Settle in for a week—or longer—at this upscale 4-bedroom, 4-bath lakefront retreat near Highlands and Cashiers, NC, tucked inside a peaceful gated mountain community.
Designed especially well for families and multigenerational vacations, the home sleeps 8 comfortably with three king bedrooms plus a twin bedroom, giving grandparents, parents and children space of their own without sacrificing the feeling of being together.
Wake up beside the lake, take the canoe out for a quiet morning paddle, spend the afternoon exploring Highlands or Cashiers, and come home for dinner and an evening by one of the home's two wood-burning fireplaces.
This is the kind of mountain house that makes a week feel too short.
Why Families Love Boathouse Lakefront setting with canoe 4 bedrooms + 4 bathrooms 3 king bedrooms — ideal for multiple couples or multigenerational families Twin bedroom for children or additional guests Two wood-burning fireplaces Fully equipped kitchen for extended stays Gated, peaceful mountain setting Dog friendly with prior approval and pet fee Convenient to both Highlands and Cashiers Minutes from Whiteside Mountain and Old Edwards Club Lake Days + Mountain Days
One of the best things about staying here for a full week is that you don't have to choose between a lake vacation and a Highlands vacation.
Start the morning with coffee by the water or take the canoe out for a paddle. Spend a lazy afternoon enjoying the lake, or head out to hike, golf, shop or explore waterfalls.
When you feel like going into town, the restaurants, boutiques and galleries of downtown Highlands are a short drive away, with Cashiers also conveniently accessible.
Then come home to the quiet.
Made for Multigenerational Stays
Boathouse is particularly well suited for families traveling together.
With three king bedrooms, adults don't have to draw straws for the “good room,” while the twin bedroom gives children their own space. Four full bathrooms make mornings easier, and the generous living and dining areas give everyone room to gather without spending an entire week on top of one another.
It's an easy setup for:
Grandparents + parents + children
Two or three couples traveling together
Families spending a week or several weeks in the mountains
A Home You'll Actually Want to Stay In
The fully equipped kitchen makes it easy to cook breakfast before a hike, put together lunch for the kids or stay home for dinner rather than eating out every night.
Two wood-burning fireplaces bring classic Highlands atmosphere to the house and make Boathouse just as appealing for cool fall evenings as it is for long summer stays.
Outside, the lake and mountain setting provide the entertainment. Paddle, explore, relax, read on the deck, or simply enjoy having nowhere you need to be.
Close to Highlands & Cashiers
You'll be surrounded by nature without feeling isolated.
Whiteside Mountain — approximately 5 minutes
Old Edwards Club — approximately 6 minutes
Chattooga River — approximately 8 minutes
Downtown Highlands' restaurants, shopping, galleries and mountain-town charm are all within easy reach, with Cashiers convenient in the other direction.
Bring the Dog
Well-behaved dogs are welcome with prior approval and the applicable pet fee, so you don't have to leave part of the family behind.
Stay a While
Boathouse isn't designed around squeezing eight people into a house for a weekend.
It's a comfortable, polished Highlands-area lakefront home made for settling in—morning paddles, mountain adventures, family dinners, fireplace evenings and enough space for everyone to relax.
Come for the lake.
Explore Highlands and Cashiers.
And stay long enough to enjoy both. *We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance, as we cannot be responsible for weather-related travel interruptions or personal emergencies. Guests agree to rental agreement upon booking.
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Rental Agreement must be signed within 7 days of booking or 72 hours before arrival, whichever is first, or reservation and funds may be forfeited.
Guests will comply with all property rules including parking noise and occupancy restrictions. Unauthorized use results in cancellation without refund
Guest is responsible for all damage occurring during the stay caused by Guest, their party, visitors, or use of the property.
Important information
You need to know
Property # 4946721vb
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
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
About the area
Highlands
Located in Highlands, this cabin is in the city centre and on the waterfront. Highlands Art Gallery and The Bascom Center for the Visual Arts are cultural highlights, and some of the area's attractions include Highlands Biological Station and Cashiers Farmers Market. Kayaking and waterskiing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with mountain climbing and hiking nearby.
Does Boathouse: Lakefront Highlands Retreat | Canoe + Gated have a pool?
Yes, this property has a pool.
How much does it cost to stay at Boathouse: Lakefront Highlands Retreat | Canoe + Gated?
As of 15 August 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Boathouse: Lakefront Highlands Retreat | Canoe + Gated on 13 November 2026 start from NZ$15,584, 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 Boathouse: Lakefront Highlands Retreat | Canoe + Gated pet-friendly?
Yes, pets are allowed at this property.
How much is parking at Boathouse: Lakefront Highlands Retreat | Canoe + Gated?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Boathouse: Lakefront Highlands Retreat | Canoe + Gated?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Boathouse: Lakefront Highlands Retreat | Canoe + Gated?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Boathouse: Lakefront Highlands Retreat | Canoe + Gated located?
Located in the heart of Highlands, this cabin is steps from Nantahala National Forest and within 3 mi (5 km) of Whiteside Mountain and Highlands-Cashiers Hospital. Old Edwards Club is 2.8 mi (4.5 km) away.
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
I really loved my stay at the Boathouse. It's an incredibly comfortable and well-appointed home in a perfectly tranquil setting. I can't wait to return and would recommend it to anyone.
Doug A.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Steven H.
20 January 2026
Wonderful!
The property is amazing! We had a few small issues but Kristi was super communicative and was magic.
Highly recommend!
Steven H.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Patricia W.
9 August 2026
End of Summer Retreat from the Heat
We had an absolutely wonderful stay at this beautiful rental in Highlands, North Carolina! The location on Lake Ravenal is stunning, with beautiful lake views that made the home feel like a true getaway.
The house was clean, quiet, and comfortable, with two stories that gave everyone plenty of space. We especially loved the wood-burning fireplace—it made the home feel extra cozy and inviting. The kitchen was exceptionally well-equipped and truly ready for cooking, with all the tools you could need, including great, sharp knives and a gas range.
The linens were nice and comfortable, and the Smart TVs were a great touch for relaxing in the evenings. Being in a quiet, gated community added to the peaceful atmosphere and made the whole stay feel safe and secluded.
Our rental agent was also fantastic—responsive, helpful, and wonderful to work with from start to finish.
Overall, this was a fantastic place to stay, and we would absolutely recommend it to anyone looking for a peaceful and comfortable Highlands getaway. We would love to stay here again!
Patricia W.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Joe W.
15 July 2026
Amazing Property
We have used Elevate Highlands for our annual trip to Highlands for the last 10 years; this is the third EH property that we have rented. Kristy has outdone herself!
The house was perfect for a 3 generation gathering: 3 king, en-suite bedrooms for the adults and a twin, en-suite bedroom for 2 grandkids. The house is very large, open and welcoming; the kitchen has everything you need for preparing large meals.
There is so much to do with young kids in the area: hiking, sliding down waterfalls, youth programs and camps at the Nature Center and the Bascom (art center), gem mining. Our time not out and about was usually spent on the lake, fishing or canoeing (house has canoe and dock - we did bring our own kids’ life jackets). There is also a community boathouse with a dozen Adirondack chairs where we tended to relax and gather for an evening glass of wine.
A+ property. We will be back.
Joe W.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Chris B.
22 February 2026
5 Stars – Boathouse Lane is an Absolute Dream! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
We just had the best week at Boathouse Lane — honestly one of the nicest short-term rentals we’ve ever stayed in.
The location is perfect: tucked in a quiet, gated community right on peaceful Lake Ravenel with old-growth trees and total privacy (no neighbors on the street!). Yet you’re still just a quick drive from Highlands or Cashiers for dinner or shopping.
The cabin feels brand new and so high-end — beautiful shiplap walls, soaring windows with lake views, and that big stone fireplace. The open layout is great for groups: big dining table for 8, comfy sofas everywhere, and a kitchen where everyone can hang out with the cook.
Our favorite spot by far was the huge screened porch with its own wood-burning fireplace and TV — we basically lived out there! The outdoor fireplace and the dock with rocking chairs made sunset watching pure magic.
The sleeping setup was perfect for our multi-generational crew: three spacious king suites (the main master bath is insane with his-and-hers everything and a huge tub), plus a cute loft with two twins and its own bath.
It’s the rare place that feels both luxurious and like a true home. We left completely relaxed and already planning our next trip back. Highly recommend — you won’t want to leave!
Would stay again in a heartbeat. Thank you to the owners for this special spot!
Chris B.
About the host
Hosted by Elevate Highlands Luxury Cabin Rentals
We're not a property management company that handles other people's homes. Every rental in the Elevate portfolio is a property we own, personally curate, and pour genuine care into — and guests feel that difference the moment they arrive. Elevate specializes in upscale boutique vacation rentals in and around Highlands, NC — one of the Southeast's most beloved mountain destinations. Our properties range from a legendary Joe Webb-designed treehouse to a luxury lakefront lodge. Each one has its own distinct character, but all share the same signature: warm wood walls, intentional design, functional luxury, and spaces that feel like somewhere, not just somewhere to sleep. What sets us apart is simple — we care about the experience, not just the transaction. From setting the perfect ambiance before you arrive to sharing our insider list of area favorites, we're invested in making your stay genuinely unforgettable. It's why so many of our guests come back year after year, and why we know many of them by name. When you book with Elevate, you're not booking a rental. You're booking a place you'll want to return to.
Why they chose this property
Private, gated community tucked away from the hustle and bustle, designer upscale finishes.
What makes this property unique
Private, gated community tucked away from the hustle and bustle, designer upscale finishes.
Languages:
English, German, Italian, Spanish
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests