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Highlands house rental - Exterior view (side entry showing)
Exterior view (side entry showing)
  • Highlands house rental - Exterior view (side entry showing)
    Dining Room with loft above.
    View from screened-in porch.
    Front deck with BBQ grille
    View of kitchen and dining area
 
Highlands house rental - Exterior view (side entry showing)

Exterior view (side entry showing)

Dining Room with loft above.

Dining Room with loft above.

View from screened-in porch.

View from screened-in porch.

Front deck with BBQ grille

Front deck with BBQ grille

View of kitchen and dining area

View of kitchen and dining area

  • Bedrooms6
  • Sleeps18
  • 4 Bathrooms
 
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Photos and Description of the Highlands vacation house rental
House, 6 Bedrooms + Loft + Den, 4 Baths, (Sleeps 18)

Slideshow: http://www.HighlandMediaworks.com/melbymonte/

Easy 20 minute drive to Cashiers and Highlands, but still a deep woods location at the end of a road with fantastic views of the mountains across the valley. Very private and rustic with only one neighbor in sight. Our backyard borders the Nantahala National Forest, and a 15-minute path leads from the property to the Chattooga River and Chattooga River Trail with beautiful river access, picnic areas, swimming holes and endless hiking. This area is rated 'wild and scenic' by the forest service - a rare honor!

Kids love this place as we have built a special 'kids cave' inside - cozy and kid-size to get away from the adults with their own secret spot Outside are play areas, swings, fort and hammock. All close enough so parents can enjoy their time on the upstairs screened porch and still keep an eye on the children.

Built in 2003, this passive-solar design is naturally warm in winter and cool in the summer. It also includes air conditioning and ceiling fans, a very warm see-thru gas fireplace on the main floor, and electric heat in each room.

The open floor plan designed especially for family reunions and corporate retreats. We have six bedrooms (one king, four queens, two twins), four baths, large loft (with bunk bed & trundle bed), den w/trundle bed, family room, dining room, breakfast nook, and screened, covered patio and exterior deck with charcoal grill. Five BRs share adjoining baths. The mail-level BR is designed for limited mobility persons with a bath nearby and low-threshold shower stall.

For mealtime, there is a 12-14 person dining room table, plus large circular table for 4 - 6, and seating for 6 at the kitchen bar-top.

State-of-the-art appliances, including large center-island kitchen with gas range, and large laundry room.

I built this for my own family and go there often when its not rented. It is stocked with many books, games and DVDs (and usually staples and condiments in the pantry). Also have satellite TV and wireless internet, and a treadmill with DVD player for those who like their exercise inside.

Edible plants outside include blueberry, blackberry, elderberry, gooseberry, hazelnut, currant, cherry trees, grape vines, etc.

Keywords: Home, lodge, retreat, vacation rental, mountain cabin

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About Craig Melby

Originally from Florida, we grew up we spending time every summer at my parents summer home nearby. Wonderful, lifelong memories were created on each trip, so as I got older I decided to build a place of my own, and big enough for family reunions. I did not originally intend to make this lodge available as a Vacation Rental, but I bumped into a rental owner who convinced me it was a good idea. I tried it, and based on the glowing reports I get from my appreciative renters I am sure I am doing the right thing. This is not your usual Vacation Rental. It is first and foremost my 'mountain house', and is fully stocked with games, DVDs, books, etc. There is almost always unopened food in the pantry and refrigerator that guests are welcome to use at their discretion - no replacement necessary - but I usually find more food than I left!

Craig Melby purchased this house in 2003
Why Craig Melby chose Highlands

We chose this location because it is so close to the gourmet mountain towns of Cashiers and Highlands with their great shopping, dining, golfing, outdoor activities and people. (We see more of our friends up here in the summer than we do at home!) The elevation is cool, the woods are deep and lush, the air is clean and fresh.

What makes this house unique

Our backyard borders the national forest - we wouldn't have it any other way! Peace and quiet, and nature's beauty are right outside the door. On site we also have a fire pit for campfires, hammock, swings and kids play area, and lots of adventure for the kids.

We also rent to lots of wedding parties from weddings in Cashiers and Highlands . . . we're a quality, fun, inexpensive alternative to lots of individual hotel rooms!

9 Reviews of Property 28064 in Highlands, North Carolina

Perfect for Family Reunions and Corporate Retreats
average rating of 4.857143 based on 9 reviews
business
Perfect for Family Reunions and Corporate Retreats
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p28064vb
(828) 884-4454 (North Carolina, USA)
Highlands Smoky Mountains
United States
5

Can't wait to go back!

Can't wait to go back!
5 of 5
Submitted: March 24, 2013 Stayed: March 2013
We planned this trip to celebrate my daughters fourth birthday. I grew up going to Highlands, and wanted to share the experience with her! She fell in love! The MelbyMonte Lodge did not disappoint in any way. Very comfortable, and so much already on hand. We loved every minute spent there. The pictures of the view don't even do it justice, it was amazing! I also loved the location. It was such a nice winding drive to and from town. Thank you so much for sharing your home with us. We'll be back!!
Recommended for:  Age 55+, Adventure Seekers, Pet-friendly, Girls Getaway, Sightseeing, Families with Teenagers, Families with Young Children, People with Disabilities
business
Perfect for Family Reunions and Corporate Retreats
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p28064vb
(828) 884-4454 (North Carolina, USA)
Highlands Smoky Mountains
Matthews, NC
5

Great Place to Stay - Well maintained

5 of 5
Submitted: January 23, 2013 Stayed: August 2012
We had a Friends Weekend over Labor Day 2012. There were 4 couples and 6 children...plenty of room, great layout, well stockED with everything you could need. We hope to be back this summer as well. Thanks MelbyMonte Lodge for a marvelous weekend!
Recommended for:  Age 55+, Girls Getaway, Families with Young Children
Owner's Response: As always, thanks for these kind words.
We do things differently here: vacating renters are encouraged to leave any unopened food or condiments, spices, baking products, etc., and arriving renters are welcome to use whatever they like - no need to replenish, etc. When people arrive, they usually find food in the refrigerator, freezer and pantry. Our spice rack is FULL of spices and cooking oil, etc.

Since I am not a good photographer, renters are almost always happily surprised that the place is even nicer than they imagined.
business
Perfect for Family Reunions and Corporate Retreats
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p28064vb
(828) 884-4454 (North Carolina, USA)
Highlands Smoky Mountains
Jensen Beach, FL
5

Even Better than Expected!

5 of 5
Submitted: July 2, 2012 Stayed: June 2012
Your home was even more beautiful and spacious than we imagined - the photos do not do it justice! It was the perfect location for our large family (16 total) to celebrate my parents' 50th wedding anniversary! Everyone was able to do as much or as little exploring as they wanted. Some hiked, went rafting, played at sliding rock, went gem mining, saw waterfalls, and shopped both Highlands and Cashiers, while some just enjoyed the peace and quiet of the house and property. EVERYONE had a great time! And your detailed information on places to go, things to do, and sights to see was priceless - it added so much to our trip to have such a handy guide available without having to do much (if any) of our own research! We are already planning what we'll do and see during our next stay at MelbyMonte!
Recommended for:  Age 55+, Adventure Seekers, Girls Getaway, Sightseeing, Families with Teenagers, Families with Young Children, Romantic Getaway
business
Perfect for Family Reunions and Corporate Retreats
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p28064vb
(828) 884-4454 (North Carolina, USA)
Highlands Smoky Mountains
Athens, Alabama
5

Beautiful Mountainside Retreat

5 of 5
Submitted: December 20, 2011 Stayed: November 2011
We stayed at Melby Monte over the Thanksgiving Holidays. We had 17 people in our group and the house was not crowded. Had a large dining tablet that made our meals very enjoyable. We enjoyed the firepit on the cool nights and the kids loved the kid cave. The house was well equiped with everything we needed. Owner was very helpful with anything we needed. Thanks for sharing your wonderful house with us!
Recommended for:  Sightseeing, Families with Teenagers
business
Perfect for Family Reunions and Corporate Retreats
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p28064vb
(828) 884-4454 (North Carolina, USA)
Highlands Smoky Mountains
PA
4

Great Home and location

4 of 5
Submitted: October 11, 2011 Stayed: June 2011
The home is roomy and accommodating - plenty of room for everyone. We loved the views and especially hiking the trails. The children had fun around the campfire and exploring the woods. Thank you for having us in your home and making our family retreat memorable.
Recommended for:  Adventure Seekers, Sightseeing, Families with Teenagers
business
Perfect for Family Reunions and Corporate Retreats
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p28064vb
(828) 884-4454 (North Carolina, USA)
Highlands Smoky Mountains
Asheville NC
5

A great short break

5 of 5
Submitted: September 9, 2010 Stayed: August 2010
Our club stayed at the property in August 2010 and had a wonderful time. The property and its spectacular surroundings live up to every single detail in the description. We hiked, relaxed, and cooked great meals in the large well-equipped kitchen. Even with 15 people in the house it did not feel crowded and there was plenty of space to relax. A problem with the dishwasher was reported to the owner and fixed within a few hours. This is a wonderful place for a large family or group looking for a truly secluded location in pristine natural surroundings, but within reach of many area attractions. We all hope to come back.
Grade: A+++
Recommended for:  Age 55+, Adventure Seekers, Girls Getaway, Sightseeing, Families with Teenagers, Families with Young Children
business
Perfect for Family Reunions and Corporate Retreats
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p28064vb
(828) 884-4454 (North Carolina, USA)
Highlands Smoky Mountains
Hawkinsville, GA
5

Great Place!

5 of 5
Submitted: August 18, 2010 Stayed: July 2010
What a great place! The house is well suited for a large group with lots of bedrooms. My girls loved sleeping upstairs in the loft right next to the window - said they felt like they were camping - but in a cozy bed. This was a great place for us to "get away from it all" with beautiful mountain views and mountain trails right in the back yard. But, it was also convenient to shopping and restaurants in Cashiers and Highlands.
Recommended for:  Age 55+, Adventure Seekers, Girls Getaway, Sightseeing, Families with Teenagers, Families with Young Children
business
Perfect for Family Reunions and Corporate Retreats
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p28064vb
(828) 884-4454 (North Carolina, USA)
Highlands Smoky Mountains
Guest Comment Entered by Owner
0

Submitted: May 23, 2010 Stayed: May 2009
Other comments:

The hikes through your trails gave our kids a great thrill.

I love this place.

I think this house is beautiful.

Your home is warm and welcoming with spectacular views.

Your home afforded us the opportunity to gather in once place yet not be cramped for small group areas to share and play games and find “space”.

Our grandchildren loved playing in the little play-houses.

The house/lodge is perfect.

What a great spot!!

The kids loved the “clubhouse”, loft and of course the woods.

What an amazing house and view.

We enjoyed the fire pit all evening.

This is a very beautiful place and ideal for family get-togethers.

Your lodge is great and the river is full of trout.

The play areas are a blast.
business
Perfect for Family Reunions and Corporate Retreats
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p28064vb
(828) 884-4454 (North Carolina, USA)
Highlands Smoky Mountains
Guest Comment Entered by Owner
0

Submitted: May 23, 2010 Stayed: May 2009
We have had countless compliments recorded in our guestbook, and never a complaint. Following are just a few comments:

“Your home fits its surroundings perfectly – spectacular! We really enjoyed the views of gold, orange and red. Mother nature did a wonderful job: the hiking to the streams and waterfalls are breathtaking. We enjoyed sitting outside to see so many stars.” – Kim A.

“Heaven on earth! What a spectacular location and the house is wonderful. We enjoyed the porch at night – wish we had brought the telescope! We also enjoyed the trail out back . . . “ – Ann K.

From a Thanksgiving: “My parents 50th wedding anniversary was outstanding . . . The location is spectacular and the lodge is wonderful. Sightseeing, hiking, fishing and even shopping is all close at hand. We even had snow the last two days and all have our Christmas card photographs taken care of.” – Julie F

“We had a wonderful time vacationing at your beautiful home. The kids loved the hike down to the river. We all enjoyed horseback riding, the waterfalls, tubing, campfires and shopping! It was so relaxing for us to have the kids playing outside without worrying about them. Your house was plenty big enough for all 12 of us . . . “ – Jennifer B.

“ . . . this is one of the nicest vacations we have had. We shall miss the ever changing views of the mountains, the good-tasting water right out of the faucet, being able to see lots of stars, sleeping with the windows open . . . “ Debbie E.

“ I don’t think we have ever stayed anywhere with such amazing views – 360 degrees – it was beautiful . . . our granddaughter especially liked the “Harry Potter” rooms . . .” – Ann S.

“A true vacation in every sense of the word! Fun, relaxing, beautiful – a great house. We wanted for nothing! Love it!!!” – Diane P., North Palm Beach

“Great fun for all – house was great!!” – John A., Houston

“ . . . had a great time! Your home is beautiful, and was perfect for our team building experience . . . “ – Emily H