Smoky Mountain Dream Luxury Log Cabin · Creek, Fire Pit Island, Over an Acre
Four queen bedrooms, so nobody draws the short straw.
Most five bedroom cabins in these mountains give you one king bedroom and a pile of bunk beds. Ours has four large bedrooms with a queen in every one. Bring three other couples or the whole family. Everybody gets a real bed and a door that closes. That is the whole reason this house works the way it does.
I BUILT THE OUTSIDE MYSELF I bought this house with one idea: make it the perfect escape for a family, or for couples like us. Then I spent years building the outside to match.
Nature trails through the forest canopy. A manicured creek running through the back yard. An island in the woods with a fire pit, lit beautifully at night, reached by a log bridge I built. A discovery course for the kids along the trail, and a playground right beside the fire pit island so you can watch them from your chair by the fire.
Over an acre of it, and almost none of it came with the house. None of this is a shared community amenity you have to walk to. It is all on our own land, it is yours while you are here, and you can walk the whole thing without leaving the property. In ten years I have not found another cabin in this county with anything close, because nobody else built one.
TEN MINUTES TO THE SKI SLOPES Cataloochee Ski Area is ten minutes away by the back road. That is closer than almost anything else in this market and it is a big reason people book us from December through March. Snow tubing is right there too.
WHERE IT IS A three story luxury log cabin in the forest outside Waynesville, North Carolina, in Haywood County. Thirty minutes from a Great Smoky Mountains National Park entrance, not inside the park.
And it is easy to get to. This is not one of those dirt road, twisting, looking over the side of a cliff mountain drives. The road is paved all the way to the driveway, in any season, in a normal car. Guests tell us this every year.
THE HOUSE Five bedrooms, seven beds, 3.5 baths, three floors, about 2,900 square feet. Sleeps 10.
Four bedrooms with queen beds. One kids' bunk room with a custom log bunk. A pullout couch downstairs.
The great room has twenty foot vaulted ceilings, a stacked electric fireplace running the full height, a large Roku TV and the mountain view. Ten people fit in it comfortably.
The kitchen is fully stocked with granite counters and current appliances, seating for eight, with enough of everything that four couples can cook one meal together. Washer and dryer on site. Hardwood floors. Fast WiFi covers the house and the grounds. An indoor jetted soaking tub.
Downstairs there is a rec area with its own Roku TV. Out on the deck there is a workout corner with mats, free weights and resistance bands, with the mountain view in front of you. Not a gym, but enough to keep a routine on a long stay.
Level 2 EV charger, included, no charge. Around five percent of cabins in this area have one.
FOR FAMILIES The discovery course and the playground are both ones I built myself. The discovery course runs along the trail through the trees, and the playground now sits right beside the fire pit island so the adults can sit at the fire and watch the kids play at the same time. The creek is shallow enough for kids to splash in and the front yard is big and flat. This has been a family cabin for ten years and it still is.
HOW FAR TO EVERYTHING Cataloochee Ski Area, 10 minutes by the back road Downtown Waynesville, 15 minutes Blue Ridge Parkway, 20 minutes Cherokee, 25 minutes Great Smoky Mountains National Park entrance, 30 minutes Asheville, 35 minutes Cataloochee Valley elk viewing, 35 minutes Asheville Regional Airport, 45 minutes
The Blue Ridge Parkway through Haywood County is fully open. If you are driving toward Gatlinburg, I 40 through the Pigeon River Gorge is open at one lane each direction. I drove it myself in August 2026 and it took an hour and twenty five minutes door to door.
A FEW HONEST NOTES The creek is not fenced. It is shallow most of the year and runs fast after heavy rain. Children need an adult with them near the water and on the log bridge.
There is an indoor jetted soaking tub. There is no outdoor hot tub. I would rather you know before you book.
Dogs and cats are welcome with approval, non refundable $100 per pet per stay. No weight limit.
Three floors, upper floors by stairs only.
We are in a quiet residential community, so no motorcycles or RVs, and no outside noise after 10 pm.
Check in is after 4:00 PM with a keypad. Check out is before 10:00 AM.
We are based in South Florida these days, which means I am reachable by phone or message any time and I answer fast. Ask me anything about the area. I built the trails out back and I have driven every road around here.
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Pets allowed: dogs and cats less than 453 kg per pet (limit 2 pets total)
Pets must be kept on a leash & all waste picked up
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Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
HOA lighting and noise restrictions: There is no outside noise or constant outside lights allowed after 10 pm.
There is no trash pick up service. You may leave up to one white bag of trash. Additional trash bags left on premises will be charged $20 per bag.
No Motorcycles or RVs allowed.
Important information
You need to know
Property # 957115vb
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: After 9 pm, no loud outside noise or lights.
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 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
Waynesville
Located in Waynesville, this cabin is near theme parks and on a river. Wheels Through Time Museum and Maggie Valley Opry House are cultural highlights, and some of the area's attractions include Maggie Valley Festival Grounds and Fantasy Golf & Game Room. Consider Folkmoot Friendship Center for a night out or Waynesville Recreation Center if you're travelling with kids. Enjoy the area's slopes with cross-country skiing and snowboarding, and don't miss out on the snowmobiling and sledging.
Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center - 16 min drive - 16.2 km
Tube World - 17 min drive - 10.4 km
Wheels Through Time Museum - 18 min drive - 17.2 km
Maggie Valley Festival Grounds - 18 min drive - 17.6 km
Getting around
Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) - 51 min drive
Restaurants
Catrina’s Cantina - 10 min drive
Joey's Pancake House - 18 min drive
Dunkin' - 14 min drive
Caffeine & Chaos - 13 min drive
Ammons' Drive In and Dairy Bar - 14 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Smoky Mountain Dream Luxury Log Cabin · Creek, Fire Pit Island, Over an Acre pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 453 kg per pet.
How much does it cost to stay at Smoky Mountain Dream Luxury Log Cabin · Creek, Fire Pit Island, Over an Acre?
As of 25 September 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Smoky Mountain Dream Luxury Log Cabin · Creek, Fire Pit Island, Over an Acre on 27 September 2026 start from NZ$1,539, 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 Smoky Mountain Dream Luxury Log Cabin · Creek, Fire Pit Island, Over an Acre?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Smoky Mountain Dream Luxury Log Cabin · Creek, Fire Pit Island, Over an Acre?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Smoky Mountain Dream Luxury Log Cabin · Creek, Fire Pit Island, Over an Acre?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Smoky Mountain Dream Luxury Log Cabin · Creek, Fire Pit Island, Over an Acre located?
This family-friendly Waynesville cabin is located on a river, 1.5 mi (2.4 km) from Cataloochee Ski Area, and within 9 mi (15 km) of Maggie Valley Festival Grounds and Pigeon River. Lake Junaluska Golf Course and Wheels Through Time Museum are also within 9 miles (15 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
My mom, sister, daughters and I had a wonderful, relaxing stay at this beautiful cabin! The grounds are amazing with a creek forming the fire pit island and the super cool kids' obstacle course. Extras were provided that are not usually provided by VRBO hosts like shampoo/body wash, coffee/tea pods and creamer. It was obvious the owner wants his guests to enjoy the cabin and feel welcome. His online guest guide was very detailed and very helpful. We hope to return one day with the rest of our family!
My family had their 2nd stay at this property. There were many improvements from 5 years ago. Last time we stayed the grandkids had the best time in the steam/creek. This time was no different. They would have been happy just playing in the water looking for salamanders again this time. The house has a lot of room for all ten of us. Grandkids are 12,9,8 & 4 years of age. Seating by the fire making s’mores and listening to the stream was also fun for the kids and very relaxing for the adults. Our host was very quick to respond and has a lot of information of things to do in the area. Had a great time again!!
Smokey Mountain Dream was beyond our expectations! The grounds were a playground for adults and children from the babbling creek, the canopy of trees, the trails, the rabbits, the swings, the children’s obstacle course, the birds, fire flies and flowers, and the 2 fire pits. The cabin was perfect for 5 adults and 4 children. The house was well stocked with necessities and the furnishings enhanced the mountain experience. The proximity of the cabin to town, the Blue Ridge, Asheville, and Deep Creek was a plus.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 16 August 2026
What a lovely thing to read. You noticed the fireflies and the rabbits, which is exactly what I was hoping people would find out there. Nine of you in the house with room to spare is what this layout is built for. Great having your family here. Come back and see us! Zachary
The house was perfect for our family vacation. It was spacious and comfortable. The views were excellent, and our 3 year old loved exploring the mountain stream in the backyard. Would highly recommend!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 16 August 2026
A three year old and a mountain stream is a combination that never fails. That creek is the reason I bought this place to begin with. Glad the house gave your family room to spread out. Come back and see us! Zachary
Families are exactly who this house was built for, so that is very good to hear. The whole back of the property is set up with the kids in mind. Great having you here, and come back and see us again! Zachary
We enjoyed our visit. Well maintained property. Excellent outdoor space. They even provided firewood for the fire pits. You could hear the stream from the house if you opened the window. The host was very responsive
Stayed 4 nights in May 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 16 August 2026
Hearing the creek through an open window is my favorite thing about this house, so I am glad you found it. The firewood is there because a fire pit with no wood is just a hole in the ground. Great having you, and come back and see us! Zachary
House is clean and well maintained. Well appointed and has everything you need to get started for a long trip or make it through a weekend. Outdoor space is super kid friendly. Beds comfy, and great water pressure. House is on the Johnathan creek side of town if you’re familiar with the area, which means about 17-20 mins to downtown Waynesville and 10-15 for Maggie Valley. Would and will likely book again. Great spot
Stayed 3 nights in May 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 16 August 2026
You gave the drive times better than I do. Jonathan Creek side is exactly right, and it is a big part of why the road stays paved and easy the whole way in. Glad the outdoor space worked for the kids and that the water pressure held up for a full house. Come back and see us! Zachary
Short and very kind, thank you. Glad the place and the hosting both landed well for you. Great having you here, and you are welcome back anytime! Zachary
Answering fast is the easiest part of this job and it matters more than almost anything else I do, so I am glad it made a difference. Great having you here, and you are welcome back anytime! Zachary
Everything was great. Host was super communicative and helpful and cabin was perfection. Thanks so much.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 16 August 2026
This is very kind, thank you. Glad the cabin treated you well and that I could be useful along the way. That is exactly how I want a stay to go. Come back and see us anytime! Zachary
This place was great. The creekside trail, fire pit, and kids play area was a hit with the families. The house was great too and very well taken care of!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 16 August 2026
The creekside trail, the fire pit and the play area are the three things I have put the most work into out there, so hearing all three named in one review is a good day. Great having both families here. Come back and see us! Zachary
We absolutely love our yearly stay at this home. It is in a great location and is a beautiful home. We all look forward to our stay every year!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 16 August 2026
A yearly stay is the best thing a host can hear, and I look forward to it too. Thank you for making this part of your family's calendar. See you next year! Zachary
We had a tremendous stay at the house over the Thanksgiving holiday. The host was very communicative and everyone loved the all the amenities the house had to offer. We will definitely look to stay again in the future!
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 4 December 2024
Thank you so much for the kind words. It was a pleasure to host you and your family. Thanks for your patience as well..
Zachary
This was our 2nd time staying here. Really enjoyed our stay. Thank you to Zachary for opportunity to stay here.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 16 August 2026
A second stay means a great deal, and a birthday one even more. Thank you for choosing us again and for taking the time to write. You are welcome back anytime! Zachary
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
Catie M.
28 September 2018
Beautiful!
Beautiful property! My family and I really enjoyed our stay!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 18 March 2020
Catie,
Thank you so much for the review. I really enjoyed having you and hope you consider staying again in the future. :)
Super fun cabin if you have kids. The host was very accommodating and fast with replies.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 16 August 2026
Super fun cabin if you have kids is about the best summary of this place anyone has written. That is what the whole back acre was built for. Come back and see us! Zachary
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
Jennifer T.
21 January 2019
Beautiful Cabin and Property!
Cozy beds, beautiful scenery, lovely cabin! Overall great experience!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 16 August 2026
Cozy beds matter more than almost anything after a day out in the cold, so I am glad they delivered. Thank you for the kind words. Come back and see us! Zachary
We had a great time with our family and Zachary is a great host. The cabin has lots of room. We had 5 adults and 3 children and there was plenty of room for all. It’s close to Cataloochee - be sure and check out the elk. The kids loved the play area in the woods, the rope course, swings and climbing net. The firepit was great on a cool fall night in the mountains as well. This cabin has lots to offer!
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 16 August 2026
You found the elk! Cataloochee in the fall is one of the best things about this corner of the county and not enough guests make the drive. The rope course and the climbing net are ones I built myself, so it is good to know they got a workout. Come back and see us! Zachary
The host was very welcoming. My only suggestion would be to put some type of battery powered nightlight on the stairs to the basement rooms especially the landing between the main stairs and the second set of stairs.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 16 August 2026
That is a genuinely useful suggestion and I have noted it. The landing between the two sets of stairs is exactly where you want a bit of light at night, and it is an easy thing for me to fix. Thank you for taking the time to say so. Zachary
Awesome location, views and gorgeous property!
not to far from Asheville & Maggie Valley Ski resort
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 16 August 2026
Close to Asheville and ten minutes to the ski slopes by the back road is a combination that is hard to find up here. Glad the views delivered. Come back and see us! Zachary
Our stay was amazing! The property was beautiful. It was pretty easy to find. We enjoyed our stay and it was a great fun friend getaway!
Stayed 6 nights in May 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 16 August 2026
A friend getaway is one of my favorite groups to host, and easy to find is a compliment I will take given where we are. Glad it was a good one. Come back and see us! Zachary
We had plenty of room and comfortable spaces in which the kids and adults could spend family time but also have personal space at times.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 16 August 2026
Room to be together and room to get away from each other is exactly what a big family house needs, so I am glad it worked that way for you. If anything kept it from a perfect stay I would like to hear it. You are welcome back anytime! Zachary
About the host
Hosted by Zachary G.
Family man. Nature lover. Explorer. My family and I have poured our heart and soul into this home and the land around it for ten years. We are based in South Florida now, so I am on the phone rather than on the porch, which in practice means I answer fast and you can reach me any time. What is really special here is the panoramic views and the private nature trail, creek, fire pit island and playground, all on over an acre of our own land.
Why they chose this property
I went to camp in North Carolina when I was 10 years old and dreamed from that age of owning a place in these mountains one day. After searching for five years we found this home. Waynesville is fifteen minutes down the road for dinner, Cataloochee Ski is ten minutes by the back road, the Blue Ridge Parkway is twenty, and the elk at Cataloochee are thirty five. We put a lot of love into this house and we are happy to share it with you.
What makes this property unique
We built most of what makes this place different. It is over an acre with private woods in the back yard and a creek running through them. We built the walkway and the log bridge out to the island where the fire pit is. We built the nature trail through the woods, and we built the rustic kids playground. None of it is shared with a community or a neighbour, and none of it came with the house. Inside, four of the five bedrooms have queen beds, so a group of couples does not have to draw straws.
Languages:
English, Russian
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests