リトルスウィッツァランドの中心部から1 km以内にある歴史的な石「シャレースウィッツ」

The day in 1983 during an idyllic vacation hike that I happened upon the stone building I later learned was actually the base of the historic Kilmichael Tower, I decided to turn it into a residence although I resided 600 miles away. Over the years, it has given me joy when kindred spirits enjoy staying at the chalet and exploring the area.

I am quick to respond to inquiries and like to communicate ahead of time to assure the reservation will be a good one for both of us.

Surrounded by wild nature, Grassy Mountain offers the opportunity to be among deer, rabbits, wild turkey, fox, huge owls and other birds, butterflies (including the annual monarch butterfly migration), apple trees, wild berry bushes, and forested hillsides of blooming native plants.

Pristine forests, meadows and distinctive homes with lovely gardens and natural landscaping are within walking distance. Now a year round resort, the Switzerland Inn 1.5 miles away offers breakfast-through-dinner fireside dining with a lively bar, a grand flagstone lobby with a massive fireplace, historic photographs on display and views south into the valley plus a stone patio with bar drinks and dining and some fire pits beyond glowing at night. The village of Little Switzerland with its unique small businesses is informal, energetic and blessedly free of pretense and commercialism.

The surrounding area is internationally renowned for both its welcoming fine craft artist studios and rustic arts. In the area, folks play mountain music, clog and square dance, work iron and wood, make cane chairs, and engage in other traditional activities visitors may enjoy.

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.