of the most breathtaking spots on the East Coast—a valley surrounded by the tallest mountains east of the Mississippi. From the porch, you look straight out at Mount Mitchell, the crown of the Blue Ridge, wrapped in those famous layers of blue and green ridges. Every season has its own kind of magic here: lush greenery in spring and summer, fiery colors in the fall, and crisp mountain air year-round.

The house sits at 3,200 feet, which means cool breezes, starry nights, and a front-row seat to nature’s show. You’ll find rhododendrons bursting into bloom, brilliant fall leaves drifting down, and even the occasional black bear wandering through the neighborhood. Below runs the pristine South Toe River, fed by headwaters nearby—a true mountain stream that’s as clear and refreshing as it gets.

What makes this place special is that it feels worlds away, tucked into a natural wonderland, yet it’s only two miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway and just a short drive to Burnsville, a charming little mountain town with shops, cafés, and local flavor. It’s the perfect blend of wild beauty and easy access.

What makes this home truly unique is how it balances togetherness with personal space. It’s perfect for groups—there are plenty of spots to gather for meals, games, or long conversations—but also endless nooks where you can slip away with a book, a coffee, or a quiet moment to yourself. It’s a group retreat that still feels like your own private escape.

One of the standout features is the towering bookshelf in the living room, filled with historic and first edition titles collected by a previous owner. It gives the home a sense of character and makes curling up with a book by the fire even more inviting. With southern light streaming through the windows, the house always feels bright and uplifting, while multiple propane fireplaces add cozy warmth in cooler months.

The property is also proudly dog-forward. We don’t just allow dogs—we celebrate them as part of the family. With a dedicated washing station, plenty of outdoor space, and direct access to trails and river walks, pups can enjoy the mountains right alongside their people. We want guests to feel comfortable bringing their dogs to share in the adventure, whether that’s lounging on the porch, romping in the yard, or joining a hike.

Step outside and you’ll find options everywhere: sip coffee on the front porch, sink into the hot tub, nap in the hammock, or spread out on one of the decks overlooking the river and mountains. For those who need to mix a little work with relaxation, the home has high-speed Wi-Fi, an office with a stunning river and mountain view, and additional desk space to make it easy.

And then there’s the setting itself—sliding glass doors open to the sounds of the South Toe River, birdsong, and mountain breezes. Just being here creates space between you and the busy outside world. This is a place where you can recharge, reconnect, and savor the simple luxury of being in the mountains—dogs included.