From the Italian: to ascend, achieve by rising. And you will – on the exhilarating climb to this mountain-top log cabin, and every time you look out from 3,974 feet, up across the valley below or to other distant mountains. No matter how restful your stay, you’ll find yourself greeting the sunrise – then watching the afternoon shadows caress the distant treetops, ideally with a favorite wine or cocktail.

The spacious master suite offers king-size comfort with its own balcony and a heated jet whirlpool tub. The Great Room surrounds a beautiful stone chimney with lots of spaces for dining, gaming, chatting and – yes – HDTV or DVD viewing. You can ignore the world, but the WIFI is powerful. The kitchen is fully equipped and overlooks the Great Room so you can cook and visit too, or grill beside the deck (careful not to burn the steaks – the view is very distracting). The master guest room has a king bed. The two additional guest rooms each have a queen bed and share a bathroom. Very comfy for 6 persons.

Please note this house is dog friendly and strictly allows only small dogs 20 pounds or under with a $150 (plus tax) per dog fee. Max two dogs allowed. It is the guest's responsibility to contact the property manager at Maggie Mountain Vacations as there is an additional non-refundable pet fee, not included in the base rent. Unauthorized pets on property will incur a $300 per pet penalty. No cats or other types of pets allowed.

You will love Ascendere so much you might not ever leave, BUT it’s 35 minutes or so to the heart of Maggie Valley, Cataloochee Ski Area (known for being one of the first ski resorts in the US to open each year), Tube World (snow tubing), horseback riding and golfing. In 20 minutes, you can be on Main Street in charming Waynesville or at Ingles and Publix grocery stores, and Walmart.

You’re just 40 minutes from getting on the historic Blue Ridge Parkway or traveling to The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Harrah’s Cherokee Casino, Pisgah National Forest or several golf courses. Just west of Cherokee is Bryson City, home of The Smoky Mountain Railway and “Polar Express” during the Christmas Holiday.

Asheville is an easy drive, with the Biltmore Estate & Winery, Sierra Nevada Brewery and fabulous dining choices. For your outdoorsy side, Transylvania County has amazing waterfalls. Check out white water rafting, gem mining or zip-lining, as well. To the west in Tennessee, you can enjoy Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Dollywood.