Location, location, location -- surrounded by nature, in a historic building on a mountaintop about a mile from the Switzerland Inn, bookstore, cafe and the Blue Ridge Parkway. A fun vacation getaway tailored to one or two persons in a spacious residential mountain neighborhood with nature still intact. The romance of interior stone walls and holiday architecture and furnishings. Unrivaled views of the firmament in a designated Dark Sky area. A delightful stroll downhill in an ever-changing landscape to the village center. Perfectly located for scenic drives to Crabtree Meadows and Falls, The Apple Orchard, Linville Falls, Penland and America’s best fine craft studios, and the always fascinating Asheville.
Before booking, be aware that this home is nestled into the 21-foot square base of the Old Kilmichael Tower. It is small. As the photos show, un-curtained 10' high glass gables face east and west. Be ready to greet the sunrise and be bathed in moonlight in the loft bed. Understand that while mice don't live in the chalet, about once every 6 weeks mouse enters--likely through the open door. There is no AC and no one has ever left because it is too hot inside. The weather is like southern Canada's. A flap in the glass entry door and windows facing N, W, and S provide cross ventilation. An assortment of stroller fans can be strategically positioned to vent warm air that collects in the peak. If a stray mouse or a beetle walking in or a cobweb appearing 14' feet above or stains from a chimney leak fixed 30 years ago or walking to the door on stepping stones instead of a concrete sidewalk or no TV, microwave, dishwasher, or regular shower and bathroom would ruin your stay, please don't try to make a reservation.
If you value what is historic, unconventional, fun, romantic, aesthetic, rustic, private, sustainable, wild but not remote and close to nature with scenic views by foot or car, Chalet Switz may be for you.