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Luxurious Lakefront. Private Golf Club, Tennis, Boating, Hiking, Dining

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View from private dock
Exclusive Lake Toxaway Country Club April 9 to November (guest membership extra)
Flowers, chocolates and chilled Champaign upon arrival
Exterior detail

Reviews

10 out of 10, Loved by Guests
Top 10% of guest reviews in this area
5 bedrooms5+ bathroomsSleeps 12

Popular amenities

  • Heated pool
  • Spa pool on site
  • Garage parking available
  • Dog-friendly
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine

Explore the area

View map
Lake Toxaway, NC
  • Place, Lake Toxaway
    ‪14 min walk‬
  • Place, Lake Jocassee
    ‪34 min drive‬
  • Place, Lake Keowee
    ‪42 min drive‬
  • Airport, Asheville, NC (AVL-Asheville Regional)
    ‪71 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

5 bedrooms (sleeps 12)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 King Bed

Bedroom 3

1 King Bed

Bedroom 4

1 King Bed

Bedroom 5

1 King Bed

Bedroom 6

1 Double Futon

5 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only · Jetted bathtub

Bathroom 2

Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet

Bathroom 3

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 4

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 5

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 6

Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Separate dining area
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Luxurious Lakefront. Private Golf Club, Tennis, Boating, Hiking, Dining


Welcome to Cardinal Zen. Access to the exclusive Lake Toxaway Golf & Tennis Club Easter to Thanksgiving.*** Since 1903, the Rockefellers, Vanderbilts, Firestones, Henry Ford, R. J. Reynolds, President James Buchanan, Thomas Edison and now America’s Fortune 500 CEO’s refer to this glorious private lake escape as "Little Switzerland."

Extraordinary 5-bedroom 5 and 1/2 bath, 6,000 square foot lake front home with 300-feet of lake frontage. Breathtaking water views from almost every room. Professionally furnished and decorated.

FEATURES
*Motouk linens, Stearns & Foster pillow top mattresses
*Gourmet fully equipped kitchen (Le Creuset cookware, herbs, spices, professional knives)
*Lakefront 6-person saline hot tub
*Two great rooms
*5-on suite king bedrooms
*Game room
*Fitness room
*Four wood burning fireplaces
*Screened porch with stunning lake and wooded views and wood burning fireplace
*Vast, gently sloping lawn with surrounding forest and creek. Perfect for children and adults.
***Club access requires guest membership for additional fees

ACTIVITIES
Golf, tennis(clay courts), pickle ball, croquet, fitness center
Swimming
Paddle boarding, kayaking, canoeing
Water skiing & tubing
Hiking (vast waterfall trails)
Fishing
Mountain biking
Horseback riding
Casual and fine dining

PRIVACY
Security cameras are only located outside the primary entrance to the front and rear of Cardinal Zen. They are not monitored and are only reviewed in the event of a security incident.

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 30
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 2 total)
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Property # 755740vb
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

About the area

Lake Toxaway

Located in Lake Toxaway, this holiday home is in a rural area and on the waterfront. Sapphire National Golf Club and Sapphire Valley Ski Resort are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those looking for area attractions can visit Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute and Cashiers Farmers Market. Enjoy the area's slopes with skiing, and don't miss out on the sledging.
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Map
Lake Toxaway, NC

What's nearby

  • Lake Toxaway - 14 min walk - 1.2 km
  • Lake Jocassee - 34 min drive - 30.7 km
  • Lake Keowee - 42 min drive - 51.2 km
  • Western Carolina University - 48 min drive - 54.5 km
  • Fred W. Symmes Chapel - 58 min drive - 60.0 km

Getting around

  • Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) - 60 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Grand Olde Station at Lake Toxaway - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Canyon Kitchen - ‬25 min drive
  • ‪Osteria del monte Ristorante Italiano - ‬16 min drive
  • ‪The Fix - ‬25 min drive
  • ‪Panthertown Cafe - ‬12 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Luxurious Lakefront. Private Golf Club, Tennis, Boating, Hiking, Dining have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool. Pool types include heated pools.

Is Luxurious Lakefront. Private Golf Club, Tennis, Boating, Hiking, Dining pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total). Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.

How much is parking at Luxurious Lakefront. Private Golf Club, Tennis, Boating, Hiking, Dining?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Luxurious Lakefront. Private Golf Club, Tennis, Boating, Hiking, Dining?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Luxurious Lakefront. Private Golf Club, Tennis, Boating, Hiking, Dining?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Luxurious Lakefront. Private Golf Club, Tennis, Boating, Hiking, Dining located?

This family-friendly Lake Toxaway holiday home is located on the waterfront, within 1 mi (2 km) of Nantahala National Forest and Lake Toxaway. Gorges State Park and Pisgah National Forest are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

10

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. 106 out of 112 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 112 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 112 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 112 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 112 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

8.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Liz K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great house, well appointed kitchen, comfortable seating areas. View of lake and outdoor areas are also very nice.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Chad G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Multiple repeat stays. Cannot say enough about this house, view, yard, location, etc. Already thinking about our next visit.
Stayed 8 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Hugh H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful house and wonderful location…..
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Audrey R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely fireplaces
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Perry L.

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

Perfect Stay at the perfect home

We have stayed at this wonderful home before. This trip was excellent also !
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

Charles R.

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

Great property

Very nice vacation spot right on a private lake
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Allison F.

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

Amazing house

We stayed here for a family vacation with three generations. It was the perfect house. Enjoyed being on the lake and all the upgraded features. Theresa was very responsive and helpful.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Chad G.

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

What a house! What a view!

Beautiful well appointed house right on the lake. Quiet, so quiet and relaxing. Kitchen is amazing. Wish we could have stayed longer. And will return.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Betsey W.

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

Family vacation

Beautiful house with a beautiful view of the lake.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

C Michael E.

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

Great family house

Plenty of room and well appointed for our kids and grandkids. What a beautiful setting!
Stayed 7 nights in May 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Beautiful

A very beautiful location and home - perfect for a stress free getaway!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

john m.

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

Idyllic!

Truly a idyllic setting with all the amenities close by that you could experience in a week’s time.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

6/10 Okay

Patricia T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

Great Yard and Fun Lake

Nice big yard for kids and games. Paddles boards and canoe on the lake was fun for all ages.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 8 Aug 2021
Hi Patricia, Our caretaker relayed to us what an amazing time your family enjoyed at Cardinal Zen throughout the week. We are sorry you decided to leave us the lowest star-rating we’ve ever had. Kindest regards, Theresa
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Hendrick S.

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

Spacious, bright, peaceful

The most enjoyed feature was the large gently sloping lawn and the dock for sitting with drinks and watching the kids on watercraft. Overall, a nice time for the family.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Hugh H.

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

Cardinal Zen

Amazing house… This vacation was fantastic primarily due to this wonderful home on Lake Cardinal. House is beautiful and had everything you could possibly need. Host was very attentive and responded quickly to any questions I had prior to and during the stay. Will look forward to our next visit here.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Helen S.

Beautiful views and plenty of space

This is a fabulous property. The house is beautiful, big and well appointed (even have coffee and spices). We really enjoyed the dock and water toys. Easy drive to Greystone - about 5 or so minutes. Highly recommend!.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2018
Verified

8/10 Good

Carole K.

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

Cardinal Lake Getaway

Loved the size of the house and location was perfect. The recessed rooms could be an issue for older individuals. Especially the step down into the master bedroom.
Stayed 14 nights in Jun 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 8 Aug 2021
Thank you for you comments. The step down into the master was well designed to maximize the breathtaking view of the lake and delineated with recessed oak inlays. This is the first time we’ve heard a concern about this design in 20-years, but we appreciate your perspective. Kindest regards, Theresa
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tricia W.

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

Lake Paradise

Beautiful home right on private lake with easy access to the dock. Pet friendly and our dogs had a blast splashing and exploring the forest paths. Private, quiet, spacious, fully stocked home with gorgeous views for working remotely while we tried to enjoy some down time. Great experience and hope to come back soon!
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kim C.

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

Peaceful Getaway

The property was as described in the description. Plenty of room to spread out and the kitchen was wonderful to cook in. All we needed was provided. The furnishings were more than comfortable with so much style. The beds were extremely comfortable!!! I would recommend this property.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Susan B.

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

Perfect for Family Time

Second time staying at Cardinal Zen. We love it. Plenty of space for adults / couples with five king bedrooms each with own bath. Family room and outdoor porch are big enough for all to sit comfortably (and have great fireplaces). Dock is perfect for sunny afternoons (and canoe/kayaks great too). Lake Toxaway is beautiful. Our family enjoys the upper lake for its quiet and stillness. We highly recommend.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Susan M.

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

Family Vacation at Lake Cardinal

Also, notice this house is NOT on Lake Toxaway. It's on Cardinel Lake. A small, beautiful, quiet lake above it with no motors allowed. <3
Stayed 8 nights in May 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 5 June 2024
Cardinal Zen is located on the exclusive, quiet upper portion of Lake Toxaway, separated by a spillway allowing only personal water sports (swimming, paddle boarding, kayaking, canoeing and fishing), in a safe, quiet environment away from the noise of the motorized portion of the lake. The power boating marina is a 5-minute drive from Cardinal Zen and has a variety of pontoon and deck boats for skiing, wakeboarding, tubing. We are glad you enjoyed your stay.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Pat J.

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

Family Gathering

Manager was very responsive with all of our concerns after a severe storm impacted the area prior to our arrival. Found the home to be a welcome retreat for our extended family allowing each of us to escape to our own lovely nooks! The 5, 7 & the young at heart year olds stayed outside all day playing in the lake. The nearby hike to a waterfall provided great family pictures for this year’s Christmas cards:)
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sam C.

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

Terrrific Toxaway

What a fantastic week we had here! This house with all of the fantastic amenities along with use of the country club is a very rare find. The screen porch and the gentle sloping yard were huge favorites amongst our group. Theresa was also very responsive to any needs or questions we had. We typically don't go to the same place twice, but we have already booked this house again for next summer- Can't wait!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Robyn H.

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

Break from Helene and Engagement weekend

Upon arriving to a beautiful home on the lake, music and champagne greeted us. We needed the calm, the beauty, the amazing comfort and ease of Cardinal Zen. Words cannot express what this house did for us after 15 days of turmoil in Asheville after Helene. Our youngest daughter was proposed to on Saturday and what a beautiful setting to be in Toxaway. Theresa is amazing too! Very responsive and kind.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer S.

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

Beautiful location, great for large family gatherings, spacious & meticulous home

Our family of 12 stayed here in May . We loved sitting on the screened porch by the fire for coffee and conversations in the mornings. During the days, we ventured on hikes to Black Balsam, Rainbow Falls, Lake Toxaway River Trail, and Meadow Ridge. We played tennis at the clubhouse and the tennis pros were so helpful and friendly. Our kids caught crappies, trout & bass in the lake and enjoyed paddling the canoes & paddle boards. It was so relaxing to sit in the dock in the evenings and in the hot tub on cool nights. The home has a game room that our older teens loved using in the evenings- ping pong, poker & card table . They could stay up late watching movies in there without disturbing those who went to bed earlier. The property manager was easily accessible and quick to respond to our needs. We will definitely stay here again in we travel back to the area.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 1 June 2025
We are so happy you enjoyed your family stay and look forward to your return. Safe travels!

About the host

Hosted by Theresa Cannon

Host profile image

What makes this property unique

All beds have Stearns & Foster Thornham Plush Pillow Top Mattress with lavish linens.
All bedrooms have private bathrooms (en-suite)
Gourmet fully equipped kitchen.
Luxurious 6-person saline hot tub with breathtaking view overlooking the lake.
Sonos music system, expanded cable TV and WiFi.
Viking stainless steel range - gourmet fully equipped kitchen
Large outdoor grille and dining porch.

Languages:

English

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