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New River Gorge, Fall Foliage, 20 min to Gauley River, sleeps 18, Fire Pit

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A covered outdoor area with a stone fire pit, a hammock, and a wooden bench.
A living room with a stone fireplace, leather sofa, television, and a glass coffee table.
A kitchen with wooden cabinets, a coffee maker, and a window with a view of greenery.
A room with a wooden bookshelf, a desk with a laptop, a decorative window, and a view of a balcony.
A wooden entrance with two doors, each adorned with a wreath.

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
Set against mountain views, this vacation home accommodates 17 guests with 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. It features 1 separate living room and offers games for entertainment. Enjoy activities like birdwatching, mountain climbing, and kayaking nearby. The property includes a porch, deck, and patio, with a golf course located close by.

Highlights

  • Beach equipment
    A rare find — beach equipment ready to go for your days by the sea.
4 bedrooms2+ bathroomsSleeps 17

Popular amenities

  • Barbecue
  • Patio
  • Air-conditioning
  • Washing machine
  • Onsite parking available
  • Refrigerator

Explore the area

View map
Hico, WV
  • Place, New & Gauley River Adventures
    ‪11 min drive‬
  • Place, New River Gorge Canyon Rim Visitors Center
    ‪11 min drive‬
  • Place, New River Gorge Bridge
    ‪11 min drive‬
  • Airport, Beckley, WV (BKW-Raleigh County Memorial)
    ‪48 min drive‬

Where you'll sleep

4 bedrooms (sleeps 17)

Highland Queen

1 Queen Bed and 1 Crib

Kith and Kin

2 Single Beds and 2 Double Beds

Lads & Lasses

3 Single Beds and 1 Double Bed

Living room

1 Queen Sofa Bed and 1 Single Bed

Mountain Spirits

1 King Bed

2 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Hair dryer

Bathroom 2

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 3

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Number of living rooms
Outdoor play area
Dining area

About this property

New River Gorge, Fall Foliage, 20 min to Gauley River, sleeps 18, Fire Pit

TAKE ME HOME!

Sweet Retreat Lodge is a home first, and that is what makes it different.

This is not a corporate-managed rental or a staged mountain house with all the personality polished away. It is a real West Virginia home, personally hosted and cared for by the owner, a lifelong local with deep roots in the area.

Family photos, personal collections, well-loved books, familiar games, local art, and blue-and-gold West Virginia touches give the house a sense of history and heart. Guests are not just stepping into a place to stay. They are stepping into a home with a story.

RETREAT, RECHARGE, RECONNECT

The hammock is part of the Sweet Retreat logo for a reason.

For our family, it has always meant slowing down, stepping outside, and making room for nature, laughter, and each other. The original hammock was carefully hung by the children at the start of summer weekends and holidays, until it became affectionately known as “the family flag.”

That simple tradition helped shape the spirit of Sweet Retreat.

Today, we share that same philosophy with our guests: retreat into the woods, recharge in the mountains, and reconnect with the people who matter most.

Stay in, head out, or do a little of both. Sweet Retreat is a roomy mountain home, a peaceful gathering place, and a comfortable basecamp for exploring Southern West Virginia. However you spend your time here, we hope Sweet Retreat becomes part of your story too.

The Home

• Large gathering spaces for families and groups

• Open floor plan that naturally brings people together

• Large windows and glass doors with peaceful wooded views

• Spacious kitchen for shared meals

• High-end appliances, including AGA, Sub-Zero, and Thermador

• Books, games, personal collections, and local art throughout the home

The Property

• Private 13-acre property

• Covered deck surrounded by forest

• Hammock, horseshoes, basketball, and cornhole

• Room to slow down, spread out, and reconnect

• Optional event venue for weddings, reunions, and retreats

The Area

• New River Gorge National Park

• Several nearby state parks

• Rafting, hiking, climbing, swimming, ATV riding, and mountain biking

• Craft breweries, local dining, galleries, and small-town shops

• WV Waterfall Trail and Almost Heaven Swing stops

• Custom digital guidebook included

Add dates for prices

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 11:00 AM
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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, service animals permitted
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Remove personal items and remove leftover food and drinks
Turn off the lights and return the keys
Leave used beds unmade.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Important information

You need to know

Property # 2255685vb
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

Hico

Located in Hico, this holiday home is in a rural area and in the mountains. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Babcock State Park and Hawks Nest State Park, while Fayette Theater and Love Hope Arts are cultural highlights. New & Gauley River Adventures and Ace Adventure Resort are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with kayaking and rafting nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with mountain climbing and cycling.
Map
Hico, WV

What's nearby

  • New & Gauley River Adventures - 11 min drive - 16.4 km
  • New River Gorge Canyon Rim Visitors Center - 11 min drive - 17.1 km
  • New River Gorge Bridge - 11 min drive - 17.8 km
  • Kaymoor Miners Trail - 11 min drive - 17.8 km
  • Canyon Rim Visitor Center - 11 min drive - 17.1 km

Getting around

  • Thurmond Station - 40 min drive
  • Beckley, WV (BKW-Raleigh County Memorial) - 48 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Arrowhead Bike Farm Biergarten & Campground - ‬19 min drive
  • ‪Rendezvous River Lodge - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Firecreek BBQ & Steaks - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Smokey's on the Gorge - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Maggie's Pub - ‬13 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is New River Gorge, Fall Foliage, 20 min to Gauley River, sleeps 18, Fire Pit pet-friendly?

No, only service animals are welcome at the property.

How much does it cost to stay at New River Gorge, Fall Foliage, 20 min to Gauley River, sleeps 18, Fire Pit?

As of 5 Oct 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at New River Gorge, Fall Foliage, 20 min to Gauley River, sleeps 18, Fire Pit on 2 Nov 2026 start from AU$652, 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 New River Gorge, Fall Foliage, 20 min to Gauley River, sleeps 18, Fire Pit?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at New River Gorge, Fall Foliage, 20 min to Gauley River, sleeps 18, Fire Pit?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at New River Gorge, Fall Foliage, 20 min to Gauley River, sleeps 18, Fire Pit?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is New River Gorge, Fall Foliage, 20 min to Gauley River, sleeps 18, Fire Pit located?

Situated in the mountains, this holiday home is within 9 miles (15 km) of New & Gauley River Adventures, New River Gorge Bridge and New River. New River Gorge Canyon Rim Visitors Center and Canyon Rim Visitor Center are also within 9 miles (15 km).

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

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. 11 out of 14 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 14 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 14 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 14 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 14 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

9.4/10

Location

9.4/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Clean house, beautiful property, perfect for our group. Meeting the owner's puppy was a huge bonus. He's adorable.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 8 July 2026
Your group was a pleasure and I hope to see you guys again maybe during golly season or next year!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Review

Great place, great surroundings
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Sept 2023
Dear Samuel, I had some trouble finding things because I tried the connectivity option with VRBO and my website. I was just looking through old reviews and having fond memories. Thanks for taking the time to post! Have a great summer! Tama
Verified review

8/10 Good

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

Fayettville family reunion

Peaceful, rustic retreat, in the woods.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Sept 2023
Please send me a message as to what amenities were less than 5 star. I appreciate your feedback. Tama Sweet
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Sweet Retreat

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay! The property is perfect for our annual girl’s trip and for a big group. We plan to come back every year! Tama, the owner, lives on the property and was very hospitable.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 29 July 2024
Thanks, Katelind! See you next year! Tama
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Amazing mountain property

The house is beautiful. Our group takes a yearly mountain cabin trip, and we have stayed in a different property every year. We loved this souch we have decided to keep coming back and make this place our dedicated destination.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 10 Nov 2023
I can’t wait to see you guys next year!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Fun in WV

Home was prefect. Host (Tama) was very accommodating and helpful with local tips, restaurants, hikes and more. We had a large group and there aren’t many homes that could facilitate our group.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 5 Oct 2023
Thanks so much, Argie! Happy guests are my pleasure. Tams
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Sweet Retreat

Our group had 10 adults and there was plenty of room for all of us. It was the peaceful retreat we all needed. The owners communication was quick and answered all my questions. If we go rafting again on the new river, we will be staying here again.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Sept 2023
Thanks, Jill! I look forward to hosting your group again !
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Check-in, communication

Not as expected

The spacious great room and deck/hot tub were a hit with our teens. On the surface everything was tidy, floors and bathrooms clean. However I was expecting a smoke and pet free house. There was a strong odor of cigarettes so that we even opened windows and doors to air out. We also encountered dog hair in the linens and towels. Not sure it’s a good idea to have guests do the laundry. There wasn’t enough detergent for us to do the laundry properly after use as required. This VRBO has potential for a higher rating with a good spring cleaning, and enforcement of no smoking and no pets.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Sept 2023
Dear Mary, I cannot tell you how sorry I am that you were unhappy. The property is clearly labeled pet-friendly on several platforms. The guests are only asked to start the first load of towels, since the house sleeps 15-18. I checked supplies before you arrived and since you were there only one night, it seemed like there was enough detergent. You were given phone instructions, and instructions left for you in the home, to call or text me, if you needed anything. I could have delivered more laundry soap within 2 minutes had you done that. At the time, I did not take one night reservations, but made a special allowance for your youth group. As far as the smell of smoke, I'm truly upset about that. It had been a cold March and someone must have broken the rule. I'll have to be extra certain to never let that happen again. I'd be happy to return your cleaning fee, which existed at the time. Thank you, Tama Sweet
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great place for a family get together

We had a long weekend family get together to celebrate the life of my late husband. We had 12 people that included my 90 year old father in law. We enjoyed the big grill, enormous deck, camp fires, and morning coffee in the hot tub. It is less than 15 minutes from the New River Bridge. It is a great place and would definitely stay again.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Sept 2023
Dear Pam, I had some trouble finding things because I tried the connectivity option with VRBO and my website. I was just looking through old reviews and having fond memories. Thanks for taking the time to post! Have a great summer! Tama
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Family gathering.

It was a time of family time, we all live in different states. So we commit to a long weekend, to all be together. House is very accommodating to larger families. Would definitely go back.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Sept 2023
Dear Carolyn, I had some trouble finding things because I tried the connectivity option with VRBO and my website. I was just looking through old reviews and having fond memories. Thanks for taking the time to post! Have a great summer! Tama
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Lots of space

So much space and the oven was so cool to use! Very easy process to check in and out. Thanks for letting me have a great bachelorette!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Sept 2023
Dear Erin, I had some trouble finding things because I tried the connectivity option with VRBO and my website. I was just looking through old reviews and having fond memories. Thanks for taking the time to post! Have a great summer! Tama
Verified review

8/10 Good

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

Review of Hico house

House was definitely bigger in person. Lots of parking. Very spacious. Everyone had a great time! Thank you!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Sept 2023
Dear Ben, I had some trouble finding things because I tried the connectivity option with VRBO and my website. I was just looking through old reviews and having fond memories. Thanks for taking the time to post! Have a great summer! Tama
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Nice place to stay

It was very spacious. Lots of room fur everyone. We had 18 an we were not overcrowded at all.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Sept 2023
Dear Karen, I had some trouble finding things because I tried the connectivity option with VRBO and my website. I was just looking through old reviews and having fond memories. Thanks for taking the time to post! Have a great summer! Tama
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2026

About the host

Hosted by Tama L Sweet

Host profile image
I’m Tama Sweet, the owner and local of Sweet Retreat. I’m a retired teacher and lifelong resident of the region. I hope that by endeavoring to run a hospitality / tourism business, I can share my affection for this special area, and it's origins with people from everywhere!

One of my favorite things about the house is the way the skylights, large windows, and French doors fill the rooms with light, frame the woods, and gently draw guests outside to the deck, the trees, and the quiet of the property.

I hope you feel welcome here, settle in, and enjoy one Wildly Wonderful stay.

Why they chose this property

The history and majesty of New River Gorge compares to no other! I called it, "New River GORGEous" before it was fashionable. You can stand beside the New River, or dive in, and remember just how old and beautiful this place really is. I fell in love with the rivers, woods, history and people of my home state as a child. My WV pride and connection to my Celtic heritage are evident throughout the property.

What makes this property unique

One House, One Host, One Wildly Wonderful Stay

Sweet Retreat Lodge is a home first, and that is what makes it different.

This is not a corporate-managed rental or a staged mountain house with all the personality polished away. It is a real West Virginia home, personally hosted and cared for by the owner, a lifelong local with deep roots in the area.

Family photos, personal collections, well-loved books, familiar games, local art, and blue-and-gold West Virginia touches give the house a sense of history and heart. Guests are not just stepping into a place to stay. They are stepping into a home with a story.

Languages:

English
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