Smawlie: A Secluded Tiny Home Log Cabin w/ HOT TUB + Amazing Mountain Views
Cabin in Nantahala Lake, NC
4 guests · 2 bedrooms · 1 bath
Reasons to book
Guests love it hereGuests give this property a top rating
Free cancellationFull refund if you change your mind
High-end valuePrice for this property is higher than average in the area
About this cabin rental
We can't adequately describe how peaceful it is to soak in the Hot Tub on the deck of our little Tiny Home Log Cabin and listen to the birds and the wind rustle through the trees, while watching the sun set turn the sky pink and purple over the Smokey Mountains. Not having cell reception or wifi allows our guests to truly "disconnect in order to reconnect" with their loved ones. With the Nantahala National Forest literally as our back yard, this little log cabin is the perfect secluded nature getaway! After getting one of the best night’s sleep you've ever had in our pillow top bed, you'll have the energy to go Hiking, Fly Fishing and White Water Rafting on the Nantahala River, or Water Skiing on the glassy waters of the Nantahala Lake. Hikers will love the easy access to the Appalachian and Bartram Trails as well as discovering a secret Swimming Hole and Cliff Diving oasis. Other local activities also include mountain biking, kayaking, hunting, golfing, swimming, sight-seeing, and more. Our guests are also welcome to use our kayaks and canoe to explore Nantahala Lake! And when it rains, we've got some DVD’s and games at the cabin to enjoy.
The cabin is stocked with everything you'd have at your own kitchen, including a coffee pot, basic spices, and a propane grill on the deck (propane provided). The quaint little towns of Andrews and Murphy are just a short drive away if you don’t want to cook your own meals, or if you forget your favorite fishing lure. While you're welcome to scour the woods around the cabin for firewood to enjoy at the brick firepit - you're not going on vacation to become a lumberjack - so we recommend you pick up a bundle of dry wood at the Ingles Grocery store in Andrews on your way to the cabin.
Our amazing guests continually tell us how peaceful and therapeutic it is to stay at our cabin. They mention having great plans to visit touristic attractions and outdoor adventures - but are so lured by the peace and beauty of the surroundings of the cabin and the hot tub that they end up spending most the day kicked back on the deck enjoying the view or sitting around the fire pit fascinated by the stars that illuminate the night sky.
NOTE: While mountain roads are sometimes steep and curvy they are well maintained paved roads and completely accessible all the way to our driveway. From there, we have gone to great lengths to make the cabin as accessible as possible, but our GRAVEL driveway is EXTREMELY steep. Therefore, we REQUIRE all guests to either have 4WD or AWD vehicles in order to drive up the driveway! If you don’t have such a vehicle, not to worry, you will enjoy the adventure of parking at the bottom and hiking up. This is a typical request for mountain cabins and not an unreasonable expectation, unless you're unwilling to hike our 800 ft. driveway. NOTE: IF YOU CHOOSE TO IGNORE THIS WARNING, YOU WILL PAY FOR THE DAMAGES TO THE DRIVEWAY AND YOUR VEHICLE, BECAUSE YOU WILL GET STUCK!
Renting Online: If you're reading this then you're ahead of the game when it comes to online renting. We have tried to make the process as simple as possible. Feel free to call us at any time if you have any questions about the process. If you're ready - just continue with the INSTANT BOOKING option. Once we have received confirmation of the payment you will receive a detailed set of directions to the cabin which also include the 'key box code' for entry into the cabin and a VERY detailed guide to all of our favorite activities in the area.
Final note: This cabin is REMOTE by US standards - so be prepared for no cell service, no TV, no WIFI, and no one bothering you! It's the way a vacation should be!!!
The cabin is stocked with everything you'd have at your own kitchen, including a coffee pot, basic spices, and a propane grill on the deck (propane provided). The quaint little towns of Andrews and Murphy are just a short drive away if you don’t want to cook your own meals, or if you forget your favorite fishing lure. While you're welcome to scour the woods around the cabin for firewood to enjoy at the brick firepit - you're not going on vacation to become a lumberjack - so we recommend you pick up a bundle of dry wood at the Ingles Grocery store in Andrews on your way to the cabin.
Our amazing guests continually tell us how peaceful and therapeutic it is to stay at our cabin. They mention having great plans to visit touristic attractions and outdoor adventures - but are so lured by the peace and beauty of the surroundings of the cabin and the hot tub that they end up spending most the day kicked back on the deck enjoying the view or sitting around the fire pit fascinated by the stars that illuminate the night sky.
NOTE: While mountain roads are sometimes steep and curvy they are well maintained paved roads and completely accessible all the way to our driveway. From there, we have gone to great lengths to make the cabin as accessible as possible, but our GRAVEL driveway is EXTREMELY steep. Therefore, we REQUIRE all guests to either have 4WD or AWD vehicles in order to drive up the driveway! If you don’t have such a vehicle, not to worry, you will enjoy the adventure of parking at the bottom and hiking up. This is a typical request for mountain cabins and not an unreasonable expectation, unless you're unwilling to hike our 800 ft. driveway. NOTE: IF YOU CHOOSE TO IGNORE THIS WARNING, YOU WILL PAY FOR THE DAMAGES TO THE DRIVEWAY AND YOUR VEHICLE, BECAUSE YOU WILL GET STUCK!
Renting Online: If you're reading this then you're ahead of the game when it comes to online renting. We have tried to make the process as simple as possible. Feel free to call us at any time if you have any questions about the process. If you're ready - just continue with the INSTANT BOOKING option. Once we have received confirmation of the payment you will receive a detailed set of directions to the cabin which also include the 'key box code' for entry into the cabin and a VERY detailed guide to all of our favorite activities in the area.
Final note: This cabin is REMOTE by US standards - so be prepared for no cell service, no TV, no WIFI, and no one bothering you! It's the way a vacation should be!!!
Amenities
Air conditioner
Kitchen or Kitchenette
Internet / Wifi
Fireplace
Parking
Laundry
Balcony or Patio
Dishwasher
Hot tub or spa
TV
Garden
Family friendly
Map of Nantahala Lake, NC
RRRR
Reviews
5.0
Truly a wonderful property and little house to get away from everything and enjoy some peace and quiet! Would come back here again!
5.0
Cannot put into words how accommodating the host was and how quickly they responded. The driveway was no joke and must be treated with respect. The cabin is better than you can imagine and it’s 20 minutes to the closest cell service. This will be our destination to unplug and unwind from here on out. Cannot recommend it enough.
5.0
Great stay for NYE!
5.0
Great comfy stay
It was a nice stay. Peaceful and well recommended.
5.0
Secluded
Great little getaway!! Views are amazing
5.0
The best birthday/vacation by far!
The Smawlie cabin was such a beautiful get away! We loved every bit of it. The cabin is very well stocked and was exceptionally clean upon arrival. The view from the porch will make you want to sit and stare off in the mountains all day long! It did rain here and there during our stay, but it didn’t stop us from being able to enjoy relaxing in the hot tub and taking in the greatest view from the porch that I have personally seen. The Henries definitely made this cabin feel like home. We appreciated every single moment and even had a candle lit birthday dinner on the porch (once the rain cleared for a bit). The only complaint we could ever come up with in regards to the Smawlie cabin would be that a four day trip is not enough! We took the hiking trail and although we drove the driveway (we had a 4x4 vehicle) we found ourselves at the bottom of the driveway after taking a little adventure on the trails. I have to admit, the drive way is definitely an experience of it’s own! I got half way up( I’m no hiker by any means) and I almost convinced my other half to run up and get the truck to come save me.. haha! Luckily though he laughed me all the way up the drive way and it felt good to accomplish it by foot. On another note, the Lakes End Marina is a great place to dine in while staying at Smawlie! We had lunch there and rented a pontoon boat and it was a great experience!!
Thank you to the Henries, we are so thankful that you shared this beautiful cabin in the mountains with us!!
5.0
Total Escape from Reality
My boyfriend and I wanted to truly get away from everything and this cabin was more than we could have imagined. It was immaculately clean and had plenty of supplies for us to cook our own meals. Thank God the weather was dry and we had 4 wheel drive, the driveway is no joke. The hot tub was wonderful and we enjoyed sitting g by the fire at night. The complete privacy and stunning views made it one of the best vacations ever. Cannot wait to go back. Thank you!
5.0
Secluded relaxing cabin
We really enjoyed our short stay at this cabin for my husbands birthday. It was so nice to unplug and get away from all the craziness of normal life. The hike was adventurous—-and a great workout. 😊 The house was clean and well stocked and the owner was very nice and answers questions quickly. Would love to come back here one day.
5.0
Weekend get away
Such a nice weekend in the mountains! The cabin was perfect and is in the perfect area
5.0
AMAZING!!
Awesome place to stay!! Incredible views! Cabin was clean and welcoming!! Definitely will be coming back soon
5.0
Tiny, Charming Cabin For Those Who Want to Get Away from Everything
This charming small cabin is not for everyone. As the description says, it is so isolated and remote that it does not have cell phone service. For those who really want and need to get away from it all--including all phone and social media contacts--you can do exactly that here. This place is perfect if you want peace from the fast pace of life and constant interruptions and pings from your devices, if you want to just sit quietly and listen to the majestic wind in the trees and maybe read a book, if you enjoy conversations with real humans in cool outdoors air around a roaring fire under the stars far more than texting.
Although the cabin is small, it can theoretically sleep five people, especially if two of the people are rather small (the loft is tiny and accessed by ladder, but has twin beds and toys).
In some seasons the hot tub is out on the porch (this was so for our late October trip) and all you need do is set it to the right temperature. The grill on the porch was perfect for steaks and the view from the cabin, perched as high as it is, is spectacular, particularly in the Autumn.
Take the warnings seriously: the road up is very steep and rough, so, as the description says, you will need an all-wheel-drive to get there (the option of parking at the bottom of the hill exists, but it's a long trek up that winding, steep road, especially with luggage or supplies).
This place is warm and cosey! There is one bathroom with a full bath/shower and plenty of cabinets that contain extra blankets. There are several heating units. We were comfortably warm. There is also a TV and some kind of external media player which we have not explored.
The cabin has a small but fully supplied kitchen, stove, toaster, dishwasher, washer/dryer, etc. The shelves contain many seasoning spices, but they might not be what you like, so check them carefully before making a grocery run.
The cabin overall is charming, warm, wood-paneled, and very homey. It's perfect for a couple, but, as mentioned above, it can sleep up to five. It's a great place to get away from urban culture and enjoy nature in all its splendor and surprises. For those who want a bit more than just nature, you are about a 20-mile drive from Cherokee, NC, which is quite the tourist destination! The Nantahala river is a bit longer drive but also worth a visit, especially if you like to raft.
5.0
Stunning view
We had an absolutely amazing weekend, spent in silence, no phones!!! We loved the hiking and all of the sights to see close to the cabin with a book inside telling you how to get to everything. Very clean, secure and peaceful cabin. It was the perfect anniversary trip for my husband and I.
5.0
Honeymoon
Absolutely beautiful scenery. The cabin was clean and had everything we could need. The driveway is no joke.....but totally worth it!
2.0
Uncleaned, hot tub which was highly touted was filthy and 1/2 full and only 58 degrees.
Trash has not been emptied; grill was uncleaned; broiler pan was filthy; hot tub was unusable - looked more like a septic tank. Location, directions, etc, were excellent, In spite of all of this we tried to enjoy ourselves - never to return.
5.0
Amazing view
We enjoyed staying here so much. The view was breath taking. Definitely follow their directions with the car. It's a straight incline but worth it.
5.0
Hidden Slice of Heaven
My wife and I had an absolutely incredible time staying at Smawlie. Nantahala itself is truly a secret little piece of heaven in the hills of North Carolina. The cabin itself was everything we were hoping for; it was very private and secluded, very clean, and very cozy. If you’re looking to just shut in and relax away from the tides of life it is the perfect little cabin. If you are more of an adventurer it is still the perfect cabin! There is so much to do in the surrounding area, from boating, fishing, hiking, to white water rafting and gem mining! We even made our way to the casino in Cherokee one night! We brought our boat along and it really made the trip incredible. If you go when it’s warm out I highly recommend renting a boat from lakes end marina and spending at least a day on the lake, the water is absolutely incredible, the views are breathtaking, and if you look hard enough you can find your own little coves to anchor down and have your own private swimming hole. Speaking of swimming holes you HAVE to check out the secret swimming holes the owner shares about after reserving your stay. We went to both and had them all to ourselves for an unbelievable romantic evening. If Smawlie is not available the owners have some other cute cabins nearby but it is definitely my favorite. We drove our 4x4 truck and we were super glad we did! The driveway itself was an awesome experience. Regardless if you choose to stay at Smawlie, you HAVE to go to Nantahala, it is now my favorite place in the world and I promise you, you will not regret visiting yourself, it truly is heaven on earth!
5.0
Hilltop heaven
Just what we hoped it would be! Perfectly located to enjoy any of the outdoor adventures Nantahala has to offer. Need to unwind? Recuperate from life's demands? Stay in @the cabin, build a fire, soak up nature's sights&sounds, & stargaze from the hottub. We spent the week exploring, dreaming & reconnecting- it was the perfect anniversary vacation.
4.0
Owner is great but sometimes life happens😅
Looked like a great place for honeymoon or a getaway from any sort of civilization and cell service. We showed up place and location is beautiful but the cleaners for the property hadn't shown up and there was a miss communication between them and owner so we showed up to dirty linen and all that ended up not staying because it was our honeymoon and we weren't planning on cleaning anything. Other than that we got all our money back with no hiccups and we might return in the future. Life just happened and it wasn't the owners fault but would recommend it to friends and family for sure.
5.0
Excellent stay!
Being able to disconnect and explore nature was amazing.
The Henries gave some really good recommendations for trails to explore; definitely follow those.
Property was clean and tidy and perfect.
You’ll definitely need that four-wheel drive to make it up the driveway!
5.0
Moreland Honeymoon
Beautiful private cabin atop a steep driveway! Seclusion and Gorgeous views surrounding every direction. Detailed trip choices to take in the area via attractions, trails, food and drink and the best part the scenery!
5.0
Great spot!
My boyfriend and I loved this spot! It was clean and had a beautiful view. It was the perfect little getaway!
5.0
Great getaway
Nice cozy cabin with a great view!
5.0
Beautiful view
Loved the view & the hot tub!
5.0
Wonderful Weekend Getaway
This was just the weekend I needed. Everything was absolutely perfect! Thank you for the opportunity to stay in your cabin. I will be back.
5.0
Secluded Getaway
My partner and I had a wonderful stay. We had to make the hike up the driveway, but made it the view from the cabin all the more worth it.
5.0
Blissful Isolation
Mikes cabin provided privacy, isolation and absolutely amazing views. The cabin was clean and well appointed, as were the grounds and the hot tub. We enjoyed a night around the fire and hiking up the hill behind the cabin. As all others have noted, the climb up is no joke (we don’t have 4WD) but the end result is worth every step. Mike was communicative whenever I needed him. Thanks for sharing your little slice of heaven with us!
5.0
Snowy weekend
The property was just as pictured. My family had a great weekend trip and the snow was a bonus!
5.0
Peaceful and quiet
This property was so peaceful and quiet we really didn't want
to leave. Our host Mike was available to contact anytime and quickly. The driveway is a challenge, but with 4 wheel drive, you
can make it up. The view was spectacular. I will definitely come again. Thank you Mike & family!
5.0
Love it !
Excellent, can’t wait to go back !
5.0
Magnifient Views and Intense Peace
This small cabin high atop a hill provided us with the peace and quiet we were craving. The view of Autumn mountains from the large deck was magnificent. As soon as we sat down the feeling of quietness and peace enveloped us. There's a grill on the deck for cooking and plenty of propane. Just be sure to pull it a little away from the railing before cooking. The cabin is small. It amazed us, however, how much you can fit into a tiny space. Full galley kitchen, dishwasher, washer and dryer, full fridge, etc. The indoor decoration is charming and there are both air conditioners and heaters. While this place can sleep 6, if you fold out the futon, ideally, these six should be pretty comfortable in small quarters. The tiny loft upstairs is best for children or young, athletic adults. This is an older cabin, it doesn't look as new as it does in the photos. While it could use a little exterior TLC primarily to keep it in good shape, we didn't come for the view of the cabin, we came for the isolation. Speaking of which there is an even smaller rental a little ways down the hill and on evenings when both parties are outside you can hear voices, but not what they are saying.
The cabin has a firepit, which was a primary requirement. There's nothing like a warm fire to cook food over and talk. It is surprising how many mountain vacation rentals do not have this essential item. The wood stump chairs were rather old, but they made a great fire wall to reflect heat back at us. We sat in the outdoor deck chairs.
We ABSOLUTELY LOVED this place. It feels so good up there, and I dearly hope that we can come back. I strongly recommend this for a couple looking to get away. It's the perfect size. The only time we were disturbed was by people coming up the hill to "look at" the cabin we were rented. I'd appreciate it if the management could tell people not to do this after 3pm, when others have checked in. It's stressful.
While we didn't take much advantage of the trails or the lake access, we did drive around a bit in this beautiful part of the country and loved every minute of it. It is rare to find a place that is so peacefully secluded and provides such wonderful views. Just remember: you WILL need an all-wheel-drive. It's impossible to get to this cabin without one. If your goal is to get away and be surrounded by beauty, this is the place for you.
5.0
I cannot stop thinking about this place!! What an incredible experience. My boyfriend and I will definitely be back and we can't wait.
Mike was extremely helpful and very quick to respond when I had a question. He checked in with us to make sure we arrived safely and provided everything we needed for a comfortable stay. The area is absolutely beautiful and I have never seen a more beautiful sunset. HIGHLY recommend!
5.0
Great Cabin
Wonderful place and great escape from the city.
5.0
The Perfect Tiny House
Great weekend getaway! This tiny house has everything you would need — even a fully stocked kitchen. The driveway is no joke but we had no problem with our Tahoe. Walking it gives you even more of an appreciation.
The country roads are gorgeous and the swimming hole was a fun adventure.
Thank you Mike and family for opening up your home!
4.0
Beautiful Private Place in a Great Area
Just what we were looking for. During this time we wanted to have an enjoyable, safe vacation with the kids and we are glad we found this gem. The kids did not want to leave, they enjoyed every moment of the cabin and the surrounding areas. Loved that the owner's had a canoe that we were able to take the kids on the lake. The view at nights are amazing we spent nights by the fire place. Will definitely be returning.
5.0
Wonderful Family Retreat
Our family of four enjoyed our week long retreat at Smawlie. We enjoyed the remote location and no access to the outside world. Our kids loved the loft area and the fire pit. Excellent location for boating, rafting, hiking and other outdoor activities. Also, convenient for a quick day trip to Tennessee. The cabin is fully stocked for whatever you may need. We would definitely stay again!
5.0
Peaceful and beautiful location
Smawlie is such a beautiful cabin in a lovely location. No phone service was no problem, but definitely beware of the climb/walk up the driveway without a 4x4 vehicle. It is a challenge but well worth it. ☺️ The cabin was very clean, nicely furnished, and stocked. We truly enjoyed our stay!
5.0
Amazing place!
This place is exactly what everybody needs. Secluded and peaceful. Not a worry in th world
5.0
Small, quaint, perfect
Amazing get away spot. Pure seclusion. Clean and comfortable living space with amazing views. I will definitely be returning.
5.0
Lovely spot!
Enjoyed our stay at Smawlie Cabin. It was warm and cozy and the surrounding landscape was gorgeous. We took a walk down to see the lake in the beautiful fall colors and a drive up to Wayah Bald. We enjoyed having a fire and home cooked meals and playing the vintage video games :) Definitely a relaxing getaway. Thanks!
5.0
A wonderful cabin -- cosy, clean and convenient-- in lovely country.
The hosts were helpful and accessible, the cabin was clean, with all mod cons, including a washer and dryer and a dish washer.
The cabin is fairly remote, set in beautiful country. We would strongly recommend 4 wheel drive to reach the cabin because of the very steep and windy driveway.
FAQs
How much does this cabin cost compared to others in Nantahala Lake?
The average price for a rental in Nantahala Lake is R 6,193 per night. This rental is R 1,456 less expensive than the average.
Is parking included with this cabin?
Yes, parking is listed as an amenity at Smawlie: A Secluded Tiny Home Log Cabin w/ HOT TUB + Amazing Mountain Views. For more information, we encourage you to contact the property about where to park.
Is there a pool at this cabin?
We didn’t find pool listed as an amenity for this cabin. It may be worth double checking if a pool is important for your stay.
Is Smawlie: A Secluded Tiny Home Log Cabin w/ HOT TUB + Amazing Mountain Views pet friendly?
Unfortunately, this cabin is not pet-friendly. Try searching again and filter for "Pets Allowed"
What amenities are available at Smawlie: A Secluded Tiny Home Log Cabin w/ HOT TUB + Amazing Mountain Views?
We found 12 amenities for this rental. This includes air conditioner, kitchen or kitchenette, internet / wifi, fireplace, and parking.
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