The Zen Den-Beautiful Home/Gardens/Walk to Downtown/Gas BBQ/Hot Tub/Fire Pit
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCTHalIZNhY
Oprah Winfrey “The quickest and most consistent way for me to get back to my own rhythm is to walk in nature." ...Enjoy the Zen!
Zen saying: "Is there anything more miraculous than the wonders of nature? Yes, your appreciation of those wonders."
Experience Mother Nature's glory in your one-of-a-kind spacious mountain home centrally located just three blocks from happening Main Street in the beautiful mountain town of Hendersonville, North Carolina.
About this area: Hendersonville Located in Hendersonville, this vacation home is in the city center and in the mountains. Blue Ridge Mall and Southridge Shopping Center are worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Pisgah National Forest and Jackson Park. Mineral and Lapidary Museum and Team ECCO Ocean Center and Aquarium are also worth visiting. Rafting on the French Broad River and fishing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with rock climbing and hiking nearby. Indoor and outdoor Pickleball courts available throughout the city as well as in Asheville.
Here, from your dual-level Craftsman style home and private Zen gardens/arboretum, you can immerse yourself in the healing touchs of the gardens as well as also having the nearby amenities and culture of local restaurants, wineries, local breweries and also enjoy the shopping in Hendersonville (three blocks away) and the Asheville Outlets (75 stores) a scenic 30 minute drive away. https://www.shopashevilleoutlets.com/pdfs/directoryMap.pdf
Go back in time and experience the comforts of your secluded private home with its surrounding winning gardens. Read our previous reviews.
Your cozy peaceful home and Zen gardens will be a memorable experience for you and yours. Perfect for couples and families and an ideal location for a reunion. Publix Super Market, Fresh Market, CVS and Walgreens are just a convenient five-minute drive away making it ideal for both short and long term stays.
Home surrounded by private Zen Gardens, arboretum, Tea House and fish pond.
For unforeseen medical needs Pardee (UNC) Hospital is just a four-minute drive away.
For day trips a scenic drive to the Biltmore at Christmas in Asheville and enjoy fabulous shopping at 75 stores at the Asheville Outlets--32 minutes.
Flat Rock (4 miles), Brevard (21 miles), Lake Lure (22 miles), The Biltmore Estate/ Asheville (25 miles), Asheville Outlets 32 min (28.2 mi) via I-26 W., Greenville SC (41 miles).
"The mountains are calling, and I must go."-John Muir
“In the tea garden, one can hear the music of nature, from the gentle rustle of leaves to the babbling of the stream.” Zen saying
Spring flowers, autumn moon, Summer breeze, winter snow--- When the mind is free From unnecessary thoughts Every season is perfect.
"I have always loved sky and water, leaves and flowers. I found them in abundance in my little pond." -Claude Monet
"I feel a great regard for trees; they represent age and beauty and the miracles of life and growth."
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Pets allowed: dogs less than 9 kg per pet (limit one pet total)
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Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Follow posted rules on hot tub in garden room for your safety.
This is our family's mountain retreat please be considerate of the house and gardens so others may enjoy the surroundings.
Important information
You need to know
Property # 3035693vb
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
Long-term renters welcome
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
About the area
Hendersonville
Located in Hendersonville, this holiday home is in the city centre and in the mountains. Blue Ridge Mall and Southridge Shopping Center are worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Jones Gap State Park and Jackson Park. Mineral and Lapidary Museum and Team ECCO Ocean Center and Aquarium are also worth visiting. Take in the nearby slopes with snowboarding, or try out other outdoor activities such as ice skating and sledging.
Hendersonville Little Theatre - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
Henderson County Heritage Museum - 10 min walk - 0.9 km
Hendersonville Antique Toy Museum - 11 min walk - 0.9 km
Team ECCO Ocean Center and Aquarium - 12 min walk - 1.0 km
Jackson Park - 2 min drive - 1.3 km
Getting around
Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) - 22 min drive
Restaurants
Blue Ridge Beer Garden - 11 min walk
Dry Falls Brewing Co. - 11 min walk
Hot Dog World - 10 min walk
Kilwin's - 12 min walk
HenDough Chicken & Donuts - 12 min walk
Frequently asked questions
Is The Zen Den-Beautiful Home/Gardens/Walk to Downtown/Gas BBQ/Hot Tub/Fire Pit
pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 9 kg per pet.
How much does it cost to stay at The Zen Den-Beautiful Home/Gardens/Walk to Downtown/Gas BBQ/Hot Tub/Fire Pit
?
As of 10 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Zen Den-Beautiful Home/Gardens/Walk to Downtown/Gas BBQ/Hot Tub/Fire Pit
on 7 July 2024 start from AU$411, 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 The Zen Den-Beautiful Home/Gardens/Walk to Downtown/Gas BBQ/Hot Tub/Fire Pit
?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at The Zen Den-Beautiful Home/Gardens/Walk to Downtown/Gas BBQ/Hot Tub/Fire Pit
?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at The Zen Den-Beautiful Home/Gardens/Walk to Downtown/Gas BBQ/Hot Tub/Fire Pit
?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is The Zen Den-Beautiful Home/Gardens/Walk to Downtown/Gas BBQ/Hot Tub/Fire Pit
located?
Located in the heart of Hendersonville, this holiday home is within a 10-minute walk of Hendersonville Little Theatre, Henderson County Heritage Museum and Pardee Hospital. Mineral and Lapidary Museum and Team ECCO Ocean Center and Aquarium are also within 15 minutes.
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
This property is wonderful. Very accommodating and peaceful place to spend a week. It feels like you are away from the city but you are also only a few blocks from downtown. Great place to stay.
Property was even better than described and portrayed in the VRBO pics! Our stay was relaxing and immensely enjoyable, thanks to the numerous ammenties provided by the host and the location could not be better situated for visiting the local sites, wineries and restaurants. We would highly recommend to anyone planning a visit to the Hendersonville area.
Rick J.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 22 July 2023
Rick, so very glad to know that you and your wife enjoyed a delightful birthday visit to our downtown mountain home. Would love to know what your favorite area attractions were. We'll be posting videos of our blooming Spring gardens by next month and hope that you'll be tempted to return for another enjoyable experience!!
Loved our stay at the Zen Den! It was very clean, comfortable, and close to downtown/vineyards. We enjoyed the backyard and hot tub as well. Would absolutely recommend to anyone looking to stay near Hendersonville. Thank you!
Ali C.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 22 July 2023
Ali, glad that you enjoyed your visit and appreciate your taking such good care of our mountain home!
House and property is spectacular. Clean, organized and a million small touches that made our three night stay extraordinary. Beds are comfortable, quiet neighborhood and great downtown walkability score. Can’t wait to book again.
We had a wonderful stay here! It was a convenient location, just a couple blocks from Main Street, 20 minutes to waterfall hikes and other activities that we enjoyed! The house has more supplies than I could ask for. I love that the house had live indoor plants. It felt like home here and my family enjoyed it!
Tiff T.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 22 July 2023
Tiffany, we really do appreciate your booking of our mountain home over the holidays and so happy to know that you and your family were able to enjoy some of the attractions of the Hendersonville area! Please consider a return visit when the weather gets warmer!! Best wishes for a healthy and happy 2023! Mary and Jack
It is the kind of place you’d like to keep a secret, but then you’d deprive others of the opportunity to stay in a beautiful and serene house in walking distance of town. My second stay, and will always be my first choice in the area.
The Zen Den was a wonderful and relaxing stay. The host Mary went above and beyond for us - she took the time to leave personalized touches throughout the home which made our visit feel like a home away from home. The house was very clean and well organized. Highly recommend the Zen Den for your stay and we look forward to returning back.
Unbelievable grounds. The plantings were just fantastic and the location so close to downtown made restaurant visits walkable.
The house is much bigger than it looks and has a lot of room for all who stay there.
This house and yard has a lot of character and personality. Easy walk to downtown for food, drinks and shopping. The host did a nice job checking in via text during our stay to see if we needed anything and that everything was meeting our expectations. We highly recommend this house if you looking for an in town place to stay in Hendersonville. Thanks for everything Mary!
We had a very nice stay at the Zen Den for 4 nights. It’s a comfortable and clean house with many amenities. Mary is an exceptional host. She was super accommodating and quick to respond to any questions and requests. We would definitely stay there again the next time we’re in the Hendersonville area.
Kim H.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Dec 2023
Kim, so glad that you and your guests enjoyed your visit to the Hendersonville area. Do hope that you'll consider returning in the Spring when our gardens are in BLOOM!!
Mary and Jack
We truly enjoyed our stay at this beautiful home! The house was in great condition, the kitchen well stocked and front and back yard were very peaceful places to hangout. We loved the hammock room in the back yard! Great for napping or reading…
Very close to downtown Hendersonville, and also easy commute to Asheville and Brevard for hiking and waterfalls, restaurants, etc.
We will likely be back next year!
This was a perfect property for 3 friends. We spent most of the time out of the house exploring, but there was plenty to do in the house if we had experienced bad weather. We had a peace filled, friend filled, wonderful time.
The Zen Den is the perfect place for any Hendersonville visit. Plenty of room to accommodate multiple couples or a family. An absolutely gorgeous back yard with all the amenities. A short 1/2 mile walk and you’re downtown with all of the shops and restaurants. Miss Mary was the best host! If you’re looking for the perfect home in Hendo, this is it!
Despite 4 days of rain, our stay at Zen Den was very relaxing. Everything was perfect, except no cable was a bit frustrating - especially Masters Week. We’ll be back as we fell in love with Hendersonville and the Den was perfect location. Thank you
Gary M.
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Apr 2024
Gary, we had no idea that the Masters wasn't on TV for your enjoyment. We could have promptly fixed that if we had known! Glad that you and your party enjoyed the rainy days at The Zen Den!
Our family of four enjoyed our weekend in HVL tremendously. The property was beautiful and had personal touches from a personalized welcome sign, to wine and baked goods on arrival. Our kids enjoyed the firepit and hot tub in the spacious and private backyeard (fully fenced) after a long days of hiking. Very easy communication with owners. Our new favorite place to stay in the area!
Beautiful, clean home. Owner ready to help anytime. Beautiful house and Japanese gardens surround the house. The house is better than the photos!! Lovely visit and enjoyed walking uptown!! Will be back!!!
The Zen Den was the perfect, peaceful and lovely home base for our weekend away in the mountains. We sipped coffee by the fireplace in the morning, hiked to waterfalls during the day and walked to downtown for dinner each night.
Mary was the perfect host ensuring we had everything we needed during our stay. My husband and I said if we ever had a VRBO property, this is how we'd do it.
Hope to be back someday. Thanks, Mary!
Kathleen M.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 16 Dec 2023
Kathleen, so glad that you and your hubby had a memorable anniversary celebration at the Zen Den and surrounding area! Best Wishes for a Joyous Holiday season and a healthy New Year!!
This house was absolutely charming! The hosts clearly put a lot of care into thoughtfully furnishing the house and go above and beyond to anticipate a guests’ needs, and everything was extremely clean. The hosts were also very responsive and even left a lovely welcome gift. The backyard was absolutely magical and the tea house was a lovely respite. We also found ourselves spending a lot of time on the welcoming front porch. We walked into downtown for dinner most nights and it was an easy 5-minute walk. A gem of a spot we definitely recommend!
Peaceful getaway in a beautiful indoor/outdoor space
Our stay at the Zen Den was wonderful! The gardens are absolutely beautiful and we spent most of our time sitting outside and enjoying the atmosphere (in the hammocks, on the shady front porch or by the firepit). The house itself is clean and comfortable with many thoughtful amenities and simple check in/out instructions. The hot tub was a welcome surprise. The hosts have created a tranquil resort that I would absolutely rebook. Close to walking trails and downtown Hendersonville. 10/10 would recommend!
This well appointed home lacked for nothing; immaculate and very calming. The outdoor area was spectacular with beautiful plantings and various areas for reading or meditating. A short walk into downtown Hendersonville with it's various shops and restaurants.
Three friends enjoyed several nights here and everyone was pleased. I hope to stay again and would recommend to friends. We think the owners must be blessed with some height because my 5'2" friends found some things better suited to someone taller.
Smith S.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Apr 2024
Hi Susan, thanks for the eloquent review! Would like to know what we can do so that our petite guests will be more comfortable.
We loved everything about our stay! The house and surroundings were beautiful and serene...it was truly a Zen Den. The inside was cozy and clean and we enjoyed playing games and lounging in the living room with the the fireplace going. We loved walking the grounds and observing the landscape of carefully planned plants, shrubs and trees that had been there for years. It was clear our host, Mary Margaret, was an experienced host and we had great communication with her before and during our stay. We also enjoyed being about 5 minutes away from some great downtown Hendersonville restaurants. We didn't get a chance to try the hot tub or fire pit but we plan to be back!
Felicia T.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024
About the host
Hosted by Mary Margaret Smith/Jack Smith
The "Zen Den" was recently purchased and renovated to honor the 50th anniversary of Jack and Mary Margaret Smith who were happily married in a similar Japanese garden at Yokota Air Base in Japan on May 4, 1973.
Why they chose this property
Neighbourhood description The "Zen Den" is just three blocks from Hendersonville's famous Main Street Promenade where the streets are closed off so visitors can casually walk around and share music, dancing venues, shopping, restaurants and other activities. Asheville Airport 12 miles away (20 minute drive) and the Biltmore Estate 25 miles away (40 minute drive) where currently Hallmark's romantic "A Biltmore Christmas" movie is being filmed.
The historic stone home and gardens themselves are privately secluded amidst a mature growth arboretum of Norway Spruce, Dawn Redwoods (China), Japanese Maples, Sugar and Autumn Blaze Maples, Dogwoods, Crepe Myrtles, Copper Beech Trees, a magnificent Grandiflora Magnolia, English boxwoods, golden arborvitae, Azaleas and Rhododendrons.
The Japanese Style garden contains teak outdoor furniture, a bubbling water fountain, Koi pond, Torii Gate designs and a tea house that have been designed to altogether act as a healing retreat to compliment the natural beauty of this one-of-a-kind garden and home. One with Nature in perfect imperfection (Wabi Sabi).
What makes this property unique
Relax and Unwind in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Escape life’s hectic pace with a getaway to Hendersonville in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Visitors love the beauty and southern hospitality of this vibrant town (and surrounding area) that welcomes all with possibilities as wide as its Main Street sidewalks.
Hendersonville stands out with a pedestrian-friendly downtown, distinctive hiking trails, outdoor adventure, family activities, a thriving culinary scene, and a collection of wineries, breweries, and cideries that comprise the popular Cheers! Trail.
The Zen Den is the perfect place for a family or group retreat of active adults with lots of outdoor activities centered in Hendersonville, NC (A City of Four Seasons) owing to its mild climate with no harsh winters like those up north or the extreme heat of Southern summers. Hikers, Gardeners, Golfers, Tennis and Pickleball players. All of the pleasures the Smith family loves are here. It's Perfect.