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Hippopatumus Haven

Waterfront cabin with kitchen and balcony

Photo gallery for Hippopatumus Haven

The views, and the snuggling, are even better in the winter.*
Exterior
Exterior
Thomas Kinkade took this picture. (not really)
A local artist carved our door

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms2+ bathroomsSleeps 8

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Fireplace

Explore the area

View map
  • Place, The Lilly Pad Village
  • Place, Blue Ridge Scenic Railway
  • Place, Cherry Log Creek

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bunk Room

1 Single Bunk Bed and 1 Double Bed

Master Suite

1 King Bed

2 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Downstairs Bath

Toilet · Shower only

Main Level

Bathtub · Toilet

Master Bath

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Balcony
Outdoor play area
Dining area

About this property

Hippopatumus Haven

This cabin was built with luxury, entertainment, and romance in mind, but since it's right on the best stretch of river in Fannin County, the Hippopotamuses have taken over. Still, you can cozy up with someone special in front of the hand-cut stone fireplace in our spacious great room. Enjoy a king-size master bedroom suite with a quaint personal balcony overlooking the Toccoa River.

Entertaining is easy in our fully equipped kitchen, including a gas range, microwave, coffee grinder, custom countertops, walk-in pantry, separate wet bar and bar-fridge, and complete sets of cookware and cutlery. Gather around the Kitchen Island while preparing dinner, or around the tv and fireplace in the connected great room, or around the full-size shuffleboard in the loft. Dine inside or out using either of our 8-person dinner tables.

The large private hot tub is perched on the hillside, overlooking the river. The kids will enjoy counting the hippopotami hiding throughout the cabin, or perhaps the shuffleboard and dartboard. Overstuffed chairs throughout the cabin allow for relaxation and reading.

Cook s’mores in our large dug-out fire pit steps away from the Toccoa River, or ribs on our charcoal grill. Enjoy great fishing and the best stretch of inner tubing around ends at our private sandy beach. (The hippos keep all the crocodiles away!)

On top of all that, we have wireless Internet and all the other amenities from home: satellite television, fresh linens, gas-assisted wood fireplace, washer and dryer, shag carpet on the bottom level, etc.

If you need more room, ask me about my Father’s cabin next door!


Keywords: Custom, hippopotamuses, Luxurious, Retreat, Resort, Dwelling, Aska, Aska Adventure Area

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

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
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Blue Ridge

Located in Blue Ridge, this cabin is in the city centre and on the waterfront. Blue Ridge Lake Marina and Mercier Orchards are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those looking for area attractions can visit Blue Ridge Scenic Railway and The Lilly Pad Village. Travelling with kids? Consider Upper River Adventures, or check out an event or a game at Sugar Creek Raceway. Discover the area's water adventures with kayaking and water tubing nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with horse riding and hiking/biking trails.
View more Cabin rentals in Blue RidgeOpens in a new window
Map
Blue Ridge, GA

What's nearby

  • The Lilly Pad Village - 2 min drive - 2.1 km
  • Blue Ridge Lake - 3 min drive - 2.1 km
  • Blue Ridge Scenic Railway - 12 min drive - 15.0 km
  • Blue Ridge Lake Marina - 14 min drive - 15.3 km
  • Cherry Log Creek - 16 min drive - 15.8 km

Getting around

  • Chattanooga, TN (CHA-Chattanooga Metropolitan) - 107 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Trailer Drive In - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Dillion Ash Resturant - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Mountain Mama's Coffee Lounge - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Southern Charm Restaurant - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Boat Dock Bar & Grill - ‬14 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Hippopatumus Haven pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property. Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.

What time is check-in at Hippopatumus Haven?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Hippopatumus Haven?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Hippopatumus Haven located?

This family-friendly Blue Ridge cabin is located on the waterfront, just steps away from Chattahoochee National Forest and Ocoee River. The Lilly Pad Village and Blue Ridge Lake are also within 2 miles (3 km).

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

9.2/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Staff & service

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy
Rating 10 - Excellent. 135 out of 167 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 21 out of 167 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 8 out of 167 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 3 out of 167 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 167 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Adam C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This is exactly what we needed!! Such a beautiful place, and the river was so relaxing with the camp fire and fishing!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ryan P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our stay at the cabin was great. The location was perfect next to the river and close to several hiking trails. The kitchen had everything we needed for making meals. We really enjoyed our visit and hope to come back soon.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Veronica A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing location. Cabin was clean and we had Zero complaints! Highly recommend.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Brittany R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful location- you can hear the river which is super relaxing! Great primary shower. Lots of stairs. Host was very responsive.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Chris E.

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

Great place to relax with the family

The cabin and location were beyond our expectations. The host was very responsive to our needs. Can’t wait to go back!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Chris C.

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

Fun with the Hippos

great place would stay here again
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Merri C.

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

Relaxing in the Mountains

We came up for a quick two night getaway and had a wonderful time. The place was very dog friendly and had more than enough space to move around. There isn’t really a yard but the river is right across the small street so we just took our walks over there. Our dogs and toddler loved playing in the river but we spent more of our time on one of the porches. There are A LOT of stairs so just be aware of that.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kim K.

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

Great Get Away

Nice, quiet location on the river
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Christine Q.

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

Family Spring Break with Dog

Very nice property, we had a great time on the areas around the home hiking, fishing, and exploring. Be sure to visit the welcome center in town. We appreciate the hosts responsiveness on issues. It was great to be able to have our dog with us.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Bobbi B.

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

Great find

This property was great! The house was clean and comfortable! Plenty of room for our family of 5 and our fur babies! We loved the firm mattress in the master bedroom. Our girls said their beds were comfortable as well. We loved the stone countertops and showers. The hot tub was a bonus. The owners were great and we were able to get checked in a little early and we were able to enjoy extra time at the property! We had an issue with the key (my fault) and the owner was very helpful and understanding. We will be staying at this property again! Thanks for a great stay!!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This property was exactly what we were looking for and what was advertised. Clean! The owner communicated quickly and was a pleasure to rent from. Great stay!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2019

10/10 Excellent

Leslie K.

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

Awesome!!

Such an awesome house! Exactly as shown in pictures and right next to the river. We enjoyed being close to town, yet in a quiet, relaxing area next to some great hiking and outdoor activities. The hot tub and shuffleboard were fun! Super easy check in/out process and very easy communication with owners. We would absolutely stay here again!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Deb H.

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

Located right on the side of a mountain

Beautiful cabin and the owner allowed us to bring our pets. You could open the doors and hear the river flowing.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

John L.

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

Awesome Visit and Home

We had an amazing visit at the Hippopotamus Haven! The hosts were lovely and prompt to answer all of our questions, making us feel very comfortable from the start. The cabin is absolutely perfect! It is located just off the beaten path with complete privacy. It has all of the amenities necessary for a week with the family. Access to the Toccoa River was perfect. We enjoyed quick trips into town for supplies and to enjoy the local shops, restaurants and the local brewery. It was an enjoyable visit and we will definitely return to this hidden gem! Thank you for having us!
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Irina K.

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

Beautiful and peaceful place

The cabin is very clean, well maintained and beautifully decorated. The owner is a very responsive and kind person. Our kids found it fun to find and count all the hippos in the house. We enjoyed our time together in this cozy house. The view of the river and the star-studded sky gave all of us much needed relaxation and mental rejuvenation.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Michael G.

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

Wonderful Relaxing Cabin

This was a great cabin and we would definitely book it again! The house had everything we needed and Sean was a great host! We brought our two dogs and it was very pet friendly. Our dogs loved our daily hikes around the river and nearby trails. Location was great being only about 10-15 minutes from Blue Ridge and 25-30 minutes from Ellijay. It was very relaxing, especially soaking in the hot tub at the end of the day, looking up at the beautiful night sky and hearing the sounds of the river below. Thank you!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2021

6/10 Okay

Amamda M.

Liked: Check-in
Disliked: Cleanliness

Hippo Haven Review

This place was advertised as being right on the river with chairs and bonfire, but there was none of that. There were also cigarettes, dirt, and hair balls. The hot tub wasn’t hot at all and didn’t work, so we couldn’t use this really, which is one of the main reasons we come here and to hike. The stairs Outback had rotted wood and we almost tripped. We did trip on the deck several times as there are holes in the deck. The sound of the river was really nice and relaxing
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Katie B.

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

Amazing stay! You’ll LOVE the river!

This cabin was absolutely amazing. Let’s start with the river. Wasn’t sure what to expect, but I couldn’t have asked for anything better. The property has access to the river in 2 nice spots. One is shallow and rocky, the other is sandy beach that deepens plenty enough to swim (gets really deep) My kids are 8, 9 and 13 and loved swimming across the river to the other side (there is a decent current, my kids are strong swimmers). It’s pretty wide. We also went up the river and tubed back down to the property. We love to fish and caught HUGE catfish. The cabin is beautiful and well stocked. The grill is on the deck right off the middle floor to the kitchen. My kids played the ring on a string for hours lol. Beautiful views. There are a lot of steps here. Probably not the best property for anyone disabled. Didn’t bother us, but just a heads up. The cabin is 3 stories, and access to the river (across the gravel rd) requires a good bit of steps. They have cornhole and shuffle board which was fun on rainy days. Property owners are really nice and very responsive to our questions. Hot tub didn’t work during our stay but the owner took care of it. I highly recommend this cabin. It’s absolutely perfect for a large family. Upstairs bedroom great for hubby and I, downstairs bedroom good for our kids, and there’s pullout sofas on every floor. You have to eat at the Tocoa river restaurant (get the trout), visit downtown blue ridge, and spend a day at blue ridge lake.Book it!!!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Monica M.

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

A cozy paradise getaway

This cabin was built and designed so beautifully. The location is perfect. It is literally built right into the side of a mountain with a view facing white waters. The only thing I would change is the lock and key box. It is very difficult to open and close heads up. If you aren't very good at parking up a very very steep hill then you'll be walking up a very steep hill or stairs. But it is so worth it and gives you a little work out during vacation. There are many trails and waterfalls and beautiful scenery so close by a beautiful little town if you want to get out however it is a vacation within itself at this cabin.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022

6/10 Okay

Shawn L.

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

Dirty and smelly

Pros: The cabin is cute and cozy with a beautiful scenic river view and accessibility. It has plenty of space for a small family, and finding somewhere that takes dogs is helpful when traveling with your pets. It is located on a quiet street and conveniently located to everything. Cons: It is dirty, inside and out. The carpets and bedding were stained and smelly. There were dead bugs, lady bugs and flies through the whole house, the vents have about 2” of dust on them along with everything else, the windows were stained and the furniture had dog hair on it when we got there . There were large nest of something on the vents on the outside patios and it just felt unsanitary. Also, there were no brooms, mops or cleaning supplies to cleanup with. If I were the owner I would deep clean the property, remove the carpets (especially when hosting pets) and get a NEW cleaning company.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Haley S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We enjoyed our stay — the cabin is comfortable and clean. We especially liked all the decks overlooking the river.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Helen F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

Spring Break Escape

Location great. Close enough to town and all of the fishing/hiking that we wanted to do. Very clean and the amount of space was perfect for us. Very limited supplies in the kitchen. If you plan on cooking bring all the extras that you may need (foil, anything for storage, spices etc.) Hot tube did not work, which was a satisfaction deal breaker for my husband. Very uncomfortable beds. Bring your own camping chairs if you want to sit by the river which is right across the street.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

gabbie

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

Beautiful Home & Great Location

This was an amazing stay and the host was very responsive to all of our questions, we would definitely book here again when it is warmer to have a chance to swim. The house and river were absolutely breathtaking!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Laura Y.

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

Adventure in Hippopotamus Haven

The property was absolutely beautiful with a gorgeous view of the Taccoa River. The bathrooms were spacious and the beds were comfortable. The stone fireplace made everything cozy! There were quite a bit of steps to climb which was worth the work out! Our van didn’t quite make it up the driveway due to how steep it was but there was parking available at the bottom on the side which worked out fine. We were only about 5-10 minutes to Walmart and grocery stores. The cabin was beautiful and our family and pup loved it! We will definitely be back.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Emily W.

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

Christmas Recovery Trip

We always visit Blue Ridge after Christmas as a time to rest, recover and reconnect. Your cabin provided us the space to do just that.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2024

About the host

Hosted by Karen Pizel

Host profile image
I live in Atlanta with my wife and we love to spend as many weekends as possible relaxing at this cabin, though I can't get her to help me clean the fish.

Why they chose this property

Me and my Father built this cabin in 2009. We live in Atlanta, but stay here or at his cabin next door whenever we can. But we can't bear to see them unused, so we rent it out when we aren't there. We know you will love it.

Also we are in the heart of the Aska adventure area.

What makes this property unique

We put a lot of effort into making this the perfect place to entertain friends and family. We love to cook so we outfitted the kitchen with everything we would ever need. We love games, so we put in a Dart Board, a shuffle Board, and even a ring on a string (it's a local thing). Some local friends carved us a beatuful door, and you will be amazed by the local stone countertops. I have a hard time calling this place a cabin, since it's nicer than my home and you will hardly be roughing it, but when you are sitting in front the fireplace with someone special to you, you'll absolutely love it.
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