Secluded Cabin Overlooking Fontana Lake & Smoky Mtns NP
About this house rental
Nestled in Stecoah, this lovely house for $345 per night is a fantastic choice for your next trip. This 3500 square-foot, secluded cabin is ideal for your family getaway or a retreat with that someone special. Fontana Cabin is located in Graham County, North Carolina, at the very end of a winding gravel road that takes you through a tunnel of trees before revealing a distinctive house perched on top of a bluff above Fontana Lake. The approach into the Cabin is through the main deck, where you will have a hard time resisting the pull of the breathtaking view of crystal-clear Lake Fontana and the layered Smoky Mountains behind it. On all sides of the Cabin, you are surrounded by either our 4-acre property or Public Lands, so all you see looking outside of the Cabin is Southern Appalachian deciduous forest. The view from the deck, where you will want to take your coffee as well as all your meals and your naps, changes hourly, daily, and seasonally, calling you to leave your cares behind as you tune into the rhythm of Nature. Inside, you will find 5 separate bedrooms and 4 bathrooms that will provide your group the space, comfort, and flexibility it needs to make the place your temporary home. The house was built in 1968 and has been updated over the years to balance the best of its vintage and contemporary features, including most recently with a full-scale update of the Cabin decor, linens, kitchenware, and other amenities in September, 2021, a few months after we bought the place in July. The kitchen is fully equipped with a farmhouse table that seats six, with a second table for 6 outside on the covered porch if you want to eat outside or if you have a bigger group. Almost all of the wood furnishings in the house are unique, handmade from re-purposed and re-finished salvaged wood from old buildings in the region. Given our remote location, we have Satellite Internet instead of wired broadband, but we have enough WiFi capability throughout the house for ordinary computing and limited streaming (but not data-intensive streaming, gaming, or Zooms). Our cell phone booster in the house makes cell service strong even though it is weak on the road up to the Cabin. Our LAKE VIEW is awesome, but there is NO DIRECT ACCESS TO THE LAKE from our property. Fontana Lake is a 29 mile-long crystal clear lake that has more than 240 miles of almost totally undeveloped shoreline. More than 90 percent of the land around the lake is owned by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Nantahala National Forest, or the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), so development has been kept to a minimum (including at our place, where TVA owns the bottom half of the 200-foot steep mountainside between the Cabin and the lake). The good news is that the lake is surrounded by forest and provides an inspiring backdrop to every part of your stay at the Cabin, but the less good news is that you have to leave the property to get to the lake itself. If you do want to access the lake to fish, boat, kayak, or canoe, , there are a number of boat launches and marinas on the south side of the lake where we are located, including the public boat launch at the Cable Cove National Forest Recreation Area 20 minutes from the Cabin, and at the Fontana Village Marina, right at the Fontana Dam, 25 minutes from Cabin. Please also know that if you are hauling a trailer or driving an RV, we have plenty of parking at the Cabin, but the road and driveway into the place are not suitable for long trailers or long vehicles, so it's best to check with us before booking. Whether you are seeking hiking, biking, boating, fishing, scenic driving, nature photography, motorcycling, whitewater rafting, or vacationing, you will find a full array of natural destinations, quaint shops and the rich history of North Carolina's most remote county within minutes of the Cabin. Smoky Mountain National Park - 30 minutes to Park Entrance from Cabin You can see the Southern edge of the park just across the Lake from the Cabin, and can access it via the water if you are boating, but the driving entrance is just North of Bryson City and Cherokee. Whitewater Adventures - 30 minutes from Cabin The western North Carolina mountains offer some of the best whitewater rafting/paddling rivers on the East Coast. Nantahala River's Class I, II, and III rapids and renowned providers such as the Nantahala Outdoor Center provide the perfect place for the entire family to have a taste of this exciting sport. Tail of the Dragon - 40 minutes from Cabin Starting at Deals Gap at the Tennessee/North Carolina state line, the Dragon is considered by many to be one of the world's best motorcycling and sports car roads. Anyone looking for an exciting highway adventure--whether you are a rider or a driver--will enjoy this famous stretch of US 129. Even better, the road to there from our place is another great drive, called Moonshiner 28 or Hellbender 28 depending on who you ask. Combine it with Foothills Parkway in TN and the Smoky NP Park road, and people call that loop Hillbilly Heaven. Blue Ridge Parkway - 25 minutes to the Southern Terminus from Cabin Experience this world famous Parkway, including the Parkway's highest point, which is 1.5 hours away from the Cabin, just south of Waynesville. Cherohala Skyway - 25 minutes to Eastern Terminus from Cabin This is a shorter but less traveled mountaintop scenic highway with views and curves that rival the North Carolina portion of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Appalachian Trail - access 25 minutes from the Cabin The renowned Trail that bisects the entire East Coast goes through our area, actually crossing over Fontana Dam itself before heading into the Smoky Mountains National Park to the north and into Nantahala National Forest to the south.
Amenities
Air conditioner
Pets allowed
Kitchen / Kitchenette
Internet / Wifi
Fireplace
Parking
Laundry
Balcony / Patio
Dishwasher
TV
Garden
Family friendly
Map of Stecoah, NC
Reviews
4.9/5.0
Outstanding(177 Reviews)
5.0
This year was our fourth trip to the Polar Express in Bryson City & our fourth cabin rental. I think we have finally found our forever rental! The cabin was very clean & well stocked with dishes & linens. All we had to provide for ourselves was food. We had a party of 10 ranging from 5 mos-74 years & there was plenty of space to accommodate everyone. The view from the back deck is absolutely breathtaking! The driveway was much less intimidating than we anticipated, even at night! We will certainly be staying again!
5.0
Breathtaking views of Lake Fontana and the Smokey Mountains. Beautiful cabin and our children (ages 18-25) were in awe of how awesome the cabin was. Plenty of room for our group of 8! Thank you Robert & Danielle for sharing your home with my family!
5.0
It was a wonderful place. Definitely will book again.
5.0
My wife and I and three other couples stayed for a week from 30 October to 5 November. We couldn't ask for a better location. The views were stunning with the lake and mountains as a backdrop every morning. We braved the cold mornings to watch the amazing sunrises and the light playing on the mountains. The sunsets were equally amazing.
We loved the solitude and the chance to decompress and relax. We are already planning to return.
I highly recommend a stay here as a perfect place to relax and enjoy the outdoors and nature.
5.0
Our blended family was able to reconect and enjoy the property and each other. We enjoyed all our adventures and look foward to more of them.
5.0
Beautiful, remote home with plenty of room for our family of 12. We enjoyed the large covered porch with a gorgeous view of Fontana Lake and the Smoky Mountains.
5.0
The perfect cabin to unwind and relax. There is an amazing view of the lake and mountains that simply calms your mind. Each morning we sat on the deck sipping coffee, watching hummingbirds and listening to nothing but the slight rustling of the leaves in the trees from the birds and the breeze. Thank you for having a pet friendly cabin because our fur kids were enriched by the sights and sounds as well! And such a nice touch to provide sheets to cover furniture to protect from dog hair, scratches, etc. - brilliant and wish more owners did this!
The cabin was very clean, tidy and organized. It is furnished and decorated in a very comfortable cabin chic style. The kitchen was well stocked with all the essentials and the bathrooms were clean.
Robert was an outstanding host with thorough communication. We most definitely plan to book the cabin again and can’t wait to take in that view again! Thank you Robert and Danielle for sharing your home with us and providing an incredibly peaceful space to relax.
5.0
This beautiful cabin couldn't have been a better place for our family to gather. The views are breathtaking, the cabin was well equipped, clean, welcoming and the owners were absolutely amazing to work with!! I can't say enough good things about our stay! This cabin is a little slice of heaven that we were lucky enough to experience for a week! Thank you for the incredible memories!
5.0
Our family was super impressed by the property. The kitchen was the most well stocked of any vacation rental I have ever stayed in. The host was a very good communicator. The pictures don’t do this place justice, beautiful!
5.0
We loved the location to ALL our planned MC rides in NC and TN. The house itself is better than expected and met all our needs. The setting is truly amazing, the pics don't really do it justice. Our favorite place to hang out was the back porch but this home offered so much to each member of our group, including the desinated burn pit and grill for steak, hamburger nights. If riding motorcycles, make sure your skill level matches the gravel slopes, but it's doable. Our last evening, I even witnessed a bald eagle glide over the lake right in front of us. Thank you Robert, Danielle and neighbor Ted for helping make our annual MC trip a success! We fell in love with the Smokey Mountains and hope to return some year in the future.
5.0
Six of my friends and I stayed at this property. It was exactly as described. It was very well stocked, plenty of beds and we used the washer/dryer to wash our clothes before we left. We rode our bikes from Texas and it accommodated us perfectly. We sat on the porch looking at the lake every morning drinking coffee, in the afternoon we would sit outside talking about the roads we rode that day. The only issue, and the owner told us about it, the last 1/2 mile is gravel road that can be very tight. Wasn't really a problem for any of us though. I will definitely be back!
5.0
We had a wonderful time during our stay at this gorgeous property. The layout of the house was perfect for our group. We were there for the weekend to celebrate our oldest son's graduation from Western Carolina and while the property is an hour away from the university, everyone in our group said how much they enjoyed the location. The house was immaculate on our arrival and had everything we needed to have a fantastic weekend. I think the ones who enjoyed the weekend the most were our fur babies who joined us on our weekend getaway. They loved playing outside and sitting with us around the fire pit. I give this beautiful cabin a 5 out of 5❤️
5.0
Robert covered every detail of the property in his preview. Once we arrived we were impressed with the thought and detail to ensure we had everything we needed for a comfortable stay. The view was fantastic. It was a great experience and I would highly recommend this property.
5.0
Amazing location and brilliantly setup property, highly recommend to anyone considering staying in the area
5.0
To keep it short and simple, WOW. Pics and imagination will not prepare you for this home. Every detail has been considered, executed, and over delivers. My wife and I loved this cabin, all it has to offer and the wonderful hosts Rob and Danielle.
5.0
We had a journey to get to this home but once we did it was perfect. Extremely clean, well organized and had an incredible view. Robert (owner) communicated with us so well and could not have been kinder. The only issue was .........we had to leave. You can bet that we will be booking again.
5.0
Our family loved everything about this home! Beautifully decorated and well stocked! The pictures do not do the view justice! Many of our family members spent hours on the porch staring at the view. The house was perfect for our large group with plenty of room and the two separate living areas were great for those who wanted to watch two different things! We loved the master suite! The fireplace was a nice touch and well loved by us. Don’t hesitate to book!
5.0
The views are truly beautiful. And just about every window in the cabin has a beautiful view. Overall, our stay was enjoyable but there were several problems that occurred. With a large group, 12 people total, having working appliances is a very important factor. The stove worked but the oven did not function properly. Unless you placed items on the top rack they would burn, or you had to constantly watch them. We were going to have turkey for our Christmas dinner and obviously the turkey would not fit on the top rack. Thankfully, there was a gas grill and thankfully it was large enough for our turkey.
The other issue was that the dishwasher did not clean the dishes...the pod was on the bottom of the dishwasher even though we made sure the lid was securely closed that held the pod. We tried several times.
The other issue, which was the most important one is that the smoke detector was not working. It was making the beep they make when it's time to change the battery. We put a new battery in and it still did not work. This smoke detector was outside of the guest room and the hallway to the master bedroom as well as by the kitchen.
This next issue is one that I should have contacted the owner as soon as it was noticed. One of the recliners stopped working...the foot would not go all the way down and the back would not move. No one was playing with the recliner they were just sitting and watching TV and when they went to get out of it is when it stopped working properly.
We were told that there was a chip in the upstairs bathroom countertop. We were unaware of that being there.
The owner is not happy that we did not clean out the fireplace and that we left a bunch of limbs around the firepit (which we were going to burn but it started sleeting and we could burn). We thought that the limbs could be used by the next occupants.
On a positive note...We did appreciate that there was another refrigerator in the garage to use.
We are the type of family that makes the best of the situations that occure. Again, our overall stay was enjoyable.
5.0
As an extended family we typically travel in a large group and have stayed at many vacation homes over the last decade. We ALL agreed that we have never came across a nicer property than this one. Extremely easy booking experience, thorough directions and check in information, absolutely gorgeous home, every detail is as advertised, and immaculately clean. The little touches is what did it for me..soft sheets, plenty of household necessities such as toilet paper, soap, and paper towels, loads of kitchen supplies and even a fully stocked spice cabinet, and BEAUTIFLLY decorated for Christmas throughout the property. We will without a doubt be back!!
5.0
Quiet, peaceful, beautiful
4.0
Charming cabin overlooking the lake. Ample room for everyone and well appointed. Basement was a great place for kids to play and the fire pit was a big hit for S’more’s! Owner communicated extremely well. All in all wonderful family memories were made! We would highly recommend this cabin!
5.0
Everything was clean and communication with the owner was excellent! The view was amazing! Overall everything was great.
5.0
We had 10 all together in our group. It was my husbands 50th birthday trip. He loves the mountains and this did not disappoint. We had everything we needed. Took a trip to Bryson City while we there. It was a short 30 minute drive to get there. At one point during our day we thought about traveling somewhere else when we were done in Bryson City, but opted to just go back to the house since the view there was as good as any. Communication was great. Anytime I texted, they quickly responded. Great host. The inside of the house was so spacious- plenty of room for the 10 adults we had.
5.0
A beautiful Cabin driving distance from Tail of the Dragon and other beautiful roads. Communication between myself and Robert was simple and always prompt. I'd recommend to anyone looking for a peacefull getaway!
5.0
This is our second week-long stay at this property and it just gets better. Robert is incredibly professional and kind. He has updated the cabin to include more counter space for cooking and a great collection of cookware and small appliances. I guess we're nuts to go on vacation and then spend time cooking but that's what we love to do as a family.
The cabin is very clean and comfortable and we absolutely love the seclusion. I grew up in nearby Fontana Village so we have decided to make this our annual "going home" trip.
5.0
Great comms from the owner and a fantastic property. Fits a lot of people and gear. Clear instructions throughout the house.
5.0
It was everything I had hoped for and more!
5.0
This cabin checked all the boxes and was a refreshing secluded break away from the hustle-bustle of everyday life. Even though we ventured out everyday to check out the surrounding area, I thoroughly enjoyed the drives through the back woods and Great Smoky Mountains. The cabin was clean; well appointed; comfortable and had all the basics for cooking and comforts of home. Most of our time was spent on the deck overlooking Fontana Lake and the beautiful Smoky Mountain National Park mountains directly accross the lake! With just my wife and loyal friend Bubba, we had lots of space that a family of 10 would enjoy! Robert was a wonderful attentive host and everything was just as he promised. Check-in and out was a breeze and we will defintiely visit this cabin again!
5.0
Thank you so much for letting us enjoy your home in beautiful Fontana Lake. We absolutely loved every minute, it was our first time visiting and it could not have been more perfect. Our family had a great time! The house had everything we needed and more!
5.0
the perfect place
Thank you so much for letting us enjoy your home in beautiful Fontana Lake. We absolutely loved every minute, it was our first time visiting and it could not have been more perfect. Our family had a great time! The house had everything we needed and more!
5.0
Beautiful location very at home and just remote enough yet close to everything
My husband and I remarked several times how at home we felt the whole time. We felt very relaxed had all the amenities and truly enjoyed our stay
5.0
We absolutely loved our stay at the cabin. We had a big crew and we never felt cramped. So many rooms, plenty of space, and all the equipment needed to cook for a crowd. Everything was clean, beautiful, and comfortable, and we never tired of the view. Robert was excellent at communicating with us, and we loved feeling like we were off the beaten path but within an hour of lots of fun and varied activities. We highly recommend and would love to come back someday!
5.0
Perfect Getaway for Groups
We absolutely loved our stay at the cabin. We had a big crew and we never felt cramped. So many rooms, plenty of space, and all the equipment needed to cook for a crowd. Everything was clean, beautiful, and comfortable, and we never tired of the view. Robert was excellent at communicating with us, and we loved feeling like we were off the beaten path but within an hour of lots of fun and varied activities. We highly recommend and would love to come back someday!
5.0
Fabulous! The house is clean and up to date. We had everything we needed, including peace and solitude. It’s a bit of an adventure climbing the mountain road, but so worth it! Wait till you see the views from the porch with your coffee in the morning!
5.0
Wonderful mountain vacation!
Fabulous! The house is clean and up to date. We had everything we needed, including peace and solitude. It’s a bit of an adventure climbing the mountain road, but so worth it! Wait till you see the views from the porch with your coffee in the morning!
5.0
Nice getaway
My family was here for a funeral and the cabin was the pleasant escape for a less than perfect occasion!
5.0
The house is well appointed and perfect for a group; there’s plenty of room to gather, and room to seek privacy.
The view and setting are amazing! We all agreed that this was one of the most breathtaking settings we’ve ever experienced. The Smokey National Park is nature beyond compare. This house presents a constant view of the Park’s beauty, and its,location provides close access to beautiful trails and views.
We hiked the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Park—40 minutes from the house. The most beautiful hike I’ve ever experienced.. and while nothing can match Joyce Kilmer, other trails in the area were so lovely!
When I return to this area—and I will—I’ll try to book this wonderful house.
5.0
View is unbelievable!
The house is well appointed and perfect for a group; there’s plenty of room to gather, and room to seek privacy.
The view and setting are amazing! We all agreed that this was one of the most breathtaking settings we’ve ever experienced. The Smokey National Park is nature beyond compare. This house presents a constant view of the Park’s beauty, and its,location provides close access to beautiful trails and views.
We hiked the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Park—40 minutes from the house. The most beautiful hike I’ve ever experienced.. and while nothing can match Joyce Kilmer, other trails in the area were so lovely!
When I return to this area—and I will—I’ll try to book this wonderful house.
5.0
My family and I absolutely loved staying in the cabin. It was exactly how it is stated in the cabin description on Vrbo. Everything from the living room, bedrooms, bathrooms to the kitchen was more than sufficient and very easy to find to use.
The view from the cabin was perfect !!! The weather was beautiful and made this weekend perfect !!!
Thank you to the host as he was very responsive to any questions I had for him.
We sure made some great family memories and the ease provided at the cabin plays a big part in that !!!
5.0
Beautiful cabin !!!
My family and I absolutely loved staying in the cabin. It was exactly how it is stated in the cabin description on Vrbo. Everything from the living room, bedrooms, bathrooms to the kitchen was more than sufficient and very easy to find to use.
The view from the cabin was perfect !!! The weather was beautiful and made this weekend perfect !!!
Thank you to the host as he was very responsive to any questions I had for him.
We sure made some great family memories and the ease provided at the cabin plays a big part in that !!!
FAQs
How much does this house cost compared to others in Stecoah?
The average price for a rental in Stecoah is $156 per night. This rental is $189 above the average.
Is parking included with this house?
Yes, parking is listed as an amenity at Secluded Cabin Overlooking Fontana Lake & Smoky Mtns NP. For more information, we encourage you to contact the property about where to park.
Is there a pool at this house?
We didn’t find pool listed as an amenity for this house. It may be worth double checking if a pool is important for your stay.
Is Secluded Cabin Overlooking Fontana Lake & Smoky Mtns NP pet friendly?
Yes! This house is pet-friendly. For more information, we recommend contacting the booking provider about animal policies.
What amenities are available at Secluded Cabin Overlooking Fontana Lake & Smoky Mtns NP?
We found 12 amenities for this rental. This includes air conditioner, pets allowed, kitchen / kitchenette, internet / wifi, and fireplace.
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