Lake Nantahala is one of the most pristine treasures in North Carolina! Our Lake House captures the beauty of the lake with magnificent views from a wrap around 3 level deck with a hot tub on the top level, and a private dock with a swim platform for our Pontoon Boat, which is available for our guests to enjoy for an additional $300 per/day rental fee. The Lake House offers Seclusion, Adventure, Peace, Romance, and the PERFECT Escape from the pressures of 21st Century life. That's what this space is all about, and we’re excited to share it with you!
Some of our favorite things to do in the area include jumping off our private dock on a sunny afternoon and swimming in the lake, kayaking to "Rabbit Island" at sunset in the included kayaks, hopping aboard our Pontoon Boat to explore the little islands and their rope swings, and then stopping in for a bite to eat at Lakes End Grill at the local marina where we top off the gas for the boat. We also love re-discovering miles of trails on our own family lands well as hiking the nearby Bartram & Appalachian trails, cliff jumping at our "secret swimming hole", white water rafting the infamous Nantahala River, capturing selfies at the dozens of waterfalls in the area, and fly fishing the creeks and rivers that rivet this region. Most of these activities are within a 10 minute drive from the cabin. We also enjoy ready access to the iconic and scenic motorcycle and sports car driving meccas known as the Cherahola Skyway and Deal's Gap (Tail of the Dragon). There's just so much to do that you'll need at least a week to begin to scratch the surface!
The Multi-Level Deck, Dock, & Fire Pit: When you're ready to relax after a day of adventure - we invite you to soak in the Hot Tub and watch the sunset work its magic over the Smoky Mountains while you grill a nice steak on the deck (propane grill and extra propane tank provided). As amazing as the sunsets are, you HAVE to stay out long enough to gaze up at the night sky. With such little light pollution, the most magnificent star canopy will envelop you as you reminisce about the day's adventures while roasting marshmallows around the fire pit. The multi-level deck also has plenty of lounge chairs to enjoy your power breakfast or that lazy Sunday afternoon nap. Adirondack chairs surround the fire pit. Note: you are welcome to forage in the woods around the cabin for firewood, but you're not coming on vacation to become a lumberjack, so we recommend you pick up a bundle of dry wood at the Ingles grocery store in Andrews on your way to the property. And there's nothing more appealing than walking down to your own private Pontoon boat with room for your whole family on your own private dock. While the Kayaks and Paddle Boat come complimentary with the Cabin - we provide the Pontoon Boat as an option to our guests for an additional charge.... it beats the hassle and the cost of the local marina.
Main Level: Upon entry from the covered deck you’ll be greeted by a large open living area with expansive views of the lake. Chefs LOVE the spacious kitchen and island, and kids can't get enough of the view as they enjoy a family meal together around the dining table. The towering custom stone fireplace features gas logs - so you won’t have to worry about gathering dry wood on those rainy Smokey Mountain afternoons. The massive windows invite an uninhibited view of the gorgeous Nantahala Lake. You’ll never tire watching the clouds moving across the reflections of the lake and the occasional bass fishing boat that dips into the cove for a bit.
The Living Room: If it's raining on your parade, just turn on the gas log fireplace, pop up some popcorn, wrap in one of our soft blankets, and snuggle up to enjoy the ambiance. The space is set up for visiting - so catch up on old times and enjoy being together.
The Kitchen: Chefs love preparing meals in the kitchen. Tons of counter space, a glass top stove, large electric oven, massive fridge, and all the dishes you’ll need to feed your crew. Yes, we have a coffee pot and the cabin is completely stocked with everything you'd need to cook a Thanksgiving Meal or to just enjoy a vacation in the mountains with your family and friends. We only provide basic spices - so we recommend you bring your own special spices and oils. Also - we don’t provide the coffee or filters as everyone has their own favorites - so we recommend you bring yours. If you don't feel like cooking, one of the coolest delivery experiences is having food delivered right to the dock from the local marina restaurant. Otherwise there are some amazing restaurants in town.
Main Level Bedroom and bath: Bedroom has a queen bed and large closet with detached shower/tub combo bathroom.
Upper Level Master Bedroom and bath: Featuring a HUGE King mattress & tons of room - the large open loft space allows one to enjoy waking up with the sun as it rises over the misty lake - burning off the morning fog. A cozy office space and reading nook invites you to bring that book you've been meaning to tackle. The Master Bathroom features an enormous jacuzzi tub, enveloped in stone, and is ideal for soaking those sore muscles earned from a big day on the lake. Elegant copper sinks and large vanity mirrors ensure you're ready for the day - and those Instagram worthy adventure photos your kids will take of you.
Lower Level: Kids LOVE this large theatre room complete with a pool table and a breakfast bar. Set them up with some tasty treats in their own fridge and they'll entertain themselves for hours - allowing you the chance to enjoy a well deserved vacation upstairs. The bedroom has a super comfy queen bed. They will go nuts over the elegant stone shower and brass sinks in the bathroom!
NOTE #1: There is no CELL Service in the mountains. Having said that - we DO have satellite internet if you just HAVE to check that business email. We encourage you to embrace a "digital detox". A respite from technology is one of the most commented on amenities enjoyed by guests at our other 3 cabins just a mile up the road from the Lake House. They love the chance to "Disconnect in order to Reconnect". After all, you're not really on vacation if you're checking email, social media, or get interrupted by work phone calls! Bring your phone camera with you though, because you will want to capture the beauty of the area. You can post all about your adventure when you get back in reception. If you do so - please tag us #NantahalaVacations.
NOTE #2: To put the cabin in such a secluded and private location to capture the perfect view and experience on the lake means that you’ll get to enjoy a true mountain driving experience getting to the cabin - including a mile of gravel road after experiencing some curvy mountainside roads. Sports car enthusiasts LOVE our mountain roads, but those that get motion sickness easily should probably sit in the front seat. You’ll also get the chance to traverse through a small mountain creek, about the width of a couple passenger cars. It’s a shallow creek and vehicles with a higher ground clearance can actually stop in the middle and open the door to dip your toes in - but normally we just splash through it in our excitement to get to the cabin. Our kids ride mopeds and bikes through it, but we prefer the comfort of the Tesla.
Note #3: We do have 2 exterior Ring security cameras. One points at the front door to verify who's coming and going, and the other watches over the Pontoon Boat and our kayaks.
Bonus: If you are thinking of traveling with other explorers - but don't necessarily want to share the space with them - we recommend you point them to one of our other cabins here on VRBO (find the links in my profile). "Frank's Landing" is nestled next to a creek in the valley floor just a mile up the road from the Lake House and sleeps 4. "Little Red" is our "Tiny Home" tucked into the mountainside half way up the mountain from Frank’s Landing and sleeps 2. Finally - “Smawlie” enjoys a magnificent mountain view at the top of the driveway and sleeps 4. Just point them in the right direction and we'll do our best to extend your stay an extra night as our way of saying "Thank You" for the referral. We also have a campground with 6 tent sites.
Upon booking confirmation, you will receive lots of information from us to help you with planning the fun details of your vacation to the area. It will have links and contact info to our favorite local activities like rafting, hiking, restaurants etc. Think of it like a personalized tour guide from someone with decades of experience in the area. If you opt to rent the pontoon boat - we'll share that process with you as well.
A Little History about us: In 1836 our ancestors began to settle in this area of NC. The land has since been passed down from generation to generation. My Grandfather (Sam Ferguson) helped build Nantahala Dam after returning from WWII. My mother grew up in an old drafty log cabin next to the creek on Little Choga Rd before electricity and indoor plumbing came to the valley. When we came to visit my uncles, my brothers and I would explore these mountains with our BB guns and shoot at anything that moved - including my uncle's VW bug (I earned the nickname “BB gun Bandit”). My wife and I met at BYU in Utah and after graduating and enlisting in the Air Force we moved to Georgia. We built our first cabin in 2005. It was the first in our family with running water and electricity! Unfortunately our family is growing faster than we can build cabins to host them all! In 2023 we will retire from the Air Force and after a short stay at the Lake House will serve a 2 yr. service mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Alaska.
We can't wait to share our cabin and the beautiful Nantahala Lake with you. You’re going to LOVE it - almost as much as we do!
