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Mathews' Mansion, a cabin by a mountain lake

Photo gallery for Mathews' Mansion, a cabin by a mountain lake

Mathews' Mansion is a lovely retreat for unwinding. Sorry, no dogs.
Beautiful View from Driveway
Rock Yourself to Sleep on the Screened Porch.
Front Deck Overlooks Lake
Patchwork Bedroom Queen-sized!

Reviews

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 4

Popular amenities

  • Onsite parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Laundry room
  • Air-conditioning
  • Barbecue
  • Deck or patio

Explore the area

View map
Lake Santeetlah, NC
  • Place, Santeetlah Lake
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Santeetlah Town Hall
    ‪9 min walk‬
  • Place, Cheoah River
    ‪12 min walk‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Patchwork

1 Queen Bed

Snug-a-Bug

1 Double Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Dining area

About this property

Mathews' Mansion, a cabin by a mountain lake

Long overdue for a lazy afternoon in a hammock? How about a rocking chair overlooking one of the most pristine lakes in the world? At Mathews' Mansion, a small cabin on a lake full of fish, you will find a bit of heaven. No clocks, phones, or TV's, only rest and the rustling of maples. Bring your camera for some great nature shots. Chipmunks, hummingbirds, and raccoons are common visitors. Smoking okay on screened-in porch.

Lake is great for bass, boating, swimming. Santeetlah Marina is only a quarter of a mile. Hike the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest and other lush trails in the region. Take a drive on the breathtaking Cherula Skyway. Nearby streams & rivers are world-famous for fly-fishing, whitewater rafting, kayaking, canoeing, and tubing. Ride the choo-choo from Bryson City to the Nantahala Gorge. Visit a pow wow at the nearby Cherokee Reservation or see the outdoor drama. Try your hand at ruby mining. Go antiquing for quilts & carvings. Cycle, or just relax!


Tail of the Dragon: Mathews' Mansion is close to the Tail of the Dragon, the famous curvy Highway 129, which attracts sports car enthusiasts and cyclists from all over the country. Along Cherola Highway one will view spectacular breathtaking mountain views. For more details visit our website.

Cherokee Artifacts: Did you know that Cherokee artifacts have been found in Lake Santeetlah? Stop at the Cherokee Museum in Robbinsville to see what local residents have found while walking the shores. While there, visit Chief Junaluska's grave site. Take a drive through the Snowbird reservation and picnic at one of the creekside tables. Always keep your eyes open, for you, too, might find a Native American relic!

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House Rules

Check in after 12:00 PM

Minimum age to rent: 20

Check out before 12:00 PM

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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

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Events

No events allowed

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Pets

No pets allowed

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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:

Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish

Turn off the lights, lock the doors and return the keys

Trash must be taken to the dumpster as there is no waste pick up. Dumpster is located just after Ted Jordan Bridge. Turn left and circle around. You will see more dumpsters than you ever wish to!

Please turn air-conditioner off. Make sure the refrigerator door is closed.

Wash any dishes you have used. Thank you! You're GREAT!

Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Do not leave food or garbage outside because raccoons will break open the bag and spread it all around.

The septic system cannot accommodate heavy usage. Limit the number of friends and family members that may wish to visit and use toilet paper only.

Return items to original locations. For example, if you move furniture, please put it back before you depart. Thanks!

Important information

You need to know

Property # 157154
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 not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

About the area

Santeetlah

Located in Robbinsville, this cabin is in a rural area and on the waterfront. Cheoah Dam and Tail of the Dragon Dragon Statue are local landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Junaluska Medicine Trail and Appalachian Rivers Raft Company. Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center and Ferebee Park are also worth visiting. Jet skiing and kayaking offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking and hunting nearby.
View more Cabin rentals in SanteetlahOpens in a new window
Map
Lake Santeetlah, NC

What's nearby

  • Santeetlah Lake - 1 min walk - 0.1 km
  • Santeetlah Town Hall - 9 min walk - 0.8 km
  • Cheoah River - 12 min walk - 1.1 km
  • Great Smoky Mountains Railroad - 46 min drive - 68.3 km
  • Great Smoky Mountains National Park - 49 min drive - 72.7 km

Getting around

  • Alcoa - Knoxville Airport (TYS) - 101 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Kin Cafe - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Caffe De Olla - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Lynn's Place - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Wendy's - ‬10 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Mathews' Mansion, a cabin by a mountain lake pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Mathews' Mansion, a cabin by a mountain lake?

As of 14 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Mathews' Mansion, a cabin by a mountain lake on 15 May 2026 start from AU$142, 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 Mathews' Mansion, a cabin by a mountain lake?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Mathews' Mansion, a cabin by a mountain lake?

Check-in begins at 12:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Mathews' Mansion, a cabin by a mountain lake?

Checkout is at 12:00 PM.

Where is Mathews' Mansion, a cabin by a mountain lake located?

Situated on the waterfront, this cabin is steps away from Santeetlah Lake and Nantahala National Forest. Santeetlah Town Hall and Cheoah River are also within 15 minutes.

Reviews

8.6

Excellent

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 42 out of 78 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 22 out of 78 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 8 out of 78 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 5 out of 78 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 78 reviews

8.6/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

9.6/10

Communication

9.6/10

Location

9.2/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brian S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Clean, great lake view, not far from amenities
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Thomas J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We enjoyed our stay at this peaceful lake view cabin. It is simply equipped but the interior has lots of rustic charm and offers lovely decorative details. Relaxing on the spacious deck under the trees and having barbecue was just great. And hiking nearby Joyce Kilmer Forest and Huckleberry Knob Trail was definitely a highlight.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

nevelyn o.

Anniversary getaway

We enjoyed every moment of this wonderful place it was a wonderful experience peaceful lakeside cabin
Stayed 3 nights in May 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Mar 2020
Nevelyn, Your kind words about my lake getaway mean the world to me! I love that you enjoyed it, despite some rainy weather. Please consider coming back in the autumn for the changing of the leaves. Marsha
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jeannine C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lake Santeetlah

Great location. Beautiful lake views.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Dave P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful getaway

Very peaceful getaway , beautiful view of the lake.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 9 Aug 2021
Love to have you back again! Marsha
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Stefan N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

.Cozy Place

This was a nice place to relax and get away from the noise of the city. We enjoyed the kayak and swimming in the lake and lots of fun.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 29 July 2022
It gladdens my heart to know how much you appreciated Mathews Mansion! Please stay in touch with nature and all its wonders. Marsha
Verified

10/10 Excellent

William W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Relaxing fall weekend

My son and I on a guys trip. House was as advertised and had everything we needed for a comfortable stay. Great location on the lake with easy access to grocery store, restaurants, and attractions. Would definitely stay again.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Julie H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful

Just the view was breathtaking and quiet and peaceful and relaxing
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 19 Sept 2022
I'm happy you found us! Please visit again soon. Marsha
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Dylan S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Stay was good!

Only issue we had was turning around the trailer when we pulled in a warning would have been nice but it was a beautiful spot!!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Marc M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful setting

We had wonderful times at this house in a cove of Lake Santeetlah. One of the best features is the nicely screened-in front porch. The natural sounds of crickets and frogs, the occasional splash of a big fish, the morning clouds ringing the mountains, and quiet neighbors all made this modest get-away place one we’ll return to!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brittany D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cute place on the lake!

The location is fantastic! The view of the lake and the screened patio are wonderful. Do be prepared to be a bit warm though in the summer as the A/C unit is mounted in the living room and doesn't reach the bedrooms well. Interior is a bit dated but it was clean enough and the real treat is enjoying the patio and views!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Randy W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A nice rustic cottage to enjoy nature without any disruptions.

Small cottage with water access, albeit no dock. It is rustic and basic, but if kayaking and hiking and sitting outside enjoying nature, for a reasonable price, are what you want, then this cottage fits the bill!
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kelli B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A perfect mountain retreat

The cabin definitely reminded me of my granny's place in the Ozarks. Small and cozy, juat what you need. There are stairs that lead to the lake and the neighbors are nice. Please note, bring your own sheets. Size queen work best and towels for the shower and lake. The views are amazing and the deck is probably the best part.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Anthony B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great little cabin!

This was a great, simple little cabin. You can tell it was built as a little summer getaway, once upon a time. Very basic, and somewhat dated, but it has what you need, including a coffee pot. We loved it, except there are a lot of close neighbors. Its peaceful, but not always quiet. I did want to mention, the smaller bed is a full size, I was a little confused about what size it would be.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

Daniel R.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location

Beautiful Views and Very Relaxing

The property is small and not very elderly accessible! However if you came to relax and enjoy all the lake has to offer, this IS the place! Wish I could upload a photograph or 2! Owner is awesome! Very kind and very accomodating!!!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 9 June 2022
There is an error on this page because it says I lowballed this guest when actually gave him top scores on everything. Fortunately, I've never had a guest yet, in over two decades, that warranted a lousy "1" This super-fine California guest and I developed a very positive relationship, and I want everyone to know that! Marsha
Archival

10/10 Excellent

James P.

Nice, quiet, beautiful and we loved it!

The view from the screened in porch and deck are absolutely beautiful. The facilities were clean and well-maintained. They were very helpful with anything we needed. Eating our breakfast each morning in the porch looking at the water was a quiet and wonderful way to start each day. The only problem we had was negotiating the steps. We would definitely recommend this property to others.
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Mar 2020
Thank you for your 5-star response! We work hard to try to provide our guests with a relaxing stay. The stone steps in front are slick when wet. I'm trying to think of a solution to this problem and do encourage guests to wear non-skid shoes. I'd love to have you back again! Marsha
Verified

8/10 Good

Desiree H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely

This was a lovely getaway! The only reason I’m giving it 4 stars is due to the limited access to the lake. Seems to be one of the only properties without a dock or active stairs down to the lake. We had a great time though!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Scott F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Hidden Gem

There are many gem mining opportunities in NC, but this one was a real find! The pictures don’t do justice to the beautiful setting of this cabin in the mountains. It was clean, cozy, and conveniently located. We were able to hike in Joyce Kilmer, ride a train out of Bryson City, raft on the Nantahala and fish in the Santaheela. Unexpected find that led to an exceptional vacation.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Aug 2021
What a gracious thing to say! Thank you for this uplifting news. Marsha
Verified

8/10 Good

Heather F.

A Peaceful Retreat

Mathew’s Mansion is a wonderful spot for quiet reflection and renewal. The screened porch has a perfect view of the bird feeder where a beautiful variety of birds flocked. Accommodations are just as Marsha describes. Small, yet sufficient. The lake is gorgeous and there are so many adventurous things to do all around.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Mar 2020
Heather, please come back soon! I love it when guests that appreciate this spot of beauty are able to return!
Verified

6/10 Okay

Lori D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Communication

relaxing place to stay

cozy cabin. decent view of lake. just like it was advertised. Not good boat and swimming access to water. smelled musty. I tried to communicate with owner but no response. Could stand a few improvements. Comfortable bed.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

michael ann b.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect Little Lakeside Cabin

We loved our short stay in this home. The rental was just as described in the listing. If you love swimming , floating, and kayaking in the crystal clear , cool water of Lake Santeetlah, this is the place for you. The cabin had just what we needed, easy lake access, a place to sleep and shower, and a small functional kitchen. We absolutely loved the screen room and the deck. If you need Wi-Fi, cell service, TV, or swanky new accommodations, this isn’t the place for you. It was perfect for my husband and I, and we can’t wait to return.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 25 July 2022
You are the perfect guests! Thank you. When you come back, there are some tricks to getting better phone service. The Verizon tower is here, but other phones sometimes require a trip out to the front driveway! What can I say? This is a remote hideout.
Verified

2/10 Terrible

Tobey L.

Disliked: Cleanliness, listing accuracy

Put your money towards a nicer place

Tons of ants, homes in bathroom walls w/ bugs coming out while you shower. No sheets on any bed. Horrible accommodations
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 14 July 2022
Really?
Verified

4/10 Poor

Kristi M.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Location

The location and proximity to Lake Santeelah is exactly what we were looking for, right on the lake! The house was tiny and cute and quirky although it was very damp. My children had a severe reaction to the dampness and/or mold growing because of the wetness. The owner was very responsive and helpful and kind. There is a little stairway access down to the water to put in kayaks or canoes. It's at the end of a cul-de-sac so there is no traffic.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 9 June 2022
The rain just keeps coming! All of us blessed with cabins on the water are struggling to stay dry this year. We are even getting quotes on installing a dehumidifier as a possible solution.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Celeste K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cozy little cottage right on the lake! Gorgeous view! The cottage was comfortable and had everything we needed. The only air conditioner is in the living room but does get cool in the two bedrooms when leaving the doors open. We normally bring along a box fax when we travel because we like the sound while sleeping, so we placed it outside the bedroom door and it kept the room very cool. We enjoyed kayaking on the lake, sitting in the rocking chairs staring out at the beautiful view, eating our meals on the porch and I loved my morning coffee and devotional time out on the porch. On our last evening we were out on the porch eating our dinner and a neighbor was playing their saxophone outside, it was really nice. A great meal from the bbq joint in town, the beautiful view and the soothing sounds of the saxophone. I recommend this place for some good relaxation. This lake is so beautiful! We love kayaking here every chance we get. There’s no tv and the cell service isn’t very good so bring your favorite board games or books and just enjoy some quality time with your family!
Porch view
Deck
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Daniel H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Awesome Vacay

Beautiful area. The house is cozy. It’s so quite and peaceful there. Spent most of the time kayaking on the lake with my wife and hanging out on the big deck playing guitar. Not far from Appalachian trail, Joyce Kilmer forest, and the tail of the dragon. Lots of wildlife showed itself to us. Grocery store in town is pretty solid, had everything we would have bought if we didn’t bring it ourselves. At night time you can really see the stars, unlike where I live, and it’s a beautiful site. There’s an awesome mead brew place down the road, really good stuff. Overall just a great trip to get away from the city and relax. Hope to do it again soon. 10 out of 10
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 19 June 2022
It makes me smile so big to have someone like you stay at Mathews Mansion! Thank you for overlooking the creaks and the cracks and focusing on the surrounding beauty. You're amazing guests. Getting out on that water, or in it, makes all the difference. Please plan to stay here again in the fall or spring! Marsha

About the host

Hosted by Marsha Mathews

Host profile image

I am a professor at a small college, an author of three poetry books, a mother, and a grandmother. I love my cottage on Lake Santeetlah and named it Mathews Mansion when I inherited it from my parents. I have enjoyed fixing it up, one project at a time, from the septic tank to the roof. When the economy fell, I started inviting guests to stay to offset the costs of property taxes, utilities, and maintenance. It's a lot of work, but when I'm there, I feel like I'm in a tree house overlooking the lake.

Why they chose this property

This property is exquisite, set in among some of the oldest mountains on the earth. The wildlife intrigues me because I grew up in Florida where birds have much longer legs. In addition, each season brings something new, especially autumn when the leaves turn red and gold and flutter in the breeze like butterflies. The screen porch is where I spend most of my time, rocking, reading, watching the lake, the chipmunks, and listening to songbirds.

What makes this property unique

This is not a place to party. it is a place to relax and retreat from the hubbub of daily pressures. It is great for those who want to hike, kayak, or simply rock in the rocking chairs. Only an hour or two from river rafting, Cherokee, DollyWood, Gatlinberg, Asheville. Chief Junaluska's burial site is right there in Robbinsville (6 miles) and a small museum and Native American garden.

Languages:

English

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