High up in the Blue Ridge Parkway, Asheville has a character unlike other North Carolina towns and cities like Wilmington and Raleigh. The mood in Asheville is laid-back and celebratory at once, with a large portion of its population dedicated to green living. Downtown Asheville, which has retained its Art Deco architecture from the 1910s, is crowded with boutiques, record shops, vintage stores and great restaurants. Stay in an eco-friendly cabin and surround yourself with lush landscapes while remaining close enough to enjoy town.
Five miles from downtown Asheville and the famed Biltmore estate, Elkhorn is a picturesque log cabin 300 yards above the Blue Ridge Parkway. With the woods outside and the soft sounds of a fountain, the ambiance is quiet and soothing. The cabin is set off on Lady Slipper Lane, a walking trail which begins just behind the cabin. The renowned Mountains to the Sea Trail is also within hiking distance. The interior of the house features craftsman details, oriental rugs and a redwood sauna. There are three bedrooms and two and half baths. The loft is equipped with a TV lounge, while the basement is furnished with a ping pong table, big screen TV and game area.
Eco-friendly amenities include: recycling, compact fluorescent bulbs, cloth napkins and dish rags, an R-38 in the ceiling and insulated construction. The Elkhorn Cabin is named after the Sons of Elkhorn River and celebrates the reintroduction of elk to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park west of Asheville.
Elkhorn Cabin
140 Avondale Ridge Road
Asheville, NC 28803
828-298-3848
elkhorncabin.com
The Eco Cove House is situated in a wildlife sanctuary of 117 acres. Set amid forests, creeks and small waterfalls, Eco Cove is a National Wildlife Federation Certified Wildlife Habitat. Along with Eco Cove, the pond, picnic pavilion and the owner's home are included in the preserve. The cabin itself is 1500 sq. ft. with 2-bedrooms and 2-bathrooms. The living room has a gas log stone fireplace, Satellite TV/VCR/DVD player and stereo system. A formal dining room adjoins the living room and the kitchen is fully-equipped.
Eco Cove is luxuriously appointed. Enjoy, for instance, the 4 person jacuzzi tub in the master bathroom, the comfortable den or the breakfast nook with stunning views. An abundance of skylights, glass bricks and wide sliding doors contributes to rooms that are bright and sunny. The porch outside has swing and sliding furniture and is 50 ft. long to boot. Explore the expertly maintained gardens, Koi fish and waterlily ponds, the neighboring Pisgah National Forest or head into town.
Eco Cove House
592 Liberty Church Road
Marion, NC 28737
828-724-9757
ecocove-rental.com
This eco-friendly 92 acre farm has made every effort to minimize disturbance of the natural surrounds. Specifically, period materials and reclaimed lumber were used in the construction of the few (6) cabins that were built on this vast acreage. Some of the lumber came from a 19th-century schoolhouse and was further used to construct the cabin beds.
Power lines run underground, one well services the whole farm, the area has been designated a wildlife preserve, roads have been built on old logging trails and the overhead hardwood canopy has been maintained. All six cabins on the property are log cabins and all have hot tubs, TV/DVD, satellite radio, fireplaces, outdoor grills, linens and fully equipped kitchens. The pet-friendly Appalachian Cottage allows dogs. Each cabin is isolated and private. Farm fresh brown eggs, local sourwood honey, preserves, coffee/tea/orange juice, butter, spices and a fresh baked loaf of bread are stocked in every cabin for breakfast.
Catered meals are available as well as a variety of locally grown, organic produce. Bus tours of the area are offered, or simply enjoy the ponds, lakes, old bridges, gardens and official North Carolina birding trails outside the front door. Luxury amenities are many, including in-cabin massages. Nominated by Outside Magazine as one of the ten best hideaways, Spring House Farm was the first American member of the international ecotourism organization called Eco Club. The farm is also a member of the International Ecotourism Society.
Eco Retreat: The Cottages of Spring House Farm
219 Haynes Road
Marion, NC 28752
877-738-9798
springhousefarm.com
