Private Lakefront Log Cabin

Updates for 2025: Starlink high speed Internet and new heatpump!

Nestled in Buffalo Cove on the quiet side of Lake Santeetlah, our log cabin is the perfect combination of historical charm, modern-day rustic style, and cozy comfort. Lakefront, wooded, and private with multiple outdoor spaces overlooking the crystal water of Lake Santeetlah, this authentic Appalachian Cabin is quite possibly the most unique property on the lake. Hand-built in the 1860s in Old Fort, NC, and moved to its current location in 1969, the cabin has been lovingly restored with well-appointed amenities while maintaining the historical character of this Early American treasure.

Travel back in time to a slower pace to create a deeply relaxing experience that you and your family will cherish for years. With constant views of breathtaking Lake Santeetlah and the gorgeous Smoky Mountains, the cabin is located in an outdoor lover's paradise.

Just 10 mins away, you can witness the virgin stands of 400-year-old trees down the hiking trails at Joyce Kilmer Forest. Paddle the lake on our house kayak and canoe, fish the lake or nearby trout streams, or dive off our private dock for a refreshing swim in the crystal clear waters of Lake Santeetlah.

The Cherohala Skyway & Tail of the Dragon less than 10 mins away - and the world-renowned Tsali mountain bike trails, 30 minutes down the road. White water rafting or zip lining your thing? Check out Nantahala Outdoor Center 40 minutes south toward Bryson City where you'll find the entrance to The Great Smoky Mountain National Park and the Qualla Boundry - home of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

With 3 large bedrooms, 2.5 baths, a spacious living room, an upstairs reading nook, an eat-in kitchen, and a screened-in porch, everyone has a comfortable place to relax and ample space to gather. Hang out on the lakeside deck or take a few steps down to the private dock for a dip in the water, fishing, or launch a canoe trip. Take your catch of the day to the covered deck to enjoy a dinner to remember – this deck is equipped with both a gas and charcoal grill, seating for 6, and party lights. End the evening stargazing and roasting marshmallows by the fire pit.

The 3 bedrooms are all very large. The main bedroom has a king bed and en-suite full bath with a step-in shower. The upstairs has a King bedroom with an en-suite half bath. The other upstairs bedroom room has two queen beds.

The main level also has the laundry room and second full bath with tub. The front porch has 2 steps to the ground, and then there are 6 more steps and a gravel path to the dock.

Our cabin is a hand-built home that is over 160 years old and has plenty of quirks as a result. The upstairs is accessed via a staircase with low headroom that has bonked plenty of heads over the years. The upstairs floors are bouncy and noise isolation between rooms is poorer than a modern home. The upstairs half bathroom is partitioned from the bedroom with a shower curtain, which while functional, is not very private. We try hard to keep the spiders and pests out, but you may encounter cobwebs or a bug.

Guests may use our canoe, kayaks, and PFDs, but must clean and return them to storage when done.

Easy access via paved state road. Parking for 2 cars beside the cabin. Cabin is on a road that gets some vehicle traffic, commonly at commute times and Sunday morning.

Cabin has Starlink high-speed Internet. Most cell phone providers have poor to no service on the property. WIFI calling works for phone calls and sending and receiving messages.

We do have a diverse DVD collection, board games, jigsaw puzzles, and books to read.

Guests are asked to help turnover the cabin – start a load of towels, start the dishwasher, and bag and take out the trash.

Sorry, no pets, parties, or smoking allowed. This is our family’s favorite place and we expect all guests to be respectful and communicative.

Enjoy the trip you are planning! If you have any questions about the cabin for your trip, please message me.