Top 10% of guest reviews in this areaTop 10% of guest reviews in this area
Highlights
Scenic water view
Relax and unwind with top-rated water views, offering a scenic experience.
Beach equipment
A rare find — beach equipment ready to go for your days by the sea.
By the lake
Guests love the beautiful lakefront location.
Discover nearby landmarks
Near Lake Toxaway
5 bedrooms5+ bathroomsSleeps 12
Popular amenities
Heated pool
Spa pool on site
Garage parking available
Dog-friendly
Kitchen
Washing machine
Explore the area
Lake Toxaway, NC
Lake Toxaway
Place, Lake Toxaway
15 min walk
Lake Jocassee
Place, Lake Jocassee
37 min drive
Western Carolina University
Place, Western Carolina University
56 min drive
Asheville, NC (AVL-Asheville Regional)
Airport, Asheville, NC (AVL-Asheville Regional)
65 min drive
Rooms & beds
5 bedrooms (sleeps 12)
Bedroom 1
1 King Bed
Bedroom 2
1 King Bed
Bedroom 3
1 King Bed
Bedroom 4
1 King Bed
Bedroom 5
1 King Bed
Bedroom 6
1 Double Futon
5 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom
Bathroom 1
Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only · Jetted bathtub
Bathroom 2
Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet
Bathroom 3
Bathtub or shower · Toilet
Bathroom 4
Bathtub or shower · Toilet
Bathroom 5
Toilet · Shower only
Bathroom 6
Toilet
Spaces
Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Separate dining area
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area
About this property
Luxurious Lakefront. Private Golf Club, Tennis, Boating, Hiking, Hot Tub
Welcome to Cardinal Zen. Access to the exclusive Lake Toxaway Golf & Tennis Club and Tom Fazio Learning Center. Easter to Thanksgiving.**Since 1903, the Rockefellers, Vanderbilts, Firestones, Henry Ford, R. J. Reynolds, President James Buchanan, Thomas Edison and now Tom Fazio and America’s Fortune 500 CEO’s call this home and refer to this glorious private lake escape as "Little Switzerland."
Extraordinary 5-bedroom 5 and 1/2 bath, 6,000 square foot lake front home with 300-feet of lake frontage. Breathtaking water views from almost every room. Professionally furnished and decorated.
FEATURES *Motouk linens, Stearns & Foster pillow top mattresses *Gourmet fully equipped kitchen (Le Creuset cookware, herbs, spices, professional knives) *Lakefront 6-person saline hot tub *Two great rooms *5-on suite king bedrooms *Game room *Fitness room *Four wood burning fireplaces *Screened porch with stunning lake and wooded views and wood burning fireplace *Vast, gently sloping lawn with surrounding forest and creek. Perfect for children and adults. ***Club access requires guest membership for additional fees
ACTIVITIES Golf, tennis(clay courts), pickle ball, croquet, fitness center Swimming Paddle boarding, kayaking, canoeing Water skiing & tubing Hiking (vast waterfall trails) Fishing Mountain biking Horseback riding Casual and fine dining
PRIVACY Security cameras are only located outside the primary entrance to the front and rear of Cardinal Zen. They are not monitored and are only reviewed in the event of a security incident.
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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
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
Lake Toxaway
Located in Lake Toxaway, this holiday home is in a rural area and on the waterfront. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Pisgah National Forest and Lake Jocassee. Travelling with kids? Consider Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute, or check out an event or a game at Silversteen Memorial Stadium. Take in the nearby slopes with skiing, or try out other outdoor activities such as sledging.
Western Carolina University - 56 min drive - 63.6 km
Getting around
Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) - 60 min drive
Restaurants
Grand Olde Station at Lake Toxaway - 9 min drive
Mica's Restaurant - 25 min drive
Osteria del monte Ristorante Italiano - 16 min drive
Canyon Kitchen - 25 min drive
Los Vaqueros - 11 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Does Luxurious Lakefront. Private Golf Club, Tennis, Boating, Hiking, Hot Tub have a pool?
Yes, this property has an outdoor pool. Pool types include heated pools.
How much does it cost to stay at Luxurious Lakefront. Private Golf Club, Tennis, Boating, Hiking, Hot Tub?
As of 29 July 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Luxurious Lakefront. Private Golf Club, Tennis, Boating, Hiking, Hot Tub on 9 September 2026 start from NZ$11,038, 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 Luxurious Lakefront. Private Golf Club, Tennis, Boating, Hiking, Hot Tub pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total). Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.
How much is parking at Luxurious Lakefront. Private Golf Club, Tennis, Boating, Hiking, Hot Tub?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Luxurious Lakefront. Private Golf Club, Tennis, Boating, Hiking, Hot Tub?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Luxurious Lakefront. Private Golf Club, Tennis, Boating, Hiking, Hot Tub?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Luxurious Lakefront. Private Golf Club, Tennis, Boating, Hiking, Hot Tub located?
This family-friendly Lake Toxaway holiday home is located on the waterfront, within a 15-minute walk of Nantahala National Forest and Lake Toxaway. Pisgah National Forest and Gorges State Park are also within 6 miles (10 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
We stayed here for a family vacation with three generations. It was the perfect house. Enjoyed being on the lake and all the upgraded features. Theresa was very responsive and helpful.
Nice big yard for kids and games. Paddles boards and canoe on the lake was fun for all ages.
Patricia T.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 8 August 2021
Hi Patricia, Our caretaker relayed to us what an amazing time your family enjoyed at Cardinal Zen throughout the week. We are sorry you decided to leave us the lowest star-rating we’ve ever had. Kindest regards, Theresa
The most enjoyed feature was the large gently sloping lawn and the dock for sitting with drinks and watching the kids on watercraft. Overall, a nice time for the family.
Amazing house… This vacation was fantastic primarily due to this wonderful home on Lake Cardinal. House is beautiful and had everything you could possibly need. Host was very attentive and responded quickly to any questions I had prior to and during the stay. Will look forward to our next visit here.
Hugh H.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Helen S.
26 September 2018
Beautiful views and plenty of space
This is a fabulous property. The house is beautiful, big and well appointed (even have coffee and spices). We really enjoyed the dock and water toys. Easy drive to Greystone - about 5 or so minutes. Highly recommend!.
Loved the size of the house and location was perfect. The recessed rooms could be an issue for older individuals. Especially the step down into the master bedroom.
Carole K.
Stayed 14 nights in Jun 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 8 August 2021
Thank you for you comments. The step down into the master was well designed to maximize the breathtaking view of the lake and delineated with recessed oak inlays. This is the first time we’ve heard a concern about this design in 20-years, but we appreciate your perspective. Kindest regards, Theresa
Beautiful home right on private lake with easy access to the dock. Pet friendly and our dogs had a blast splashing and exploring the forest paths. Private, quiet, spacious, fully stocked home with gorgeous views for working remotely while we tried to enjoy some down time. Great experience and hope to come back soon!
The property was as described in the description.
Plenty of room to spread out and the kitchen was wonderful to cook in. All we needed was provided.
The furnishings were more than comfortable with so much style. The beds were extremely comfortable!!!
I would recommend this property.
Also, notice this house is NOT on Lake Toxaway. It's on Cardinel Lake. A small, beautiful, quiet lake above it with no motors allowed. <3
Susan M.
Stayed 8 nights in May 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 5 June 2024
Cardinal Zen is located on the exclusive, quiet upper portion of Lake Toxaway, separated by a spillway allowing only personal water sports (swimming, paddle boarding, kayaking, canoeing and fishing), in a safe, quiet environment away from the noise of the motorized portion of the lake. The power boating marina is a 5-minute drive from Cardinal Zen and has a variety of pontoon and deck boats for skiing, wakeboarding, tubing. We are glad you enjoyed your stay.
Second time staying at Cardinal Zen. We love it. Plenty of space for adults / couples with five king bedrooms each with own bath. Family room and outdoor porch are big enough for all to sit comfortably (and have great fireplaces). Dock is perfect for sunny afternoons (and canoe/kayaks great too). Lake Toxaway is beautiful. Our family enjoys the upper lake for its quiet and stillness. We highly recommend.
Manager was very responsive with all of our concerns after a severe storm impacted the area prior to our arrival.
Found the home to be a welcome retreat for our extended family allowing each of us to escape to our own lovely nooks!
The 5, 7 & the young at heart year olds stayed outside all day playing in the lake. The nearby hike to a waterfall provided great family pictures for this year’s Christmas cards:)
What a fantastic week we had here! This house with all of the fantastic amenities along with use of the country club is a very rare find. The screen porch and the gentle sloping yard were huge favorites amongst our group. Theresa was also very responsive to any needs or questions we had. We typically don't go to the same place twice, but we have already booked this house again for next summer- Can't wait!
Upon arriving to a beautiful home on the lake, music and champagne greeted us. We needed the calm, the beauty, the amazing comfort and ease of Cardinal Zen. Words cannot express what this house did for us after 15 days of turmoil in Asheville after Helene. Our youngest daughter was proposed to on Saturday and what a beautiful setting to be in Toxaway. Theresa is amazing too! Very responsive and kind.
Robyn H.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024
About the host
Hosted by Theresa Cannon
What makes this property unique
All beds have Stearns & Foster Thornham Plush Pillow Top Mattress with lavish linens. All bedrooms have private bathrooms (en-suite) Gourmet fully equipped kitchen. Luxurious 6-person saline hot tub with breathtaking view overlooking the lake. Sonos music system, expanded cable TV and WiFi. Viking stainless steel range - gourmet fully equipped kitchen Large outdoor grille and dining porch.
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests