Lodge rental in Asheville, North Carolina - Elegant, Luxurious Estate, Absolute Privacy, Tennis Court, Views, 215 acres - Property 181097

This lovely home was designed in the style of the summer Adirondack cottages of upstate New York, with flowing grand rooms. The grandeur is reminiscent of the Biltmore house and Richmond Hill Inn, but with the down-home comfort of the Ponderosa. Built using many local materials, it has beautiful features such as walnut, oak, and granite flooring, antique paneling from England and 200 year old stain-glassed windows from one of the huge Rhode Island Seaport mansions, post and beam construction, soaring ceilings with numerous fireplaces, and woodwork and stonework that took master craftsmen years to complete. You will luxuriate in the large, comfortable furniture, many of which are antiques, and wander through the sun-room, library, living room, great room, gaming room, huge kitchen and dining room, and 5 bedrooms. There are also numerous terraces, balconies, and porches to enjoy. There are so many wonderful spaces it is sometimes difficult to decide which one you want to be in!

The property is secluded and safe, with a full time caretaker nearby should you need anything. It is very close to many of the best things the Asheville area offers, such as art studios, galleries and museums, wonderful shopping, incredible restaurants featuring gourmet meals and outdoor dining areas, water sports such as rafting, tubing and kayaking, amazing private hiking trails, hot springs, spas, and some very charming small towns, complete with cafes and antique stores. The house has high speed wireless Internet, and dish-network with hundreds of channels. The library is filled with books, and hundreds of DVDs for your use. This is a very unusual vacation rental, built over time, lovingly and thoughtfully. You will never want to leave. This home was chosen by Lowes for their 2008 outdoor furnishings catalogue, and was featured in the article ' A Lap of Luxury Souther Style: Five Star Relaxation in America' in the October 2009 issue of Travel World International Magazine.

Begin your day with a cup of gourmet coffee, sipped in the incredible sun room which overlooks the many ridges of mountains to the south. Wander down to the private tennis court, built by our area's famous Gary Whalen, and drink in the serenity in this natural paradise. Hike on the 5 miles of private trails that meander through the mountains, then soak in the outdoor hot tub, completely private. You will be amazed at the tranquility and quietness, with no sounds of the outer world to disturb you. Drive the short distance to stores, shopping, outdoor cafes, museums, or spend the day lazing in one of the cozy nooks in the home itself. Enjoy the wonderful kitchen, cooking with fabulous local produce from the many farmers markets. Our caretaker will also be happy to bring you some of the fresh organic vegetables from the greenhouse and gardens. Enjoy the best that the mountains have to offer in this incredible vacation rental, absolutely the finest that the Asheville area has to offer.

Other Activities: kayaking, rock climbing, racquetball, miniature golf, hot air ballooning, snowboarding, basketball court, spa, shopping, wildlife viewing