Sanctuary Cottage | One Mile to Downtown and National Forest
Waterfalls or sunsets—at Sanctuary Cottage, you are perfectly positioned for both. Located inside the Highlands city limits, this warm and inviting mountain cottage is approximately one mile from the shops and restaurants of downtown Highlands and one mile from the national forest. Spend the morning exploring waterfalls and trails, the afternoon shopping in town, and the evening gathered with friends around the fire. You do not have to get in the car to enjoy the mountains. Walk directly from the front door along quiet gravel roads, or continue from the property toward the national forest. It is an easy way to experience the peaceful side of Highlands while remaining only minutes from downtown.
Outdoor Living at the Heart of the Home Guests often tell us that Sanctuary Cottage is all about the deck. The large back deck is furnished with high-end, exceptionally comfortable Summer Classics seating and includes an outdoor dining table for eight. Grill dinner, open a bottle of wine and settle in beneath the cool North Carolina sky. An outdoor heater helps extend deck season into the cooler months. The sunset views from here can be exceptional!
When the mountain rain arrives—as it often does in Highlands—the comfortable screened porch gives you a covered place to enjoy morning coffee, read, dine or simply listen to the rain. A newly built firepit in the front yard is on a beautiful elevated stone platform surrounded by Adirondack chairs. Firewood is provided, so guests can enjoy a real wood fire without having to bring or purchase their own. It is an ideal spot for drinks, conversation and long evenings outdoors.The landscaped front yard features native plants that complement the cottage’s natural mountain setting.
Warm and Comfortable Inside The welcoming living room centers on a convenient gas fireplace that can be enjoyed at the touch of a button. A large television is mounted above the fireplace, making it a comfortable place to watch a movie or catch the big game on a cool fall afternoon. Guests who would rather remain outdoors can move the small television from the primary bedroom onto the deck, so you can enjoy the best of both worlds—the game and the view.
The extremely well-equipped kitchen makes it easy to prepare anything from a quick breakfast to a full dinner. Meals can be enjoyed around the indoor table, on the screened porch or around the eight-person dining table on the deck.
Ideal for Two Couples Sanctuary Cottage is especially well suited for two couples traveling together. Two bedrooms feature king beds and private bathrooms, and their placement at opposite ends of the single-level home gives each couple additional privacy. A third bedroom with two twin beds provides flexibility for friends, older children or additional family members.
The cottage comfortably accommodates up to six guests. Sanctuary Cottage is made for people who value time together: morning walks, afternoons in town, dinner on the deck, football by the fire and evenings beneath the stars.
Highlights • Inside the Highlands city limits • Approximately one mile from downtown Highlands • Approximately one mile from the national forest • Walk toward the national forest directly from the property • Quiet gravel-road walks from the front door • Large furnished back deck • High-end Summer Classics outdoor furniture • Outdoor dining table for eight • Gas grill and outdoor heater • Comfortable screened porch • Newly built firepit on an elevated stone platform • Adirondack chairs and firewood provided • Indoor gas fireplace • Large television above the fireplace • Portable bedroom television that can be used on the deck • Two king bedrooms with private bathrooms • Third bedroom with two twin beds • Single-level, split-bedroom layout • Landscaped front yard with native plants • Comfortably accommodates up to six guests • No pets permitted
Good to know: The cottage is most comfortable for groups of up to six and is particularly well suited to couples and friends seeking a relaxed Highlands getaway. The drive offers parking for two cars.
*This is a no-pet property.* **This property has a Ring doorbell camera at the front door. **
[All of the homes managed by Highlands Vacation Rentals have wifi internet access(speeds may vary based on different providers), basic kitchenware & dishes, linens provided, and a starter set of amenities including: 2 toilet paper rolls per bathroom + A set of personal shampoo, conditioner, hand & body soap (also per bathroom), 2 paper towel rolls, a few kitchen trash bags, a kitchen sponge, some dish soap and a couple of dishwasher and laundry detergent pods. ]
Add dates for prices
Have a question?
AI iconBetaBeta
Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.
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
About the area
Highlands
Lake Sequoyah, a neighbourhood in Highlands, is home to this holiday home. The Bascom Center for the Visual Arts and Highlands Playhouse are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Highlands Country Club and Jackson Hole Gem Mine. Highlands Biological Station and Cashiers Farmers Market are also worth visiting. Take in the nearby slopes with snowboarding and skiing, or try out other outdoor activities such as ice skating.
Western Carolina University - 48 min drive - 59.6 km
Getting around
Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) - 86 min drive
Restaurants
Oak Steakhouse - 10 min drive
Los Vaqueros - 4 min drive
Highlander Mountain House & The Ruffed Grouse Tavern - 4 min drive
The Klapdohr - 5 min drive
Shell - 5 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Sanctuary Cottage | One Mile to Downtown and National Forest pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Sanctuary Cottage | One Mile to Downtown and National Forest?
As of 14 July 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Sanctuary Cottage | One Mile to Downtown and National Forest on 21 Sept 2026 start from AU$2,795, 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 Sanctuary Cottage | One Mile to Downtown and National Forest?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Sanctuary Cottage | One Mile to Downtown and National Forest?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Sanctuary Cottage | One Mile to Downtown and National Forest?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Sanctuary Cottage | One Mile to Downtown and National Forest located?
Located in Lake Sequoyah, this holiday home is within 1 mile (2 km) of Nantahala National Forest and Bridal Veil Falls. The Bascom Center for the Visual Arts and Dry Falls are also within 3 miles (5 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
My husband and I loved our stay at Sanctuary Cottage. The home was beautifully decorated and the neighborhood was convenient yet quiet. We felt right at home as soon as we walked in, lamps and music on as well as fresh cut flowers to welcome us. We would definitely stay here again!
Caroline M.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 10 Sept 2024
Thanks Caroline! We are so happy to hear that you enjoyed the home <3
Cozy space for 4 adults and 2 small children. We loved the gas fireplace. Kitchen fully equipped. Bring all your own food tho. Salt & pepper enough coffee for 1 pot is the only food included.
Sandra M.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Nov 2025
Thanks for your feedback! We do list in the description that we provide bedding, bath linens and "starter" amenities but it is helpful to remind future guests that we don't stock the house with additional food for each stay. We are so glad you enjoyed the cottage and the fireplace, and we hope you choose to stay with us again on future trips to Highlands!
We absolutely loved our stay at Sanctuary Cottage. It is such a lovely and comfortable home. We enjoyed sitting out on the deck for cocktails and looking at the stars. The screened porch is a perfect spot to hang out during the rainfall. The kitchen is very well appointed having everything you need. Everything was just right. Lots of great spots to cozy up with a book. We loved our stay and hope to go back next summer!!
We were so thrilled with our stay here!! So beautifully decorated and all amenities we could ever want were available. The beds were SO comfortable and luxurious. I love that there are two king size beds in the home. The covered patio as well as outdoor patio were just beautiful and amazing. Thank you so much for an incredible stay! Our favorite VRBO!
The pictures of this property absolutely do not do it justice! It is FANTASTIC! The property owners have thought of every thing you might need! The linens and pillows on every single bed are fabulous! No expense was spared in this design! The outdoor space and views are amazing! We stayed here with our 15 year old, 6 year old and 3 year old. We hiked several local trails! Fantastic trip! You are just a few miles outside of town. Location is great!
Virginia B.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 27 Aug 2021
Thank you Virginia! We are so glad you enjoyed the home :)
About the host
Hosted by Highlands Vacation Rentals & Buyers Agency
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests