In Highlands .A stay at this vacation home places you within half a mile (1 km) of Nantahala National Forest and 6 miles (10 km) of Dry Falls. Cliffside Lake Recreation Area and Bridal Veil Falls are also within 6 miles (10 km).
Highlander Mountain House & The Ruffed Grouse Tavern - 16 min drive
About this property
Entire place
You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
Mountain Zen: Private Mountain Retreat w/ Fire Pit, Screen Porch, Fenced Yard
This 3 bedroom, 3.5 bath cottage serves as a spacious haven with several outdoor features including a covered wrap-around porch, extended screened-in porch, fenced in yard, lower gravel terrace with a firepit and lastly a gentle creek trickling along the edge of the property. This home offers a spacious main level, sporting several sets of windows and glass doors which allow plenty of natural light to illuminate its vaulted ceilings, wooden beams and wood floors. On the main level, the family room is centered around the cozy stone gas log fireplace and provides access to the updated galley-style kitchen, breakfast bar, and dining area, as well as a half bath. Also on the main level is a bedroom (Queen) with private access to the screened porch and an ensuite bathroom with a walk-in shower. The space above serves as a perfect lofted study, with comfortable seating and a desk/computer/printer combo. You'll also find another guest bedroom (King) with vaulted ceilings and an ensuite bath. The lower level features a King Suite complete with a small kitchenette (fridge, sink, coffeemaker) and ensuite bath, as well as its own exterior access to the expansive outdoor area. The Laundry room and a space with a small game/card table finish off this level of the home. All bedrooms and the main room have TV's with DirecTV, and the owners know how important internet access can be (even on vacation!) so they've invested in the new Starlink internet to optimize connectivity in the rural NC mountains.
This home is tucked into a beautiful spot in-between Highlands and Franklin, with 15 minutes drive to the wonderful downtown shops and restaurants that Highlands has to offer. Location amenities include in close proximity: Hiking at Van Hook Glade, and Cliffside Lake recreational areas; Fly Fishing on the Cullasaja River and Cliffside Lake, Scenic Waterfalls include Dry Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and the Cullasaja Gorge areas (Bust-your-Butt Falls).
*This is an animal-friendly unit. Pets must be approved and a pet fee is required. *
[All of the homes managed by Highlands Vacation Rentals have wifi internet access(speeds may vary based on different providers), basic kitchenware & dishes, linens provided, and a starter set of amenities including: 2 toilet paper rolls per bathroom + A set of personal shampoo, conditioner, hand & body soap (also per bathroom), 2 paper towel rolls, a few kitchen trash bags, a kitchen sponge, some dish soap and a couple of dishwasher and laundry detergent pods. ]
CANCELLATION POLICY: Our cancellation policy (effective for bookings confirmed after April 1, 2024) is outlined below: For reservations that are 21 days or less, A reservation cancelled ( by email receipt ) between 0 - 45 days prior to arrival is not eligible for a refund. If reservation is cancelled more than 45 days prior to arrival, guest shall receive a refund of all payments made* less a cancellation fee of 10% of the total cost of the reservation AND the cost of any trip insurance if purchased. *Refunds do not include third-party service fees as those are determined by the booking site and we do not control how those funds are processed. For any reservations that are more than 21 days, No refund will be given unless the property is re-rented over the previously booked dates. You may purchase Travel insurance to cover your trip for cancellations. Contact Highlands Vacation Rentals for details.
Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
Fire extinguisher
Policies
Check-in
Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 25
Check-out
Check-out before 10:00 AM
Special check-in instructions
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Pets
Pets are welcome
Service animals are exempt from fees
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome.
Events
No events allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher and a smoke detector in each accommodation.
Property is also known as
104
Frequently asked questions
How close is Mountain Zen: Private Mountain Retreat w/ Fire Pit, Screen Porch, Fenced Yard to the airport?
This vacation home is 63.1 mi (98-min drive) away from the Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.
Does Mountain Zen: Private Mountain Retreat w/ Fire Pit, Screen Porch, Fenced Yard have an airport shuttle?
Airport shuttle services are not available at this vacation home.
Does Mountain Zen: Private Mountain Retreat w/ Fire Pit, Screen Porch, Fenced Yard offer free breakfast?
This vacation home does not offer free breakfast.
Is there a casino at Mountain Zen: Private Mountain Retreat w/ Fire Pit, Screen Porch, Fenced Yard?
No, there is no casino at this vacation home.
What time is check-in at Mountain Zen: Private Mountain Retreat w/ Fire Pit, Screen Porch, Fenced Yard?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
Is there free parking at Mountain Zen: Private Mountain Retreat w/ Fire Pit, Screen Porch, Fenced Yard?
Free parking is not available at this vacation home.
Does Mountain Zen: Private Mountain Retreat w/ Fire Pit, Screen Porch, Fenced Yard have a pool?
This vacation home does not have a pool.
Does Mountain Zen: Private Mountain Retreat w/ Fire Pit, Screen Porch, Fenced Yard have a spa?
There are no spa services available at this vacation home.
How close is Mountain Zen: Private Mountain Retreat w/ Fire Pit, Screen Porch, Fenced Yard to downtown Highlands?
This vacation home is 4.6 mi away from Highlands.
Mountain Zen: Private Mountain Retreat w/ Fire Pit, Screen Porch, Fenced Yard Reviews
Reviews
10
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
Rating 10 - Excellent. 5 out of 5 reviews
10 - Excellent
5
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 5 reviews
8 - Good
0
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 5 reviews
6 - Okay
0
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 5 reviews
4 - Poor
0
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 5 reviews
2 - Terrible
0
9.6/10
Cleanliness
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Kathy N.
Sep 2, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
This is such a peaceful location, but it was still close enough to town to go daily if needed. communication was great!
Kathy N.
Stayed 43 nights in Jul 2025
10/10 Excellent
Chris R.
Jan 8, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Great Holiday stay for 11 nights at Mountain Zen.
We had a few issues during long stay loss power(thankful for whole house generator),TV was streaming vs. DirectTV, and washet stopped spinning out 2 days into trip. However, the property management was always very responsive (via text too), Great layout to spread out and dog friendly. We especially enjoyed the walks and nearby residents park area.
Chris R.
Stayed 11 nights in Dec 2024
10/10 Excellent
Beverly F.
Jul 31, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Mountain Zen
Property was as described. It was terrific to have a wraparound porch with gates that enabled our 2 little 15 old doxies to explore without worrying about an “escape. Also the fenced in backyard area was wonderful for the pups. All 3 bedrooms & bday parties are Theathrooms were extra large & comfortable. We would have preferred that the kitchen had a little more light but it was adequate
Beverly F.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024
10/10 Excellent
carol f.
May 3, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
perfect for families!
Wonderful floor plan for families with adult children. Home provides separation and privacy. Also perfect fenced in area for dogs!!
carol f.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2024
10/10 Excellent
Sheila R., St. Simons Island, GA
Nov 27, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness
Thanksgiving 2022
This property tick off all the boxes for our family needs. 91 year old mother had the main floor bedroom and wasn’t bothered with stairs. Our son daughter-in-law and 14 month grandson had the lower level and my husband and I had the upper level. Our grand-dogs enjoyed the fenced yard. Well equipped upscale appliance dishes pots & pans were appreciated by me… the cook! Thanks for our lovely Thanksgiving stay!