Above the Rhododendrons. Below the Storm Clouds. Exactly Where You Need to Be | The Tree House
This Rent In Highlands vacation rental home is pet friendly for one small dog, under 20 pounds. Pets must be pre-approved. An additional non-refundable pet fee is required and is not included in the rental fee. Please call our office for approval and to pay the pet fee. Failure to adhere to this policy will result in a $1000.00 fine.
Only adults (25 years old and older) may reserve this property and an adult must occupy the property at all times.
Click HERE to see a virtual tour of the guest cottage.
STARLINK INTERNET
There's a particular kind of house that stops feeling like a rental within the first hour and starts feeling like somewhere you actually live — where the kitchen makes you want to cook a real meal, the bedroom makes you want to take a real nap, and the deck makes you want to do absolutely nothing for longer than you've done nothing in years.
The Tree House is that kind of house.
A fully renovated mid-century modern gem tucked into a rhododendron oasis less than three miles from downtown Highlands, this property — main house plus a private guest house with its own hot tub and mountain view — was designed with the kind of deliberate care that shows up in 600-thread-count sheets and Italian-tiled bathrooms and a chef's kitchen outfitted with Vietri dinnerware and an ice cream maker. It was furnished by Switch Modern, Baker, and Design Within Reach, accented with carefully curated vintage pieces, and finished with the original mid-century crank windows that open to let the mountain air move through the house like it always has.
Open those windows at night and you will sleep better than you have in months. That is not an exaggeration.
A Kitchen Serious Cooks Will Actually Appreciate The chef's kitchen doesn't gesture at cooking — it enables it. Six-burner stove with grill. Dual ovens. A large island that seats six comfortably, designed for the practical reality of family trips where kids eat first and adults eat after. Instapot, Dutch oven, iron skillets, ice cream maker, Vietri Incanto dinner sets, platters and bowls for entertaining at any scale. This is a kitchen assembled by someone who actually cooks and wanted guests who actually cook to feel completely at home. It delivers.
The Main House: Every Detail Considered. The open family room with its wall of windows pulls the rhododendron canopy inside and keeps the mountain views in constant rotation. A wood-burning fireplace anchors one end. Mechanical window shades handle the rare moments when the light needs managing. The furniture — Switch Modern, Baker, Design Within Reach — is the kind of thing you photograph and then spend months trying to identify when you get home.
The primary bedroom runs on the same philosophy: Williams Sonoma Home furnishings, Simmons pillow-top mattress, 600-thread-count sheets, heated floors in the Italian-tiled bath, and those original crank windows positioned for the kind of cross breeze that makes afternoon naps genuinely transformative. The guest room continues the standard with Lilly Pulitzer décor and an Italian-tiled bath with refinished original fixtures that somehow manage to feel both vintage and completely current.
Large smart TVs in every bedroom and the family room. High-speed internet throughout. Apple and YouTube TV. Every bedroom with a world-class mattress. The Tree House understands that a true retreat doesn't make you suffer for the privilege.
The Guest House: Privacy Elevated Separate, private, and exceptional in its own right — the guest house offers a king bed, its own heating and air, an exercise bike, and a large terraced deck with a hot tub surrounded by rhododendrons facing an entirely different mountain range than the main house. Different view. Different sunset. Same level of thought and care. Whoever stays in the guest house will not feel like they drew the short straw. They will feel like they got away with something.
Outside: Where the Tree House Earns Its Name The expansive back deck runs the full length of the main house — partly covered and screenable for weather protection, partly open to the sky — furnished with comfortable couches, rocking chairs, iron and glass dining tables, and seating for eight. Do yoga above the tree canopy on this deck and watch the afternoon storms roll in across the ridgeline. It is, as the owners suggest, exactly as spectacular as it sounds.
A firepit for evening fires. A charcoal grill for real outdoor cooking. A fenced area off the kitchen for dogs who came along. A slack line outside for kids visible from the kitchen window so nobody loses track of anyone. And a vintage ten-foot dinner bell — an actual dinner bell — for calling the family in from wherever they've scattered across the property. Walking paths wind around the house and connect to Owl Gap Road, a hilly four-mile loop back to Dillard Road for anyone who wants to earn the ice cream maker. Glen Falls trails and waterfalls are one mile away. Old Edwards Inn is three miles down the road.
Three yoga mats provided. Storms optional but highly recommended.
Less Than Three Miles From Highlands Old Edwards Inn and Spa. Acclaimed restaurants. Boutique shopping. Art galleries. The Highlands Playhouse. All of it within a few minutes of the rhododendron oasis where this house sits above the trees, windows cranked open, dinner bell waiting.
Come to disconnect. Stay because everything here makes disconnecting feel like exactly the right decision.
What our guests are saying…
"The property is amazing. Super private. The patio and the porch are showstoppers. THE VIEW! Wait until you get to watch the sunrise in the morning. It's worth waking up early! We loved the upgraded kitchen and fireplace. It's first class. Fully stocked kitchen - double oven is a BONUS! The shower in the master bathroom is next level. We used the hot tub a lot more than we thought we would because it's that nice. The photos on the website don't do this place justice -- I cried tears of JOY when we walked inside the door the first time -- I couldn't believe this is where we were going to spend our holidays! And loved the Christmas tree too!" - Rent In Highlands Vacation Rental Guest, Michelle
Special Amenities:
Starlink Internet Hot Tub Wood Burning Fireplace Guest Cottage
This home is professionally managed by Rent in Highlands, a division of Country Club Properties. Your premier source for Vacation Rentals in Highlands NC.
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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
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
Highlands
Located in Highlands, this cabin is in the mountains. Highlands Country Club and Scaly Mountain Outdoor Center are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those looking for area attractions can visit Highlands Biological Station and Cashiers Farmers Market. Andy's Trout Farm and Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with fishing and swimming nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking/biking trails and mountain biking.
The Bascom Center for the Visual Arts - 10 min drive - 7.4 km
Cullasaja River Gorge - 11 min drive - 7.8 km
Getting around
Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) - 94 min drive
Restaurants
Shell - 5 min drive
Los Vaqueros - 4 min drive
Oak Steakhouse - 13 min drive
Calders Coffee Cafe - 5 min drive
Highlander Mountain House & The Ruffed Grouse Tavern - 5 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Does Above the Rhododendrons. Below the Storm Clouds. Exactly Where You Need to Be | The Tree House have a pool?
Yes, this property has a pool.
How much does it cost to stay at Above the Rhododendrons. Below the Storm Clouds. Exactly Where You Need to Be | The Tree House?
As of 31 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Above the Rhododendrons. Below the Storm Clouds. Exactly Where You Need to Be | The Tree House on 7 Sept 2026 start from AU$739, 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.
Is Above the Rhododendrons. Below the Storm Clouds. Exactly Where You Need to Be | The Tree House pet-friendly?
Yes, pets are allowed at this property.
How much is parking at Above the Rhododendrons. Below the Storm Clouds. Exactly Where You Need to Be | The Tree House?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Above the Rhododendrons. Below the Storm Clouds. Exactly Where You Need to Be | The Tree House?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Above the Rhododendrons. Below the Storm Clouds. Exactly Where You Need to Be | The Tree House?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Above the Rhododendrons. Below the Storm Clouds. Exactly Where You Need to Be | The Tree House located?
Situated in the mountains, this cabin is steps from Nantahala National Forest and within 3 mi (5 km) of Highlands Country Club and Glen Falls. Cullasaja River Gorge and The Bascom Center for the Visual Arts are also within 3 miles (5 km).
Reviews
9.8
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Great property, amenities, and location to Highlands. Kids had a ball and the games/toys on the property were a nice touch.
Kevin W.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Jan 2026
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re glad to hear you enjoyed the property, amenities, and convenient location to Highlands. It’s great to know the kids had a ball and that the games and toys added a special touch to your stay. We’d love to welcome you back anytime!
The home is lovely ( just like the photos!) We enjoyed the view along with the fireplace ( the weather was CHILLY!) convenient to “ downtown” but the woods around …. Felt like a treehouse ! Perfect get away with the pup!!
grace t.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 16 Dec 2025
Thank you so much for your lovely review and amazing pictures! We’re so glad to hear the home lived up to the photos and that you enjoyed the beautiful views, cozy fireplace, and that “treehouse” feeling in the woods—especially with the chilly weather. It’s wonderful to know it was a perfect getaway for you and your pup. We’d love to welcome you back anytime!
Our group had a great stay at The Treehouse! Everything was clean and well kept. It was a beautiful view of the mountains. It was nice and private, but a short ride to town.
We would stay here again.
McKenzie J.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 13 Nov 2023
Thank you so much for the great review McKenzie! We hope you get to come back and stay with us again.
The Treehouse is an appropriate name for this property. The wall of windows in the large family room made it seem as if you were staying in a treehouse. The kitchen was well stocked. The beds were very comfortable and the home was clean.
Jeanmarie S.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 8 Aug 2024
Thank you for great review Jeanmarie! Glad you enjoyed The Treehouse and hope you'll come back again!
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Erin Spencer
11 Apr 2022
Beautiful house with great view.
Beautiful house with great view. We loved sitting next to the fire and watching the snow fall through the floor to ceiling windows. Beds and pillows are incredibly comfortable! Kitchen was updated, well stocked, and perfect for what we needed. Living room was great for reading and chatting with our friends. They really loved having the separate cottage for some added privacy. Hot tub was nice too! Great responses and very helpful service. We had everything we needed.
Erin Spencer
Response from VrboOwner on 9 Sept 2022
Thanks for the review Erin! We're so happy to hear that you enjoyed this very special home.
We absolutely loved our stay at the Treehouse! This is by far one of the best vacation properties we’ve ever experienced. The house has everything you could possibly need and the attention to every detail is impeccable, ensuring the best stay possible. And…the shower!! OMG!! You just have to stay here to know what I’m talking about! So cool! The beds were so comfortable too! Bottom line, the entire property is breathtaking and definitely worth checking out! We will definitely be back to visit The Treehouse again soon!!
Jessica B.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 14 June 2024
Thanks for the great review Jessica! We love hearing how much our guests love the home they stayed in! The Treehouse is a very special property and a definite favorite with repeat guests. Looking forward to your next visit!
This home worked well for us, with two young children whose parents got some peace and quiet in the cottage behind the house, while grandparents stayed with the kids. Large, well-equipped kitchen (except they need bowls with some depth), good linens and towels, comfortable beds. Excellent family room for hanging out together, very child friendly. Lots of huge windows and beautiful setting. Very peaceful. House is close to town. Down sides: TV is very basic and it’s difficult/impossible to stream shows from your own account except on Amazon. Hot tub was not working. No comfortable furniture on deck (only folding chairs).
Susan K.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 20 June 2023
Hi Susan. Thank you for the review! I've sent your comments to the homeowner. We do apologize again that the hot tub wasn't working during your stay. A part needed to repair it was on backorder. We're happy to hear that you enjoyed your stay and hope you'll consider again the next time you're visiting Highlands.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Michelle Young
27 Dec 2021
The property is amazing.
The property is amazing. Super private. The patio and the porch are showstoppers. THE VIEW! Wait until you get to watch the sunrise in the morning. It's worth waking up early! We loved the upgraded kitchen and fireplace. It's first class. Fully stocked kitchen - double oven is a BONUS! The shower in the master bathroom is next level. We used the hot tub a lot more than we thought we would because it's that nice. A notebook with some general information would be helpful, but otherwise fantastic. The photos on the website don't do this place justice -- I cried tears of JOY when we walked inside the door the first time -- I couldn't believe this is where we were going to spend our holidays! And loved the Christmas tree too!
Michelle Young
Response from VrboOwner on 9 Sept 2022
Thank you for the wonderful review Michelle! Hope you'll visit again.
The house is very clean , the decor is great. The family room is very comfortable with a Great Wall of windows with a lovely view of trees and foliage and mountains. The blinds malfunctioned and the blind over the very center window closed and we couldn’t open it. Maintenance came and replaced batteries, fixed it but then another blind was down and wouldn’t open. All to say the blinds need some work. The only other negative was a “resort fee” we were charged for $176 and this house is not in a resort. There was back and forth about who was charging this fee- we paid it but weren’t too happy about it. They also charge a big cleaning fee but expect you to wash and dry towels and run the dishwasher. Not a huge chore but seems like the cleaning fee of over $300 should take care of all of that sort of thing.
Clair M.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 7 Aug 2023
Thank you so much for leaving us a review. Unfortunately when you book on this platform, there is a resort fee charged. Now that you're in our system, we hope you'll book directly with us next time :) We will be addressing the blind situation with the owner. We're glad to hear that you enjoyed your stay at this lovely home. We do appreciate your help with towels and running the dishwasher so our cleaning staff can get the property turned over for the next guest.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Lisa Prewitt
25 Nov 2021
We loved our stay at the The Tree House! We were so comfortable and the view was amazing! The kitche
We loved our stay at the The Tree House! We were so comfortable and the view was amazing! The kitchen was wonderful and well stocked for all our needs for Thanksgiving dinner. We loved everything about the house.
Lisa Prewitt
Response from VrboOwner on 18 Jan 2023
Thanks for the review Lisa!
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Brandon P.
18 Nov 2025
Brandon P.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 20 Nov 2025
Thank you for giving us a perfect rating! We're so glad that you enjoyed your stay and look forward to hosting you again!
About the host
Hosted by Rent In Highlands
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests