Located in Union Mills, this castle is near a water park. Lucky Strike Gold and Gem Mine and Davidson's Fort Historic Park are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Bechtler Mint Site Historic Park and Amphitheater. Lake Lure Adventure Company and Old Fort Railroad Museum are also worth visiting. Explore all the area has to offer with horse riding, hiking and rock climbing.
Lucky Strike Gold and Gem Mine - 22 min drive - 15.2 km
Riverside Riding Stables - 27 min drive - 23.5 km
Lake Lure - 31 min drive - 36.3 km
Pisgah National Forest - 36 min drive - 39.3 km
Chimney Rock State Park - 39 min drive - 42.3 km
Getting around
Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) - 102 min drive
Restaurants
Union Mills Country Market - 19 min drive
Gilkey General Store & Cafe - 21 min drive
Bailey Marketing - 19 min drive
About this property
Zillow Gone Wild Glass House atop of 80 acre mountain + Lake Lure resort access
The 'quick' overview: Featured on Zillow-Gone-Wild and various other platforms as the "bond villain house" is one of the most unique staycations available. It is an absurd house, in every aspect, being built by a local recluse/inventor/bachelor in the 1980s who developed the entire area. A PBS special and other publications once described this house and owner.
The entire 80 acre mountain is owned by this property. Caves, hiking, privacy and a rooftop platform that has the most incredible views in North Carolina (no HOA) are solely yours. There are no deceptive photos: you won't show up and have your neighbor 50 feet from your door. Simply being inside the house is an experience, surrounded by 16 foot tall glass windows that had to be installed via helicopter.
The entrance to the property is a 1 mile private driveway with electricity buried underneath, after a 2.3 mile gravel road within an HOA (well maintained). The internet services on the house provide the surrounding mountains with internet service, by being the tallest mountain in the area. You have privacy, but do not lack luxury.
The owner of the property also owns a lot in Rumbling Bald, so you get luxury resort passes (if requested) to Rumbling Bald and its lazy river pool, golf course, restaurants, beaches and other amenities on Lake Lure (20-30 minutes away)
It is rare that someone walks into the house and doesn't say, "wow"
This house has been featured multiple times on Zillow-Gone-Wild. Many of the locals know the house as the "glass house" as it is visible for 50+ miles in many directions, being atop the highest mountain in the area (Pinnacle Mountain). It has 360 degree views, by being at the very top of that mountain. For reference, this mountain is taller than Beach mountain, and is entirely owned by this property.
Some days, you wake up above the clouds. Thunderstorms/poor weather is/are sometimes the most beautiful days that you can be at this property: storms are wild at this property (and beautiful). It is mesmerizing to see lightening, under you. Sunrise/sunset are nonpareil.
More Detailed description: The original property was a singular, 4,000 sq feet room atop the mountain with a large desk inside and a bed: bachelor paradise. The inventor had a 15 foot round desk surrounded by computers and nothing else other than a bed.
The modern renovation has moved the kitchen to the middle of the house, where the desk existed, to preserve the 360 views out all large windows. Two additional bathrooms have been added (in the master on main/2nd level and bedroom on ground floor), as well as a dedicated bunk-bed, bedroom, downstairs (ground floor). The main living area is one level above grade and the rooftop viewing deck is approximately 30 feet above the main living area. Ceilings are huge: 20 feet
Large barn doors were added to make room for a master bedroom, but the doors can be opened to again create the large living space. This is designed best as a single family rental because privacy is not this property's appeal. The Master has a king bed but the other king bed is in the middle of the huge living space. A bunk bed was placed in the lower room and additional air mattress is available if needed. The couch pulls-out into a separate bed and there are areas for other sleeping areas, as needed (without privacy)
The 16 feet windows are insane and surround the living area. They even frame one of the internal showers, where you can imagine some crazy parties occurred. The insane-o shower is now a completely rebuilt steam cave with various nozzles, red light therapy, etc.
A 28 feet tall, spiral stainless-steel staircase in the shape of a tree was created, that accesses the rooftop platform from the rear of the house. A gazebo is on top of the house, as well as binocular viewing platform and various Polywood, rotating Adirondack chairs.
Two different bath-tubs feature jacuzzi jets. An outdoor hot tub is available. Various arcade machines are positioned for children's use.
If you want to hide from the Zombie Apocolypse, this is the place to do it. If you want to travel to Lake Lure and partake in the various amenities of Rumbling Bald or Chimney Rock, that can be fun. You can do anything from this place.
Amenties: The house has two Jacuzzi bath-tubs, an outdoor hot-tub, steam shower with red-light therapy and other various quirks. There is plenty of outdoor space to go hiking and do what you please.
Rumbling Bald: Rumbling Bald passes are included if you email the host in advance and request. An outdoor lazy river pool, mini-golf, indoor poor, beach/kayaking/paddleboarding are all at your disposal, if requested
see here: https://rumblingbald.com/amenities/ The house is not far from Chimney Rock, which is also a good day-trip.
Finer details and history: The inventor/developer of this area retained this house as his personal residence, after developing the entire area (many hundreds of acres). Only through the development of the entire area was he able to persuade the power company to bury the 1-mile power cable to this house. Imagine the cost to bury a single power-line to only one house: substantial. The 3.3 mile gravel road to the house is well maintained. A buddy took his Lambo to the house, but I would not recommend that. The occasional hard-rain/storm can create some bumps. A normal car is usually OK. A truck or SUV is wonderful. We have full-time staff who are available if a tree is fallen
We're told that no property in NC will ever have such dedicated, long-distance access without unbelievable cost. You are off grid, without being off grid.
Local inspectors tell us that these huge windows are the last of its kind: the large size was outlawed in residential use, telling us that these are 'grandfathered in' and cannot be replaced.
The water system to house is ran through a well at the bottom of the mountain. It has taken 2 years to get a working water system at the house (and huge expense) Two different HVAC systems maintain comfortable zones.
The owner is willing/happy to talk to anyone about future renovations/additions/concerns/suggestions: 704-956-7498
House Rules
Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 18
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children
Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events
Events allowed: family gatherings and birthday parties
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Pets
Pets allowed: dogs less than 453 kg per pet (limit one pet total)
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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
Trash collection must be taken to the local dump by cleaners. Please leave trash in bear-safe container
You do not need to lock doors. Noone that is right in the head, would try to trespass around here.
Make sure hot tub cover is securely fastened
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Important information
You need to know
Property # 5441973vb
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
Parties and events (including family gatherings and birthday parties) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 17
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher and a smoke detector
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
Frequently asked questions
Is Zillow Gone Wild Glass House atop of 80 acre mountain + Lake Lure resort access pet-friendly?
Yes, Zillow Gone Wild Glass House atop of 80 acre mountain + Lake Lure resort access allows dogs (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 453 kg per pet.
How much does it cost to stay at Zillow Gone Wild Glass House atop of 80 acre mountain + Lake Lure resort access?
As of 26 Sept 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Zillow Gone Wild Glass House atop of 80 acre mountain + Lake Lure resort access on 27 Sept 2026 start from AU$2,767, 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 Zillow Gone Wild Glass House atop of 80 acre mountain + Lake Lure resort access?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Zillow Gone Wild Glass House atop of 80 acre mountain + Lake Lure resort access?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Zillow Gone Wild Glass House atop of 80 acre mountain + Lake Lure resort access?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Zillow Gone Wild Glass House atop of 80 acre mountain + Lake Lure resort access located?
Situated in Union Mills, this castle is within 12 miles (20 km) of Bechtler Mint Site Historic Park, Lucky Strike Gold and Gem Mine and Amphitheater. Riverside Riding Stables is 11.9 mi (19.2 km) away.
Zillow Gone Wild Glass House atop of 80 acre mountain + Lake Lure resort access Reviews
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
It's impossible not to be completely blown away the moment you walk into this crazy place. It's even bigger, crazier, and more fun than we expected—and we expected A LOT of crazy. Just sitting inside drinking a coffee is ridiculously fun!And the views are hard to describe because you don't really look for a view here. You're in the view. It's everywhere, all around you, all the time.The waterpark was an absolute blast!We hope you'll let us come back! I consider myself an Airbnb snob when it comes to finding fun and unusual properties, and I can confidently say this is the most unique, fun, and interesting place I've ever stayed. An unforgettable experience!
This house is truly something you have to experience in person. The pictures are amazing, but somehow they still don’t do this place justice. From the moment we arrived, we were completely blown away by the house, the views, and the sheer uniqueness of the property.The 360 mountain views are absolutely incredible, and sitting inside surrounded by those enormous windows feels like you’re literally floating above the mountains. The rooftop viewing area was one of our favorite parts. The sunsets and sunrises were spectacular, and the privacy of having an entire mountain to explore made the experience feel incredibly special.The house itself is fascinating. There are so many interesting architectural details and quirky touches that we kept discovering something new throughout our stay. The hot tub, incredible bathrooms, huge living spaces, and beautiful kitchen made it comfortable while still retaining all of the character that makes this place so unique.We also really appreciated how peaceful and private the property is. It genuinely feels like you’re away from everything, while still being close enough to enjoy Lake Lure and the surrounding area.If you're looking for a cookie-cutter vacation rental, this isn't it, and that's exactly what makes it so amazing. This is an experience, not just a place to stay. We made memories here that we'll be talking about for a very long time.We would absolutely stay here again and highly recommend it.