Old Masters' Mill: Storied History on Cane Creek

Old Masters Mill: Storied History Along Cane Creek

Situated along 900 feet of Cane Creek, with your own private waterfall, and just yards from the N. Toe River, this historic flour mill turned vacation rental provides endless opportunities for play without ever leaving the property. And its central location in the western North Carolina mountains makes exploring other top attractions easy. Whether you want to spend time outdoors, gather with friends and family, or slow down and unwind, you'll find what you're looking for at Old Masters' Mill. Built in 1933, it remains a significant landmark and has gone through thoughtful renovations over the years, balancing preservation and modern living. The space offers a unique and comfortable place to relax, make memories, view wildlife, and experience history.

Just around the bend from Loafer's Glory - a community named for the easy-going citizens who were a fixture at the town's general store - you'll arrive at Old Masters' Mill. Experience the spacious layout of this one-of-a-kind rental - full of history in structure and story. Large lumber beams span the space, with exposed rafters and vaulted ceilings adding to the property's expansiveness. The ruins of the old dam still stand, creating a calm basin at its crest with waterfalls spilling over into a pool below. Photographs, magazines and books throughout the space tell the story of the mill, Bakersville and the surrounding area, taking guests back in time when enjoying this home away from home.

And this space offers retreat for all ambitions. The large kitchen and living areas with ample seating are perfect for gatherings. Relaxing is easy with the rushing waters of Cane Creek below – nature’s ultimate white noise. Cozy up by one of our propane fireplaces or take a soothing soak in our claw foot tub or outdoor spa. During the summer, open the windows to enjoy the fresh mountain air.

For outdoor enthusiasts, whether fishing for trout right outside your front door or along the N. Toe River, enjoying a swim in Cane Creek, taking a float trip, searching the property for Eastern Hellbenders, hiking along portions of the Appalachian Trail within 15 miles from the property and so much more, there’s mountains of fun to be had around Old Masters Mill. And day trips to Asheville and Boone are easy, just an hour in either direction.

Loafers Glory:

Located at the intersection of Highways 226 and 226A, this unincorporated community received it name in the late 1800s - around the same time Masters was born. The name was a nod to the men who delighted in whitling away their time on the porch of the local general store in the evenings and on Saturdays.

Amenities:

BEDS:
2 Kings, 8 Twins, 2 Couches. All beds include sheets, pillows and blankets.

GENERAL DETAILS:
- 2,900 sq. ft
- Internet access
- Keyless, contactless entrance with smart lock
- Heating: Propane fireplaces on first and second floor, mini-split units on first and third floors and portable heating units
- Cooling: mini-split units on first and third floors and fans on all floors
- Property is on well water and safe to drink. Brita provided as additional option
- Cleaning supplies and all the basics are included
- Safety features include first aid kits, smoke and CO detectors and fire extinguishers

FAMILY-FRIENDLY:
- Pack N’ Play with sheets
- High chair
- Library of board games and books

FIRST FLOOR:
Kitchen - Includes all the essentials and more:
- Coffee machine and Keurig (and we provide coffee to get you started!)
- Electric hot water kettle
- Blender
- Non-stick pots and pans
- Baking sheets and dishes
- Hand mixer and mixing bowls
- Glass tupperware
- Two large, side-by-side refrigerators
- Freezer with ice trays
- Sharp knives and cutting boards
- First aid kit
- Cleaning supplies, broom and mop
- Paper towels and trash bags to get you started

Dining:
- Dining Table (seats 8)
- Kitchen Bar (seats 4)

Living Area:
- L-shaped leather sofa
- Smart TV with complimentary Netflix and Disney+
- Propane fireplace
- HVAC unit
- Large commercial ceiling fans with lights

Bedroom:
- King Bed
- Smart TV with complimentary Netflix and Disney+
- Fan/light over bed
- Closet w/ hangers and vacuum
- Window coverings
- View of Cane Creek and the dam

Bathroom (not attached to bedroom):
- Vanity w/ antifog and backlit mirror
- Toilet
- Shower w/ glass surround and shower head w/ wand
- Shampoo, conditioner, body wash
- Fresh hand towel, face towels and bath towels
- Bath mats
- Toilet paper
- Plunger and toilet brush

Exterior
- Deck overlooking Cane Creek w/ two propane and one charcoal grill
- Lower deck with hot tub/spa
- Firepit in front yard

SECOND FLOOR (BUNKROOM):

Dining:
- Dining/Game Table (seats 4)
- Dining/Game Table (seats 2)

Living Area:
- L-shaped leather sofa (includes recliners)
- Propane fireplace
- Smart TV with complimentary Netflix and Disney+
- 3 ceiling fans throughout space

Beds:
- 3 Twin bunk beds (6 beds) – Custom made from the old grain chutes
- 2 Twin singles

Bathroom:
- Antique vanity
- Toilet
- Claw foot tub
- Shower w/ curtain and shower head with wand
- Shampoo, conditioner, body wash
- Hair dryer
- First aid kit
- Recessed electric wall heater
- Fresh hand towel, face towels, bath towels
- Bath mats
- Toilet paper
- Plunger and toilet brush
- Cleaning supplies

Games and Books:
- Puzzles
- Playing Cards
- Uno
- Poker Chips
- Chess
- CATAN Board Game
- Monopoly
- Candy Land
- Family Game Set

THIRD FLOOR (open bedroom):
- King bed
- Vaulted ceilings with up lit lighting
- Large commercial ceiling fan with light
- Desk w/ desk chair and dual monitor setup

ACCESS

Guests have access to the top three floors of the home, with exception to the locked closet on the top floor. An unfinished basement used for storage also is not available to guests.

You’ll also have access to all areas of the grounds and may fish/swim in the river at your own risk. Please be mindful when children are playing outside due to the river and vicinity to N 226. It’s important to note that rivers can rise unexpectedly and swimming at the base of the dam is particularly dangerous. The water above then dam tends to be more tranquil and calm.

LISTING INTERACTION

We keep the home stocked with various supplies and amenities guests may need during their stay. We should be able to help you find what you need; however, we generally have someone available if onsite support is needed.

NEIGHBORHOOD

Old Masters Mill stands alone along Cane Creek at a bend in N 226. We are just up the street from Loafer’s Glory, which includes Loafers Glory Rafting and Tubing (located in the old general store) and Bonnie and Clyde’s burger restaurant.

Proximity:

- 0.2 mi – Bonnie and Clyde’s Burger Restaurant, Loafers Glory
- 2.8 mi – Just Local Market, downtown Bakersville
- 3.4 mi – Mammie’s Breakfast Barn, Bakersville
- 4.9 mi – NC Outdoor Adventures, Bakersville
- 7.7 mi – Waterworx Laundry, Spruce Pine
- 8.4 mi – Willis Observatory, Bakersville
- 10.1 mi – Penland School of Crafts, Bakersville
- 12.3 mi – The Fox and the Fig Coffee and Treats, downtown Spruce Pine
- 12.4 mi – Grassy Ridge Bald
- 15 mi – Roan High Knob
- 15.1 mi – Walmart, Spruce Pine
- 15.8 mi – Homeplace Beer Company or Carriage House Sundries, downtown Burnsville
- 15.6 mi - Ingles Market, Burnsville
- 15 mi – Gem Mountain Gemstone Mine and Rio Doce Gem Mine, Spruce Pine
- 16 mi – Museum of North Carolina Minerals, Sprice Pine
- 18.1 mi – Crabtree Falls, Little Switzerland
- 24.3 mi – Linville Falls Trail and Waterfall, Newland
- 45.3 mi – Mount Mitchell

Things to Do:

- Hike the Appalachian Trail at Roan Mountain, with the world’s largest natural rhododendron garden, it’s considered a moderately challenging 3.1 mile out-and-back trail and ends at the highest-elevation shelter along the Appalachian Trail, or Grassy Ridge Bald, considered a moderately challenging 5 mile out-and-back trail that includes the longest stretch of grassy bald in the Appalachian Mountains
- Book a float or swim trip
- Hike Linville Falls trail to its waterfall and then celebrate at Linville Falls Winery
- Visit the Museum of North Carlina Minerals and then unearth your own gems at a nearby mine.
- When open for the season, get fresh apples from Saylor Orchard
- Experience a new view of the Western North Carolina sky at Willis Observatory or Bare Dark Sky Observatory
- Explore trails by horseback at Springmaid Mountain (must be 8 years and older)
- Visit in June for the NC Rhododendron Festival
- Take a self-guided tour of the Penland School of Craft campus and explore the many art galleries in the Bakersville area
- Take a tour of Smithmore Castle – Currently a 5-star hotel, it offers tours on Tuesdays and has breathtaking views
- Take your best shot at a local gun range
- Rent a motorcycle in Little Switzerland and enjoy the scenic views of the Diamondback Trail and more
- Rent UTVs and access trails with some of the most scenic views of the mountains, forests and waterfalls (closest rental is 27.4 mi with Off Roads Adventures)
- Take a day trip to Mount Mitchell and hike area trails

GETTING TO THE PROPERTY

The roads to the property are paved and there is parking available onsite, right off N 226. The gravel lot on the southeast side of the home generally fits up to four vehicles comfortably.

OTHER THINGS TO NOTE

- We love pets, and this property would be perfect for your furry friends. Please add any pets to your reservation. We charge $50/pet. Please keep your pets on a leash when outside, off furniture inside the house, and in crates when left alone. Additional fees may be charged back to guest should excessive cleaning be required from a pet on the reservation.

- We provide coffee, toilet paper, paper towels and trash bags to get guests started. Guests needing additional of these items will need to replenish their supply.
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