Urban Escape w/Hot Tub, Backyard Oasis, Min to Uptown!
Welcome to The Zen Retreat! This is a gem of a house, one that is truly unique. Be prepared to spoil yourself to a hidden paradise with an abundance of options for relaxing and having fun, both inside and outside in an inspiring retreat setting!
15 min. to Uptown. 20 min. to Panther Stadium. 25-30 min. the Speedway. 25-30 min. to the White Water Center. 20-25 minutes to Charlotte Douglas airport.
Consider The Zen Retreat your urban escape and the perfect place during your visit to Charlotte.
PLEASE NOTE THERE IS A TWO NIGHT MINIMUM FOR ALL WEEKEND BOOKINGS.
If you are looking for a traditional house, this is not the house for you. If you are looking for something special, then you have found the right spot. As soon as you set foot on the property, be prepared to have all your worries disappear as you are surrounded by peace and tranquility. The atmosphere is pure magic and with every breath you take, your mind and body will begin to feel like one. Nestled in the very private neighborhood of High Timbers, the house truly brings its neighborhood namesake to life as the entire property is tress lined and brings a welcome serenity and privacy to your stay. The attention to detail, both inside and outside of this Zen-style house won’t escape your attention. Start your mornings with a cup of coffee on the rear deck of the house and enjoy the view of 2 waterfalls and ponds and enjoy the blissful sounds of the cascading waters. Guests can cozy up to a book in the 2 story living room relaxing in front of the fireplace or enjoy a movie on the 65 inch TV, with Blu Ray player, Firestick with all apps and a Polk Audio surround sound system. I am a chef and the living room houses a library of cookbooks and food-related books for you to enjoy, which can be used to create edible delights in the NEWLY renovated kitchen. The ENTIRE kitchen has been redone, with new appliances including a gas stove, with dual convection oven. It includes new granite countertops and cabinets. The house boasts three bedrooms, each with its own personality. The Master Bedroom is furnished with Asian inspired décor and comes with a king-size pillow-top bed. The bedroom has its own bathroom with a bathtub. Both other rooms are furnished with queen size beds, and an additional fold out twin bed, also with a memory foam mattress. Each share a second full bathroom. The exquisite dining room seats 6+ and the fully equipped kitchen overlooks the peaceful back yard, with everything you need to get your cooking game on. Take your cooking skills outside and whip something up on the gas grill or the egg smoker/cooker and enjoy the fruits of your labor while sitting at the gas fire pit outdoor dining table. Jump in the hot tub and let the peaceful surroundings of The Zen Retreat take over. There is also a lovely breakfast room and screened in porch to start your day in the best way possible. The house is super pet friendly and our four-legged friends are more than welcome. They will enjoy the house as much and possibly even more, once they get to explore the fenced-in backyard. The Zen Retreat also offers its own Concierge Service with a slew of optional services available for guests to enjoy, from general grocery stocking and much more, we have you covered! (See the list under the "Other Things to Note section) We are sure all your guests will love The Zen Retreat and look forward to having you!
Guest access
Guests will have access to the entire house, inside and out, with the exception of two closets and the garage.
Neighborhood overview
The neighborhood is called High Timbers and The Zen Retreat reflects the name of the neighborhood as the property is tree-lined and very shady, offering loads of privacy. The entire neighborhood is full of mature trees and is in essence a private Cul-De-Sac community. There are only 2 entrances to the neighborhood and it is ALWAYS very quiet. If you have children, rest easy knowing that this is a very safe spot for them to play and be kids. The neighbors are great...Check out my neighbor Bob across the street, he has the quirkiest back yard you have ever seen. It has been featured on numerous TV shows nationally. Just say hi, he is super friendly.
Getting Around
The Zen Retreat offers enough parking for multiple cars on the property. The house is located off of Monroe Rd and Sardis Rd North. There is an abundance of shops, restaurants, and stores in the area. Please look at the Guidebook for my recommendations. FYI, since these are the questions I get the most concerning the house. The Zen Retreat is 15 minutes from Uptown Charlotte and is a straight shot on 1 road right to the heart of the city. It is 20 minutes from Panther Stadium It is 25-30 minutes from the Speedway It is 25-30 minutes from the White Water Center It is 20-25 minutes from the airport Consider The Zen Retreat your urban escape and the perfect place for a wonderful stay that will cap of your visit to Charlotte.
Other things to note
Attention- The Zen Retreat Concierge Services The Zen Retreat has arranged for pre-arrival and during stay services. These services are arranged through Liomai, our Zen Retreat Concierge at +1 (704) 248-1778.
Please note, there are two active security cameras, one covering the stairs from the front entrance and another at the back door covering a portion of the deck.
If you are interested in a wonderful stay in the mountains of North Carolina, check out our other property, the Cozy Cabin, an NC Mountain Escape, which is near Boone. Whether you are looking to have a romantic getaway for two or to making new family memories, The Mountain Retreat is the perfect place for you! This gem of a cabin is perched on the hillside with everything you need for a perfect and peaceful getaway. https://www.vrbo.com/854107
Please Note- Please make sure to enjoy your stay as if you are visiting friends and family. Be respectful and tidy. No b-day parties or NYE parties for anyone under 25 years of age. No parties or gatherings larger than 7 people without prior approval. People booking for parties will be required to leave a double deposit. Weddings/receptions/events will be negotiated on a case by case basis. The house is NOT meant for entertaining unless discussed and agreed to ahead of time. Extra guests or visitors are not allowed without prior approval. Failure to do so will forfeit your deposit and all monies received for your stay. Any lost keys will be charged a fee of $75. Any parties or gatherings need to be addressed with the owner prior to arrival. Any failure to do so will result in complete forfeiture of the security deposit and all monies received for your stay. Any use of the house for photo and video purposes will need to be requested prior to the stay, there are additional fees for such matters. Any failure to do so will result in complete forfeiture of the security deposit and all monies received for your stay. There is NO SMOKING inside the property, any sign or smell of smoking inside of the house will result in complete forfeiture of the security deposit. The house is ALWAYS pet friendly, with no additional charge. If guests do not pick up after their dog(s), there will be an $85+ fee applied. Lastly, there is a $50 per half hour fee for late checkouts. Check out is at 11 STRICT, especially in light of the present situation and time needed for enhanced cleaning. Please feel free to reach out for any and all of the above.
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The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Gather used towels
Remove personal items and take out the rubbish
Lock the doors
Your assistance is greatly appreciated
Run the dishwasher-The tabs are under the sink
Do NOT strip the beds, leave linens where they are
Run a load of TOWELS only in the washer
Leave place as you found it. If staying Monday night, move trash bins from behind side fence to curb for Tuesday pickup. If staying Tuesday, return bins from curb to behind side fence.
Pets: clean all hair, prints, waste or $75 fee. No pets on furniture/beds. Checkout 11am sharp. Text Liomai 704-248-1778 with departure time. $50 per 30 min late checkout fee.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
The guest has to send written confirmation agreeing to the house rules and policies. Failure to do so will result in the cancellation of said booking.
No b-day parties or NYE parties for anyone under 25 years of age. No parties or gatherings larger than 7 people without prior approval.
Any violation of rules or terms will result in a full loss of deposit and the guests will be asked to leave with no refund.
Important information
You need to know
Property # 742923vb
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
Note from host: Failure to discuss prior to stay deposit is lost
Long-term renters welcome
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
Charlotte
Located in Charlotte, this holiday home is in the city centre and on a river. SouthPark Mall is worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's popular attractions can visit NASCAR Hall of Fame and Carowinds Theme Park. Looking to enjoy an event or a game? See what's going on at Spectrum Center or Bank of America Stadium. Discover the area's water adventures with jet skiing and kayaking nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with cycling and hunting.
Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT) - 26 min drive
Restaurants
McDonald's - 3 min drive
Custom Home Pubs - 3 min drive
Circle K - 4 min drive
Circle K - 3 min drive
Cook-Out - 4 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Urban Escape w/Hot Tub, Backyard Oasis, Min to Uptown! pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows pets (limit 2 total). Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.
How much does it cost to stay at Urban Escape w/Hot Tub, Backyard Oasis, Min to Uptown!?
As of 13 June 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Urban Escape w/Hot Tub, Backyard Oasis, Min to Uptown! on 14 June 2026 start from NZ$566, 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.
How much is parking at Urban Escape w/Hot Tub, Backyard Oasis, Min to Uptown!?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Urban Escape w/Hot Tub, Backyard Oasis, Min to Uptown!?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Urban Escape w/Hot Tub, Backyard Oasis, Min to Uptown!?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Urban Escape w/Hot Tub, Backyard Oasis, Min to Uptown! located?
Located in the heart of Charlotte, this holiday home is 1 mi (1.6 km) from McAlpine Creek Greenway and 3.1 mi (5 km) from Stumptown Park. Matthews Community Center and Novant Health Matthews Medical Center are also within 6 miles (10 km).
Reviews
9.4
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
It's a nice house in a good location. I wouldn't recommend staying there with young children as the railings are minimal and the stairs are steep and with sharp edges.
The neighborhood was very quiet and close to many stores. The stove in the kitchen was on point. It was very relaxing to sit on the back deck under the patio lights and listen to the waterfall. The shower in master bedroom was great! We were so excited to see all the deer walking through the neighborhood.
The Zen Retreat was a cozy spot for our family to gather for a weekend trip to Charlotte. The wall of cookbooks kept drawing me in. (I even jotted a few recipes down to try at home.)Would stay here again just to have access to this culinary experience!
Everything was great and house was very unique and lovely! Enjoyed our short stay that let us come home from our exploring to a relaxing bed with my friends.
Perfect for our 11 nights in the Charlotte area. House is cozy with a private fenced in backyard, which was ideal for our dog! Beds were extremely comfortable. Quiet neighborhood, but close to everything. Host was very responsive.
Fabulous house! The outside area is divine! So peaceful! House was perfect for us and we had everything we needed. We will definitely stay here again! Thank you thank you!
The photos don’t fully capture how wonderful this home truly is. The location, amenities, and spacious layout exceeded my expectations. There was plenty of room for both family and guests without ever feeling crowded. Check-in and check-out were quick and seamless. I would absolutely stay here again—whether for a family vacation, a girls’ trip, or even a couples’ getaway.
Tonya B.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Russel M.
11 January 2019
Very Impressive retreat to share with friends and family.
Enjoyed our stay very much. A peaceful, relaxing retreat.
We had an awesome time for Christmas at the Zen Retreat. The location of the house is so convenient to all your needs and the neighborhood is quiet and great to walk your dogs, if you have any. Highly recommend for families.
Nicholas L.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2024
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Pam J.
17 September 2018
Relaxing place to stay
We enjoyed our stay here. Excellent WiFi and access to Netflix. Back yard with hot tub was inviting. Well equipped kitchen.
Pam J.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 29 March 2020
Thank you Bob for your kind words. We love having guests stay at the house and you are welcome back anytime.
This place was so amazing and the beds were super comfy. We grilled outside and enjoyed the hot tub. It was a really fun time.
Britney P.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 1 June 2020
So glad to hear Britney...It was so very nice to see your kind words about my place. Thanks so much!
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Becky K.
11 January 2018
This is a wonderful property! The home was perfect for our family, and we will definitely be back!
We had a wonderful experience at this property. It was perfect for our family. The kitchen was so complete, which made meal preparation a breeze. We loved the fireplace and big TV. The location was great! I highly recommend this property.
Becky K.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 29 March 2020
Much Love Becky! I totally love your kind words about my space. It makes me very happy to have people at the house enjoying it as much as I do when I'm home. Thanks for picking the Zen Retreat!
My family and I enjoyed our stay at The Zen Retreat! The home is very lovely and unique. The backyard is awesome and we all loved sitting on the deck! Location was central to all of our family's weekend activities!
Beth M.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 1 June 2020
I am so happy that you found my place so fitting for your needs. It was great to see that you and your family having such a great time at The Zen Retreat. Please come back again!
Archival
8/10 Good
Marc T.
27 May 2016
Zen Retreat
Our family had a nice stay at the Zen Retreat. The house was clean, comfortable and convenient. Richard did a great job communicating with us ahead of check in and throughout our stay. The decor is fun but also functional.
Marc T.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2016
Response from VrboOwner on 29 March 2020
Thank you...Glad to have you and your family. Hope to have you back again soon!
Me and 3 of my girlfriends rented this space for the Scentsy Convention and it was absolutely perfect!! 10/10 will rebook next time I come to Charlotte
Angela B.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Ellen N.
19 January 2016
Comfortable,welcoming retreat
5 week stay at this retreat. Owner was very welcoming and interested in meeting all our needs. The home had all the amenities. Location is close to everything. We will stay here again.
Ellen N.
Response from VrboOwner on 29 March 2020
Thank you Ellen for you comments...It was a pleasure having you and your husband stay at The Zen Retreat for those 5 weeks. I am glad you found it to be the escape you needed while here in town visiting family and friends . Thanks again for choosing our little oasis.
My family and I were in town for my sisters funeral. We chose this house because of its proximity to the church. The house was a true joy to stay in. The back yard was peaceful and inviting. The house was large enough for us to have individual space. We spent most of our time congregating in the kitchen which was spacious and well appointed with everything you need. We had an enjoyable stay.
The backyard is amazing. Gorgeous patio with lights, seating, and a hot tub. The beds were super comfortable. The front entrance stairs inside were anxiety inducing for me because there was no rail on the side that drops into the living room, but other than that we had an amazing stay
Ashley W.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Beth B.
22 January 2019
We had a very enjoyable stay. This is a truly unique house & lived up to it’s description.
We cooked big breakfasts in the fully stocked kitchen. We enjoyed the hot tub and the bubbling waterfalls in the back yard and well as the fire pit and gas fire places. The open layout of the main living space/kitchen worked well for our group of 6 (plus dog).
Beth B.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 29 March 2020
Thank you so much Beth for your kind words...it was an honor to host you and I appreciate your review.
Came here for a long birthday weekend with family. Even though it was in a neighborhood, it felt very relaxing and peaceful in the backyard. Especially loved the outdoor bed and fire pit dining table. Beds were very comfortable and the home was spacious, beautiful, and very Zen like.
Wouldn't have changed a thing about this property, it was perfect!! Thank u having us, and we hope to get the chance to stay again...
Gea F.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Sarah J.
27 November 2016
Absolutely great
The place was just as advertised. A calm retreat within the city. It was close to everything that you need. I am planning another trip to Charlotte this year and plan to stay here again. The owner Richard was awesome to work with and a good guy.
Sarah J.
Response from VrboOwner on 29 March 2020
Thank you...so happy you had a wonderful stay at the house. Come back again soon!
About the host
Hosted by Richard Gruica
I am always looking for a great meal, great drink, and great company and will do my best to make that happen. I used to work in the food industry as a Chef and Culinologist (I helped companies create the flavor portion to their products) and used to travel extensively for work. Since all things culinary have been a huge part of my life, I started an online-based dining and socializing group called Good Eats and Meets that is now in 7 cities in the US and is the largest group of its kind in the US. I have a grown daughter and son. My parents are Croatian and I am also fluent in Spanish and Croatian. I spend my time split between the US and Europe as I started a boutique travel company called The Gourmet Vacation, where I take guests on an intimate food and wine-centric trips around the world. I also started the Gypsy Table, a roaming pop up dinner series and Croatia Food Tours, which is a gourmet food and wine tour taking guests on wonderful walking tours.
Why they chose this property
Because it is totally unlike ANY house out there and it so many cool ways!
What makes this property unique
The Backyard is worth the money for the view alone. 2 ponds with waterfalls and landscape lighting with a hot tub to enjoy along the deck. A day bed next to the fire pit and an outdoor table for an al fresco dinner with a fire pit in the middle on the other side of the deck to enjoy. Grill up some tasty treat on 1 of the 2 grill available for you. One is a cooker/smoker/grill called a Grill Dome (similar to a Big Green Egg)or the super strong (I had the gas outlets re-drilled) gas grill for a perfect meal. That is just the tip of the iceberg. Just take a look at the pics and description and you will see all the other benefits.
Languages:
English, Spanish, Croatian
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests