10/10 Excellent
Brian M.
13 Jan, 2026
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Brian M.
Stayed 11 nights in Dec 2025
Entire home
Come experience absolute tranquility... without roughing it!
Photo gallery for Come experience absolute tranquility... without roughing it!
Reviews
10 out of 10, Loved by Guests
Top 10% of guest reviews in this area
2 bedrooms1+ bathroomSleeps 61600 sq ft
Popular amenities
Explore the area
Grassy Creek, NC
- Place, Oak Hill Academy14 min drive
- Place, Mount Rogers National Recreation Area15 min drive
- Place, Grayson Highlands State Park16 min drive
Rooms & beds
2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)
Bedroom 2
1 Queen Bed
Crow's nest
2 Child Beds
Master bedroom
1 Queen Bed
1 bathroom, 1 half bathroom
Bathroom 1
Toilet · Shower only
Bathroom 2
Toilet
Spaces
Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area
About this property
Come experience absolute tranquility... without roughing it!
The Nuthouse Cottage, located on 48 acres of farmland with a recreational pond, is a three story home with a well-appointed and convenient kitchen. The comfy living room has a gas fireplace and opens onto porches with rockers and tables, a gas grill, a vined pergola with a chiminea, and perennial gardens.
On the second floor are two bedrooms with queen beds and a shared bath with a spacious walk-in tiled shower. The master bedroom features a gas-burning fireplace while the second bedroom has a spiral staircase up to the Crow’s Nest. This nice perch has a 360-degree view and is perfect for curling up on the window seats to read and nap. Little ones love sleeping up in the stars.
Walks through the adjacent hardwood sanctuary with an understory of ferns and mountain laurel always reveal natural surprises. Birds and wildlife abound. Down at Reflection Pond, stocked with bream and bass, the fishing is easy. Sit in the boathouse out of the sun, or fish from the dock. Enjoy a meal under the picnic shelter where there's a charcoal grill and an open fire pit for roasting hot dogs and S'mores. Dogs and children have lots of running room. Two kayaks, tubes, and a floating dock are available so you can get out on the water.
The land is beautiful and promising at all times of the year. In May and June, the gardens are blooming and in July, blueberries are ripe for the picking. By August, fields are colored with wild-flowers and butterflies. Come late September into October while the leaves are at peak color, the Virginia Beauty apples ripen and are ready to harvest. And then, even in winter, with or without snow, there is a stark leafless beauty. In any season, the night sky, away from city lights, is perfect for stargazing.
The New River is just 10 minutes away and kayaking / tubing the river is a favorite activity. Helton Creek for trout fishing is just 5 minutes down the road. Grayson Highlands and Mount Rogers are nearby hiking favorites and White top, start of the Creeper Trail for biking, is a 25 minute drive.
The cottage has a smart TV, a DVD player, and free WiFi (40 Mbps download). Other amenities include W/D, dishwasher, gas cooktop, convection oven, and microwave. The kitchen is stocked for serious cooking. Chimenea wood is available year round.
On the second floor are two bedrooms with queen beds and a shared bath with a spacious walk-in tiled shower. The master bedroom features a gas-burning fireplace while the second bedroom has a spiral staircase up to the Crow’s Nest. This nice perch has a 360-degree view and is perfect for curling up on the window seats to read and nap. Little ones love sleeping up in the stars.
Walks through the adjacent hardwood sanctuary with an understory of ferns and mountain laurel always reveal natural surprises. Birds and wildlife abound. Down at Reflection Pond, stocked with bream and bass, the fishing is easy. Sit in the boathouse out of the sun, or fish from the dock. Enjoy a meal under the picnic shelter where there's a charcoal grill and an open fire pit for roasting hot dogs and S'mores. Dogs and children have lots of running room. Two kayaks, tubes, and a floating dock are available so you can get out on the water.
The land is beautiful and promising at all times of the year. In May and June, the gardens are blooming and in July, blueberries are ripe for the picking. By August, fields are colored with wild-flowers and butterflies. Come late September into October while the leaves are at peak color, the Virginia Beauty apples ripen and are ready to harvest. And then, even in winter, with or without snow, there is a stark leafless beauty. In any season, the night sky, away from city lights, is perfect for stargazing.
The New River is just 10 minutes away and kayaking / tubing the river is a favorite activity. Helton Creek for trout fishing is just 5 minutes down the road. Grayson Highlands and Mount Rogers are nearby hiking favorites and White top, start of the Creeper Trail for biking, is a 25 minute drive.
The cottage has a smart TV, a DVD player, and free WiFi (40 Mbps download). Other amenities include W/D, dishwasher, gas cooktop, convection oven, and microwave. The kitchen is stocked for serious cooking. Chimenea wood is available year round.
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Pool
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
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House Rules
Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
Children
Children allowed: ages 0–17
Children enjoy activities at Reflection Pond.
Events
Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
Pets
Pets allowed: dogs less than 23 kg per pet (limit 2 pets total)
Small well-behaved pets can visit for a fee.
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Smoking outdoors, including porches, is permitted.
Check-out instructions
The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Remove personal items and remove leftover food and drinks
Turn off the lights
Place garbage and recyclables in the provided containers
Check posting next to entry door re thermostat settings
Leave key(s) on dining table
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
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
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 6
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 deadlock
We should mention
A car is required for transport to and from this property
About the area
Grassy Creek
Located in Grassy Creek, this cottage is in a rural area and on the waterfront. Lincoln Theatre and General Francis Marion Hotel are local landmarks, and some of the area's attractions include Landmark Farm Alpacas and Adventure Damascus. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Grassy Creek, NC
What's nearby
- Oak Hill Academy - 14 min drive - 15.2 km
- Mount Rogers National Recreation Area - 15 min drive - 13.9 km
- New River State Park - 15 min drive - 13.5 km
- Grayson Highlands State Park - 16 min drive - 13.3 km
- New River - 16 min drive - 15.3 km
Restaurants
- Corner Market & Café - 21 min drive
- The Liar's Bench - 23 min drive
- River House Inn & Restaurant - 26 min drive
- Country House Restaurant - 24 min drive
- Pie on the mountain - 23 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window10/10
Cleanliness
10/10
Check-in
10/10
Communication
10/10
Location
10/10
Listing accuracy
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Jennifer E.
17 Nov, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Jennifer E.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2025
10/10 Excellent
Emily B.
28 May, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Mountain oasis
Emily B.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025
10/10 Excellent
Rick C.
7 May, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Grayson Highlands trail race trip
Rick C.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025
10/10 Excellent
Shari S.
11 Jun, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
DREAMY!!
Shari S.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
10/10 Excellent
Diane S.
17 Nov, 2019
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
House and land are spectacular! Absolutely a beautiful place.
Diane S.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2019
10/10 Excellent
Heather H.
19 Jun, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfection
Heather H.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
10/10 Excellent
Andrea W.
13 Jan, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect, as usual!
Andrea W.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2024
10/10 Excellent
MARK M.
11 Dec, 2021
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Absolutely wonderful!!
MARK M.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2021
10/10 Excellent
Lee D.
16 Jun, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our family is absolutely nuts about the Nuthouse Cottage!
Lee D.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
10/10 Excellent
Bob L.
4 Jan, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Second stay
Bob L.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2023
10/10 Excellent
Amy B.
7 Jul, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A very special place
Amy B.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
10/10 Excellent
Sonia C.
8 Sept, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Best vacation in the best place
Sonia C.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024
10/10 Excellent
Alison D.
25 Mar, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Scenic Solitude
Alison D.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2023
10/10 Excellent
Joseph B.
12 Jun, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
mountain retreat
Joseph B.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
10/10 Excellent
Donna M.
1 Jan, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Post Christmas getaway
Donna M.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2022
10/10 Excellent
Casey H.
10 May, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing property!
Casey H.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024
10/10 Excellent
Cheryl E.
24 Jun, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Slice of Heaven on Earth
Cheryl E.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023
10/10 Excellent
Melissa C.
16 Jan, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Views for Days
Melissa C.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2022
10/10 Excellent
Christine C.
5 Mar, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely getaway
Christine C.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2023
10/10 Excellent
Craig S.
16 Jun, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Excellent
Craig S.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
This review was submitted before 2018 and can't be verified.
10/10 Excellent
Kelly M.
6 Jun, 2013
Love the Nuthouse!
Kelly M.
10/10 Excellent
Kelly C.
26 Jun, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Peaceful and Relaxing Getaway
Kelly C.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022
10/10 Excellent
Kelly C.
1 Jul, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Another Wonderful Vacation at the Nuthouse Cottage
Kelly C.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
10/10 Excellent
sarah p., columbus, ohio
28 Sept, 2020
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect getaway!
sarah p.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2020
About the host
Hosted by Diana and Traylor Renfro
We are Diana and Traylor Renfro, originally from Opelika, Alabama. After college at Auburn, we married and followed our careers to Charlotte, NC where we raised two daughters. Traylor worked in Human Resources and Diana in Nutrition and Writing. We both always loved gardening and growing vegetables, flowers, and landscape plants. Our family loves good food and beautiful gardens.
We found these 45 acres late in 1999, on a pilgrimage out of the city into the highlands of Ashe County. On a drizzly November day, we walked the property, seeing its potential. At its center, a wide bowl-like meadow with boggy springs drained into a winding branch. On the eastern slope, bare hardwoods sheltered an understory of club moss, rhododendron, and Mountain Laurel. The western slope, steep, rocky, and had been traversed with cattle, leaving line drawings in the earth. Higher slopes were covered with brambles and freeze-dried wildflowers. One fenced sunny bluff was a hayfield, and below that, grew healthy green rye grass. The old farmhouse was unusable due to a fallen tree which exposed the interior to the elements, but two large barns and half a dozen other outbuildings seemed to be in good condition. Everything needed attention. No one had lived on the property for fifteen years.
We felt a need to restore it, and we couldn’t wait to get started. Today, it’s the same place with amenities. And we believe as stewards of the land, it is meant to be shared. So, come stay for a while and discover North Carolina's "coolest corner."
We found these 45 acres late in 1999, on a pilgrimage out of the city into the highlands of Ashe County. On a drizzly November day, we walked the property, seeing its potential. At its center, a wide bowl-like meadow with boggy springs drained into a winding branch. On the eastern slope, bare hardwoods sheltered an understory of club moss, rhododendron, and Mountain Laurel. The western slope, steep, rocky, and had been traversed with cattle, leaving line drawings in the earth. Higher slopes were covered with brambles and freeze-dried wildflowers. One fenced sunny bluff was a hayfield, and below that, grew healthy green rye grass. The old farmhouse was unusable due to a fallen tree which exposed the interior to the elements, but two large barns and half a dozen other outbuildings seemed to be in good condition. Everything needed attention. No one had lived on the property for fifteen years.
We felt a need to restore it, and we couldn’t wait to get started. Today, it’s the same place with amenities. And we believe as stewards of the land, it is meant to be shared. So, come stay for a while and discover North Carolina's "coolest corner."
Why they chose this property
We're hidden away out here in the quiet where there's no light pollution. We enjoy seeing the stars and hearing very little traffic. Living close to the earth, we enjoy growing some of our food and viewing the wildlife. Deer, groundhogs, rabbits, and turkeys are regulars. Occasionally we glimpse a rare fox or bear. And we enjoy four distinct seasons.
In summer, butterflies drift through the perennial and wildflower gardens and dragonflies hover around the pond. On dark June nights, fireflies twinkle while tree frogs and katydids serenade. In July, the blueberries are ripe for picking and days are warm enough to seek out the pond or float down the river.
By autumn, when the tree colors change and dogs run through crisp fallen leaves, goldenrod turns the bowl bright yellow. Virginia Beauty apples ripen in the orchard, ready for harvest. And we might sit on the pier late afternoon and toss a baited line into the pond trying to tempt a bass or bluegill. All around us, the choose and cut Christmas tree business goes wide open.
In winter, we like to build a crackling fire while the snow falls. We read or write, plan next year's gardens, catch up on movies. Then we get outside and get moving in our boots. Being able to see through the leafless trees reveals the lay of the land. Some things are visible only in winter.
We are always ready for spring to pop with daffodils, dandelions, and forsythia followed by irises, fruit trees, peonies and roses. The gardens put on a show. Spring is official when the Ashe Farmers' Market and local produce stands open.
Ashe County is rich with arts and music events and festivals. From food trucks to fine dining, good food is always available. Buying local is not just a suggestion, but really a great option here.
In summer, butterflies drift through the perennial and wildflower gardens and dragonflies hover around the pond. On dark June nights, fireflies twinkle while tree frogs and katydids serenade. In July, the blueberries are ripe for picking and days are warm enough to seek out the pond or float down the river.
By autumn, when the tree colors change and dogs run through crisp fallen leaves, goldenrod turns the bowl bright yellow. Virginia Beauty apples ripen in the orchard, ready for harvest. And we might sit on the pier late afternoon and toss a baited line into the pond trying to tempt a bass or bluegill. All around us, the choose and cut Christmas tree business goes wide open.
In winter, we like to build a crackling fire while the snow falls. We read or write, plan next year's gardens, catch up on movies. Then we get outside and get moving in our boots. Being able to see through the leafless trees reveals the lay of the land. Some things are visible only in winter.
We are always ready for spring to pop with daffodils, dandelions, and forsythia followed by irises, fruit trees, peonies and roses. The gardens put on a show. Spring is official when the Ashe Farmers' Market and local produce stands open.
Ashe County is rich with arts and music events and festivals. From food trucks to fine dining, good food is always available. Buying local is not just a suggestion, but really a great option here.
What makes this property unique
Do you need to change your point of view?
Escape from the phones and the emails, from television and traffic. Hide away in the country where you can hear music in the hills and watch the sky change colors.
Come remember what it’s like to live close to the earth, how the Milky Way brightens the sky on a moonless night, and where buying local is easy. Enjoy hiking, biking, trout fishing, river tubing, or antiquing. Experience bluegrass music events and shop for outstanding artisan creations. Or just be quiet, read and reflect. Make a bonfire beneath the stars by Reflection Pond. You'll love it here.
Escape from the phones and the emails, from television and traffic. Hide away in the country where you can hear music in the hills and watch the sky change colors.
Come remember what it’s like to live close to the earth, how the Milky Way brightens the sky on a moonless night, and where buying local is easy. Enjoy hiking, biking, trout fishing, river tubing, or antiquing. Experience bluegrass music events and shop for outstanding artisan creations. Or just be quiet, read and reflect. Make a bonfire beneath the stars by Reflection Pond. You'll love it here.
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