Casa Rio is a beautiful log cabin on the Watauga River in Valle Crucis with 3 bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms. You will find custom log beams, columns, and handrails throughout, with hand-crafted branch balustrades. All of the beds have hand-hewn log frames. If "mountain elegance" is what you are seeking, and on the river as well, Casa Rio delivers!
Located only a mile from the historic Mast General Store and Valle Crucis Riverfront Park, Casa Rio is also convenient and central to all the High Country offers. Boone is only 5 miles away, Banner Elk is about 9 miles away, and Blowing Rock is only 11 miles away. Snow skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, and ice skating are nearby, with Sugar Mountain Ski Resort and Appalachian Ski Mountain about 12 miles and Beech Mountain Ski Resort only 14 miles away. Hawksnest Snow Tubing and Zip Lines is only about 11 miles from the cabin. Grandfather Mountain is less than 15 miles away, and Tweetsie Railroad is only 10 miles from Casa Rio.
The main level of Casa Rio features an open floorplan with a foyer entry boasting high vaulted ceilings and hardwood floors. Immediately on your right are a laundry room and full bathroom. Further inside, you find a central, wood-burning fireplace with dramatic floor-to-ceiling stonework, open on both sides so guests can enjoy it from the dining area and the great room. A banquet-style dining table seats up to 8 guests. Entertaining is easy with the additional counter-height 4-seat table and three bar stools at the center kitchen island. The kitchen has gorgeous granite counters, high-end stainless appliances and is centered around a gas cooktop with custom stone accents above. The adjacent great room has two leather sofas, positioned conversationally, offering a view of the fireplace and the big screen HD Smart TV.
The king master suite with an HDTV, and a sliding glass door leading to a rear patio, is on the main level. You can hear and see the Watauga River. There is a generous ensuite master bathroom with slate tile floors, his and hers vanity, a large walk-in closet, an open stone shower, and a circular jetted soaking tub in the center of the bathroom.
Upstairs offers flanking bedrooms, one with a king bed and an HDTV, the other with two twin beds and two twin trundles (sleeps four), and an HDTV. A full central bathroom with a tub and shower services both upstairs bedrooms. The open loft has a new slate pool table, an HDTV, and comfy leather furniture.
Off of the kitchen and great room is an open-air deck with a view of the big backyard and the Watauga River. It features a gas grill, an outdoor dining table, and chairs. Below the main level deck, at ground level, is a covered patio with a hot tub and lounge-style seating, just a step up from the backyard, which slopes gently down to the Watauga River and features a wood-burning fire pit.
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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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
About the area
Vilas
Located in Vilas, this cabin is in a rural area and on the waterfront. Grandfather Mountain and Grandfather Mountain State Park reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Tweetsie Railroad and Magic Mountain Mini Golf and Arcade. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Kidd Brewer Stadium or Holmes Convocation Center. Take in the nearby slopes with cross-country skiing and snowboarding, or try out other outdoor activities such as sledging and ice skating.
Alta Vista Gallery and B & B - 20 min walk - 1.7 km
Appalachian State University - 13 min drive - 12.7 km
Sugar Mountain Resort - 20 min drive - 18.4 km
Grandfather Mountain - 29 min drive - 26.9 km
Getting around
Tri-Cities, TN (TRI-Tri-Cities Regional) - 90 min drive
Restaurants
Rivers Street Ale House - 13 min drive
The Social - 13 min drive
South End Brewing - Boone - 13 min drive
Lost Province Brewing Company - 13 min drive
Circle K - 9 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Log Cabin on Watauga River pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Log Cabin on Watauga River?
As of 12 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Log Cabin on Watauga River on 1 Sept 2026 start from AU$305, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Log Cabin on Watauga River?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Log Cabin on Watauga River?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Log Cabin on Watauga River?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Log Cabin on Watauga River located?
Situated on the waterfront, this cabin is within 1 mile (2 km) of Watauga River and Alta Vista Gallery and B & B. Foggy Mountain Gem Mine and Hound Ears Golf Club are also within 6 miles (10 km).
Reviews
8.6
Excellent
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
My husband, siblings, and myself stayed and enjoyed the house. Kitchen was well stocked. Communication with property manager was excellent.as excellent. My only ll
Great location with easy access to Boone and Eastern Tennessee. Bit hilly - parking more than one car is a challenge but definitely not a deal breaker.
Don O.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 14 May 2025
Thank you so much for the feedback. We are thrilled that you enjoyed the home and we cannot wait for a revisit so we can welcome back to our home.
Thank you so very much for sharing. We are thrilled that the home met your needs and sounds as if it exceeded expectations. We look forward to welcoming you back to our home again in the very near future.
We really enjoyed our stay at Casa Rio. The house was very well equipped and had everything we needed to enjoy a few days relaxing with our family. Everything was just as described. The location was excellent - quiet, secluded, yet close to town for great dining and shopping options. Great hiking and fly fishing options for nature lovers too!
Daniela D.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 25 Aug 2024
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts regarding your stay. Your trust and your business are incredibly important to us. It is our sincerest hope that a revisit is in the works. Safe travels!
The home was absolutely gorgeous and everything we could have wanted in a vacation spot. It was perfect for our family and convenient. It was only 10 minutes from downtown Boone and about 15 from Hawksnest, which is where we had planned to go snow tubing. We loved the hot tub at the home and the kitchen was fully stocked for cooking a lovely dinner. We would like to thank the owners of this beautiful home for allowing us to stay and would love to return one day.
Mary Beth H.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Jan 2025
We are grateful for your feedback. Our staff is thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the home and we look forward to welcoming you back to our home soon.
We were very impressed with this house (much larger than in photos) and all of the unique characteristics! My 7 year old son loved fishing in the stream and playing pool. Hot tub and other amenities were very nice and in good condition. This was a perfect house for our family's annual trip! Thank you!
Lauren P.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 10 Dec 2022
Thank You for the feedback. We hope to see you again soon!
Master bathroom toilet is leaking, the flapper (is leaking). The two twin beds in one room were terrible! My 12 year old had to sleep on the couch in the living room. Also, I’m not even sure if anyone cleaned before our arrival!! Dog hair everywhereeeee! Behind the doors, on the comforter in the master bedroom and the tub in the master bathroom had pubic hair. I was NOT pleased! We left Saturday morning at 8am and didn’t finish out our stay! I will not be back! Highly upset!
We loved the view and the house was perfect for our needs! We enjoyed the fireplace and the kitchen was nice to prepare a meal in. Beds were comfortable. The upstairs twin room required creativity to find a way to use both trundles but we figured it out.
My only minor complaint was that a hot tub fee was included in our fees but a 2 page list of rules and possible charges made us 2 scared to use it! Lol
We would stay here again for sure :)
Glenda C.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 8 Nov 2023
Thank you so much for taking the time to share. We welcome all feedback and use each review as a tool to deliver the very best vacation rental experience possible. Our staff is thrilled to hear that the home met or exceeded your expectations and we hope for a revisit sooner rather than later.
Overall a great stay!! This was a moms trip and the property was perfect for the 5 of us. Clean, well stocked with necessary items, comfortable beds, and good location close to Boone!
Only a few minor things to add:
-we arrived after dark and there were no outside lights on
-the towels for hot tub were hard to find-they were located in a bin behind the couch in living room
-light in master bath toilet room was burnt out
-we could not find the outside trash cans at time of departure, they were located to the left of the front porch inside a closet area.
Overall, great property! Highly recommend!!
Ashley B.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 10 Dec 2023
Thank you so much for sharing. We are delighted to hear that you had a great stay and that the home met your needs. Its our fondest hope that you will visit us again sooner rather than later.
Verified
6/10 Okay
Karen L.
13 Mar 2022
Liked: Check-in, location
Overall it was a nice getaway
Weekend getaway was generally nice. House is definitely showing it’s age and the wear of years of rental stays. Home needs some TLC and a good cleaning. The front door has no insulation and was unpleasant during our winter weekend stay. Hot tub water was cloudy. We made the best of the trip and were discounted for some inconveniences.
Karen L.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 18 May 2022
Hi Karen, our apologies for any items you found that were less than perfect. We have brought these items to the attention of our Operations Departments and I can assure you that they are or have been addressed.
We are from the coast, so we really loved that this home was really close to the main highways without all the curves (that we’re not used to!) that can come along with mountain rentals. The home is so beautiful, roomy, and eclectic- and we loved the wood burning fireplace in the center of the room.
The only thing I wish I knew before going is this home isn’t “right” on the river. It’s a pretty steep hill to get to and from the river from the house, and we took along our young kids as well as my almost 70 year old dad and all his fishing gear. It was a hike, but they did catch fish and had a great time once they got down!
All in all a great time, and just a few short minutes to the Original Mast General Store, Boone, and Blowing Rock.
Jessica W.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Nov 2023
Thank you for the feedback. Our staff was thrilled to hear that your stay was great and that you enjoyed the home and all it has to offer. Its our fondest hope that you will visit us again in the very near future.
From a partner site
8/10 Good
Garry S.
1 Feb 2021
review Casa Rio
Prolems:
Heat would not go over 64 degrees one night
Front door has severe draft need caulking and reset
Stove light not working
Oven will not set only 350 and 500 degrees
Limited counter space because no storage space
Wood was not delivered as promised had to call many times
Trash bin was hard to find found on last day
Sliding door tracks are very dirty and hard to open doors
Fire place door extremely dirty to the point cant see fire
Very hard to heat house yet master bedroom way too hot
Need more flatware
No toaster, no cork screw
House was laid out well and enjoyed living room but too cold.
Garry S.
Verified
2/10 Terrible
Jennifer D.
28 Mar 2021
Liked: Location
Disliked: Listing accuracy
Unsafe
No key code in email no service to call management took 30 mins to reach someone. Beautiful rain showers as not hot water. Can not use spa tub hot water heater isn’t big enough. Day 1 I fell through the rotted deck and had to go to the ER. Cabin company claimed the had no prior knowledge of the deck issue but they did. Going back to 2019 several reviews stating all 3 issues.
Jennifer D.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 28 Mar 2021
Jennifer we are so happy that you were not injured anymore than what you were. In all fairness , you are correct we did state we were not aware of any issues, I am sorry but we honestly were thinking along the lines of the last 6-months to a year and when we looked nothing had been done during that time. In 2019 some work was done on the deck and we in good faith accepted from the general contractor at that time that the deck was in good order. Your review seems to imply that there was a false narrative knowingly pushed by the management company and that is not the case. Once again we are so very sorry that your stay was anything less than perfection for you and your family and we are so thankful that any injuries were not worse . We are available if you feel the need to discuss further.
Verified
6/10 Okay
ASHLEY B.
23 Aug 2021
Liked: Cleanliness, communication
Disliked: Check-in, location, listing accuracy
This house is beautiful, and it is the one that we booked…Not where we stayed, due to several issues
When I rented this property I was looking for water access, pool table and a hot tub. We received a call in the morning that we were leaving, that this house was not available due to numerous issues. They did send me five additional properties to look at, and we did select the one that was most comparable. (Nothing as nice as what we actually paid for) But we had zero water access and no hot tub. disappointing that these issues we’re not discovered prior to the day we were supposed to check in. The house that we did end up staying in was very quaint and nice, but not what I paid for. Also the gentleman that I spoke to, (he was very kind) to choose this cabin sent me the wrong information for the door lock code, so that was also a hassle. Where is my refund for the inconvenience? no water? No hot tub? My family and I didn’t stay in this beautiful cabin that I paid for?
The home is nice and in a quiet neighborhood but wasn’t clean and wasn’t ready for an on time check in.
The decks were covered in leaves. The house was dusty and candy wrappers left around the home.
todd m.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Jan 2023
Thanks so much for your feedback! Its our hope that you will visit us again soon.
House was large, plenty of places to relax & enjoy the view. Saw deer in the yard at some point each day of our stay. The pool table & hot tub are a nice addition. Really enjoyed the quiet & beauty of the place.
This cabin was phenomenal! We had 8 people and it comfortably fit all of us, the cots upstairs were great! Plenty of space and the hot tub was great in the evenings! This cabin came equipped with everything we needed to cook every night and was very clean and well kept. It definitely exceeded expectations! About 15-20 minutes outside of Boone depending on how fast you take the mountain roads so all in all great location! 10/10 would recommend!
Kelly Cassell C.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 21 May 2022
Thank you for your kind review. We are so glad that you enjoyed your stay at Casa Rio! We hope you will return to the High Country and allow us to host you again in the future.
This cabin is very nice plenty of space and great location. But the house was not cleaned very well, lots of dust and hair on floors, windows and shelves. No dish soap, laundry detergent, paper towels or garbage bags. I know these products are not required but for the price a small amount is normal in all my other VBRO visits.
Heather B.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2022
About the host
Hosted by Carolina Cabin Rentals
Homes listed under this host profile are professionally managed by Carolina Cabin Rentals, a North Carolina–licensed real estate firm. Our local team takes pride in clean, well-cared-for homes, freshly prepared linens from our professional laundry facility, easy self-check-in, and dependable support to help you enjoy a relaxing mountain stay.
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests