Unique Smoky Mountain Retreat

Please Note: All booking requests require answering these three questions:
1) How is each guest related to or known by the person submitting the booking request for the group?
2) Will any pets be part of the group? (We regret that we are unable to allow pets)
3) Ages and maturity of any children: Are they able to respect and protect the property of others?

"The Ponds at Nantalaha Lake" is a "Unique Retreat" of 3.6 beautifully landscaped acres, strategically located as the hub surrounded by a wheel of incredible attractions and activities. An outdoor deck overlooks the Upper Pond stocked with pet trout, continuously fed by a mountain stream, and complimented by a refreshing fountain for rustic ambiance. Walking to the middle of the property, you can enjoy the breathtaking view of another quarter acre Lower Pond situated with a lovely Smoky Mountain background. Sport fish or simply relax on a few large boulders and muse, read or watch the wildlife.

Even the ponds themselves are unique! Rather than the typical natural pools which are fed primarily by rain water, with little inflow and outflow, here each is continuously fed by running mountain water from above that travels through the series of ponds on its way to Junaluska Creek below. This transforms what elsewhere could be a stagnant water collection into this property's constantly refreshing and self-replenishing ponds. Whether you are eating during the day on the outdoor deck, while watching (or feeding!) the pet trout in the Upper Pond... or experiencing during the evening the spectacular star-filled sky far from city lights and the symphony of frogs at the Lower Pond... or sleeping in the master bedroom with the lanai doors open to enjoy the sound of the babbling creek below... you will likely not forget that this Unique Retreat is appropriately named... "The Ponds"!

Take the kayaks and life vests from the garage to experience the pristine Lake Nantahala with a ten minute drive to the public boat launch. Bring your motorcycles, boat and RV too - you have use of an oversize garage as well as electric and septic hook-ups. After a day of activity, come back to the cabin for a meal cooked on our gas or charcoal grills. Parents relax in the hot tub, children play badminton, volleyball, horseshoes, or croquet, and pets move freely from the outdoor deck to the large, fenced backyard. The entire family can gather at the 'fire-pit' by the stream to enjoy roasting marshmallows, story telling and singing.

Time to come inside? The ground floor great room is a trip into the past: The antique decor includes a kitchen stove that cooked meals for prior generations above its wood fire compartment, and the Coca Cola theme of the kitchenette. The large collection of VHS tapes can be viewed on the big (but far from flat) screen. And many families have found themselves repeating enjoyable evenings at the pool and game tables.

Experience both: the rustic authenticity of a log cabin decorated in keeping with simple mountain life, and the convenience of the home's modern appliances, wifi / internet, satellite TV, and reliable / automatic cutover to backup generator during power outages (not too uncommon when trees fall onto power lines in these here mountains!) It has often been a real retreat for one or two couples, but can easily sleep eight. There is no shortage of rooming options with three floors, each equipped with both sleeping accommodations and its own full bathroom. Master 1 on the first floor is a large bedroom with a queen bed with separate electric controls for each side. This room displays traditional mountain decor and opens to the lanai for the experience of outdoor sleeping, yet in the safety and comfort of the home. It has a cedar closet, desk and chair, and satellite TV, and shares a full bath with the main floor. Master 2 on the second floor provides old world charm in the tradition of a cottage. It too has a full bath and satellite TV, with both a queen and a trundle day bed. In addition to the formal bedrooms, the large entertainment area on the lower level has another trundle day bed and a futon couch that can open to become yet another queen bed. The ground floor kitchenette, full bathroom and private stone deck with a hot tub make it perfect for another independent family arrangement, or for ensuring that your family will also enjoy just hanging out at home!

The gas fireplace and vaulted ceiling make the living room a quaint place for relaxation, watching TV, reading or quiet conversation. The kitchen is equipped with typical modern appliances and some extras for the gourmet cook. "Pass thru" windows allow sending food directly to the small dining room or onto the fully screened lanai, with its large table and deck for eating and entertainment. The large (and unique) antique coffee table in the living room makes overflow seating for meals or activities while relaxing on the leather couches convenient for all. But we'll understand if you decide instead to eat outside under the umbrella at the large deck table, with the Smoky Mountain view stretching before you and the local trout swimming below!

'The Ponds at Nantahala Lake' is mountain-close to all major attractions. We are 10 minutes from pristine Nantahala Lake, and within 20-30 minutes of the Nantahala Gorge and Outdoor Center, with other lakes (Santeetlah, Fontana, Chatuga), towns (Andrews, Murphy, Franklin, Bryson City) and attractions (Cherohala Skyway, John Campbell Folk Arts School, Tail of the Dragon, Cherokee Indian Village) and much more nearby. The locals say we are 'two hours from Anywhere': Atlanta GA, Ashville NC. Charlotte NC, Knoxville TN, and Gatlinburg TN. We are truly blessed to be in the middle of no-where, yet close to everything that means so much to the people who live here and the guests who visit.

We could enjoy detailing many other reasons why we chose, developed, and look forward to retiring in this Unique Retreat (feel free to ask us about our favorite local hiking trails and other activities)... but we would rather you read the many reviews from guests explaining why they can't wait to return! We heartily invite you to share our lovely home, our community of open and trusting folk, and one of the most beautiful places on the planet!