Located in Banner Elk, this cabin is near theme parks and in the mountains. Sugar Mountain Resort and Hawksnest Tubing Park 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 and The Blowing Rock. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Kidd Brewer Stadium or Holmes Convocation Center. Enjoy the area's slopes with cross-country skiing and snowboarding, and don't miss out on the sledging and ice skating.
Alta Vista Gallery and B & B - 15 min drive - 8.7 km
Watauga River - 16 min drive - 10.1 km
Apple Hill Farm - 18 min drive - 13.1 km
Banner Elk Winery - 19 min drive - 14.4 km
Foggy Mountain Gem Mine - 22 min drive - 15.4 km
Getting around
Tri-Cities, TN (TRI-Tri-Cities Regional) - 95 min drive
Restaurants
Mountain Dog Coffee - 18 min drive
McDonald's - 25 min drive
Town Tavern of Banner Elk - 19 min drive
Blink Elk Tap Room - 21 min drive
Banner Elk Cafe - 20 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is The Watchtower - hot tub, game room, private retreat, fire pit, pet friendly pet-friendly?
Yes, pets are allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at The Watchtower - hot tub, game room, private retreat, fire pit, pet friendly?
As of 26 Oct 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Watchtower - hot tub, game room, private retreat, fire pit, pet friendly on 29 Nov 2026 start from AU$2,224, 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 The Watchtower - hot tub, game room, private retreat, fire pit, pet friendly?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at The Watchtower - hot tub, game room, private retreat, fire pit, pet friendly?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at The Watchtower - hot tub, game room, private retreat, fire pit, pet friendly?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is The Watchtower - hot tub, game room, private retreat, fire pit, pet friendly located?
Situated in the mountains, this cabin is within 9 miles (15 km) of Alta Vista Gallery and B & B, Apple Hill Farm and The Greater Foscoe Mining Co.. Banner Elk Winery and Foggy Mountain Gem Mine are also within 9 miles (15 km).
Reviews
9.4
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Very secluded, nice & clean property. Great location, kitchen & rec area. Could house 2-3 families at once.
It will need blinds, as there’s a cabin being built close by. Drive way is a little steep but my sons Corolla made it up just fine.
Highly recommend this property.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 18 Aug 2023
Thank you! We are so glad you had a relaxing getaway! We'd love to have you back again! - BRMR
Beautiful property!! Would love to stay again, didn't think the steep gravel to get there was that steep thank goodness. Once your up there the trees are grown tall, so not much of a view. Very nice cabin and had everything we needed for a relaxing get away. Thank yall so much! Would highly recommend!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 18 Aug 2023
Hi Rebecca,
Thank you for your review. We are glad to hear you had everything you needed for your stay and we hope you will visit again.
Best wishes,
Kaytlyn
Verified review
8/10 Good
William W.
18 Mar 2019
Very clean and neat cabin.
The overall experience was amazing. Check in was very easy no one disturbing our time alone and very peaceful location. Ping pong balls need replaced but good enough to play a game or two. We enjoyed the hot tub and the fireplace. We very much look forward to using VRBO for other bookings down the road. Well done very easy way to book stay and enjoy every minute of the vacation in peace.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 18 Aug 2023
Hi William,
Thank you for the review. We are happy to hear your overall experience was amazing and you found this cabin very clean. Our staff look forward to working with you again in the near future.
Kind Regards,
Brooklin
We had a fabulous stay at Deer Run with our family for Christmas. The cabin was perfect. Very clean and just as advertised! The snow made it all the more perfect. We will certainly stay again.
If you are visiting in snow months, be sure and have your 4 wheel drive/chains. We had ours and still a little trouble on last leg up the mountain.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 18 Aug 2023
Thank you! We are so glad you had a fabulous stay and enjoyed the snow! We'd love to have you visit with us again! - BRMR
It is hard to say what we liked most about this property. Maybe the wrap around porch with its beautiful views, maybe the large eat-in kitchen, or maybe the roominess of the bedrooms/closets? Of course the spa was wonderful after long hikes, the comfy king beds slept well, and there is plenty of space to “find your own space” when needed. Bathrooms are generous and the wood-covered walls throughout the house feel cozy and spacious at the same time. We reported a few maintenance items needing repair; hopefully they will be fixed soon because we will be back!
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 18 Aug 2023
Thank you! We are so glad you enjoyed your stay overall! We are sharing your feedback with our team so they can look into this closer. Please come back anytime! - BRMR
Cute house for a ski trip. House could use some additions to make it more comfortable. More dishes and glasses, more towels. Large trash can in kitchen, large TV in living room. More blankets on beds. Beds are very cheap and not comfortable. Small touches make a huge difference.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 18 Aug 2023
Thank you! We are very glad you enjoyed your getaway! We are sharing your feedback with our team. Please come back anytime! - BRMR
We were looking for an easy getaway during Christmas with things to do and this was it. The beds are comfortable. The ping pong table downstairs and the hot tub were just perfect to keep us busy when we were not skiing at Sugar Mountain, an easy drive from the cabin. Do not let the steep driveway scare you away. No issues at all getting up. We had good weather with only one day of rain. Would need 4WD or chains during snow. Would recommend bringing pans and silverware if cooking for large families otherwise the kitchen is well equipped. Thank you for sharing your home with us- great visit!!
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 18 Aug 2023
Thank you! We are so glad you enjoyed your stay! We are sharing your feedback about the pans and silverware with our team. Please come back anytime! - BRMR
We enjoyed the quiet, beautiful location of this house! There was plenty of space for our party of 6. We laughed, watched football and baseball, and relaxed in the hot tub! A few in our party had a difficult time getting up the steep driveway in the dark. There were only 5 chairs and the kitchen table, so we had to use one of our own. The fireplace didn’t stay on, and we never heard from maintenance after I emailed the property manager. We would definitely rented this house again.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 18 Aug 2023
Thank you! We are so glad you had a great stay, but we are so sorry our team didn't get back to you about the fireplace in a timely manner. We'd love to have you visit again! - BRMR
This home was beautiful and secluded very quiet and clean and comfortable . Loved the hot tub and ping pong table and all of the beds were comfy! The gas grill was not working at all. We bought steaks and we literally could not use the grill had to finish on the stove/ oven. The kitchen equipment needs to be updated. The knives were dull, there were only two wine glasses, the ice maker was not working at all, the kitchen needs some help! The gas grill would not work . Probably would not rent this home due to the driveway . Beautiful home but needs some TLC!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 18 Aug 2023
Thank you! We appreciate your feedback and are sharing it with our team. We'd love to help you find the perfect home and driveway for your next mountain getaway! - BRMR
This property was exactly as described! The house was beautiful and amenities were perfect for our stay. We’d recommend this to others and come back again.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 18 Aug 2023
Thank you so much! We'd love to have you back anytime! - BRMR
We survived “the Road to Deer Run”! Believe me, you too will be proud of yourself.
VERY secluded. And a real adventure finding and getting to and from the cabin each day if you’re there to go skiing. Make sure you do the driving in the daylight as it’s super scary after dark! Zero street lights! And I pray anyone who stays here is in great shape as it would take an ambulance, police or fire dept at least 25-30 mins to get up to this cabin with all of the narrow winding hairpin turns along the way, not to forget the steep grade of the long driveway.... mot sure an ambulance could hack it..... maybe if it were AWD! Let’s just say you certainly don’t want to forget to buy the milk when you go to the trouble of driving to and from the grocery store!😳 But the cabin itself was nice....could just use a few amenities like window coverings in the bedrooms and bathrooms. Couldn’t help feeling really vulnerable out there....Just a bit creepy at night.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 18 Aug 2023
Thank you! We are glad you enjoyed the home itself! This home is between Valle Crucis and Seven Devils which is a remote and peaceful area. We also mention in the listing that there is a steep gravel road to access the home, and we do recommend having an AWD/4WD year round. We'd love to help you find a home that you would feel comfortable accessing for your next mountain getaway! - BRMR
Cabin was great for privacy deep in the mountains. Recommend 4 wheel drive.
Experience was good. Loved how there were 3 levels. Nice secluded area and nice size cabin for a big family. 4 wheel drive is needed to drive up to the cabin, the road is quite steep.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 18 Aug 2023
Thank you! We are very glad you enjoyed your getaway! We'd love to have you back anytime! - BRMR
Loved the Hot Tub. Large comfortable. Very Clean.
Wish there had been blinds or window covering at least in the bathrooms and bedrooms. Ice Maker did not work. TV in bedrooms would have been nice. Great cabin for a large family or 2 families.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 18 Aug 2023
Thank you! We are glad you enjoyed the cabin! We are sharing your feedback with our team. Please come back anytime! - BRMR
This is a very nice cabin conveniently located in Valle Crucis. Well equipped kitchen was great for Thanksgiving cooking. Downstairs living area and TV allowed kids to have their space. We enjoyed the Ping pong table and hot tub. And the main floor living area with gas fireplace was very comfortable. Other houses in sight, but nice private setting in the woods.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 18 Aug 2023
Thank you! We are so glad you had a wonderful Thanksgiving and that you enjoyed your stay! We'd love to have you back again! - BRMR
The house is amazingly beautiful. If you like a great get away for quiet or just to be in the area this is a great place to stay. I would come back and rent this house for sure.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 18 Aug 2023
Thank you! We are so glad you had a relaxing getaway! We'd love to have you back anytime! -BRMR
My wife and I had a 4 nights stay. The cabin is beautiful, secluded on the side of a mountain. Very clean, well equipped, and taken care of. However, the bed was very firm for our liking and the ice maker didn’t work. All in all, a great place to stay.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 18 Aug 2023
Thank you! We are so glad you enjoyed your stay overall! We are sharing your feedback with our team. Please come back anytime! - BRMR
The house was great for our family of 5. The house was private but still made it easy to get to the activities and locations we wanted. The wifi was inconsistent but that was the only issue.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 18 Aug 2023
Thank you! We'd love to have you back again! - BRMR