Ideal for a family or a small group of friends, Standing Bear Retreat is filled with modern features throughout to ensure a stay that's convenient as it is cozy. Before entering the home, you'll be greeted by the standing bear statue at the door welcoming you to your mountain vacation. Protected from the weather, the covered front porch is the perfect spot to enjoy your coffee or espresso on those brisk mornings or tea on those rainy afternoons while taking in the long-range views of Lake Lure and the surrounding mountains. Once inside, you'll see the grand industrial spiral staircase along with an open floor plan that includes the main living area with mountain views visible from every window, a dining room with seating for 6, and a sleek kitchen complete with granite countertops, stainless appliances, smooth surface stove, dishwasher, and farmhouse sink.

​​​​​​​Also on this main level is a bedroom with a queen bed and full bath with a gorgeous clawfoot bathtub so you can spend your evenings soaking in a relaxing bubble bath after a full day of hiking, shopping, and exploring. In the private loft upstairs, you'll find the master bedroom with a king bed and en suite bath with a walk-in shower. Just across the way, there is access to one of two covered porches that offer breathtaking mountain views. Wander out onto that porch in the afternoon for some solo time to journal or read your favorite book while feeling the refreshing mountain breeze on your face. On the lower level, you'll find two sets of twin-size bunk beds, a full hall bath with a walk-in shower, a laundry area, and an additional living area with a loveseat. Just outside, you'll find a hot tub and an open-air deck with seating for two, which is the perfect spot to drink a glass of wine and watch the sunset before stargazing under the clear mountain sky.

Standing Bear Retreat is just a short 20-minute drive from the quaint town of Old Fort where you can enjoy a delicious burger and cold beer from Hillman Brewing and 35 minutes from the charming towns of Black Mountain and Marion. Spend your days exploring downtown Marion before enjoying some nightlife at Mica Town Brewing Company and Spillway Bridge & Co., or head over to the "Front Porch of Western North Carolina," Black Mountain, which boasts 2 local breweries (Lookout Brewing and Black Mountain Brewing) along with even more novelty shops, art galleries, parks, and incredible restaurants like Fresh Woodfired Pizza & Pasta, Open Oven Brunch & Bakery, and La Guinguette. No trip to Asheville is complete without visiting the colorful, ever-eccentric River Arts District and America's Largest Home, the Biltmore Estate, and luckily, these two destinations, along with Chimney Rock and Lake Lure, are just under an hour's drive away. Embodying modern convenience and mountain charm with its impeccable features and gorgeous location Standing Bear Retreat offers a true retreat where you can enjoy the excitement and tranquility of Western North Carolina!

Please note: This home is pet-friendly with an additional fee. AWD or 4WD vehicles are required, and we highly recommend vehicles with a higher clearance due to a small steep section of the driveway. During the colder winter months, icy and/or snowy road conditions and delayed snow plow operations are possible within the development. We recommend travel insurance for those staying in the Gateway Mountain development during the winter months (December through March). No parking is allowed on roadways or at gate entrances. No RVs, boat trailers, camping trailers, or trailers of any kind are permitted in the Gateway Mountain Community.