House in Matthews, NC
7 guests · 3 bedrooms · 2 baths
Reasons to book
Guests love it hereGuests give this property a top rating
Great for petsBring all your friends and family, even the furry ones
High-end valueWell priced for this area
About this house rental
Welcome to The Zen Retreat, your private urban escape in Charlotte.
This is not your traditional rental home. From the moment you arrive, the goal is simple: relax, unwind, and enjoy a little hidden paradise with plenty of ways to have fun both inside and out.
Nestled among mature trees in the peaceful High Timbers neighborhood, The Zen Retreat offers an unusual amount of privacy and tranquility while still keeping you close to everything Charlotte has to offer.
Location
The Zen Retreat is conveniently located near Monroe Road and Sardis Road North, with easy access to restaurants, shopping, entertainment, and Charlotte's major attractions.
Approximate driving times:
15 minutes to Uptown Charlotte
20 minutes to Bank of America Stadium
20–25 minutes to Charlotte Douglas International Airport
25–30 minutes to Charlotte Motor Speedway
25–30 minutes to the U.S. National Whitewater Center
Consider The Zen Retreat your urban escape and home base for exploring Charlotte.
PLEASE NOTE: There is a two-night minimum for all bookings.
The Zen Retreat Experience
If you're looking for a traditional house, this probably isn't the house for you.
If you're looking for something special, you've found the right spot.
The entire property is surrounded by mature trees, creating a private and peaceful retreat. Start your morning with coffee on the rear deck while listening to the sounds of two waterfalls cascading into the backyard ponds.
Spend an afternoon on the screened porch, fire up the grill, settle in with a book, or end the evening soaking in the hot tub surrounded by the trees.
Inside, the same relaxed atmosphere continues.
The dramatic two-story living room features a fireplace and 65-inch television and a Polk Audio surround-sound system.
And because your host is a chef, you'll also find a collection of cookbooks and food-related books to inspire a little culinary creativity during your stay.
Kitchen & Dining
The kitchen has been completely renovated and is designed for guests who actually enjoy cooking.
It features:
* Granite countertops
* Updated cabinetry
* Gas range
* Dual convection oven
* Fully equipped kitchen
* Breakfast room
* Dining room seating for 6+
* Beautiful views overlooking the backyard
Want to take the cooking outside?
You'll also have access to a gas grill, Kudu wood grill, and ceramic egg-style smoker/cooker.
Afterward, gather around the outdoor dining table and gas fire pit and enjoy the fruits of your labor.
Bedrooms & Bathrooms
The Zen Retreat features three bedrooms, each with its own personality.
Primary Bedroom
The Asian-inspired primary bedroom features a king-size pillow-top bed and a private bathroom with a walk-in shower.
Guest Bedrooms
The two additional bedrooms each feature a queen-size bed.
An additional fold-out twin bed with a memory-foam mattress is also available.
The guest bedrooms share a second full bathroom with a bathtub and shower.
Outdoor Living
The backyard is one of the things that makes The Zen Retreat truly special.
Enjoy:
Private hot tub
Two waterfalls and ponds
Large rear deck
Screened porch
Outdoor dining
Gas fire pit
Gas grill
Ceramic egg-style smoker/cooker
Kudu wood grill
Mature trees and abundant privacy
Pour your morning coffee, find a quiet corner, listen to the waterfalls, and forget for a little while that you're still in the city.
Pet Friendly
Four-legged guests are always welcome!
The Zen Retreat is extremely pet-friendly, and there is no additional pet fee.
We simply ask that guests clean up after their pets. Failure to pick up after your dog(s) may result in an $85+ cleanup fee.
PLEASE NOTE: The backyard is NOT fenced in. There is no fence, but the neighborhood is wonderful for dogs.
Guest Access
Guests have access to the entire house and outdoor property, except:
Two locked closets
Garage
There is ample on-property parking for multiple vehicles.
The Neighborhood
The Zen Retreat is located in High Timbers, a quiet, established neighborhood filled with mature trees.
The community has only two entrances and feels tucked away from the surrounding city. The tree-lined property offers plenty of shade, privacy, and a wonderfully peaceful setting.
And keep an eye out for our neighbor Bob across the street. His wonderfully quirky backyard has even been featured on national television. He's friendly, so feel free to say hello!
Getting Around
Although The Zen Retreat feels secluded, you're still conveniently located in Charlotte.
Uptown is approximately 15 minutes away, with a relatively straightforward drive into the heart of the city.
There are also numerous grocery stores, restaurants, shops, and other conveniences nearby.
Be sure to check our Guidebook for recommendations on some of our favorite places to eat, drink, shop, and explore.
The Zen Retreat Concierge
Want to make your stay even easier?
The Zen Retreat offers optional pre-arrival and during-your-stay concierge services, including grocery stocking and other assistance.
Our Zen Retreat Concierge is Liomai.
Concierge: +1 (704) 248-1778
Please feel free to reach out regarding available services before or during your stay.
Security Cameras
For the security of the property and our guests, please be aware that there are two active exterior security cameras:
One covering the stairs leading from the front entrance
One at the rear door covering a portion of the deck
House Rules & Important Information
We want you to relax and enjoy The Zen Retreat as though you were visiting the home of friends or family. In return, we ask that you treat the property and neighborhood with the same respect.
Please note that violations of the property's house rules, occupancy restrictions, or other stated policies may result in penalties, additional fees, charges for damages or excessive cleaning, and/or forfeiture of the security deposit, as applicable under the terms of your reservations.
Maximum guests & gatherings: No parties or gatherings larger than 7 people are permitted without prior approval. Additional visitors who are not included in the reservation must also receive prior approval.
Birthday & Parties: No birthday parties or Parties for anyone under 25 years of age.
Events: Weddings, receptions, parties, and other events must be discussed and approved in advance. The house is not intended as an event venue unless specifically arranged with the owner.
Approved parties or events may require an additional or double security deposit.
Photography & video: Commercial photography, filming, or use of the property for photo/video productions requires prior approval and may involve additional fees.
Smoking: There is NO SMOKING inside the property. Evidence or odor of indoor smoking may result in additional cleaning charges, penalties, and/or forfeiture of the security deposit.
Pets: Pets are welcome at no additional charge. Guests are responsible for cleaning up after their animals. Failure to do so may result in an $85+ pet cleanup fee.
Keys: Lost keys are subject to a $75 replacement fee.
Checkout: Checkout is strictly at 11:00 AM unless otherwise arranged. Unauthorized late checkout is subject to a $50 fee per half hour.
Rule & Policy Violations: Failure to comply with the house rules or property policies may result in additional fees, penalties, charges for damages or excessive cleaning, loss of the security deposit, and/or termination of the stay, where permitted by the booking platform and reservation agreement.
If you're unsure about something, please reach out before your stay. We're always happy to discuss it.
Culinarily yours,
Chef Richard Gruica
Looking for a Mountain Escape?
If you're looking to trade Charlotte for the North Carolina mountains, check out our other property, The Cozy Cabin, near Boone.
Perfect for a romantic getaway or a relaxed family escape, this hillside cabin offers a peaceful mountain setting and everything you need to unplug and recharge.
https://www.vrbo.com/854107
This is not your traditional rental home. From the moment you arrive, the goal is simple: relax, unwind, and enjoy a little hidden paradise with plenty of ways to have fun both inside and out.
Nestled among mature trees in the peaceful High Timbers neighborhood, The Zen Retreat offers an unusual amount of privacy and tranquility while still keeping you close to everything Charlotte has to offer.
Location
The Zen Retreat is conveniently located near Monroe Road and Sardis Road North, with easy access to restaurants, shopping, entertainment, and Charlotte's major attractions.
Approximate driving times:
15 minutes to Uptown Charlotte
20 minutes to Bank of America Stadium
20–25 minutes to Charlotte Douglas International Airport
25–30 minutes to Charlotte Motor Speedway
25–30 minutes to the U.S. National Whitewater Center
Consider The Zen Retreat your urban escape and home base for exploring Charlotte.
PLEASE NOTE: There is a two-night minimum for all bookings.
The Zen Retreat Experience
If you're looking for a traditional house, this probably isn't the house for you.
If you're looking for something special, you've found the right spot.
The entire property is surrounded by mature trees, creating a private and peaceful retreat. Start your morning with coffee on the rear deck while listening to the sounds of two waterfalls cascading into the backyard ponds.
Spend an afternoon on the screened porch, fire up the grill, settle in with a book, or end the evening soaking in the hot tub surrounded by the trees.
Inside, the same relaxed atmosphere continues.
The dramatic two-story living room features a fireplace and 65-inch television and a Polk Audio surround-sound system.
And because your host is a chef, you'll also find a collection of cookbooks and food-related books to inspire a little culinary creativity during your stay.
Kitchen & Dining
The kitchen has been completely renovated and is designed for guests who actually enjoy cooking.
It features:
* Granite countertops
* Updated cabinetry
* Gas range
* Dual convection oven
* Fully equipped kitchen
* Breakfast room
* Dining room seating for 6+
* Beautiful views overlooking the backyard
Want to take the cooking outside?
You'll also have access to a gas grill, Kudu wood grill, and ceramic egg-style smoker/cooker.
Afterward, gather around the outdoor dining table and gas fire pit and enjoy the fruits of your labor.
Bedrooms & Bathrooms
The Zen Retreat features three bedrooms, each with its own personality.
Primary Bedroom
The Asian-inspired primary bedroom features a king-size pillow-top bed and a private bathroom with a walk-in shower.
Guest Bedrooms
The two additional bedrooms each feature a queen-size bed.
An additional fold-out twin bed with a memory-foam mattress is also available.
The guest bedrooms share a second full bathroom with a bathtub and shower.
Outdoor Living
The backyard is one of the things that makes The Zen Retreat truly special.
Enjoy:
Private hot tub
Two waterfalls and ponds
Large rear deck
Screened porch
Outdoor dining
Gas fire pit
Gas grill
Ceramic egg-style smoker/cooker
Kudu wood grill
Mature trees and abundant privacy
Pour your morning coffee, find a quiet corner, listen to the waterfalls, and forget for a little while that you're still in the city.
Pet Friendly
Four-legged guests are always welcome!
The Zen Retreat is extremely pet-friendly, and there is no additional pet fee.
We simply ask that guests clean up after their pets. Failure to pick up after your dog(s) may result in an $85+ cleanup fee.
PLEASE NOTE: The backyard is NOT fenced in. There is no fence, but the neighborhood is wonderful for dogs.
Guest Access
Guests have access to the entire house and outdoor property, except:
Two locked closets
Garage
There is ample on-property parking for multiple vehicles.
The Neighborhood
The Zen Retreat is located in High Timbers, a quiet, established neighborhood filled with mature trees.
The community has only two entrances and feels tucked away from the surrounding city. The tree-lined property offers plenty of shade, privacy, and a wonderfully peaceful setting.
And keep an eye out for our neighbor Bob across the street. His wonderfully quirky backyard has even been featured on national television. He's friendly, so feel free to say hello!
Getting Around
Although The Zen Retreat feels secluded, you're still conveniently located in Charlotte.
Uptown is approximately 15 minutes away, with a relatively straightforward drive into the heart of the city.
There are also numerous grocery stores, restaurants, shops, and other conveniences nearby.
Be sure to check our Guidebook for recommendations on some of our favorite places to eat, drink, shop, and explore.
The Zen Retreat Concierge
Want to make your stay even easier?
The Zen Retreat offers optional pre-arrival and during-your-stay concierge services, including grocery stocking and other assistance.
Our Zen Retreat Concierge is Liomai.
Concierge: +1 (704) 248-1778
Please feel free to reach out regarding available services before or during your stay.
Security Cameras
For the security of the property and our guests, please be aware that there are two active exterior security cameras:
One covering the stairs leading from the front entrance
One at the rear door covering a portion of the deck
House Rules & Important Information
We want you to relax and enjoy The Zen Retreat as though you were visiting the home of friends or family. In return, we ask that you treat the property and neighborhood with the same respect.
Please note that violations of the property's house rules, occupancy restrictions, or other stated policies may result in penalties, additional fees, charges for damages or excessive cleaning, and/or forfeiture of the security deposit, as applicable under the terms of your reservations.
Maximum guests & gatherings: No parties or gatherings larger than 7 people are permitted without prior approval. Additional visitors who are not included in the reservation must also receive prior approval.
Birthday & Parties: No birthday parties or Parties for anyone under 25 years of age.
Events: Weddings, receptions, parties, and other events must be discussed and approved in advance. The house is not intended as an event venue unless specifically arranged with the owner.
Approved parties or events may require an additional or double security deposit.
Photography & video: Commercial photography, filming, or use of the property for photo/video productions requires prior approval and may involve additional fees.
Smoking: There is NO SMOKING inside the property. Evidence or odor of indoor smoking may result in additional cleaning charges, penalties, and/or forfeiture of the security deposit.
Pets: Pets are welcome at no additional charge. Guests are responsible for cleaning up after their animals. Failure to do so may result in an $85+ pet cleanup fee.
Keys: Lost keys are subject to a $75 replacement fee.
Checkout: Checkout is strictly at 11:00 AM unless otherwise arranged. Unauthorized late checkout is subject to a $50 fee per half hour.
Rule & Policy Violations: Failure to comply with the house rules or property policies may result in additional fees, penalties, charges for damages or excessive cleaning, loss of the security deposit, and/or termination of the stay, where permitted by the booking platform and reservation agreement.
If you're unsure about something, please reach out before your stay. We're always happy to discuss it.
Culinarily yours,
Chef Richard Gruica
Looking for a Mountain Escape?
If you're looking to trade Charlotte for the North Carolina mountains, check out our other property, The Cozy Cabin, near Boone.
Perfect for a romantic getaway or a relaxed family escape, this hillside cabin offers a peaceful mountain setting and everything you need to unplug and recharge.
https://www.vrbo.com/854107
Amenities at Urban Escape w/Hot Tub, Backyard Oasis, Min to Uptown!
Non-smoking
Pets allowed
Map of Matthews, NC
Ratings and reviews
8 / 10Excellent·Jul 2026
The property is beautiful and the host was great at communicating with us. I think for some people this property would definitely be a 10 out of 10. There were some issues for us. First, this property is listed as pet friendly; however, there were multiple very strong reminders given that the house should not have ANY dog hair left behind when you check out or you will pay an additional cleaning fee. Pets are also to stay off all furniture. It kept the place from feeling pet friendly. Fortunately, our dog is not a big shedder, but I would not want to stay there with a pet that sheds a lot. Also, the fence is knocked almost down in one spot so I would not rent this house if you are counting on a securely fenced yard for your dogs. Also, people with certain mobility issues may not want to stay there and I think there should be a warning in the property listing. There is no railing to use when doing the stairs to get into the house. I am recovering from a fractured kneecap and my knee is not secure on stairs. I had to hold on to my husband or kids when doing the stairs since there was no railing.
10 / 10Outstanding·Jul 2026
Had a good stay. The home was clean and well stocked. The living area was nice with a big sectional to watch movies. Upstairs the bedrooms were nice, themed and comfortable . The kitchen had all we needed and the backyard was nice with flowing water and pond. The neighborhood was great and easy to access. Richard communicated well throughout our stay even though he was traveling. Had a great overall stay!
10 / 10Outstanding·Jul 2026
Beautiful home inside and out
10 / 10Outstanding·Jun 2026
Fantastic back yard space, which we thoroughly enjoyed on a beautiful spring weekend. Needed some help with the hot tub (it was low on water when we arrived, and we had to google what buttons to press, and when) but the owner was very quick to respond to our questions. Realized after we were packing up to leave that the water features in the back were supposed to be running, but we didn't miss it during our stay. Thanks for a lovely stay!
$$$$
Top rated by guests
9.4Outstanding
(143 Ratings)
"Had a good stay. The home was clean and well stocked. The living area was nice with a big sectional to watch movies. Upstairs the bedrooms were nice, themed and comfortable . The kitchen had all we ne..."
Donald G.Don't miss out! Price and availability may change
