Cabin

Fern Hill Overlook, Fantastic Views, Private setting

Photo gallery for Fern Hill Overlook, Fantastic Views, Private setting

Fern Hill Overlook cabin
Front porch view in fall.
Welcome !
Built-in bench at entry to sit and enjoy the scenery.
A trio of bears to greet you at the cabin entry.

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
2 bedrooms1+ bathroomSleeps 597.5 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Dryer
  • Air-conditioning
  • Outdoor space
  • Parking available
  • Mountain view

Explore the area

View map
Sugar Grove, NC
  • Place, Watauga River
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Place, Beech Mountain Resort
    ‪18 min drive‬
  • Place, Appalachian State University
    ‪24 min drive‬
  • Airport, Abingdon, VA (VJI-Virginia Highlands)
    ‪83 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 5)

Bedroom 1

1 Single Sofa Bed and 1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Bathroom 2

Towels provided · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Fern Hill Overlook, Fantastic Views, Private setting

Situated on 2 acres on the western slopes of the North Carolina Appalachian Mountains, Fern Hill Overlook offers magnificent mountain views, lots of privacy, and is conveniently accessible to local attractions and activities.

Curve up the driveway between rock ledges and rhododendron to a rustic cabin which is not easily visible from the road.

Park under the deck and walk up the stone steps. At the top of the steps, there is a bench big enough for two and a stone patio. It's a great spot for quiet reflection. Go through the house or follow the deck to the front porch for BREATHTAKING mountain views and a glimpse of the river in winter. No other cabins are between you and the river. Put the two rocking chairs together and share nature's beauty and majesty with someone special. Enjoy the scenic views and forest setting. Be sure to keep an eye out for deer passing by but please respect this property as a sanctuary for the native flora and fauna.

This cabin has many amenities including full length windows, an updated kitchen and open floor plan. It is nicely furnished with rustic style furniture and accents. The master bedroom with a reading area takes full advantage of the windows and views. Firewood is provided for the wood burning stove which keeps the cabin cozy in even the coldest weather.

Located only 25 minutes from Boone or Blowing Rock, it's a short ride for shopping, touring, white water rafting or skiing. Grandfather Mountain would be a great destination for a daytime adventure! Families may also enjoy Tweetsie Railroad. Head in the other direction and you can spend the day in Tennessee at Watauga Lake! Browse the collection of books in the cabin for reading on a rainy day.

Fern Hill Overlook is accessible year round but four wheel drive or chains are recommended for this property in winter months due to the significant slope of the driveway.

The relatively high elevation and ceiling fans usually keep it comfortable year round but there is HVAC in the family room to provide cooling on a hot summer day. There are 4 sources of heat during cooler months to keep the cabin warm and cozy (HVAC, baseboard heaters, ceramic heaters, wood stove). As a rustic cabin in the woods, the possibility of an outdoor fire spreading to the cabin is a concern. Therefore, no outdoor fires (grills for cooking, fire pits, etc.) are allowed. Wildlife such as deer and turkey may occasionally be seen crossing the property. These 2 acres are to be respected as a sanctuary for animals. No discharge of weapons of any sort is permitted.

Note that the hot tub was removed in August 2022. I have not found a suitable replacement at this time.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Dryer
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
Mountain view
Parking available

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House Rules

Check in after 2:00 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
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Start the dishwasher
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights, lock the doors and return the keys
In winter months, turn down thermostats to 50 degrees.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Grills, any other outdoor cooking, fire pits, etc. are NOT allowed due to the hazard of fire
NO discharge of weapons on the property is permitted. This includes any type of firearm, bow & arrow, etc.
An inventory was made of the cabin furnishings. Report any breakage to owner. Missing/broken items will be charged to your damage deposit.

Important information

You need to know

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

Sugar Grove

Located in Sugar Grove, this cabin is in a rural area. Beech Mountain Resort and Sugar Mountain Resort are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Grandfather Mountain. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Kidd Brewer Stadium or Holmes Convocation Center. Kayaking and rafting offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking and cycling nearby.
Map
Sugar Grove, NC

What's nearby

  • Watauga River - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Beech Mountain Resort - 18 min drive - 15.3 km
  • Appalachian State University - 24 min drive - 26.0 km
  • Sugar Mountain Resort - 27 min drive - 24.5 km
  • Grandfather Mountain - 42 min drive - 48.9 km

Getting around

  • Abingdon, VA (VJI-Virginia Highlands) - 78 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Beech Mountain Resort Cafeteria - ‬25 min drive
  • ‪Beech Mountain Brewing Co. Taproom and Grill - ‬25 min drive
  • ‪First Chair Coffe Shop - ‬24 min drive
  • ‪5506' Skybar - ‬27 min drive
  • ‪Famous Brick Oven Pizzeria - ‬25 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Fern Hill Overlook, Fantastic Views, Private setting pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Fern Hill Overlook, Fantastic Views, Private setting?

As of 23 Apr 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Fern Hill Overlook, Fantastic Views, Private setting on 27 Apr 2026 start from AU$165, 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 Fern Hill Overlook, Fantastic Views, Private setting?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Fern Hill Overlook, Fantastic Views, Private setting?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Fern Hill Overlook, Fantastic Views, Private setting?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Fern Hill Overlook, Fantastic Views, Private setting located?

Situated in a rural location, this cabin is steps from Watauga River and within 9 mi (15 km) of Watson Island and Buckeye Recreational Center. Apple Hill Farm and Banner Elk Winery are also within 12 miles (20 km).

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

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. 83 out of 127 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 32 out of 127 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 5 out of 127 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 5 out of 127 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 127 reviews

8.6/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

9.6/10

Communication

9.4/10

Location

9.2/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sara W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This was a great place to stay. It was a quiet sere location but still close enough for supplies and activities!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kenneth M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We loved this cabin even with the snow storm! It's a great cabin with wonderful views. The host is amazing and she is very prompt. We were looking for a place to get away and unplug, this cabin was perfect.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Christopher W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very clean cabin. Great Mountain View. All the amenities we needed. Very cozy. Absolute must to have 4 wheel drive to get up driveway.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jim T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The cabin was absolutely perfect for our trip to the area. Secluded but conveniently located to all of the area's attractions. The front porch has incredible views of the mountains, whether for morning coffee or evening beverages. Sandra, our hostess, was very forthcoming with information about the cabin and especially directions. I highly recommend following those directions and not your GPS. We definitely look forward to our next return visit and stay at Fern Hill Overlook!!!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 4 Nov 2025
So happy your enjoyed your stay! I look forward to your return visit.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Anthony L.

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

Great Stay

Loved the cabin feel. Great place to stay after snowboarding.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023
Verified

6/10 Okay

Mary P.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Cleanliness, listing accuracy
Cabin is in a beautiful area, great layout but very outdated furniture, liens and beds. Needs some TLC
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 20 Oct 2025
In our message exchange, you said you had a "great trip" so I was surprised to read your comments. My upgrades so far this year included a mini-split HVAC system, Keurig coffemaker, dehumidifier and a ROKU device on the TV. Adding air conditioning was a major improvement! The bedskirt in the master bedroom was put on brand new in August. Yes, the furniture has been in place for awhile. Personally, I like most of what is provided for a rustic cabin. In the recent past, I've added ceiling fans, improved lighting, a SMART TV, a new refrigerator, new GE oven/cooktop and replaced both toilets. So, my focus has been function and comfort. I do expect to buy a new master bedroom mattress and replace the vinyl floor at some point. But for anyone looking for new, fully updated interior and furniture, this cabin is not the best choice. It sits on 2 wooded acres and there is significant property maintenance cost to me. The property was greatly affected by Hurricane Helene and it has been an huge effort to recover from that disaster in Western NC. I've tried to keep the rental cost reasonable for my guests so I have not, and do not plan to replace most of the furniture in order to offer something newer.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

KEVIN K.

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

Snowy mountains

Fantastic property in the mountains, snowing while there was a huge plus, especially with yhe hot tub! Would recommend to anyone to stay here.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 7 July 2023
I am so glad you enjoyed your mountain getaway at my cabin!
Verified

8/10 Good

Ashley C.

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

Great weekend away

Awesome weekend getaway. Owners response was awesome as it had snowed before we were scheduled to arrive. Super helpful! Great location but still secluded. Hot tub was a major plus and was clean.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 7 July 2023
I'm glad you enjoyed your stay and that your 4-wheel drive vehicle could make it up the driveway even with a light covering of snow.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rick A.

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

Great cabin for a quiet get away

Really enjoyed the serenity of the location and feel of a mountain cabin. If you're looking for a place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and want to enjoy a quiet evening in a cozy mountain cabin with great views - this is the place. Owner was very communicative and responsive to communications and inquiries.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 7 July 2023
Glad to know you enjoyed your time in the beautiful NC mountains! Thanks for sharing.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

randy e.

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

Relaxing Weekend

Needed a weekend away w privacy, view and basic comforts. Fern Hill met all those needs. Cabin is tidy and has all the supplies for a nice stay. Close to Boone and the lake. Owner prepped the steep driveway and our front wheel drive handled it with no trouble. Enjoyed our stay!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 7 July 2023
Thanks for sharing your experience. Glad to know that you enjoyed your stay and the driveway was not an issue for your front wheel drive vehicle. Please keep my cabin in mind for a future vacation getaway! I would be happy for you to return.
Verified

8/10 Good

Andrew M.

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

Great Cabin and Value

Great value compared to others. Good view of the mountains and clean. About 25-35 minutes from beech skiing. Driveway is steep and may require chains if weather is icy. Verify that the hot tub is working before booking, though.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Marlo F.

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

Great View - Great Time!

It was our second wedding anniversary and we wanted a private home with a great view and boy, did we get it! This house is comfortably appointed, and although I would not consider it a luxury home, it was very cozy and endearing. Loved the wood stove! The mattresses could probably use an upgrade but that’s about the only suggestion I would make. It really was very charming and we definitely plan on coming back next year. The owner was very responsive and helped us several times with quick communication.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 7 July 2023
Glad to know you had a great time! Thanks for sharing comments about your stay. We would be delighted to have you as a guest again!
Verified

6/10 Okay

Haileigh H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication
Disliked: Listing accuracy
We were only getting a place to stay for a race. Trying to find the house was a little tricky because the directions stop you in the middle of the road past the drive way it self. The drive way is extremely steep so be aware of that! The house is a little out dated only one tv and it’s in the living room. Be mindful that the master bed room doesn’t have any blinds or curtains as well. If you are comfortable with that then this house is perfect for you! We also had a little visitor while we were there. A mouse was in our room both nights. I understood with it turning cold that those little creatures would be coming out but as someone who doesn’t like mice or rodents over all it was very hard for me to sleep at all. With it being such a last minute trip I didn’t complain too much about it I tried to see the positive side of it. If you are one with nature then this house is perfect for you. The view it self is beautiful. You have privacy for sure! The host was very quick with response as well so that really made me feel good!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Sept 2025
Thank you for your feedback. Sorry that your GPS stopped you past the driveway itself. I have posted a photo of the bear motif mailbox beside the driveway and will make sure to bring that to the attention of future tenants. As you know, the cabin is not easily visible from the road. The driveway is fairly steep so a slow and steady pace is best until you get used to it. I am so sorry about the mouse... it is a cabin in the woods and sometimes a mouse will seek entry when the weather gets cold. I blocked out a week afterwards for my pest control company to address the problem and I'm sorry they couldn't get there during your stay.
Verified

4/10 Poor

Adam P.

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

Dirty

This place is very dirty and dusty, my daughter is still suffering 3 days later from allergies. Lots of little problems like the fridge light not working. Charging an electric vehicle doesn’t work here, not sure why. The hot tub is nice but shallow. We turned it down to 100 but it dropped to 90. Maybe a problem with the thermostat.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 7 July 2023
I'm sorry you were disappointed with your stay. I will address your cleaning concerns with my housekeeper. I did not know the fridge light was not working, you are the first tenant to report that issue. You are also the first tenant of whom I'm aware who had an electric vehicle. I don't know the requirements for charging an electric vehicle so I can't explain why the outside outlets did not work for you to charge your vehicle.
Verified

2/10 Terrible

Mandi K.

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

Photos and property are outdated

The photos on this property must have been taken yrs ago. The property has been neglected (I assume) for some time. Everything is old, uncomfortable, broken, dusty and rusty. I didn’t want to ruin my daughters birthday weekend so I didn’t say anything to the host in front of her. The view is this properties best feature but ruined by road noise during the busy traffic hours. You need 4 wheel drive to get up the driveway and you couldn’t pay me to walk down to the gazebo. I would never book this rental again. They should not post photos of this property from when it was cared for, it’s deceptive.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 7 July 2023
I am sorry that you were disappointed. I will address your comment about dust with my housekeeper. The yard service has weed-whacked the front yard in July. The stove, dishwasher and refrigerator have all been replaced in the last 5 years. A new ceiling fan was added to the second bedroom. The toilet in the Master Bathroom was replaced this month. Over the last 10 years, a number of 2 wheel drive vehicles have accessed the property, but some drivers are more comfortable with 4 wheel drive. As mentioned in the comments, the driveway has significant slope. It is scraped periodically by the lawn service company to smooth out the gravel. The furniture is older, but the linens are washed between tenants and the sofa vacuumed. At a future date, I plan to replace the TV with a flat screen smart TV. Right now, I am looking for a replacement hot tub. The property is still being maintained. I will take your comments into consideration and update photos as appropriate on my next trip to the cabin.
Archival

4/10 Poor

Bobby W.

Beautiful views but needs updating.

Pros: Beautiful views and low rental cost. Cons: One TV which is a console (old school) no HDMI to play Play Station or XBOX on. You have to put wood and start a fire in a wood burning stove to heat up living room. Small cabin, toilets old and low to ground, not much plates, glasses, or utensils. Jacuzzi has a leak that leaks onto your vehicle in parking spot but, she did let me know a couple of days before arrival. Also very adamant about leaving by 11 am as next renters are coming that day. Just needs updating and upkeep. By the way we drove a small front wheel drive coupe and didn't have any issues getting up the driveway as I have raced cars in the past and knew how to navigate up the driveway in a aggressive fashion. Thank you for the stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 7 July 2023
I am glad that you enjoyed the views. The cabin is a great retreat for people who want a natural setting in which to experience the beauty of the mountains. There are actually 3 means of heating the living/dining area. The primary source of heat is an energy efficient rectangular ceramic heater located near the sofa. It is controlled by the thermostat just inside the entry to the main part of the cabin. (There is a second ceramic heater and related thermostat in the master bedroom.) In addition, there is a baseboard heater along the dining room wall. As you discovered, the third means of heating in the living/dining area of the cabin is the woodstove which generates a significant amount of heat although I think most of my tenants light it for the ambience. Firewood is provided. As far as plates, the cabinets contain place settings for 6 in solid green and 4 dinner plates in a bear motif. Occupancy is listed as 4-5 so I felt that would be sufficient. Since I purchased the cabin, I have modified it to include a dishwasher, stone steps, rustic railing and patio, covered outside entry with bench, and wrap-around deck. The refrigerator and dryer are new. New sheets and bedspread were purchased and replaced in March. A ceiling fan was added to the second bedroom. In general, I have opted to add function rather than replace what is in working order. The leak in the hot tub does not cause a significant drop in water level or otherwise affect the usage of the tub. Once the weather is warmer, I plan to schedule a repair. Just 2 weeks before you arrived a dump truck load of gravel was spread on the driveway which was scraped and re-surfaced. I believe it is important to maintain a steady forward motion up the entire length of the sloped driveway. Experienced drivers will not stop on the incline and then attempt to resume their progress. Taking it too fast can scatter gravel and deteriorate the driveway over time. The TV has a basic channel service. Board games and puzzles are in the bookcase for entertainment. Normal check-in time is 2 PM and check-out is 11 AM. Three hours is the minimum period for my cleaning crew to arrive, do laundry, change linens, clean bathrooms, vacuum, dust, check chemicals in the hot tub, pack up and leave. Thank you for your cooperation with my standard check-out time so the cabin was prepared to be inviting to the next incoming vacationers that day.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Della S.

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

The view was gorgeous. Throughly enjoyed being outside on the porch taking in the mountain air .

All in all it was great. Needed a little better cleaning job tho. The back bedroom is settling which made the room uncomfortable to be in. The view made up for anything that was iffy.
Stayed 13 nights in Oct 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kelly S.

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

Great get away

We had a great time! The view is amazing and the porch is amazing. The pictures don't lie. And, the owner is wonderful to work with.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kelly H.

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

Quiet!

Super quiet cabin. Could use a few minor upgrades but over all it was great. The hot tub went out and Sandra promptly walked me through a few things to check before sending some one out to work on it. Got it working again and didnt have any other issues. The location was perfect for us, not in town, but not to far away either. Thank you!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2022
Verified

8/10 Good

Theresa M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication

Boone House Rental

I must say the view was beautiful. Unfortunately, it rained the entire time so we left Saturday morning. I would like to say a few things about the house house. The coffee pot did not work properly, the heating unit never got warm so we had cold coffee. The stairs to enter the house were horrible, in my opinion they were not safe. Several stones were loose. Stone stairs are beautiful if placed properly. These were NOT. Also, the mailbox is covered with trees and vines, so you don't see the number. You will never find this house in the dark. We past it several times. A stick sign with even just the number in white so that it can be seen would be great. The outside lights are suppose to be on a timer and we were told not to touch them, they were still on at 3a.m.. Waste of electric for sure. The house had the basic items that you need. We only made oatmeal in the microwave for breakfast, no other meals, but there was plenty of dishes, silverware and pots and pans. Have no idea if the stove works because we did not use it. Overall, the house itself was nice, but we would not re-rent only because it was to far outside of Boone. I was told that it was 10 minutes, but it was actually 25 minutes. I did not want to post my negative response, because they could easily be fixed. The owner probably is not even aware. I just wish it was not raining. So, when we return in August, I will find another house rental closer to Boone. Thank you for allowing us to stay at your home. Jerry, Terry and our granddaughter Emma who attend APP State.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kendra W.

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

Great cabin, great views, good location

I had an an overall great experience at this cabin! We came up on a day where it snowed out of the blue and had fun using the wood burning stove. Everything was nice and clean, with the exception of some hair caught in the drain that may have been missed. We enjoyed staying at the cabin for a day and doing literally *nothing* but relax, watch 90s sitcoms, puzzles, and board games. We were disappointed that the hot tub didn't work, we made an extra effort to try and get it work- even filling it with water out of the hose. We texted with the owner and she had a pool.trch come out the next day to check it out for us. We've stayed at cabins before where the owners are straight up negligent and let their cabins make them $$$ until there's no value left in it, or its ready to fall off a mountain. Looking around the cabin, you can tell the owner cares for the property and keeps it maintained. They may have put down new carpet recently, painted the bedrooms, new sheet sets, etc. They even installed a mini dishwasher! The cabin has a lot of country charm, is comfy, and a great cabin to visit- especially for a quick weekend getaway. You're 20 minutes from Beech Mountain, 20 minutes from Boone, and 30 minutes from Blowing Rock. Highly recommend this cabin! Advice to owner: upgrade the hot tub, upgrade the microwave (it warms food but not properly)
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2022
Verified

6/10 Okay

MIKE R.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location

Great morning sunrises but things could be better

My wife an I enjoyed our stay overall. The property was in a great location and the views were awesome. I enjoyed getting up each morning to watch the sun come up from the living room. Very close to Boone as well which was convenient. My suggestions for improvement are below and these could take the listing to a higher level. The TV and channel offering both need an overall. New smart TVs are not that expensive and would give folks many more options. I know a basic dish offering is cheaper but moving to the next tier level would not be a bad idea. The mattress and bedding in the main bedroom should probably get replaced as well. Not terrible but it could be a lot better. I can not remember if the listing stated that the main heat was all from baseboard style units but that may make a difference to some folks. The house had a tendency to stay pretty cool and when it it cold outside that may be an issue for some. The rock stairs were really cool visually but a number of them need to get secured down to prevent a possible accident. We felt like we had to watch our step (literally) every time we came in or left out. We did not use the hot tub but it did leak constantly. They would be something to get fixed asap. The listing also said no pets are allowed but pets have been in that house. My wife's allergies can verify that. There were dog hairs all over the couch in the living room. Your cleaning crew may need to step up with a more thorough cleaning. Again- we did enjoy out time overall. I think this is a great location it just needs a little updated TLC. I just feel that folks need to know exactly what to expect before they get there. I will not be coming back but it could be enjoyable for other VRBO users with improvements.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 7 July 2023
Thanks for taking the time to share your experience. I am glad you enjoyed your time overall! I have had requests to bring pets but I have not made any exceptions for guests to bring pets for the very reason you state, some people have pet allergies. If there was dog hair on the sofa, then someone must have violated the rules without my knowledge. I did bring your comment to the attention of my housekeeper and asked her to spend extra time to vacuum and remove fur from any upholstery. The baseboards are a secondary source of heat. As mentioned in the description, the cabin has 3 sources of heat. The primary heat comes from 2 ceramic wall heaters, one in the family room and one in the master bedroom. There is a setting on each heater to regulate how much heat it generates and a thermostat on the wall to cause the fans to distribute the heat based on the temperature of the cabin. They can keep the cabin cozy and warm. In very cold weather, the baseboard heaters provide supplemental heat. Then, there is a woodstove which creates its own ambiance, but also produces a lot of heat as well. I am sorry you were apparently unfamiliar with the ceramic heaters and the cabin was too chilly. I will think about how to highlight them better in my listing and I am available by phone if my guests experience an issue. I prioritize function and safety when looking at cabin expenditures. The hot tub does have leaks at high water levels and the outside has deteriorated over time. I had a new enclosure built but was not happy with the quality of the work. My hot tub repair man is helping me to evaluate my replacement options. I have added ceiling fans to help air circulation and replaced the stove, refrigerator and dryer as well as adding a drawer dishwasher. The TV is old, but functional. I do agree that a flat screen smart TV would be a nice update, but it probably won't happen until the hot tub is replaced. I appreciate your choice of Fern Hill Overlook and your comments on your stay.
Verified

2/10 Terrible

Tiffany A.

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

Do not recommend

Do not recommend
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2022
Verified

8/10 Good

Emily B.

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

Amazing view, away from the world

This spot was definitely secluded. Away from the hustle and bustle, yet close enough to explore nearby towns. We spent time in Boone and Blowing Rock. The cabin is up a VERY steep private drive( recommend bringing a vehicle to handle that). It's very private but the view of the mountains is absolutely perfect. Interior is alright. Looks just like the pictures. The kitchen has all the cookware and utensils you need. I'd recommend this stay for couples.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Richard M.

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

Loved it!

Driveway was a little of a challenge but, cabin was definitely worth it. Cabin could use a TV upgrade and more channels. Would definitely stay here again. Sun may wake you up early in the morning but still is a nice alarm to get the day started
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 7 July 2023
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience! A flat screen TV is on my list of upgrades to consider.

About the host

Hosted by Sandra

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A native Floridian, I grew up in a beautiful, almost tropical, but very flat landscape. By contrast, the mountain scenery is magnificent in a very different and dramatic way. I love each season and the change of scenery it brings at the cabin. The natural setting and majestic peaks seen from the front porch make Fern Hill Overlook a great personal retreat. (I live in NC now about 4 hours away from my cabin.) If you are looking to experience the mountains in a private wooded setting, I invite you to consider Fern Hill Overlook.

Why they chose this property

In May 2006 we found this permanent private rustic vacation cabin which is perfect for us. It is a truly special spot that has a feeling of seclusion on 2 acres, an awesome view of the mountains and seasonal views of the Watauga River.

What makes this property unique

Rocking chair front porch. Close to the river. Wooded. For necessities, there is a nearby grocery, deli and gas station. We consider this property a refuge for the wildlife and the people who visit. Please respect our desire to maintain this property as a sanctuary for everything within its boundaries. We hope that your stay here will be an experience to store in your chest of treasured memories.

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English
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