Historic Stone "Chalet Switz" a mile from center of Little Switzerland

Stay in your own little haven -- a stone chalet that was once the Kilmichael Tower. This one bedroom chalet, with impressive two-foot thick stone walls and 23-foot cathedral ceiling, harks back to the days when the Kilmichaels left their mark in history on the Isle of Arran. Chalet Switz today offers Blue Ridge mountain ecology, imaginative architectural design and the perfect setting for a memorable getaway.

Located on the very top of 4000-foot Grassy Mountain, the Chalet is a 30-minute (1.5 mile) looping walk to the Switzerland Inn, which is centered in a historic 100-year old town with quaint shops, homes of extraordinary character and highly reviewed fine and casual dining. Unlike many residences in Little Switzerland, Chalet Switz gets no traffic noise from the Parkway or other paved roads since it is located on the very top of the mountain. As you walk down a country road to the village you will enjoy breathtaking views and the countryside filled with wildlife and natural forest, passing a few residences on the way as you descend 800 feet.

Chalet Switz is made of natural materials with the finest of craftsmanship. Cozy nooks include the kitchen and the inglenook with a wood-burning stone fireplace. In contrast, the airy loft above with its 13' cathedral ceiling offers spectacular views of the extra-dark night sky right from your bed! Amenities for your comfort include down pillows and Ralph Lauren linens. The 4' long deep Kohler Greek tub with hand-held shower offers a view of a giant tulip tree set against the sky and is the only bathing. The commode is enclosed and has an operable Pella window that matches the other three in the loft plus additional natural light streams through the gable glass. The kitchen is equipped with refrigerator-freezer, stove/oven, coffee maker, toaster and distinctive dinnerware. There is no air conditioning; exceptional insulation, two moveable Hunter fans and the natural movement of air on the mountaintop provide temperature control and ventilation. A pleasant yard with outdoor furnishings surround the chalet. Many guests report the enjoyment of dining outdoors and relaxing on chaise lounges. Feel free to roam the several acre mowed Commons area too, just across the trail road north of the chalet and maintained by our homeowners association. Parking is about 60' across the road from the entry door and gravel, grass and stepping stops as shown provide access.

Between 5 and 24 miles away along the Blue Ridge Parkway is spectacular hiking at Linville Falls, Crabtree Falls, Craggy Gardens and Mt. Mitchell, although some places will likely be closed through 2025. The Gallery and Visitor Center of the Penland School of Craft is less than 15 miles away, the crucible for the dozens of pottery, glass, wood, iron and other fine craft studios and shops in the area.

In the winter, when 'the season' has ended and most village shops and the Switzerland Inn have closed, there is peaceful quiet and endless views. You can lie in bed or bath and listen to the wind roar in the trees -- or sit in front of a fire in the cave-quiet inglenook. The thermal mass of the super-insulated home with silent, dry electric heat combined with warmth emanating from the 23' tall rock chimney provides a winter wonderland haven.

The mountaintop location is a Dark Sky zone, the mountain itself effectively blocking the few lights in the village. To get detailed sky viewing information and then book last minute stays for incredible views of the firmament according to your desire -- from a full moon casting shadows in the woods to dark nights with spangled star galaxies and shooting stars visible from the bed -- download and check WeatherKit on an Apple phone or computer, now that Apple has bought out Dark Sky weather forecasts. For night sky instruction and telescopic aid, visit the unique Bare Dark Sky Observatory just under 13 miles away.

To explore in 2026:

Head out under the stone Blue Ridge Parkway bridge to reach the Emerald Mine and -- in less than 15 miles -- the Penland Museum and Visitors Center with some of America’s best fine craft studios established in the area nearby. Printed maps show studio locations and websites provide information on Blue Ridge Heritage Craft Trails and the Toe River Arts Council .  

Alternatively, from Little Switzerland head roughly east by back roads or take a right onto the Parkway to historic Altapass Orchard with its many seasonal events, Linville Falls and Gorge, Crossnore, Grandfather Mountain, Blowing Rock, and at MP 292 the Parkway Craft Center in the historic Moses Cone Manor -- part of the larger Moses Cone Memorial Park.

After the Parkway heading NW from Little Switzerland re-opens, drives take you to Crabtree Falls and meadows in just 5 miles, Mt. Mitchell 18 miles beyond that, Craggy Gardens, and the Folk Art Center at MP 382. The ~50-mile drive on the scenic, forested Blue Ridge Parkway offers scenic overlooks of he Black Mountains with 6 of the highest 10 peaks east of the Mississippi.

Other places of interest within 50 miles are the Bare Dark Sky Observatory, the town of Linville with historic structures sided in chestnut bark, Burnsville,  Black Mountain, Asheville, and The Biltmore Estate and village.

he town closest to Little Switzerland is Spruce Pine. With the convenience of a WalMart and McDonald's on the way, its downtown is less than a 10 mile drive past the state minerals museum, gem mining and a golf course with restaurant. Named by Family Circle as Main Street, USA a few years back and known for its fine residents, Spruce Pine offers steps back in history, stopping by the Bark House and DT's Blue Ridge Java across from the old train station. Explore its history, layout and restaurants first online to get ready for the real thing.


Keywords: Haven for one person, Chalet for two, Mountaintop Getaway