Entire home
Urban Escape w/Hot Tub, Backyard Oasis, Min to Uptown!
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Reviews
9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms 2 bathrooms Sleeps 7 297 sq m
Popular amenities
Explore the area

Charlotte, NC
- Novant Health Matthews Medical Center7 min drive
- SouthPark Mall12 min drive
- Quail Hollow Club15 min drive
- Charlotte, NC (CLT-Charlotte-Douglas Intl.)27 min drive
Rooms & beds
3 bedrooms (sleeps 7)
Bedroom 1
1 King Bed
Bedroom 2
1 Queen Bed
Bedroom 3
1 Queen Bed
2 bathrooms
Bathroom 1
Bathtub or shower · Toilet
Bathroom 2
Bathtub or shower · Toilet
Spaces
Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Office
Garden
Dining area
About this property
Urban Escape w/Hot Tub, Backyard Oasis, Min to Uptown!
Welcome to The Zen Retreat! This is a gem of a house, one that is truly unique. Be prepared to spoil yourself to a hidden paradise with an abundance of options for relaxing and having fun, both inside and outside in an inspiring retreat setting!
15 min. to Uptown. 20 min. to Panther Stadium. 25-30 min. the Speedway. 25-30 min. to the White Water Center. 20-25 minutes to Charlotte Douglas airport.
Consider The Zen Retreat your urban escape and the perfect place during your visit to Charlotte.
PLEASE NOTE THERE IS A TWO NIGHT MINIMUM FOR ALL WEEKEND BOOKINGS.
If you are looking for a traditional house, this is not the house for you. If you are looking for something special, then you have found the right spot. As soon as you set foot on the property, be prepared to have all your worries disappear as you are surrounded by peace and tranquility. The atmosphere is pure magic and with every breath you take, your mind and body will begin to feel like one. Nestled in the very private neighborhood of High Timbers, the house truly brings its neighborhood namesake to life as the entire property is tress lined and brings a welcome serenity and privacy to your stay. The attention to detail, both inside and outside of this Zen-style house won’t escape your attention. Start your mornings with a cup of coffee on the rear deck of the house and enjoy the view of 2 waterfalls and ponds and enjoy the blissful sounds of the cascading waters. Guests can cozy up to a book in the 2 story living room relaxing in front of the fireplace or enjoy a movie on the 65 inch TV, with Blu Ray player, Firestick with all apps and a Polk Audio surround sound system. I am a chef and the living room houses a library of cookbooks and food-related books for you to enjoy, which can be used to create edible delights in the NEWLY renovated kitchen. The ENTIRE kitchen has been redone, with new appliances including a gas stove, with dual convection oven. It includes new granite countertops and cabinets. The house boasts three bedrooms, each with its own personality. The Master Bedroom is furnished with Asian inspired décor and comes with a king-size pillow-top bed. The bedroom has its own bathroom with a bathtub. Both other rooms are furnished with queen size beds, and an additional fold out twin bed, also with a memory foam mattress. Each share a second full bathroom. The exquisite dining room seats 6+ and the fully equipped kitchen overlooks the peaceful back yard, with everything you need to get your cooking game on. Take your cooking skills outside and whip something up on the gas grill or the egg smoker/cooker and enjoy the fruits of your labor while sitting at the gas fire pit outdoor dining table. Jump in the hot tub and let the peaceful surroundings of The Zen Retreat take over. There is also a lovely breakfast room and screened in porch to start your day in the best way possible. The house is super pet friendly and our four-legged friends are more than welcome. They will enjoy the house as much and possibly even more, once they get to explore the fenced-in backyard. The Zen Retreat also offers its own Concierge Service with a slew of optional services available for guests to enjoy, from general grocery stocking and much more, we have you covered! (See the list under the "Other Things to Note section) We are sure all your guests will love The Zen Retreat and look forward to having you!
Guest access
Guests will have access to the entire house, inside and out, with the exception of two closets and the garage.
Neighborhood overview
The neighborhood is called High Timbers and The Zen Retreat reflects the name of the neighborhood as the property is tree-lined and very shady, offering loads of privacy. The entire neighborhood is full of mature trees and is in essence a private Cul-De-Sac community. There are only 2 entrances to the neighborhood and it is ALWAYS very quiet. If you have children, rest easy knowing that this is a very safe spot for them to play and be kids. The neighbors are great...Check out my neighbor Bob across the street, he has the quirkiest back yard you have ever seen. It has been featured on numerous TV shows nationally. Just say hi, he is super friendly.
Getting Around
The Zen Retreat offers enough parking for multiple cars on the property. The house is located off of Monroe Rd and Sardis Rd North. There is an abundance of shops, restaurants, and stores in the area. Please look at the Guidebook for my recommendations. FYI, since these are the questions I get the most concerning the house. The Zen Retreat is 15 minutes from Uptown Charlotte and is a straight shot on 1 road right to the heart of the city. It is 20 minutes from Panther Stadium It is 25-30 minutes from the Speedway It is 25-30 minutes from the White Water Center It is 20-25 minutes from the airport Consider The Zen Retreat your urban escape and the perfect place for a wonderful stay that will cap of your visit to Charlotte.
Other things to note
Attention-
The Zen Retreat Concierge Services
The Zen Retreat has arranged for pre-arrival and during stay services. These services are arranged through Liomai, our Zen Retreat Concierge at
+1 (704) 248-1778.
Please note, there are two active security cameras, one covering the stairs from the front entrance and another at the back door covering a portion of the deck.
If you are interested in a wonderful stay in the mountains of North Carolina, check out our other property, the Cozy Cabin, an NC Mountain Escape, which is near Boone. Whether you are looking to have a romantic getaway for two or to making new family memories, The Mountain Retreat is the perfect place for you! This gem of a cabin is perched on the hillside with everything you need for a perfect and peaceful getaway.
https://www.vrbo.com/854107
Please Note-
Please make sure to enjoy your stay as if you are visiting friends and family. Be respectful and tidy. No b-day parties or NYE parties for anyone under 25 years of age. No parties or gatherings larger than 7 people without prior approval. People booking for parties will be required to leave a double deposit. Weddings/receptions/events will be negotiated on a case by case basis. The house is NOT meant for entertaining unless discussed and agreed to ahead of time. Extra guests or visitors are not allowed without prior approval. Failure to do so will forfeit your deposit and all monies received for your stay. Any lost keys will be charged a fee of $75. Any parties or gatherings need to be addressed with the owner prior to arrival. Any failure to do so will result in complete forfeiture of the security deposit and all monies received for your stay. Any use of the house for photo and video purposes will need to be requested prior to the stay, there are additional fees for such matters. Any failure to do so will result in complete forfeiture of the security deposit and all monies received for your stay. There is NO SMOKING inside the property, any sign or smell of smoking inside of the house will result in complete forfeiture of the security deposit. The house is ALWAYS pet friendly, with no additional charge. If guests do not pick up after their dog(s), there will be an $85+ fee applied. Lastly, there is a $50 per half hour fee for late checkouts. Check out is at 11 STRICT, especially in light of the present situation and time needed for enhanced cleaning. Please feel free to reach out for any and all of the above.
15 min. to Uptown. 20 min. to Panther Stadium. 25-30 min. the Speedway. 25-30 min. to the White Water Center. 20-25 minutes to Charlotte Douglas airport.
Consider The Zen Retreat your urban escape and the perfect place during your visit to Charlotte.
PLEASE NOTE THERE IS A TWO NIGHT MINIMUM FOR ALL WEEKEND BOOKINGS.
If you are looking for a traditional house, this is not the house for you. If you are looking for something special, then you have found the right spot. As soon as you set foot on the property, be prepared to have all your worries disappear as you are surrounded by peace and tranquility. The atmosphere is pure magic and with every breath you take, your mind and body will begin to feel like one. Nestled in the very private neighborhood of High Timbers, the house truly brings its neighborhood namesake to life as the entire property is tress lined and brings a welcome serenity and privacy to your stay. The attention to detail, both inside and outside of this Zen-style house won’t escape your attention. Start your mornings with a cup of coffee on the rear deck of the house and enjoy the view of 2 waterfalls and ponds and enjoy the blissful sounds of the cascading waters. Guests can cozy up to a book in the 2 story living room relaxing in front of the fireplace or enjoy a movie on the 65 inch TV, with Blu Ray player, Firestick with all apps and a Polk Audio surround sound system. I am a chef and the living room houses a library of cookbooks and food-related books for you to enjoy, which can be used to create edible delights in the NEWLY renovated kitchen. The ENTIRE kitchen has been redone, with new appliances including a gas stove, with dual convection oven. It includes new granite countertops and cabinets. The house boasts three bedrooms, each with its own personality. The Master Bedroom is furnished with Asian inspired décor and comes with a king-size pillow-top bed. The bedroom has its own bathroom with a bathtub. Both other rooms are furnished with queen size beds, and an additional fold out twin bed, also with a memory foam mattress. Each share a second full bathroom. The exquisite dining room seats 6+ and the fully equipped kitchen overlooks the peaceful back yard, with everything you need to get your cooking game on. Take your cooking skills outside and whip something up on the gas grill or the egg smoker/cooker and enjoy the fruits of your labor while sitting at the gas fire pit outdoor dining table. Jump in the hot tub and let the peaceful surroundings of The Zen Retreat take over. There is also a lovely breakfast room and screened in porch to start your day in the best way possible. The house is super pet friendly and our four-legged friends are more than welcome. They will enjoy the house as much and possibly even more, once they get to explore the fenced-in backyard. The Zen Retreat also offers its own Concierge Service with a slew of optional services available for guests to enjoy, from general grocery stocking and much more, we have you covered! (See the list under the "Other Things to Note section) We are sure all your guests will love The Zen Retreat and look forward to having you!
Guest access
Guests will have access to the entire house, inside and out, with the exception of two closets and the garage.
Neighborhood overview
The neighborhood is called High Timbers and The Zen Retreat reflects the name of the neighborhood as the property is tree-lined and very shady, offering loads of privacy. The entire neighborhood is full of mature trees and is in essence a private Cul-De-Sac community. There are only 2 entrances to the neighborhood and it is ALWAYS very quiet. If you have children, rest easy knowing that this is a very safe spot for them to play and be kids. The neighbors are great...Check out my neighbor Bob across the street, he has the quirkiest back yard you have ever seen. It has been featured on numerous TV shows nationally. Just say hi, he is super friendly.
Getting Around
The Zen Retreat offers enough parking for multiple cars on the property. The house is located off of Monroe Rd and Sardis Rd North. There is an abundance of shops, restaurants, and stores in the area. Please look at the Guidebook for my recommendations. FYI, since these are the questions I get the most concerning the house. The Zen Retreat is 15 minutes from Uptown Charlotte and is a straight shot on 1 road right to the heart of the city. It is 20 minutes from Panther Stadium It is 25-30 minutes from the Speedway It is 25-30 minutes from the White Water Center It is 20-25 minutes from the airport Consider The Zen Retreat your urban escape and the perfect place for a wonderful stay that will cap of your visit to Charlotte.
Other things to note
Attention-
The Zen Retreat Concierge Services
The Zen Retreat has arranged for pre-arrival and during stay services. These services are arranged through Liomai, our Zen Retreat Concierge at
+1 (704) 248-1778.
Please note, there are two active security cameras, one covering the stairs from the front entrance and another at the back door covering a portion of the deck.
If you are interested in a wonderful stay in the mountains of North Carolina, check out our other property, the Cozy Cabin, an NC Mountain Escape, which is near Boone. Whether you are looking to have a romantic getaway for two or to making new family memories, The Mountain Retreat is the perfect place for you! This gem of a cabin is perched on the hillside with everything you need for a perfect and peaceful getaway.
https://www.vrbo.com/854107
Please Note-
Please make sure to enjoy your stay as if you are visiting friends and family. Be respectful and tidy. No b-day parties or NYE parties for anyone under 25 years of age. No parties or gatherings larger than 7 people without prior approval. People booking for parties will be required to leave a double deposit. Weddings/receptions/events will be negotiated on a case by case basis. The house is NOT meant for entertaining unless discussed and agreed to ahead of time. Extra guests or visitors are not allowed without prior approval. Failure to do so will forfeit your deposit and all monies received for your stay. Any lost keys will be charged a fee of $75. Any parties or gatherings need to be addressed with the owner prior to arrival. Any failure to do so will result in complete forfeiture of the security deposit and all monies received for your stay. Any use of the house for photo and video purposes will need to be requested prior to the stay, there are additional fees for such matters. Any failure to do so will result in complete forfeiture of the security deposit and all monies received for your stay. There is NO SMOKING inside the property, any sign or smell of smoking inside of the house will result in complete forfeiture of the security deposit. The house is ALWAYS pet friendly, with no additional charge. If guests do not pick up after their dog(s), there will be an $85+ fee applied. Lastly, there is a $50 per half hour fee for late checkouts. Check out is at 11 STRICT, especially in light of the present situation and time needed for enhanced cleaning. Please feel free to reach out for any and all of the above.
Property manager
Richard Gruica
Premier Host
Languages
Croatian, English, Spanish
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Hot tub
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
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9.0 out of 10, (185 reviews)
House Rules
Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
Children
Children allowed: ages 0–17
Please check pics for railings and my open plan.
Events
No events allowed
Failure to discuss prior to stay deposit is lost
Pets
Pets allowed: limit 2 total
We welcome all our four legged friends.
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
There is NO SMOKING inside the property.
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
Note from host: Failure to discuss prior to stay deposit is lost
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
We should mention
A car is recommended for transport to and from this property
About the area
Charlotte
Located in Charlotte, this holiday home is in the city centre and on a river. NASCAR Hall of Fame and Fillmore Charlotte are cultural highlights, or if an activity is on the agenda, check out Quail Hollow Club. Looking to enjoy an event or a game? See what's going on at Spectrum Center or Bojangles' Coliseum. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

Charlotte, NC
What's nearby
- Novant Health Matthews Medical Center - 7 min drive - 5.3 km
- SouthPark Mall - 12 min drive - 9.4 km
- Bojangles' Coliseum - 13 min drive - 11.4 km
- Quail Hollow Club - 15 min drive - 10.4 km
- Spectrum Center - 17 min drive - 16.4 km
Getting around
Restaurants
- McDonald's - 3 min drive
- Cookout - 4 min drive
- Zaxby's - 4 min drive
- New Zealand Cafe - 3 min drive
- Custom Home Pubs - 3 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Reviews
9.4
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window9.4/10
Cleanliness
10/10
Check-in
10/10
Communication
9.8/10
Location
9.4/10
Listing accuracy
Reviews
24 Feb 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025
10/10 Excellent
Nicholas L.
28 Dec 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A Very Merry Christmas!
Nicholas L.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2024
8/10 Good
Ashley W.
20 Oct 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Girls trip
Ashley W.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024
10/10 Excellent
Robert B.
4 Oct 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Evacuating from western nc
Robert B.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024
10/10 Excellent
Russel M.
11 Jan 2019
Very Impressive retreat to share with friends and family.
Russel M.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2018
10/10 Excellent
Candy C.
10 Sept 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful Stay!
Candy C.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024
8/10 Good
Kristin T.
15 Oct 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location
NASCAR playoff stay
Kristin T.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024
10/10 Excellent
Andy M.
25 June 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great place to Meet!
Andy M.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024
10/10 Excellent
Pam J.
17 Sept 2018
Relaxing place to stay
Pam J.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2018
10/10 Excellent
Joseph G.
16 Jan 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great spot
Joseph G.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2023
8/10 Good
Jody B.
20 Aug 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
It is Zen!
Jody B.
Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2024
10/10 Excellent
Angela B.
1 Aug 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect girls trip
Angela B.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023
10/10 Excellent
Britney P.
19 Aug 2019
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Best sleep of my life!
Britney P.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2019
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.
10/10 Excellent
Becky K.
11 Jan 2018
This is a wonderful property! The home was perfect for our family, and we will definitely be back!
Becky K.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2017
10/10 Excellent
Beth M.
12 Aug 2019
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A totally Zen weekend!
Beth M.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2019
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
8/10 Good
Marc T.
27 May 2016
Zen Retreat
Marc T.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2016
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
10/10 Excellent
Ellen N.
19 Jan 2016
Comfortable,welcoming retreat
Ellen N.
10/10 Excellent
Crystal R.
22 Sept 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Grandma bday trip
Crystal R.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2024
10/10 Excellent
Cindy G.
4 Sept 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful home and yard
Cindy G.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023
10/10 Excellent
Beth B.
22 Jan 2019
We had a very enjoyable stay. This is a truly unique house & lived up to it’s description.
Beth B.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2019
10/10 Excellent
Shawna A.
19 July 2021
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
AMAZING
Shawna A.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2021
10/10 Excellent
Gea F.
7 June 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Definitely worth it!!
Gea F.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023
8/10 Good
DeAnne S.
16 Oct 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location
A unique place
DeAnne S.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023
8/10 Good
Dianna D.
2 Jan 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Zen property
Dianna D.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2022
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
10/10 Excellent
Sarah J., Wilmington, NC
27 Nov 2016
Absolutely great
Sarah J.
About the host
Hosted by Richard Gruica

I am always looking for a great meal, great drink, and great company and will do my best to make that happen. I used to work in the food industry as a Chef and Culinologist (I helped companies create the flavor portion to their products) and used to travel extensively for work. Since all things culinary have been a huge part of my life, I started an online-based dining and socializing group called Good Eats and Meets that is now in 7 cities in the US and is the largest group of its kind in the US. I have a grown daughter and son. My parents are Croatian and I am also fluent in Spanish and Croatian. I spend my time split between the US and Europe as I started a new company called Captivating Croatia, where I take guests on an intimate food and wine-centric tour of Croatia. I also started the Gypsy Table, a roaming pop up dinner series and Croatia Food Tours, which is a gourmet food and wine tour taking guests on wonderful walking tours.
Why they chose this property
Because it is totally unlike ANY house out there and it so many cool ways!
What makes this property unique
The Backyard is worth the money for the view alone. 2 ponds with waterfalls and landscape lighting with a hot tub to enjoy along the deck. A day bed next to the fire pit and an outdoor table for an al fresco dinner with a fire pit in the middle on the other side of the deck to enjoy. Grill up some tasty treat on 1 of the 2 grill available for you. One is a cooker/smoker/grill called a Grill Dome (similar to a Big Green Egg)or the super strong (I had the gas outlets re-drilled) gas grill for a perfect meal. That is just the tip of the iceberg. Just take a look at the pics and description and you will see all the other benefits.
Languages:
English, Spanish, Croatian
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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