Eco-Cove Wildlife Sanctuary - an Elegant, Two Bedroom Mountain Vacation Home
Eco Cove House is located on 117 acres, a National Wildlife Certified Wildlife Habitat, 7 miles between Marion and Old Fort, and 30 minutes from Asheville, NC. It is a private home in a romantic natural setting. An acre pond with koi, gardens, forests, and meadows form the ambiance you'll enjoy for a relaxing vacation. The home has a large living room, formal dining room, amenity-filled kitchen, a den with daybed and breakfast nook, 2 bedrooms, 2 & 1/2 baths and a 50' porch porch with rockers, tables, 2 chairs and a glider. A creek gurgles nearby. This entire home is available for your vacation in Western North Carolina. The open floor plan unites the large living room, formal dining room, kitchen, breakfast nook and den (which has a trundle day bed available for up to 2 children at additional charge of $20.00 per child per day). The kitchen is fully stocked with cookware, implements, dishes, dishwasher, stove and oven, full refrigerator, a microwave, toaster oven, toaster, and regular coffee maker. The King Master bedroom includes an ensuite bathroom with a shower, double sink, and hot tub (included in weekly rentals, but less than a week requires an additional $150.00 energy/water/sanitation fee for filling, draining and sanitizing.) The second bedroom offers a Queen bed with a full bathroom (bathtub/shower) across the hall. Two rockers, a table, a glider, a bistro table and 2 chairs, and a lounge on our 50 foot long front porch offer a relaxing place where the sound of the nearby creek lulls our guests--a favorite place for many! Adults and children alike delight in lightning bugs on the yard beyond. Maintaining the colorful gardens on the property are my joy! A bench at the pond and dock where we feed our koi add delight to your experience. Guests have the entire home for their use. We greet guests, unless previously arranged for a late arrival. Children must be accompanied on the property at all times by an adult.The house is 1500 square feet, all on one level with no stairs or steps. Parking is private, accommodating up to two cars. An acre pond is on our property, with our pet koi that love to be fed! We are happy to give you fish food. Use of the pond for swimming or any day visitors beyond registered guests must be approved by the owners in advance.
NO PETS, SMOKING, OR TOBACCO PRODUCTS ARE ALLOWED.
Our home is on the property, not visible from the rental house. We are happy to accommodate your requests if possible, with any needs or local knowledge advice. Our goal is to make this the best stay you have ever had!
We built a 75 foot schooner in California, sailed it to the Caribbean, and chartered for up to 6 guests for a week at a time in the Virgin Islands for 14 years. During that time, we also built a 3 bedroom, 3 story villa with a pool and hot tub overlooking Hull Bay, St. Thomas. It was also offered for weekly rentals. So we have been in the business, so to speak, for over 30 years. We love people and are happy to share our stories if guests are interested, but otherwise completely respect your privacy.
I block time after each rental to ensure a through, safe cleaning, often mentioned in reviews from our guests. Your health and ours are of supreme importance to us.
There is satellite TV, DVD, VCR and a collection of movies onsite. In this rural mountain area, we have not been able to gain internet installation at the house, although guests with their own hotspots have been able to access service. McDowell County's Lake James, multiple hiking trails, caves, waterfalls, forestland, gem mining, mountain bike races, and beauty draws hikers and nature lovers here. Wildlife, waterfowl, and songbirds delight our visitors. Our private home offers the luxury of comfort and beauty, as well as proximity to other North Carolina mountain towns! Groceries, restaurants, breweries, wineries, bars, tennis courts, and golfing are available in Marion and Old Fort, each are 7 minutes away. We live on a state maintained road only 1/2 mile from 70 highway. I contact our guests with directions and other information before arrival, and welcome your questions. We hope you will join us at Eco Cove.
Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times on the property.
Important information
You need to know
Property Registration Number 98956
Property # 98956vb
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
Note from host: Only with previous permission of owner
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
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
About the area
Marion
Located in Marion, this holiday home is in a rural area. Historic Carson House and Old Fort Railroad Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's landmarks include Arrowhead Monument and Davidson's Fort Historic Park. Ten Thousand Villages and Emerald Village are also worth visiting. Enjoy the area's slopes with cross-country skiing, snowboarding and skiing, and don't miss out on the sledging.
McDowell County Courthouse - 11 min drive - 11.7 km
Lake James - 13 min drive - 14.7 km
Getting around
Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) - 50 min drive
Restaurants
McDonald's - 12 min drive
Starbucks - 14 min drive
Papa John's Pizza - 12 min drive
Hardee's - 10 min drive
Sonic Drive-In - 9 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Eco-Cove Wildlife Sanctuary - an Elegant, Two Bedroom Mountain Vacation Home pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Eco-Cove Wildlife Sanctuary - an Elegant, Two Bedroom Mountain Vacation Home?
As of 8 May, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Eco-Cove Wildlife Sanctuary - an Elegant, Two Bedroom Mountain Vacation Home on 10 May, 2026 start from S$216, 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 Eco-Cove Wildlife Sanctuary - an Elegant, Two Bedroom Mountain Vacation Home?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Eco-Cove Wildlife Sanctuary - an Elegant, Two Bedroom Mountain Vacation Home?
Check-in begins at 1:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Eco-Cove Wildlife Sanctuary - an Elegant, Two Bedroom Mountain Vacation Home?
Checkout is at 1:00 PM.
Where is Eco-Cove Wildlife Sanctuary - an Elegant, Two Bedroom Mountain Vacation Home located?
Situated in a rural location, this holiday home is 2.1 mi (3.4 km) from Pisgah National Forest and 2.9 mi (4.7 km) from Historic Carson House. Catawba River and Marion Greenway Trailhead are also within 6 miles (10 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
This is the perfect place for off the beaten path, but still close to everything. We enjoyed this place. This was exactly what we were looking for. Amazing views.
Jared L.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Jan, 2024
Thank you so much for your stay and your review! It was a pleasure having such wonderful guests and we hope to see you again!
Gabrielle & Ed
Wonderful hosts. Charming house. Quite and so relaxing. Had an absolutely wonderful time.
Christine H.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 11 May, 2021
We loved having you here and so enjoyed your happiness in staying at Eco Cove House. It was so fabulous to have 3 sisters connect here on Mother’s Day after 20 years! We so hope to be hosts for future reunions!
We enjoyed our time at EcoCove cottage. We cooked breakfast in the kitchen and there was room to spread out. We appreciated staying on our own and the safety precautions on place due to the pandemic.
Karen K.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Nov, 2020
Thank you! We enjoyed having you and hope to see you again.
Eco-Cove was very clean and well maintained as well as stocked with all that we needed for a Thanksgiving family getaway. The owner were extremely outgoing and cordial. We hope to return again when the gardens are in bloom in the spring or summer.
Pat E.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 28 Nov, 2022
Thank you so much! We are delighted you were pleased. We enjoyed having you here and look forward to hosting you in the future!
My favorite season is spring and the progressive return of all my flowers. Summer is by far the liveliest mass color, usually around the 4th of July. Keeping connected with the earth, watching the flora transform to the season’s demands and the occasional spotting of wildlife and waterfowl—life is good at Eco Cove.
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Jerry G.
22 Oct, 2018
Had a GREAT time
We were very pleased with our stay. House was great and owners were even better. We will be back. If you are looking for peace and quiet this is the place. Take advantage of the coy feeding in the afternoon.
Jerry G.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Mar, 2020
Thank you. We so enjoyed having you & look forward to your return!
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Anne G.
22 Oct, 2017
Memorable
Gabrielle was a gracious host and always available when we had questions. Very comfortable home.
Anne G.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Mar, 2020
Thank you Anne. We appreciate you booking Eco Cove House, and hope you'll all return for another stay. I enjoyed meeting you all. Best regards, Gabrielle
Eco Cove is set back off of the main road so you can listen to the sounds of nature instead of traffic. The house is big and comfortable with everything you need for a great stay. Ed and Gabrielle are great hosts! We thoroughly enjoyed visiting with them and getting to know them. The whole package is just great with wonderful hosts, great location and house to stay in. We will definitely go back if visiting the area again!
Ron J.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 12 May, 2021
Thank you for the wonderful review, your friendship and stay! We loved getting to know you and hope to see you again!
My boyfriend and I enjoyed our stay SO much, it exceeded our expectations. Not only is this beautiful house tucked away in a private slice of heaven.. the hosts Gabrielle and Ed were so welcoming and accommodating. We only wish we had some extra time on our trip to spend with them.They are quick to respond and also provide complete privacy.we can’t wait to stay again!
Mallory H.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 7 Nov, 2023
Thank you! We so enjoyed having you here and look forward to your return, hopefully longer and we can have you over to our house for drinks & munchies! It’s wonderful you are a short distance away!!
Enjoyed a lovely Columbus Day weekend at Gabrielle and Ed’s mountainside retreat. Excellent hosts. Even had a surprise bottle of champagne in the fridge for my mother’s birthday. Wonderful, large covered front porch for reading and yoga outdoors. Easy day trips to Asheville and Lake Lure. Definitely would go back!
Alexander H.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 28 Oct, 2020
Thanks so much and we loved having you all. It was wonderful to meet Polly and feed the koi together, socially distanced, of course.
We hope you will be back. All the best, Gabrielle & Ed
We loved staying here! It felt like you were out in the woods but it was close to everything. At night all you could hear were the bugs and the frogs making noises. The kitchen has everything you can think of. We loved having coffee in the rocking chairs on the front porch and watching for wildlife. The place is decorated nicely with an around the world theme. Gabrielle and Ed were super sweet and great hosts and have thought of everything! And we loved Mason! We will see you again next year ♥️
Alicia S.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 25 Jul, 2022
Thank you so much Alicia & Michael, for the great review! We were glad Michael did so well in the race (our hearts were with him in the heat) and look forward to hosting you again. Next time we’ll toast him afterward!
Our goal is always for our guests to have the best vacation ever. After 14 years in the charter business in the Virgin Islands and 10+ years doing short term rentals at Eco Cove House, it still means so much to us that our guests take the time to share their experience.
In deepest appreciation, Gabrielle & Ed
PS—our son-in-law is training in this heat in Raleigh for the NYC marathon. I don’t know how you guys do it!
This stay delivered on every level above and beyond our expectations.
From the moment we arrived, we felt welcomed and spoiled. The hosts had turned on lights, had the house at a comfortable temperature, and even had string lights on that produce a very warm and inviting ambience. It was like having turn down service.!
The house itself is at the very end of a dead end street, passed the house of the host, and surrounded by forest on three sides, so you have complete privacy, something that is almost impossible to find.
There is a beautiful front porch to relax on in the mornings, listening to the sounds of the stream and the songs of the birds. There are several walking trails on the property that we enjoyed exploring.
One night we walked out into the forest and sat down on the log. We heard a screech owl and saw a family of raccoons high up in a tree. As a nature enthusiast and photographer, this place was a dream!
The hosts made themselves available and yet respected our privacy. They are very interesting people and we enjoyed very much getting to know them. IThey are true adventurers!
There is a large pond on the property and we relaxed there, listening to the sounds of nature and enjoying the incredible fall colors as we were entertained by the beautiful Koi.
We were delighted to meet Mason, security detail, as well! He is a playful, intelligent and friendly dog.
The house was immaculate and elegantly decorated. It was spacious and roomy, with plenty of areas to be together or alone, as you wish.
The stars are amazing at night. That was one of the best things for me as I love astrophotography. Living in the city, I rarely get a chance to glimpse the stars, much less photograph them. I was able to photograph the Milky Way.
The location is ideal. You are right off a main highway, so traveling is easy and you are close to many interesting hikes, while still feeling very private and remote and there is no road noise.
The gardens that surround the house are delightful, and attract many butterflies and birds in season. Being able to look out the den or dining room onto these beautifully maintained outdoor spaces just added to the peace and tranquility.
There are two TV’s, but who has time or the desire for TV with so many beautiful spaces to explore!
We will definitely return and thank Ed & Gabrielle for a most enjoyable & memorable stay!
Pathfinder
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 25 Oct, 2022
Wow! We are blown away! What a fantastic review, from absolutely wonderful guests. Thank you so very much for taking the time to point out the specifics of what makes Eco Cove House such a magical place to stay. It is always our goal to help people have their best vacation ever, and we are blessed with great guests. You are the icing on the cake!
Sincerely, Gabrielle
Thank you. We do enjoy saying hello to our guests and then giving them total privacy. Having the sound of the creek, the birds, the crickets—the peace and quiet of the forest and meadows are all favorites of our guests. Mason loves to meet and greet. He loves people but as a rescue left by a roadside for three days, hates cars. Once he sees it is friends, he will no longer bark at the car.
We certainly enjoyed having you and hope to see you again at Eco Cove.
The place was very clean and exactly as described. Mrs. Thompson was very very nice and very helpful in helping us find things to do in the area. The house is super nice and very clean and inviting.
Charles W.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 26 May, 2022
Thank you for your review. All the best, Gabrielle
Eco Cove was not only comfortable, clean, well-stocked, and cozy, but it offered such a peaceful “place to land” over the course of an extremely busy wedding weekend! Gabrielle and Ed were perfect hosts: Attentive, informative, helpful, “flexible”, and extended such patience with the fluidity of my schedule. I loved getting to meet them face to face as I took a lovely walk on the glorious property the final morning of our stay. If I am ever in Marion again, I will surely look to stay here once again! Thanks Gabrielle and Ed ♥️
Gabrielle and Ed are wonderful hosts! The house had plenty of room for 4 people, and we felt right at home. The property was absolutely beautiful, with plenty of wildflowers. We enjoyed visiting Asheville, but we could've spent the entire weekend just enjoying the views at the house!
Madison D.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 2 Oct, 2021
These ladies are wonderful guests, all advanced college students, and took great care of the house. We hope they will return, and are highly recommended.
A peaceful serene home to relax in during our stay. After The Biltmore and Linville Caverns and Falls we were able to enjoy the beautiful flowers, hummingbirds butterflies and lightning bugs. Our hosts were friendly and delightful. We are hoping to return soon.
Communication with Gabrielle and Ed was perfect as we finalized our plans. We arrived late on a Friday evening after traveling. The house was all set for us, and incredibly welcoming. We were able to settle in quickly and sink into the comfortable king-sized bed for a great nights sleep. When we woke up Saturday, we loved seeing the spring blooms, and budding trees through the windows. As we explored during the day, and met Ed and Gabrielle for a wonderful conversation we were struck by how peaceful and relaxed we felt. It truly was an amazing weekend away from the hustle and bustle. We had no problems at all, and will certainly be looking at returning.
Kurt M.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 25 Mar, 2021
Thank you for a great review and a great stay! We so enjoyed meeting you and look forward to your return. You caught the start of spring, and we hope you’ll be back for summer or fall💙. It was a pleasure having you here. All the best, Gabrielle
The experience is great and house is so beautiful , clean and tidy . The kitchen setup and dinning hall is too good setup and we enjoyed the cooking with all necessary things to cook ourselves in this pandemic situation . The hospitality from the owners was so very nice . This is the first time we stayed in cabin rental instead of hotel and its been very nice experience and if there is a chance i would definitely like to stay here again .
it was a really fun time it was quiet we were able to relax because there was no Wi-Fi and that was amazing because no one bother me.
Maria P.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2019
About the host
Hosted by Gabrielle Thompson
We built a 75' schooner in California and took guests for a week's sail throughout the Virgin Islands for 14 years. We decided to move to the mountains of North Carolina in 1991. We found our property at the end of the road next to the national park, and set about putting in an acre pond, a 35' pavilion, and many gardens. We have created a paradise that we adore. We wanted to share our beautiful location with guests, which we do with Eco Cove House. Now that we are retired, we love to travel the world, but are always glad to come home to the prettiest place we know.
Why they chose this property
We love the natural beauty and tranquility of Eco Cove. It is secluded, yet only 1/2 mile from 70 Highway. As we are adjacent to the Pisgah National Forest and our property is mostly woods, meadows and ponds, we have an abundance of wildlife and bird varieties that visit. It is peaceful, and romantic.
What makes this property unique
The serenity and amazing variety of trees drew us here, yet the nearness to all of the myriad of activities that our mountains offer year round was another important aspect of our affection for Eco Cove. We lived in Black Mountain when we first moved here, but wanted the serenity of space and found it 20 minutes away. Asheville is our favorite city in the South. It brought us here after we left St. Thomas, the American Paradise. We established our own paradise in our cove.