Cabin

Cardinal- Cozy with Loft, Pond View, Hot Tub, Nature Trails, Creek, Near Town

Photo gallery for Cardinal- Cozy with Loft, Pond View, Hot Tub, Nature Trails, Creek, Near Town

A covered outdoor deck with wooden railings and lounge chairs.
A cabin with a deck, surrounded by a pond and trees.
A cozy cabin interior with a wooden wall, a sofa with cushions, a painting of a forest, and two lamps.
A wooden cabin interior with a kitchen area featuring wooden cabinets, a refrigerator, and a dining table with chairs.
A dog holding a shoe in a room with wooden flooring and a door leading to an outdoor deck.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Made for relaxation
    Top-rated for comfort — guests feel right at home here.
  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 4

Popular amenities

  • Spa pool on site
  • Patio
  • Dog-friendly
  • Barbecue
  • Air-conditioning
  • Internet

Explore the area

View map
Black Mountain, NC
  • Place, Black Mountain Center for the Arts
    ‪12 min drive‬
  • Place, Swannanoa Valley Museum
    ‪12 min drive‬
  • Place, Lake Tomahawk
    ‪13 min drive‬
  • Airport, Asheville, NC (AVL-Asheville Regional)
    ‪39 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

2 Single Beds

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

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

Bathroom 2

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen

About this property

Cardinal- Cozy with Loft, Pond View, Hot Tub, Nature Trails, Creek, Near Town

1153 Sq. Ft. – 2 Bed + Loft/ 2 Bath - 1 Queen – 2 Singles - Sleeps 4

Overlooking a serene pond, Cardinal Cabin is a 1,152 sq ft classic log retreat designed for total relaxation. Unwind on your porch with pond views or take a dip in your private 5-person hot tub. Guests enjoy full access to Upper Ridge Retreat's shared 10 acres, complete with hiking trails, a mountain creek, pond, horseshoe pit, picnic area, and communal bonfire spot for evening stargazing. It’s the ideal mountain getaway for couples and families alike.

About Cardinal Cabin

Living & Gathering
· Cozy Main Living Area: Classic log cabin charm, rustic wood finishes, serene pond views, and comfortable seating centered around a warm fireplace and a TV/DVD setup for classic movie nights.
· Kids' Hideaway Loft: An open loft space above featuring two custom built-in sleeping benches.(Safety Note: Accessible strictly via a vertical wooden ladder. An exciting hideaway for older children, but not suitable for toddlers or guests with mobility restrictions.)
· Year-Round Comfort: Central heating and air conditioning throughout the home for every season.

Kitchen & Dining
· Fully Equipped Kitchen: Complete cookware, bakeware, updated appliances, and ample counter space for preparing delicious home-cooked meals.
· Dining & Coffee Corner: Dining table positioned with pond views, plus a coffee station featuring a Keurig K-Duo (Hot & Iced Single Serve K-Cup and Carafe Coffee Maker) to start your mountain mornings.

Bedrooms & Sleeping Arrangements (Sleeps 4+ Loft)
· Primary Bedroom: Features a comfortable Queen bed with fresh linens and peaceful nature views.
· Guest Bedroom: Outfitted with two Twin beds, perfect for kids or friends.
· Loft Sleeping Benches: Two custom built-in benches in the loft for extra lounging.

Bathrooms
· 2 Full Bathrooms: Freshly stocked with plush bath towels, hand soap, and a starter set of essential toiletries across both levels.

Outdoor Living & Privacy
· Private Porch & Spa: Unwind on your porch with pond views, equipped with a dedicated 5-person hot tub, gas grill, and outdoor seating overlooking the serene pond.
· Peaceful Seclusion: Positioned approximately 200 feet from neighboring Kingfisher Cabin, providing an ideal balance of personal privacy and connection to nature.
· 10-Acre Shared Grounds: Direct access to Upper Ridge Retreat’s shared 10 acres, complete with private hiking trails, a mountain creek, property pond, horseshoe pit, picnic table, and a communal bonfire spot for evening stargazing.

Other Details to Note

Cabin Layout & Proximity
· Peaceful Privacy: Positioned approximately 200 feet from neighboring Kingfisher Cabin on 10 private acres, offering an ideal balance of personal seclusion and connection to nature.

The Kids' Loft
· Access Notice: The hideaway loft features two custom sleeping benches. Accessible strictly via a vertical wooden ladder, it’s a fun adventure for older children, but not suitable for toddlers or guests with mobility restrictions.

Mountain Access & Vehicle Requirements
· Gravel Mountain Access: The final portion of the drive to the retreat is on a scenic, well-maintained gravel mountain road.
· Spring, Summer & Fall: Easily navigable by standard 2WD vehicles.
· Winter Months: A 4WD or AWD vehicle is required due to potential mountain snow, ice, and elevation gains.

Connectivity & Utilities
· Wi-Fi & Cell Service: Wi-Fi is provided for streaming and remote work. Cell service can vary depending on your carrier due to the mountain elevation.

Nearby Destinations & Drive Times
· Downtown Black Mountain: 4 miles (~10 minutes)
· Downtown Asheville & Biltmore Estate: ~25 minutes
· Chimney Rock State Park & Lake Lure: ~25 minutes
· Asheville Regional Airport (AVL): ~35 minutes

Safety, Security & Cameras
· Exterior Security Devices: For the safety and security of our guests and property, exterior security cameras monitor the outside areas of the cabin and property. There are no cameras inside the cabin or in any private outdoor spaces (including the hot tub area).

Verification, Deposit & Rental Agreement
· Guest Screening & ID Verification: To comply with local regulations and protect our home, primary guests must complete a quick digital ID verification process (which may include a soft background check) and sign our standard Rental Agreement prior to receiving check-in instructions.
· Security Deposit Hold: A temporary security deposit authorization hold will be placed on your payment card shortly before arrival and released after departure, pending a clear damage inspection.

Property Rules & Expectations
· Age & House Rules: Primary guest must be at least 25 years of age to book. No unregistered guests, parties, or loud events. Quiet hours begin at 10:00 PM out of respect for neighbors and nature.
· Wildlife & Trash Care: Upper Ridge Retreat is situated in a vibrant mountain environment frequented by native wildlife. All food waste and trash must be disposed of in designated bear-proof receptacles.

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Children are welcome at this property
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs less than 453 kg per pet (limit 2 pets total)
Pets are allowed at this property
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
No smoking allowed at this property

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights, lock the doors and return the keys
Leave one front door key on the indoor key hook. Place the second key back in the outdoor lockbox and scramble the code.
Unplug small appliances, turn off stove/oven, gas grill. Set hot tub: 80°F (May–Oct) / 90°F (Nov–Apr). Set thermostat: Heat 55°F / AC 75°F.
We hope you loved your stay! Small hosts rely on 5-star reviews to survive, as 4 stars is treated as a failing score. If you enjoyed your time, leaving 5 stars would mean the world to us!
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
By booking, guests agree to our Rental Agreement terms and completing iDentify ID verification.
A refundable security deposit hold is placed 2 days before check-in. Use of hot tub, fire pit, trails, pond, and creek is strictly at your own risk.
Guests assume all liability for safety and supervision. Primary renter must be 25+. No parties or unregistered guests.

Important information

You need to know

Property # 5362882vb
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 and a first aid kit
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

Black Mountain

Located in Black Mountain, this cabin is on the waterfront. White Horse Black Mountain and Black Mountain Center for the Arts are cultural highlights, and some of the area's landmarks include Swannanoa Valley Museum and Arrowhead Monument. The Merry Wine Market and Ten Thousand Villages are also worth visiting.
Map
Black Mountain, NC

What's nearby

  • Black Mountain Center for the Arts - 12 min drive - 9.6 km
  • Swannanoa Valley Museum - 12 min drive - 9.6 km
  • White Horse Black Mountain - 13 min drive - 10.0 km
  • Lake Tomahawk - 13 min drive - 10.3 km
  • Pisgah Brewing Company - 15 min drive - 13.1 km

Getting around

  • Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) - 52 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Recess Coffee and Baked Goods - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Ole's Guacamoles - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Phil's Bar-B-Que Pit - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Dripolator Coffeehouse - ‬14 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Cardinal- Cozy with Loft, Pond View, Hot Tub, Nature Trails, Creek, Near Town pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 453 kg per pet.

How much does it cost to stay at Cardinal- Cozy with Loft, Pond View, Hot Tub, Nature Trails, Creek, Near Town?

As of 8 Oct 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Cardinal- Cozy with Loft, Pond View, Hot Tub, Nature Trails, Creek, Near Town on 22 Feb 2027 start from AU$1,566, 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 Cardinal- Cozy with Loft, Pond View, Hot Tub, Nature Trails, Creek, Near Town?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Cardinal- Cozy with Loft, Pond View, Hot Tub, Nature Trails, Creek, Near Town?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Cardinal- Cozy with Loft, Pond View, Hot Tub, Nature Trails, Creek, Near Town?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Cardinal- Cozy with Loft, Pond View, Hot Tub, Nature Trails, Creek, Near Town located?

Situated on the waterfront, this cabin is 2.1 mi (3.3 km) from Pisgah National Forest and 2.4 mi (3.8 km) from Catawba River. White Horse Black Mountain and The Merry Wine Market are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

9.8

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. 260 out of 296 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 34 out of 296 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 296 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 296 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 296 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.6/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Super cozy cabin, perfect for a weekend getaway for my family of 4.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful property and amazing host who takes care of all the details!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A very nice wooden cabin, located above a little pond in the woods. Very quite and secluded. We enjoyed our time there. The gravel road to the cabin is quite long and partly steep, but can be managed with a normal 2-wheel-drive car.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location
Host was wonderful with our concerns. Cabin was cozy clean and comfortable. Setting was just what we wanted.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
It was absolutely wonderful. Would highly recommend.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The cabin was beautiful, comfortable, clean and well equipped.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

great vacation

had a very relaxing and peaceful time we enjoyed our stay
Stayed 5 nights in May 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Wonderful place to stay.

Beautiful setting and location, close to town, and yet quiet.
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great cabin that’s secluded and private yet still only 15 minutes to the heart of downtown Black Mountain. Decorated for Christmas which is always a plus this time of year. Would definitely stay again!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a beautiful stay at the cabin! Everything was clean and the home was comfy for us. We enjoyed a few little hikes in the trails on the property, we enjoyed playing in the creek and swinging in the tire swing further down the neighborhood. Close to town and had fun on our outings. Best was coming home after our adventures out and enjoying the super clean hot tub! Loved everything about our stay!
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
It was a beautiful cabin with beautiful views. The cabin was close to Black Mountain and the drive up and down the mountain was beautiful although a little scary at times because I am afraid of heights. However, I acclimated after a couple of trips. It is a perfect location for a long weekend getaway.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Location was excellent we enjoyed property very much.

We will be looking to stay at this property again!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Wonderful weekend away

Was a great cabin to get away with my wife and just relax.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024
Archival

8/10 Good

We loved our stay here. The property was peaceful and relaxing.

Everything you need for a relaxing vacation.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2017
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Such a nice peaceful place to stay!!

We had a wonderful time and would definitely come back
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2017
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a great stay! We loved walking the trails, sitting in the rockers on the front porch, grilling out, eating at some great restaurants and traveling the areas. The weather was nice , cabin was clean and kitchen had everything we needed.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great Quiet Vacation

I really enjoyed the location and the hot tub. The pond was nice as well overall really enjoyed my stay
Response from VrboOwner on 26 Mar 2020
So very happy to hear you enjoyed yourselves!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Beautiful and Peaceful Stay

We had a lovely stay! The property is in a beautiful setting and impeccably maintained. Highly recommend!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Awesome place

We loved the cabin! Very clean, well equipped kitchen and great location to Asheville!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Perfect weekend getaway

House and setting were perfect for a weekend getaway! Everything was just as it was described and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay there.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 26 Mar 2020
Thanks for the review! Glad you enjoyed the cozy luxury Meadow cabin overlooking the pond.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Beautiful property, very quiet.

Excellent experience, easy check in, even stayed an extra night because we enjoyed it so much
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 9 Dec 2021
Thank you, you were great guests!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great Get Away

Great cabin in a secluded area great for a get away and relaxation.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Great location and beautiful cabin!

We loved everything about the cabin. The road to get to it is super bumpy and mountainous, but we liked that also!
Response from VrboOwner on 26 Mar 2020
Glad you enjoyed the cabin! Yes, the 1.5 mile gravel road to the property may get bumpy. The road is graded regularly but weather conditions affect the road in between. Two wheel drive vehicles are acceptable throughout most of the year except for snow conditions. The nature paradise is worth the trip!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We enjoyed our time in Black Mountain and at the cabin a ton! Great location off the beaten path, but not too far a drive from the town. And the host was super responsive to a call we needed to make for help with something in the cabin! We definitely plan to keep this cabin in mind for our next trip to Black Mountain!!! :)
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Great family cabin

We had a great vacation and enjoyed the cabin. The owner did a great job providing lots of attractions, hikes and restaurants. We would stay here again.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2017

About the host

Hosted by Heather

Host profile image
You’ll usually find our family hiking, exploring national parks, or enjoying the great outdoors. We absolutely love the slower pace of the mountains and the opportunity to unplug from the busyness of everyday life.

When we’re not enjoying the cabins ourselves, we’re grateful to share this special place with other families and friends seeking adventure, relaxation, and connection in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina.

Why they chose this property

Our family fell in love with Upper Ridge Retreat for the same reason many of our guests do, because it is set within 10 private acres in the beautiful mountains of the Western North Carolina countryside. The property features three cabins, a large pond, hiking trails, a flowing creek, picnic tables, a bonfire area, a tire swing, and plenty of space to relax.

It gives us the chance to slow down, unplug, and reconnect with the people who matter most. We cherish our time spent here together exploring the outdoors, sharing meals, and making lifelong memories.

What makes this property unique

What makes our property truly unique is that it offers the rare setup of three distinct cabins, Kingfisher, Cardinal, and Osprey, nested together on one private mountain acreage. It was designed from the ground up to be the ultimate flexible getaway for families, groups, or multi-generational trips. Whether you book one cabin for a quiet family hiking trip or reserve the entire estate so everyone can vacation under the same canopy of trees, it’s a place designed to let you slow down, unplug, and experience the mountains together.

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English
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