Ready for a retreat with a special someone or flock of family or friends? Our “Skylands” home has beds for 12 max occupancy per county rules, but cozy for just two of you, too. Our high-speed wifi will cover all your needs! We offer 10% off for 7 or more nights and 16% off for 28 or more!
There's plenty of space with 5 bedrooms (including 2 masters) and 4 baths over two levels, with covered porches main and lower levels. Pool table and ping pong tables in 2 separate game rooms! Extra den lower level as well. Laundry on main level! Easy access from road to driveway to front door!
Skylands is totally non-smoking, and the neighborhood environment is quiet and peaceful. We do not allow pets, and we expect all guests to respect our neighbors insofar as noise/music any time, and rear floodlights after 9 pm.
This is truly a paradise where you will hear birds singing and occasional chapel bells chiming! People make multi-generational memories coming year after year due to its location, amenities, and 3300-foot elevation on the "Highlands Plateau" near multiple national and state parks and countless things to do!
Skylands' upscale rustic charm exudes as you approach the front door with extension of the house's 20+ foot gable over the front porch, with tongue-in-groove pine ceiling. Once inside the door, you're treated to the grand sight of the huge vaulted great room with massive stone wood-burning fireplace, our well-appointed kitchen with granite-topped custom island and cabinetry created from circle-milled pine, a convenient pantry, stainless steel appliances, heart-of-pine flooring main level, updated bathroom vanities with granite and vessel sinks, local-craftsman-made Appalachian mountain log beds of cedar, pine, hickory and laurel, PEX plumbing, new HVAC, and so much more!
The focal point of the lower level game room is an 8-foot oak pool table surrounded by a sassafras and sourwood pub table and hickory stools as well as two large comfy chairs with bear/trout motif and carved bear/trout arms! Nearby is the "ping pong room" with new professional-grade table! The adjoining lower den offers more rustic comfy seating with a drop-leaf table for cards, a board game, or puzzle. There are Roku-smart TV's both levels to connect all your streaming services...next to the fireplace main level, in master bedroom main level, and lower level on top of an antique wagon wheel table with old barn wood top. It is easily moved to the lower master bedroom.
Skylands is within walking distance to the beautiful Sky Valley Resort, including its excellent and beautiful golf course (or an easy 5-minute drive). Our guests enjoy free access to its amenities: exterior heated pool and hot tub, tennis/pickleball courts, and a fitness center open 8 am to 9 pm with sauna and an interior hot tub and locker rooms! There is also a playground for your little ones!
Going northeast, Skylands is literally blocks from the trail head to Georgia's 2nd highest peak, Rabun Bald. Jump the GA/NC line, and multiple adventures within 10 minutes of our house await with Highlands Aerial Park (zipline) and Highlands Outpost (winter snowtubing / summer tubes and a mountain roller coaster). Highlands is still just a 35-40 minute drive via Franklin or Clayton (with temporary Hwy 106 road rework at Blue Valley Overlook - mid October-December 2024). Visit Main Street in Highlands for all its charm, incredible restaurants, shops, and more! Head southwest 10 minutes for Dillard, 20 to Clayton's shops and restaurants and Lakes Burton and Rabun! Skylands is central to so many choices for a long weekend or week or more - any time of year!
As for the house itself, both the main and lower levels open to covered porches with the vaulted main level porch offering a gas grill and outdoor dining area. The porches have a south/southwestern view, overlooking a beautiful small lake and the surrounding mountains. No matter the season, the porches are perfect for perching, breathing the fresh air, enjoying the year-round views, and listening to the sounds of birds and distant church chimes!
All five Skylands' bedrooms feature rustic log or solid-wood beds, all with heart pine or luxury vinyl plank flooring - no yucky carpet! "Cedar," Skylands' master bedroom (king-sized cedar log bed) is on the main level with a view of the massive great room fireplace from bed! Its windows overlook the lake and mountains. It has an adjoining large private bath with garden tub and shower, double vanity, separate toilet room and walk-in closet. Two other main level bedrooms are on other side of great room with a hall bath. "Pinecones" has a queen-sized forged-iron and wood bed with pinecones & pine branches motif. Its windows overlook the lake and mountains. The main level 3rd bedroom now boasts a hickory log queen bed! "Pinecones" and "Hickory" share a full hall bath. Also nearby is the laundry room with a washer and dryer for your use if you need them.
The central great room on the main level includes an ample formal dining area with tiger-mahogany table and 8 chairs, the updated kitchen and new circle-milled pine island with stools, and generous seating options. The fireplace and porch view provide great ambiance whether inside or out. A black walnut game table with live-edge benches provides more dining or game table options. Best of all, relax and visit..."perch"!
Interior pine stairs lead down to the lower level with its central game room as described above, with an 8-foot oak pool table, and a den between 2 bedrooms and 2 baths. The lower level porch has an exterior egress to the ground level. Essentially, the lower level has a 2nd king-size master we call "Laurel" (pine logs with laurel accents) with adjoining bath and on the opposite side of the lower level is the "Pine Bunks" bedroom, with now 2 sets of whimsical pine log bunk beds! One is twin over full and other is twin over twin! "Pine Bunks" shares Skylands' 4th full bath with the den and game room.
Skylands is situated on 4 wooded lots - very private! Listen for the multitude of birds and other sounds of nature. It's why we have used the word "perch" as a verb...it's a restful, peaceful setting yet so close to so much! All roads are paved and maintained year-round. In fact, most of our neighbors are year-round residents who have discovered this uniquely-well-situated mecca for golf, hiking several national forests within minutes, heading up for an afternoon drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway or even venturing to Cherokee for casino/nightlife!
When you arrive, the beds will be made and everything ready for an incredible break from the "real world," but yet the real world's cellphones work great here, and the WiFi is perfect for connecting as you wish. Upon your departure, leave the cleaning and washing to our professional housekeepers, and leave with wonderful memories and a sense of calm from a break well-deserved!
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Noise ordinance in effect for neighborhood at all times, including loud TV, music, or other.
No rear (lake side) exterior flood lights after 9 pm.
No outside fires or fireworks permitted.
Important information
You need to know
Property # 1773454vb
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, a first aid kit and a deadlock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
About the area
Dillard
Located in Dillard, this holiday home is in a rural area and on a lake. Scaly Mountain Outdoor Center and 12 Spies Vineyards and Farm are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those looking for area attractions can visit Andy's Trout Farm and Highlands Biological Station. Take in the nearby slopes with snowboarding and skiing, or try out other outdoor activities such as sledging and ice skating.
Scaly Mountain Outdoor Center - 10 min drive - 6.8 km
The Vineyard at High Holly - 10 min drive - 8.7 km
Andy's Trout Farm - 18 min drive - 18.6 km
Getting around
Atlanta, GA (PDK-DeKalb-Peachtree) - 125 min drive
Restaurants
Blue Hound Barbecue - 13 min drive
The Dillard House - 15 min drive
Cupboard Cafe - 12 min drive
Julep Farms - 11 min drive
La Cabaña Dillard - 14 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Does Gather @ Sky Valley-Highlands Hub>Hike-Golf-Perch @ 3300’! Upscale Rustic 5BR-4B have a pool?
Yes, this property has an outdoor pool. Pool types include heated pools.
How much does it cost to stay at Gather @ Sky Valley-Highlands Hub>Hike-Golf-Perch @ 3300’! Upscale Rustic 5BR-4B?
As of 13 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Gather @ Sky Valley-Highlands Hub>Hike-Golf-Perch @ 3300’! Upscale Rustic 5BR-4B on 4 Sept 2026 start from AU$641, 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 Gather @ Sky Valley-Highlands Hub>Hike-Golf-Perch @ 3300’! Upscale Rustic 5BR-4B?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Gather @ Sky Valley-Highlands Hub>Hike-Golf-Perch @ 3300’! Upscale Rustic 5BR-4B?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Gather @ Sky Valley-Highlands Hub>Hike-Golf-Perch @ 3300’! Upscale Rustic 5BR-4B?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Gather @ Sky Valley-Highlands Hub>Hike-Golf-Perch @ 3300’! Upscale Rustic 5BR-4B located?
This family-friendly Dillard holiday home is located on a lake, within 2 mi (3 km) of Chattahoochee National Forest and Nantahala National Forest. Fisher Lake is 2.6 mi (4.3 km) away.
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
It was our second stay at this property and like our first stay did not disappoint. Fantastic home and owner!
David L.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 11 May 2026
Really appreciate your encouraging words! Great to host you and clan 2nd year in a row! Hope the Highlands golf outing went well amongst the rhododendron and mountain laurel! Take care, Vicki
This house was just perfect for our family of 14. The ping pong and pool table kept us entertained. The kitchen was very well stocked. Thank you
Debbie Z.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Jan 2026
So glad to hear "Skylands" was perfect for your family! Yes, to me a mountain house needs a big pool table and ping pong (hint: great childhood memories!)! After a day of hiking, golf, or tennis, it's a great way to end the day! A couple years ago, a guest sent a photo of great grandmother playing pool at our house with her great grandkids. I thought: what memories they made! Priceless times together! Thank you for commenting on this (and the kitchen)! Please come again! Vicki
This home is absolutely wonderful. It’s very spacious and clean. This was the perfect place for our Annual Thanksgiving family getaway. The host are very accommodating and go above and beyond for their guests. I definitely recommend this place for anyone looking for an amazing home away from home.
Annette J.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 29 Nov 2025
Thank you so much! Great to hear! We’ve always wanted this house to be a special place to share with guests who want to get away and really have a fun rustic experience with their family and friends and build special memories! Please stay in touch! Vicki
We had a great weekend in the mountains with our friends that are family! The weather was cold but the fire and football were great! The owners were fabulous and were awesome with communication! Thanks for the great weekend!
Marne D.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 8 Dec 2025
So glad to hear the weekend went well! Loved your snow tubing photo from Highlands Outpost near our house! You all looked happy and relaxed! Please come again!
Very homey, good area, good perks of access to pool, trails, hot tubs, and tennis/pickleball courts. Great sights and views. Ping pong table was a hit!
Ana P.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 2 Sept 2025
Agree with you "Skylands" is a home that's in such a great location for outdoor activities, has indoor comforts and fun things for all ages, and yes, the ping pong (and pool table) are great fun for all! They bring back happy memories from my childhood. Please come again soon!
Excellent vacation spot with all the comforts of home.
Liz B.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 30 June 2023
Enjoyed hosting your extended family! I know the area afforded them innumerable adventures by day/evening, and our home was comfortable for the in-between adventures and time together around the proverbial kitchen table (or pool table)! Please come again! Vicki
we had a wonderful family time. The house was a perfect fit for our family!
Randy C.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Jan 2025
So glad to hear this, as it’s what we strive to accommodate and enable…extended families and friends to build incredible memories…all the intangibles. Thank YOU for providing this to your loved ones!
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Liset
26 Dec 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Property is beautiful, all you need for a great getaway and the host is absolutely the best at communicating and making sure you have a great time, will definitely go back! My family really enjoyed this trip over Christmas.
Would love to have you back for another golf tourney or other special event! Major consideration when we bought this house was its walking distance proximity to the Sky Valley golf course...teen son is huge golfer! Just let me know! Vicki
Spacious, clean, beautiful home with excellent check-in / owner communication!
Spacious, clean, beautiful home with excellent check-in / owner communication!
Selena L.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 27 Sept 2023
Many thanks for these comments, which are very meaningful to us (and our cleaning crew) and pertinent to what we want to provide our guests! Hope the golf tourney at neighboring Sky Valley Club was a lot of fun, and your group enjoyed being together! Glad you chose "Skylands" for this rendezvous of friends, and please come again! Vicki
Was special to have you wrap up Thanksgiving week-end at our "Skylands"! Sounds like you and your family were very busy and so happy to hear about your hiking nearby! Need to come again soon - even more to do and see year-round! Vicki
Had a great time at this cabin. Location was great, the view was outstanding. Plenty of space for all 6 of us in the cabin. Highly recommend
Jordan H.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 30 June 2023
So glad to hear you had a great Spring Break with your children and enjoyed our house! Want to hear about the Chattooga whitewater rafting and the Highlands Aerial Park and Outpost! Love to have you again in the future! Vicki
Beautiful clean and well equipped. Had everything we wanted. We had great time, a place we would go back to again.
Jim R.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 30 June 2023
Always great to hear such words, as we strive to offer guests the rustic charm of the mountains and all the activities nearby for all ages and stages of family and friends! Please come again soon! Vicki
Our multi-generational family just spent 3 weeks at Sky Valley and thoroughly loved our stay. The house is well equipped to handle large families- complete with cookware, cutlery, dishes, toilet supplies and games. The location is perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, rafting and many other fun things- like waterfalls. Highlands, NC is a short drive away with restaurants and shops galore. Definitely would stay again! Easy communication with hosts.
Dan M.
Stayed 17 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 19 July 2025
Fantastic to hear you had such a special time with your extended family! That’s what we strive for and have set the stage so to speak for lots of fun, rain or shine, whether a whole clan or just a couple! Lots of memories made in a very special area for us, too! Please come again soon! Vicki
House was perfect location. Gold course, hiking trails and a short drive into highlands. Property owners were super attentive. Will rent again.
Jana N.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 30 June 2023
Thanks for sharing your family found our house to be such a good fit for an extended family gathering and located so well to appeal to many interests! Loved the photos of your kids at the snow tubing place just 5 minutes away and the sunset walk on the golf course! Reminded me of searching for golf balls after supper with my grandparents when I was a child! Easy to be super attentive owners when we have such pleasant and flexible guests ... even when the months’ long-awaited pool table arrived mid-visit! Look forward to having you again! Vicki
Nice large home that accommodated 11 (5 adults, 6 kids) of us comfortably! Vicki was so prompt in her communications and proactively had sent all the information we needed well in advance of our stay. We loved the big deck out back and overall had a great stay!
Ami B.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 30 June 2023
Thanks for your nice comments! Great news we were a good "fit" for your family including kids! Now 2 sets of bunkbeds in the bunkroom next to the rooms with the pool table and the ping pong = happy kids = happy adults (probably out on the deck, right?)!!!
Great property with close vicinity to Dillard and Highlands
The owners were very accommodating and communicated promptly. Property was clean and was just as advertised.
Aaron M.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 30 June 2023
Yes, thanks for remarking on our great location between Dillard and Highlands! Can’t beat it (nor the benefits of 3300+ foot elevation in a couple months)! Also, our housekeeping crew really takes a personal interest in providing a clean and comfortable setting. Please visit again! Vicki
Fantastic holiday weekend with the family! Owner amazingly responsive and kind. House and amenities very comfortable and convenient to local hiking and attractions. Highly recommend!
Matthew C.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 30 June 2023
Love hearing of fantastic time you all had, and thanks for your kind words! Hope you'll visit again soon! Vicki
House was quite large and accommodated all ten of us with ease.
Beds were comfortable and the kitchen was well stocked. Location near Highland, NC was a plus. Everyone enjoyed the Pool.
Dennis M.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 30 June 2023
Dennis - Appreciate your great comments on our location in the Highlands area, house appointments (comfy beds, large rooms, and outfitted kitchen), and the access to the pool at Sky Valley Resort! I'm sure you made many unforgettable memories! Please come again! Vicki
Verified
6/10 Okay
sandra c.
1 Jan 2026
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication
Disliked: Location, listing accuracy
The host was very welcoming, and the house was great, but we thought the house was actually in Sky Valley, but it was not. The picture was very deceiving it stated you had a view of hole #2 but you could not see it. Next year we will find one that is actually in Sky Valley. Please try to make your pictures realistic.
sandra c.
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 2 Jan 2026
Appreciate your comments, but with all due respect, our listing clearly indicates we're located contiguous to Sky Valley...literally only a line on a map separates us. Our home's location is truly closer to the SV club than many within SV proper, via Broadmoor Lane, as my description of the photo of hole #2 says "5 minute walk to Sky Valley Golf Course..." (very true)!
Another photo is a drone view with a yellow circle over our house showing its proximity to Sky Valley. A 3rd photo explains it's of our "Heather Stone" neighborhood's entrance. The description verbiage within the listing clearly states all this as well. VRBO notes our location as our official Dillard address (actually as many within "Sky Valley" also have), and this is prominently displayed in the listing. The neighborhoods are seamless. Additionally, by our GPS location being more accessible to Bald Mtn Road, we're easily 10 or more minutes closer to Highlands (and many attractions).
Furthering our connection to SV: the SV Resort Amenities Card we provide our guests (no extra charge), which is not necessarily offered as a privilege at all SV rental homes. Our guests are within a 5-minute drive (or viable walk) to SV's outdoor pool, tennis and pickleball courts, and fitness center...same as hundreds of other SV homes!
Hope this explains how we have always represented our home very clearly in the verbiage accompanying photos, and it's never come up as an issue, because of that clarity.
Vicki
About the host
Hosted by Vicki and Craig Wilkes
Craig and Vicki live in Columbia, SC, and are the parents of two active teens who love golf, hiking, and family gatherings, particularly around a pool or ping pong table, grill, and huge wood-burning fireplace! From south Georgia and mid-South Carolina originally, Craig and Vicki each formed a deep love of the southern Appalachian mountains from their childhoods. It's also generally 15 degrees cooler on any given summer day at Skylands versus those areas! Craig is a retired Presbyterian minister, and Vicki is a financial administrator, both with deep commitments to family across generational lines, deep love for the simple things in life, and a deep faith in God and our country.
Why they chose this property
We chose the Sky Valley / Dillard (GA) area for many reasons, including its elevation and proximity to Highlands (NC) yet easy access, its very-moderately priced golf yet highly-rated, its proximity to many national parks and the Blue Ridge Parkway, yet within 2 hours of major hubs, and on and on.
Then we fell in love with this house. One day we may retire here, and until then, we both enjoy it as well as offer it on the vacation rental market for others to enjoy. It fits when it's just 2 people, when 4, and when many more. It has a freshness and vitality about it, yet is in a quiet area just a couple blocks from the Sky Valley golf course. With 5 bedrooms (including 2 masters - 1 each level) and 4 baths, all hardwood, LVP or tile floors, a great room, 2 lower level game rooms + den, and 2 porches, there's ample room for everyone!
What makes this property unique
Skylands offers an unlimited variety of activities, which is perfect for an extended family's gathering or a quiet week-end away for a couple. Golf is 5 minutes away at the incredible Sky Valley course. The club's other amenities (pool / tennis / fitness center with hot tub) are available in-season to Skylands' guests (access card is kept at the house). Skylands to all the wonderful shops/restaurants/theater around Highlands' Main Street is about 16-18 minutes northeast, or to Main Street Clayton the same to the south. Franklin and the Nantahala National Forest and Lake are 30-45 minutes northwest. From Hwy 441 in Dillard, zoom up the excellent Dillard/Highlands Road (Highway 106/246) zig-zagging in and out across the Georgia and North Carolina state line! Catch the views of a lifetime as you ascend to 3300' elevation to Sky Valley and beyond to Highlands!
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests