Lake Summit Nest, peaceful retreat with dock & boathouse on cool, clean lake
Quiet retreat perched on a hill above Lake Summit surrounded by nature with all the modern conveniences. Enjoy the use of our dock/boathouse on a large cove of the beautiful, clean lake. Visit nearby historic places, national parks, restaurants and markets. Originally the servants' quarters on the grounds of a home built by a founder of the lake during the 1920's, the Nest has been renovated into a large open concept space which is very private and has its own entrance. The owners live in the main house with their cat. Guests have access to the grounds and enjoy badminton on our court, swimming, fishing, kayaking , paddle boarding, picnics at the dock and walks along the lake road. Our boathouse is especially popular with guests and can be reached via the 88 stone steps or by car.
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no grills permitted......check-in..is..between..3PM..and..8PM.
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 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
Saluda
Located in Saluda, this cottage is in a rural area and on a lake. Heartwood Contemporary Crafts Gallery and Flat Rock Playhouse are cultural highlights, and some of the area's landmarks include Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site and Connemara. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at The Cliffs Valley Wellness Center or The Cliffs At Glassy Wellnes Center. Discover the area's water adventures with kayaking and rafting nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking/biking trails and mountain climbing.
Blue Ridge Parkway Asheville Entrance - 37 min drive - 54.8 km
Fred W. Symmes Chapel - 51 min drive - 58.6 km
Getting around
Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) - 28 min drive
Restaurants
Dairi-O - 16 min drive
McDonald's - 15 min drive
Bojangles' Famous Chicken 'n Biscuits - 15 min drive
Dunkin' - 15 min drive
Cracker Barrel - 15 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Lake Summit Nest, peaceful retreat with dock & boathouse on cool, clean lake pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Lake Summit Nest, peaceful retreat with dock & boathouse on cool, clean lake?
As of 7 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Lake Summit Nest, peaceful retreat with dock & boathouse on cool, clean lake on 25 May 2026 start from NZ$252, 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 Lake Summit Nest, peaceful retreat with dock & boathouse on cool, clean lake?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Lake Summit Nest, peaceful retreat with dock & boathouse on cool, clean lake?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Lake Summit Nest, peaceful retreat with dock & boathouse on cool, clean lake?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Lake Summit Nest, peaceful retreat with dock & boathouse on cool, clean lake located?
Situated on a lake, this cottage is within 1 mile (2 km) of Lake Summit and Green River. Saluda Historic Depot and Museum and Saluda Dog 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 love this cozy spot for a quick weekend getaway. This was our 2nd time staying here and we enjoyed it just as much as the first. Its quiet and serene. The lake isn't overwhelmed by fast moving motorboats so my husband who is an avid fisherman, enjoys how calm the water is.
You can feel the "history" in this spotleess, spacious, well-maintained property. There wasn't anything overlooked, providing us with above and beyond ammenities and helpfulness from the WONDERFUL hosts!The beauty and wildlife surrounds you from big bay windows and porch. The lake is a short drive or short walk complete with everything you need in a boathouse, including kayaks, fishing poles, deck chairs, steps into the water, locked gate for privacy, just perfect.I can not express enough how the hosts go the extra mile for their guests! We look forward to going back next year!
We had a fantastic time at the house. It is in a beautiful location on the lake and the property is spectacularly landscaped. The hosts were a very gracious, lovely couple who were very knowledgeable about the lake and its history. We had a great great visit.
Matt G.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2024
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Rita M.
17 June 2018
Beautiful, peaceful, relaxing and fun!
Our hosts were fabulous and the cabin and boathouse were incredible! Definitely want to return!
Rita M.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 30 March 2020
We look forward to your return...hopefully soon.
Melinda
We had a great time staying at the nest. Loved sitting in the bay window and having coffee at the boat house to look at all the fall color. Thanks for a lovely weekend!
This was one of the most relaxing coziest places that my wife and I have ever visited. The views of the forest were just stunning. The owners of the property were exceptional. They met us. Explained everything about the property to us. Took us around for a brief tour and then let us do whatever we wanted to do. The property is immaculate. They thought of everything they made it. So you feel like you are just at home. Very peaceful. Highly recommended anyone who has an opportunity. Please take advantage of this one. This is one of the gems.
Nathan D.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Allen S.
28 May 2017
The perfect getaway!
We thoroughly enjoyed our time here and plan to return. Hal and Melinda went out of their way to make sure we had everything we needed and more! Nana's Nest is the perfect place for some r & r!
Allen S.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 30 March 2020
Loved having y'all and look forward to hearing news of baby's arrival. Best wishes for the upcoming event. Thanks for leaving the Nest in such wonderful shape.
Host and hostess were absolutely wonderful. Very detailed oriented about the property and recreation. We would recommend this stay for those who want a get away with access to water activities.
Mitch E.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023
Archival
10/10 Excellent
18 June 2017
The Nest is the Best!
We always enjoy our trips to Saluda, but we just had our best visit ever thanks to Melinda, Hal, and The Nest. The charm of the cottage and the hospitality of its owners are an unbeatable combination.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 30 March 2020
thanks for the kind words. we hope to see y'all back here next summer.
This historic cottage is extremely quiet and comfortable. The Ways are wonderful hosts and take great care to make you feel at home. The boathouse had everything we needed to relax, float and swim.
Living in Western NC, being able to cool off in the usual places has been severly crippled by Helene and most places where my husband can fish are now an hour or more away. We a quiet place, not too far from home to just enjoy some relaxing time in the water. This this place was perfect for just the two of us. The cottage was comfortable and yeah, nicely pointed with everything we could possibly need. The location was lovely and enjoyed juat sitting on the porch watching the hummingbirds. Hal and Melinda were excellent hosts. The location was just close enough to grocery stores and civilization should we have needed anything.
Autumn P.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Julianna P.
9 September 2016
A cottage that is truly a nest for relaxation !
Our stay at The Nest was a sheer delight! The cottage is so comfortable and welcoming - every comfort had been anticipated - Melinda and Hal are truly gracious hosts - It's location nestled around Lake Summit offers many, many things to do - from the boat house to visiting nearby towns for exploring, shopping and dining out! - We are already anticipating a return visit next summer !! The Pinckney's - Charleston, SC
Julianna P.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2016
Response from VrboOwner on 30 March 2020
loved meeting y'all....thanks for the kind words....come back any time
This cozy little cottage, secluded in trees on the owners property was just the greatest VRBO we have ever been to. The owners were fantastic, so welcoming and helpful. The Nest is immaculate and has everything you could possibly need as well as the boat house.
We stayed for nine nights and had beautiful weather, so we were able to enjoy the lake many times. It was a very quiet, peaceful vacation with my husband, and we will be back next year!
LINDA G.
Stayed 9 nights in Sep 2023
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Patti L.
22 October 2017
A little piece of heaven
Just let your cares melt away and enjoy the tranquility. So close to so many incredible things to do. Dupont Forest was my favorite with stunning waterfalls. Loved taking the kayak out on the lake. If you need a getaway this is it. Melinda and Hal were perfect hosts. Looking forward to going back again.
My wife and I spent a wonderful 3 days in this little gem on Lake Summit. Melinda and Hal are great hosts...on arrival they met us at the cottage and showed us around and how everything works. This included a brief and fascinating history lesson of the property! The fridge was stacked with several little surprises that was way beyond expectation. a real gem!
This property was just what we were hoping for. You hear nothing but the animals and dark at night is an understatement, they have a couple of small flashlights but you may want a spotlight 😂 The final 1.5 miles to the cabin are on a gravel road that is one lane so keep that in mind when choosing the vehicle you bring. The property is located right behind the hosts home and they were there to greet us and give us a tour of the home and a ride to show us where the boathouse was. All in all, we loved this place.
Darien A.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 3 June 2024
Hey Darien,
Loved having y’all and hope you can return. The lake road is actually a state 2 lane road maintained by the NC highway department. We drive it every day in our regular cars with no issues.
So glad I could squeak in another stay in this perfect Guest Cottage. I am a second-timer here & am already planning a return next year. The Nest is quiet, comfortable, clean, spacious yet cozy, & filled w/all the comforts of home & then some. The hosts are very hospitable, helpful, available if needed & ensure my stay is "just right." I highly recommend this vacation rental - plenty to do & see within a 20-30 minute drive (or more) but the bonus to me is staying put - relaxing on the large deck, reading, enjoying the lush view or hanging out at the boat house/dock, or walking around the Lake Summit area. Five stars!!
It was like living in a magical forest , the lushness and the beauty was amazing and the walks up to the tennis court, and down to the boathouse.
And the apartment was also great , huge window seat with the bay windows, five different kinds of coffees , a huge king size bed , lots of windows with beautiful things to look at. A large front porch with rocking chairs to sit and enjoy the view. Not to mention the lake and the boathouse, the kayaks, the paddle boards, the tubes, feeding the baby ducks, the peaceful serene space was perfect ! We only wish we could have stayed another week 😟
Melinda and Hall were a pleasure to be with and they could’ve been any nicer or more accommodating. We hope to return.👍❤️
Paula a.
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2024
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Dale F.
8 August 2016
A little piece of heaven-right in NC!
We had been to Lake Summit many times before but not in years. It is truly a special place but with very few lake rentals. We were thrilled to find the Nest on VRBO! Not only do you get an adorable, private one room loft (which was equipped with cold drinks, fruit, fresh banana bread, snacks from the Fresh Market, any toiletry you might have forgotten...) but, best of all, the keys to the boathouse. Their boathouse is located on a cove off of the main lake. You can watch the motor boats pulling skiers, paddle boarders, etc from our dock while enjoyed incredible peace and quiet in a setting that will make you feel like you are on a lake in Switzerland. There are lots of things to do in Hendersonville and Saluda but then you miss being on the lake!
This is a place to totally relax and recharge. No matter how long you stay, you'll wish it was for longer. We can't wait to go back--
Dale F.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2016
Response from VrboOwner on 30 March 2020
Loved meeting y'all and enjoyed our conversations. Hopefully another visit next summer?
About the host
Hosted by melinda way
We are a retired couple very familiar with the area and quite willing to help with suggestions or directions. We also respect our guests privacy.
Why they chose this property
This property was built by one of the original founders of the lake in 1923. My family has owned the property since 1968, and through the years we have come mainly during the summers. My husband and I moved here to retire and really enjoy the seasonal changes. We changed very little of the personality of the property, but did add heat and air.
What makes this property unique
Everyone who stays here finds it very relaxing, but with plenty of fun things to do. Our guests can enjoy badminton on our court, wandering in the garden or lake activities at our dock/ boathouse. Use our kayaks and paddle boards to explore the lake, swim, fish and picnic at the dock. We are also close to restaurants, shops and grocery stores in case you feel like going into town (Hendersonville and Saluda are the closest and Asheville and Greenville are a bit further) There are many parks and hiking trails nearby too. We really enjoy introducing guests to our beautiful area.
Languages:
English, French
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests