One Level. No Stairs. No Compromises. | Little Bear Pen
This Rent In Highlands vacation rental home has a strict NO PET policy. Failure to adhere to this policy will result in a $1000.00 fine.
Only adults (25 years old and older) may reserve this property and an adult must occupy the property at all times.
Sometimes the best vacation home is the one that gets out of its own way — where the layout just works, the outdoor spaces flow into each other naturally, and by day two everyone has found their spot and settled in like they've been coming here for years.
That's Little Bear Pen.
A beautifully renovated single-level home with a bright, open floor plan, multiple private bedroom suites, a screened porch with a wood-burning fireplace, and a wraparound deck with more entry points and seating areas than you'll know what to do with. Easy to navigate, genuinely comfortable, and designed for the kind of trip where relaxing isn't an afterthought — it's the whole point.
Inside: Open, Bright, and Surprisingly Easy -The single-level layout is one of those features that sounds practical and turns out to be transformative — no stairs between bedrooms and kitchen, no navigating the house in the dark, no one feeling separated from the group. The open floor plan keeps the living, dining, and kitchen spaces connected without crowding them, and the well-equipped kitchen with its gas stove anchors one end of the home with a large rustic dining table that makes group meals feel like an event worth lingering over. Each bedroom comes with its own private bathroom — a detail that eliminates the morning negotiation entirely and somehow makes the whole trip run smoother.
Outside: Where Little Bear Pen Really Lives. The outdoor layout here is quietly exceptional — and more expansive than it first appears. A covered front porch with two sets of rocking chairs handles the slow mornings, the afternoon reads, and the evenings when the view is enough. Off the dining room, a screened-in porch with a wood-burning fireplace and its own dining table becomes the natural gathering point for everyone — sheltered enough for unpredictable mountain weather, open enough to feel like outside. An uncovered deck connects the screened porch to the kitchen on one side and to the primary bedroom and guest room on the other, creating a continuous outdoor loop that means someone always has somewhere comfortable to be.
Multiple entry points. Multiple seating areas. One very well-designed outdoor experience.
The Flow is the Feature What makes this property special isn't any single room or any single view — it's the way everything connects. Primary bedroom to deck to screened porch. Kitchen to deck to rocking chairs out front. Dining room to porch to fireplace. The house was designed for people to move through it freely, find their corner, and not feel like they have to go looking for comfort. It's just there, wherever you end up.
Downtown Highlands is a short drive away — restaurants, shops, waterfalls, and trails all within easy reach. But between the rocking chairs, the screened porch fireplace, and a deck that wraps the whole home together, you may find that leaving requires more motivation than expected.
What our guests are saying…
"Perfect mountain getaway. The house is the perfect location in the mountains and only a very short drive into The downtown. I really did not want to leave. We had cozy fires and they even provided the firewood for us! Will definitely want to come back!" - Rent In Highlands Vacation Rental Guest, Dina
Rent In Highlands Vacation Rental Cancellation Policy
Policy (A) for reservations less than 20 days: A reservation canceled between 0-45 days prior to arrival is not eligible to receive a refund. If more than 45 days notice is given, the renter shall receive a refund of all payments made, less a cancellation fee of 10% of the Total Cost of the Reservation.
Policy (B) for reservations of 20 days or more and reservations made 6 months in advance: NO refund is given unless the property is re-rented under the same terms (Trip insurance is available and recommended to help protect your trip).
Special Amenities:
Gas Grill Indoor Wood Burning Fireplace Screened Porch with Wood Burning Fireplace Generator
This home is professionally managed by Rent in Highlands, a division of Country Club Properties. Your premier source for Vacation Rentals in Highlands NC.
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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 indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
About the area
Highlands
Located in Highlands, this cabin is in the mountains. Highlands Country Club and Old Edwards Club are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those looking for area attractions can visit Highlands Biological Station and Cashiers Farmers Market. Discover the area's water adventures with fishing and swimming nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking/biking trails and mountain biking.
Highlands Biological Station - 2 min drive - 1.7 km
The Bascom Center for the Visual Arts - 2 min drive - 2.4 km
Getting around
Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) - 84 min drive
Restaurants
Wildcat Cliffs Country Club - 10 min drive
Shell - 19 min walk
Los Vaqueros - 3 min drive
Oak Steakhouse - 10 min drive
Calders Coffee Cafe - 3 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Does One Level. No Stairs. No Compromises. | Little Bear Pen have a pool?
Yes, this property has a pool.
How much does it cost to stay at One Level. No Stairs. No Compromises. | Little Bear Pen?
As of 16 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at One Level. No Stairs. No Compromises. | Little Bear Pen on 20 May 2026 start from NZ$953, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
Is One Level. No Stairs. No Compromises. | Little Bear Pen pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much is parking at One Level. No Stairs. No Compromises. | Little Bear Pen?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at One Level. No Stairs. No Compromises. | Little Bear Pen?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at One Level. No Stairs. No Compromises. | Little Bear Pen?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is One Level. No Stairs. No Compromises. | Little Bear Pen located?
Situated in the mountains, this cabin is within 1 mile (2 km) of Nantahala National Forest, Highlands Dog Park and Highlands Art Gallery. Highlands Playhouse and Cullasaja River Gorge are also within 2 miles (3 km).
Reviews
9.8
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Our family thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Little Bear Pen. It is a lovely home…very spacious and comfortable. The view was beautiful. We enjoyed walks in the neighborhood after a big meals. The kitchen had everything we needed! The hosts were so communicative and helpful leading up to and during our stay. Close drive to enjoy downtown Highlands. We will definitely rent this home for our next trip.
Lisa G.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 2 December 2025
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear your family thoroughly enjoyed your stay at Little Bear Pen. It’s great to know the home’s spacious layout, beautiful views, and well-equipped kitchen made your visit comfortable and enjoyable. We’re also glad you loved the neighborhood walks and the easy access to downtown Highlands.
Thank you for your kind words about our communication—it's truly appreciated. We’d be thrilled to welcome you back on your next trip!
Excellent communication with host and everything was as described . One hiccup with toilet repair and service tech drove hr round trip to pick up part and repairs by early evening. Already booked again next yr .
John C.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 21 October 2025
Thank you for your wonderful review! We’re so glad everything met your expectations and that communication was smooth throughout your stay. We appreciate your understanding with the repair, and we’re happy it was resolved quickly. It’s great to hear you’ve already booked for next year—we look forward to welcoming you back!
We loved this home and everything was very high quality. Would definitely rent here again!
Charles C.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 11 April 2025
Thank you so much for the kind words! We're happy to hear the home was a great fit for your group and that you appreciated the quality throughout. We'd love to have you back anytime!
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Doug Eskew
12 May 2019
This is our favorite place to stay! As always, Alicen takes great care of us.
This is our favorite place to stay! As always, Alicen takes great care of us.
Property was just as described, spotless, close to town-not walking distance, very nicely renovated, nice view, great screened in patio with fireplace and tv, stocked with everything we needed. We would definitely stay here again!
Ben C.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 31 March 2020
Thanks for the review Ben! We're so glad you enjoyed your stay.
The home is stunning and has ample room for everyone. Also, the distance to Main St is just about perfect (not walking distance but incredibly easy and close). We will stay here again.
Heather M.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 31 March 2020
Thanks Heather! Looking forward to your return visit.
Our group of four couples thoroughly enjoyed our stay at this property! The home was very well taken care of and provided the perfect place for us to relax and catch-up. We would definitely recommend this house to others.
Kate U.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 28 November 2023
Hi Kate! Thank you so much for the 5 star review! We love hearing our guests enjoyed their stay.
Thanksgiving in Highlands is an annual thing for our family, and this was a great few days. The layout of the house was perfect for our family, and the location is terrific. Property manager was attentive and responsive. Would definitely stay here again.
Andrew R.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 28 November 2023
Hi Andrew! Wonderful to hear that your family had a great Thanksgiving at Little Bear Pen. We hope to see you again next year!
The house was very comfortable. We had EVERYTHING we could have possibly needed or wanted. The house is beautiful. Every bedroom was comfy and quiet. The views are amazing. Our stay was a short one but we would love to stay here again and enjoy the deck, grill and outdoor fireplace.
Diana K.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 3 March 2025
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're so glad the house felt like a home away from home and that you had everything you needed for a comfortable stay. It sounds like you made the most of your visit, even if it was a short one! We'd absolutely love to have you back anytime to relax on the deck and enjoy the outdoor spaces. Thanks again for staying with us!
It was excellent. The home was beautifully decorated and very adequately accommodated 4 80 year old women! We were so pleased that all bedrooms and bathrooms were on the same level. Nothing could have been better suited for our group of friends.
Marilyn B.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 30 April 2025
Thank you so much for your kind words! We're delighted to hear that the home was a perfect fit for your group and that you all felt comfortable and well-accommodated. It’s wonderful to know the single-level layout made your stay even more enjoyable. You were a pleasure to host, and we’d love to welcome you back anytime!
Our group of 8 adults (4 couples) loved Little Bear Pen. Great communication from the owner and easy commute to all things Highlands. Would highly recommend this place!
Owen B.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 20 June 2023
Thanks for the review Owen! Glad you enjoyed your stay.
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Keith G.
11 July 2018
Very Nice Place
The scenic view at this place is very nice. The house seems brand new on the inside, and the outdoor screened in deck is a very cool spot.
This property exceeded our expectations. An all around great property with so much convenience to Downtown where most of our time was spent. The place was super clean and offered all things needed when vacationing!
Cole C.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 22 September 2022
Thanks for the review Cole! Glad you enjoyed your stay!
We had 7 adults and 1 four-year-old and this house was so perfect. It was clean and beautiful and so relaxing! We were in Highlands for a family wedding and it was a great vacation for everyone!
Marykate U.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 14 July 2022
Thanks for the review Marykate. We're so glad you enjoyed your stay!
The house is the perfect location in the mountains and only a very short drive into The downtown. I really did not want to leave. We had cozy fires and they even provided the firewood for us! Will definitely want to come back!
Dina P.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 24 January 2022
Thanks for the review Dina! Glad you enjoyed your stay!
About the host
Hosted by Rent In Highlands
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests