Cabin

Retreat in the Sky....For All Those Special Occasions!....

Photo gallery for Retreat in the Sky....For All Those Special Occasions!....

Captions on the pictures are written by guests and taken from the guestbook!
“We love the porch, the flowers,  the hot tub and the loft bedroom. “
New fallen snow is just beautiful!
Enjoy the beautiful view while enjoying a favorite beverage!
Watch tv or read a book or magazine.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 2111.5 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Fireplace
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

Map
Bryson City, NC
  • Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • Smokey Mountain Trains Museum
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • Nantahala Brewing Company
    ‪9 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 2)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Dining area

About this property

Retreat in the Sky....For All Those Special Occasions!....


Our guests love the privacy and only having a short drive to the charming town of Bryson City. Recent guests wrote in our guest book.... “Walking into Retreat is like walking into a big warm hug”. In addition to the view of miles of mountains with gorgeous sunsets , what makes Retreat in the Sky so special is the screened porch with hot tub inside. That means you can enjoy the hot tub rain or shine, anytime of year. It also means you’re safe from bugs and outside critters.

Whether you're sport enthusiasts wanting to be located in the hub of all the Smoky Mountain activities... or first or second time honeymooners, celebrating your wedding anniversary or birthday and hoping for that very special place... or vacationers/seniors looking for rest and relaxation at an incredibly beautiful vacation home....we offer it all.....

Sitting close to the top of Bear Cove Mountain, our guests enjoy our private
location...in the very heart of the Smoky Mountains. We offer a fire log burning fireplace, a large deck with a swing to enjoy the beautiful view and an outdoor fire pit for those wonderful campfires (and we supply the wood).

Retreat is centrally located for ALL of the Smoky Mountain activities!! We offer a great location. Just minutes to Bryson City, the Gateway to the Smokies... the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad... Fontana Lake, a beautiful mountain lake where you can swim, fish, and rent a pontoon boat for half or the entire day... the Nantahala Outdoor Center for whitewater rafting, ziplining, horseback riding, biking, and fun restaurants... Cherokee, you can try your luck at Harrah's Casino... Deep Creek for tubing, hiking, and picnics...the Smoky Mountain Country Club which is a beautiful mountain course and open to the public....the Blue Ridge Parkway...where is there a more beautiful drive??? And maybe best of all... Ingles Supermarket is only five minutes away.

Bryson City has an elevation of 1,752 feet. Consider this your starting point as the elevation in Bear Cove is much higher. Bear Cove Road is probably steeper and curvier than what you’re used to. Our driveway is steep with a sharp turn but paved and you do not need a 4 wheel drive vehicle. We ask our guests to exercise caution with snow and ice and make plans to wait for melting to occur. Consider this part of the charm of being in the mountains.

But...if you're looking for complete seclusion, getting totally away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life...and doing nothing more than relaxing, reading a good book and enjoying being alone together...You will love Retreat in the Sky...the view is majestic and the only neighbors are the birds and occasional wild turkeys that come to visit..

ADDITIONAL RENTAL INFORMATION:

* Check-In after 3:00 pm and Check-out by 10:00 am.
* Unlimited free WiFi
* No smoking in house (and no exceptions!). Smoking in screened porch ok.
* No pets (and no exceptions)
*. Outdoor firepit with wood provided..
* Maximum guests 2
* Only 8 minutes to Bryson City
*. Hot Tub inside screened porch away from bugs and critters
* Fire log burning fireplace (not wood) Firelogs not provided
* Not suitable for children…
* 3 night minimum...
*. Ask for early check in or late check out….
We are celebrating the 24th anniversary since we built and opened our vacation home to guests. We have learned a lot (and are still learning) about what makes a great vacation or getaway and what we need do to help our guests have one! Ty and I have talked with and met many wonderful new friends who have stayed with us from all over the USA, plus England, the Netherlands, Germany, Brazil, China, Norway, Canada, Sweden and Finlan tod. We thank you for looking at our web page and we hope you have an opportunity to vacation with us at Retreat in the Sky.
Ty and Sandy

Property manager

Sandy Nelson
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Hot tub
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Air conditioning
Outdoor space

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 26
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Adults only
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Smoking on deck and screened porch only.
Trash must be taken to the trash center. The directions where to take trash are in the Retreat book. They do not open until 1:00 on Sundays.
At check out, all furniture and decorative items must be returned to their proper place.
Outside shoes must be removed in the porch and let your socks or slippers rock!

Important information

You need to know

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 not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadlock

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Bryson City

Located in Bryson City, this cabin is in the mountains. Great Smoky Mountains Railroad and Oconaluftee Indian Village are local landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Nantahala Brewing Company and Smoky Mountain Country Club. Smokey Mountain Trains Museum and Bryson City Gem Mine are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Bryson City, NC

What's nearby

  • Great Smoky Mountains Railroad - 9 min drive - 8.7 km
  • Smokey Mountain Trains Museum - 9 min drive - 8.8 km
  • Island Park - 9 min drive - 8.8 km
  • Nantahala Brewing Company - 9 min drive - 8.9 km
  • Harrahs Cherokee Casino - 20 min drive - 26.0 km

Getting around

  • Alcoa - Knoxville Airport (TYS) - 133 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Guayabitos Mexican Restaurant - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Bojangles' Famous Chicken 'n Biscuits - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪La Poblana - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Arby's - ‬7 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Retreat in the Sky....For All Those Special Occasions!.... pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Retreat in the Sky....For All Those Special Occasions!....?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Retreat in the Sky....For All Those Special Occasions!....?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Retreat in the Sky....For All Those Special Occasions!.... located?

Situated in the mountains, this cabin is steps from Nantahala National Forest and within 6 mi (10 km) of Pincu Pottery and Tuckasegee River. Fontana Lake and The Storytelling Center of the Southern Appalachians are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 150 out of 156 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 156 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 156 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 156 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 156 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Terri W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Private Quiet Getaway!

Third time 2009, 2016, and 2025. Lovely comfortable cabin. Views are beautiful. Kitchen has all you need! Love the screened porch!
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gaurav G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Truly a retreat in the sky

We had a great time during our weekend stay here. The view from the cabin is amazing, and the drive up there is not bad at all. The host, Sandy, is very communicative and even allowed early check-in and late check-out for us. The cabin feels very homey, and has everything needed for a great vacation including books, games, firepit (indoor and outdoor), kitchen utensils, condiments, and of course, the covered hot tub! The location is very close to Bryson city and deep creek area where there are many hiking opportunities.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Eleanor P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Adult female

The cabin was very homey and comfortable. The sunsets and sunrises were beautiful. The view was amazing.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Chris F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Excellent cabin and view

Cabin was wonderful, views are amazing. Awesome cabin to visit to get away to!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Joel L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Excellent Stay

Property was exactly as described. Very private with a great view! Wake up to looking at the mountains. Kitchen was well stocked and the owner was great at communicating! Would definitely recommend and stay here again
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sandra R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful

The cabin was just what we were looking for. A well appointed cabin with the best view. Looking forward to another stay. 5 stars
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Todd G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Picture Perfect Cabin!!

Wonderful experience! Tricky getting up there with a truck but doable. Views are stunning! No matter what the weather conditions are,its consistently picture perfect! Hot tub was such a treat with the crisp evenings. Downtown bryson very short distance from cabin, very convenient for shopping. Took Sandy's advice for the perfect scenic route and so glad we did, excellent recommendation! The cabin had everything we neededand then some! We were so lucky we got to experience it all decorated for Christmas. We cant wait to go back, thank you do much!
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mary H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Heavenly

Exceeded ouur expectations
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Location

Beautiful location in the Smoky Mountains.Very private.
Stayed 10 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Anne S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A perfect quiet retreat

If you are looking for a place with a view, calmness and a hot tub than you have found it! The entire stay I felt like I was visiting family (who just happened to not be in the space with me). The home is decorated so adorably and cozy. The view (in late February) brings a calmness to the property and I found myself trying to find ways to enjoy the deck even though it was only a high of 50 during my stay. The hot tub took some time to heat since there had not been a prior guest to my visit, but the host informed me of this before my arrival to make sure I was aware. So thoughtful! Everything felt clean and the bed was comfortable. Be sure to check out the photo album that shows the cabin being built... So cool! look forward to returning when flowers are blooming!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tina C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Stunning views

Beautiful and secluded mountain home
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Joseph L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Awesome mountain stay

Everything was just as listed if not better. Me and my wife celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary and could not have pick a better mountain cabin. Hope to come back soon and see snow !
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Denisa B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Retreat in the Sky

Sandy was so great to work with! The cabin was very homey, clean, and had everything we needed for a great stay. The view of the mountains was exceptional!! It was so nice to come in after a day of hiking, ziplining, and shopping to have the hot tub waiting to soak our tired muscles in.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

RICHARD S M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

We enjoyed our visit

This was a very nice, clean cabin with great privacy. Pleanty of outdoor activities located close by.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023

6/10 Okay

Ann E.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Cleanliness

Retreat in the sky

The view is awesome! The cabin could use a good deep cleaning.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

James L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fall Mountain Trip

Great cabin. Beautiful view. Enjoyed our stay and will definitely be back.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Carol M., Berwyn Heights

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful

We had a wonderful, relaxing, fantastic time. I would definitely recommend this place anytime.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

John K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Summer 2024

Amazing views. Waking up to see the fog over the mountain tops was very beautiful. Enjoyed our time on Lake Fontana and visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Rafting down Deep Creek was an experience. Will definitely want to come back.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Alison B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful Trip!

We had an amazing time at this beautiful cabin. The kitchen was well stocked, the bed was super comfortable, the location was perfect and the views were incredible. I wish that we lived in this cabin full time :)
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2021

10/10 Excellent

Russell C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Views, great owner.

We booked a couple months earlier and were looking forward to the getaway. The owners were awesome all the way through in communication and making sure we were happy. The views from the property are outstanding and the home itself is comfy and cozy. My wife and I enjoyed our stay very much.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Terri L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great views!

Beautiful home with great views! Sandy was very helpful with any questions we had.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Martin D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Recharge

Great place to recharge. Quiet, semi-secluded w/breathtaking views, but close to town and supermarket. Best of both worlds. The cabin is quaint and one feels at home instantly upon entering. A big bonus is the photo album, which contains all of the photos of the build process of the cabin. Thank you Sandy and Ty for allowing us to enjoy your home!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nancy G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect

First time ever to feel such comfort in a vacation getaway. Wish i could have stayed longer.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Mark L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Retreat in the sky

It was all that it was promised to be. Awesome views, quiet, heavenly.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ed J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Stayed here on 3 different occasions..I refer to it as “my happy place”!!

Very easy from start to finish..instructions are very clear and Sandy is a great hostess...calling soon after our arrival to make sure all was well
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2020

About the host

Hosted by Sandy Nelson

Host profile image
Ty and I have been sharing our vacation home, Retreat in the Sky, with guests for over twenty four years. It has been fun, sometimes very challenging...but most of all...a rewarding experience. Our goal is... and has always been ....to provide a wonderful vacation experience for our guests..

Why they chose this property

We fell in love with Bryson City the first time we visited. It is quaint, friendly and surrounded by beautiful mountains. We found the perfect spot to build our second home. It's close to the top of Bear Cove Mountain in the Smokies. Our view is beautiful. Retreat in the Sky has a privacy that is hard to describe. Our first home is three hours away and seventeen years later, with our car packed with all our stuff, heading for Bryson City and our Retreat in the Sky, we're still excited.... after all these years, we still can't wait to get there.

What makes this property unique

Sitting on the swing on our deck...enjoying the beautiful view...is the ultimate in relaxation. Retreat in the Sky can only be reached by driving up the private road and then you drive up some more on our paved driveway. We are not on the road so no one can see us or drive by us. So you see, we also have the ultimate in privacy. We not only have a beautiful deck filled with flowers and a wonderfully landscaped setting, but a large screened porch complete with hot tub and a great place to hang out. We're only five minutes from Ingles Supermarket, the quaint town of Bryson City and only ten minutes from just about everywhere else.

We took a survey from vrbo/homeaway a few years back that results showed that only 21% of property owners that rent their vacation homes use it themselves. We use ours every chance we get. Not only because we love being there but because we want to maintain the high standards we set for ourselves in maintaining our beautiful vacation home. .

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests