The best of both worlds! Due to its unique location, FaBear’s Den has the feel of both a mountain treehouse lodge and a serene lake house, all in one. Perched perfectly above the shores of idyllic Lake Cardinal, a private feeder lake to Lake Toxaway, guests are invited to unwind in the five-star amenities found within this magnificently appointed home and its environs. The main floor boasts hardwood floors and beams rescued from a turn of the century Philadelphia barn, adding to the rustic yet elegant world that greets you when you enter the home. The supple main floor master suite is outfitted with a mix of modern and antique furniture, along with Ritz-Carlton styled bedding that allows for the perfect sleep. The suite’s uber-luxurious bathroom boasts a waterfall shower, soaking tub, and a “Juliet” porch, where one can truly dry off “au natural” in the privacy of the mountains. The main level is also home to a spacious lakeside porch, which allows for elevated views of glorious Lake Cardinal, along with lounge-style patio furniture and a built-in gas grill for those nights when guests want the feeling of dining al fresco. In addition, the main floor also has a side porch, which allows one to nap away the day to the whitewater sounds of the Toxaway River, which runs right along the side of the home, emptying into Lake Cardinal.

On the lower floor, the house is equipped with another two rustic, yet, luxuriously appointed bedrooms, along with a spacious reading-room, which has a “hidden” queen-size murphy bed for extra guests. Also on this level is a large game room dressed with a cloud-like couch (it’s literally called “the cloud”) that allows for guests to enjoy movie nights on the big screen TV or to cheer each other on while the family competes in games of ping-pong on the other side of the room. On the upper level, FaBear’s Den is home to another intoxicating master bedroom suite called “The Treehouse.” One step out onto the suite’s A-frame-lined porch, and visitors will be swept away by the views of Lake Cardinal and beyond. The porch also has a comfy hammock that allows visitors to laze about and fall truly under the tranquil spell of the sounds of nature. And when it’s time to wash up for the day, guests will be wowed by the bathroom, which is almost bigger than the bedroom. Marble vanity, waterfall shower, jetted spa tub, and those views of the lake, these are just a few of the amenities that away the discerning renter. Also on this level is another suite called “The Farm,” which is outfitted with a four-poster bed and its own charming bathroom, replete with claw-foot tub. Like all of the bedrooms in this house, the Farm is full of hidden surprises (look for the secret door), as well as a sundeck of its very own where guests can relax on chaise lounges while admiring the majestic granite rock faces of nearby Panthertown Mtn.

And while the interiors of FaBear’s Den truly delight the senses, more magic awaits when guests head down to the lake. Accessible by the main floor porch or by the lower level porch, visitors follow a surprising forest trail that leads down to Lake Cardinal. The trail is actually a path joined by a series of steps that briefly lead guests past age-old moss-covered boulders and lush pines. Please stop to take a mental picture (or a real one) of nature abound. As one reaches the bottom of the trail, the steps open up to a picturesque flag-stoned patio that serves as the berm to the dock and kayak launch, which are tucked in perfectly on the very best part of the lake. The house is outfitted with two kayaks, two SUPs, a canoe, and a “lilypad” for all of the lake fun you can muster. When guests aren’t on the water, they can often be found lounging on the Adirondack chairs that surround the patio’s fire pit, roasting marshmallows, or gazing up at the stars as the day gives way to night. And for those guests not up for the steps leading down to the lake. Optional access to the Lake Toxaway Country Club is available from April - November. *subject to application and usage fees*