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Eco-Cove Wildlife Sanctuary - an Elegant, Two Bedroom Mountain Vacation Home

Photo gallery for Eco-Cove Wildlife Sanctuary - an Elegant, Two Bedroom Mountain Vacation Home

Large open living room with rock wall and adjoining formal dining room and porch
Living room couches and oil painting. House decorated from world travels.
The open space of the layout amazes guest with how spacious the house is.
Full view of the living room. Note grandfather clock.
Grandfather clock outside hallway stays on silent.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms2+ bathroomsSleeps 4139.4 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Spa pool
  • Kitchen
  • Air-conditioning
  • Outdoor space
  • Parking available
  • Mountain view

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Den

2 Single Beds

2 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only · Jetted bathtub

Bathroom 2

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Den bath off entry

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Eco-Cove Wildlife Sanctuary - an Elegant, Two Bedroom Mountain Vacation Home

Eco Cove House is located on 117 acres, a National Wildlife Certified Wildlife Habitat, 7 miles between Marion and Old Fort, and 30 minutes from Asheville, NC. It is a private home in a romantic natural setting. An acre pond with koi, gardens, forests, and meadows form the ambiance you'll enjoy for a relaxing vacation. The home has a large living room, formal dining room, amenity-filled kitchen, a den with daybed and breakfast nook, 2 bedrooms, 2 & 1/2 baths and a 50' porch porch with rockers, tables, 2 chairs and a glider. A creek gurgles nearby.
This entire home is available for your vacation in Western North Carolina. The open floor plan unites the large living room, formal dining room, kitchen, breakfast nook and den (which has a trundle day bed available for up to 2 children at additional charge of $20.00 per child per day). The kitchen is fully stocked with cookware, implements, dishes, dishwasher, stove and oven, full refrigerator, a microwave, toaster oven, toaster, and regular coffee maker.
The King Master bedroom includes an ensuite bathroom with a shower, double sink, and hot tub (included in weekly rentals, but less than a week requires an additional $150.00 energy/water/sanitation fee for filling, draining and sanitizing.) The second bedroom offers a Queen bed with a full bathroom (bathtub/shower) across the hall.
Two rockers, a table, a glider, a bistro table and 2 chairs, and a lounge on our 50 foot long front porch offer a relaxing place where the sound of the nearby creek lulls our guests--a favorite place for many! Adults and children alike delight in lightning bugs on the yard beyond. Maintaining the colorful gardens on the property are my joy! A bench at the pond and dock where we feed our koi add delight to your experience.
Guests have the entire home for their use. We greet guests, unless previously arranged for a late arrival. Children must be accompanied on the property at all times by an adult.The house is 1500 square feet, all on one level with no stairs or steps. Parking is private, accommodating up to two cars.
An acre pond is on our property, with our pet koi that love to be fed! We are happy to give you fish food. Use of the pond for swimming or any day visitors beyond registered guests must be approved by the owners in advance.

NO PETS, SMOKING, OR TOBACCO PRODUCTS ARE ALLOWED.

Our home is on the property, not visible from the rental house. We are happy to accommodate your requests if possible, with any needs or local knowledge advice. Our goal is to make this the best stay you have ever had!

We built a 75 foot schooner in California, sailed it to the Caribbean, and chartered for up to 6 guests for a week at a time in the Virgin Islands for 14 years. During that time, we also built a 3 bedroom, 3 story villa with a pool and hot tub overlooking Hull Bay, St. Thomas. It was also offered for weekly rentals. So we have been in the business, so to speak, for over 30 years. We love people and are happy to share our stories if guests are interested, but otherwise completely respect your privacy.

I block time after each rental to ensure a through, safe cleaning, often mentioned in reviews from our guests. Your health and ours are of supreme importance to us.

There is satellite TV, DVD, VCR and a collection of movies onsite. In this rural mountain area, we have not been able to gain internet installation at the house, although guests with their own hotspots have been able to access service.
McDowell County's Lake James, multiple hiking trails, caves, waterfalls, forestland, gem mining, mountain bike races, and beauty draws hikers and nature lovers here. Wildlife, waterfowl, and songbirds delight our visitors.
Our private home offers the luxury of comfort and beauty, as well as proximity to other North Carolina mountain towns! Groceries, restaurants, breweries, wineries, bars, tennis courts, and golfing are available in Marion and Old Fort, each are 7 minutes away. We live on a state maintained road only 1/2 mile from 70 highway. I contact our guests with directions and other information before arrival, and welcome your questions. We hope you will join us at Eco Cove.

Keywords: House, Forest, Tranquility, Mountain home, hiking, pond, parking, nearby lake

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House Rules

Check in after 1:00 PM
Check out before 1:00 PM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Any more than 4 people are an extra charge.
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Events

No events allowed
Only with previous permission of owner
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Pets

No pets allowed
Non-negotiable, sorry.
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
No tobacco products anywhere on the property.
Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times on the property.

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
Note from host: Only with previous permission of owner
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
Property Registration Number 98956

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Marion

Located in Marion, this holiday home is in a rural area. Historic Carson House and Old Fort Railroad Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's landmarks include Arrowhead Monument and Davidson's Fort Historic Park. Ten Thousand Villages and Emerald Village are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
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Map
Marion, NC

What's nearby

  • Historic Carson House - 5 min drive - 4.7 km
  • Marion Greenway Trailhead - 7 min drive - 8.1 km
  • Old Fort Railroad Museum - 11 min drive - 14.3 km
  • Mission Hospital McDowell - 11 min drive - 12.0 km
  • Lake James - 13 min drive - 14.7 km

Getting around

  • Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) - 50 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Sonic Drive-In - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Papa John's Pizza - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪J. Hartman's - ‬8 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Eco-Cove Wildlife Sanctuary - an Elegant, Two Bedroom Mountain Vacation Home pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Eco-Cove Wildlife Sanctuary - an Elegant, Two Bedroom Mountain Vacation Home?

As of 29 March 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Eco-Cove Wildlife Sanctuary - an Elegant, Two Bedroom Mountain Vacation Home on 30 March 2026 start from NZ$296, 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 Eco-Cove Wildlife Sanctuary - an Elegant, Two Bedroom Mountain Vacation Home?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Eco-Cove Wildlife Sanctuary - an Elegant, Two Bedroom Mountain Vacation Home?

Check-in begins at 1:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Eco-Cove Wildlife Sanctuary - an Elegant, Two Bedroom Mountain Vacation Home?

Checkout is at 1:00 PM.

Where is Eco-Cove Wildlife Sanctuary - an Elegant, Two Bedroom Mountain Vacation Home located?

Situated in a rural location, this holiday home is 2.1 mi (3.4 km) from Pisgah National Forest and 2.9 mi (4.7 km) from Historic Carson House. Catawba River and Marion Greenway Trailhead 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.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 40 out of 40 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 40 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 40 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 40 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 40 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

David D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

home away from home

it was perfect, warm clean comfortable, wish we could of stayed longer, we are planning our next trip now
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jared L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Tucked away.

This is the perfect place for off the beaten path, but still close to everything. We enjoyed this place. This was exactly what we were looking for. Amazing views.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Christine H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful

Wonderful hosts. Charming house. Quite and so relaxing. Had an absolutely wonderful time.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Pat E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Well maintained and close to family

Eco-Cove was very clean and well maintained as well as stocked with all that we needed for a Thanksgiving family getaway. The owner were extremely outgoing and cordial. We hope to return again when the gardens are in bloom in the spring or summer.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Karen K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely Private Spot

We enjoyed our time at EcoCove cottage. We cooked breakfast in the kitchen and there was room to spread out. We appreciated staying on our own and the safety precautions on place due to the pandemic.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jerry G.

Had a GREAT time

We were very pleased with our stay. House was great and owners were even better. We will be back. If you are looking for peace and quiet this is the place. Take advantage of the coy feeding in the afternoon.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2018
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Anne G.

Memorable

Gabrielle was a gracious host and always available when we had questions. Very comfortable home.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2017
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ron J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place and owners

Eco Cove is set back off of the main road so you can listen to the sounds of nature instead of traffic. The house is big and comfortable with everything you need for a great stay. Ed and Gabrielle are great hosts! We thoroughly enjoyed visiting with them and getting to know them. The whole package is just great with wonderful hosts, great location and house to stay in. We will definitely go back if visiting the area again!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mallory H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

This is an amazing house with amazing hosts!

My boyfriend and I enjoyed our stay SO much, it exceeded our expectations. Not only is this beautiful house tucked away in a private slice of heaven.. the hosts Gabrielle and Ed were so welcoming and accommodating. We only wish we had some extra time on our trip to spend with them.They are quick to respond and also provide complete privacy.we can’t wait to stay again!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Alexander H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Mountain retreat with great home and great hosts

Enjoyed a lovely Columbus Day weekend at Gabrielle and Ed’s mountainside retreat. Excellent hosts. Even had a surprise bottle of champagne in the fridge for my mother’s birthday. Wonderful, large covered front porch for reading and yoga outdoors. Easy day trips to Asheville and Lake Lure. Definitely would go back!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Alicia S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Secluded paradise and close to everything

We loved staying here! It felt like you were out in the woods but it was close to everything. At night all you could hear were the bugs and the frogs making noises. The kitchen has everything you can think of. We loved having coffee in the rocking chairs on the front porch and watching for wildlife. The place is decorated nicely with an around the world theme. Gabrielle and Ed were super sweet and great hosts and have thought of everything! And we loved Mason! We will see you again next year ♥️
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Pathfinder

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Delivered above and beyond on every level!

This stay delivered on every level above and beyond our expectations. From the moment we arrived, we felt welcomed and spoiled. The hosts had turned on lights, had the house at a comfortable temperature, and even had string lights on that produce a very warm and inviting ambience. It was like having turn down service.! The house itself is at the very end of a dead end street, passed the house of the host, and surrounded by forest on three sides, so you have complete privacy, something that is almost impossible to find. There is a beautiful front porch to relax on in the mornings, listening to the sounds of the stream and the songs of the birds. There are several walking trails on the property that we enjoyed exploring. One night we walked out into the forest and sat down on the log. We heard a screech owl and saw a family of raccoons high up in a tree. As a nature enthusiast and photographer, this place was a dream! The hosts made themselves available and yet respected our privacy. They are very interesting people and we enjoyed very much getting to know them. IThey are true adventurers! There is a large pond on the property and we relaxed there, listening to the sounds of nature and enjoying the incredible fall colors as we were entertained by the beautiful Koi. We were delighted to meet Mason, security detail, as well! He is a playful, intelligent and friendly dog. The house was immaculate and elegantly decorated. It was spacious and roomy, with plenty of areas to be together or alone, as you wish. The stars are amazing at night. That was one of the best things for me as I love astrophotography. Living in the city, I rarely get a chance to glimpse the stars, much less photograph them. I was able to photograph the Milky Way. The location is ideal. You are right off a main highway, so traveling is easy and you are close to many interesting hikes, while still feeling very private and remote and there is no road noise. The gardens that surround the house are delightful, and attract many butterflies and birds in season. Being able to look out the den or dining room onto these beautifully maintained outdoor spaces just added to the peace and tranquility. There are two TV’s, but who has time or the desire for TV with so many beautiful spaces to explore! We will definitely return and thank Ed & Gabrielle for a most enjoyable & memorable stay!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Christa M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gamer L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Very clean and was stocked with everyday things

Would be a great place to take your spouse for a romantic getaway.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Devin D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Stay

Great stay and great hosts. Thanks Gabrielle and Ed!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Charles W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Awesome

The place was very clean and exactly as described. Mrs. Thompson was very very nice and very helpful in helping us find things to do in the area. The house is super nice and very clean and inviting.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lara D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cozy Cove

Eco Cove was not only comfortable, clean, well-stocked, and cozy, but it offered such a peaceful “place to land” over the course of an extremely busy wedding weekend! Gabrielle and Ed were perfect hosts: Attentive, informative, helpful, “flexible”, and extended such patience with the fluidity of my schedule. I loved getting to meet them face to face as I took a lovely walk on the glorious property the final morning of our stay. If I am ever in Marion again, I will surely look to stay here once again! Thanks Gabrielle and Ed ♥️
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Madison D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing mountain getaway!

Gabrielle and Ed are wonderful hosts! The house had plenty of room for 4 people, and we felt right at home. The property was absolutely beautiful, with plenty of wildflowers. We enjoyed visiting Asheville, but we could've spent the entire weekend just enjoying the views at the house!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Suzanne S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peace and beauty.

A peaceful serene home to relax in during our stay. After The Biltmore and Linville Caverns and Falls we were able to enjoy the beautiful flowers, hummingbirds butterflies and lightning bugs. Our hosts were friendly and delightful. We are hoping to return soon.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Malinda K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful

Very peaceful setting. Enjoyed our stay. Hosts were very friendly and helpful.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kurt M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect Spot for a Quiet Getaway

Communication with Gabrielle and Ed was perfect as we finalized our plans. We arrived late on a Friday evening after traveling. The house was all set for us, and incredibly welcoming. We were able to settle in quickly and sink into the comfortable king-sized bed for a great nights sleep. When we woke up Saturday, we loved seeing the spring blooms, and budding trees through the windows. As we explored during the day, and met Ed and Gabrielle for a wonderful conversation we were struck by how peaceful and relaxed we felt. It truly was an amazing weekend away from the hustle and bustle. We had no problems at all, and will certainly be looking at returning.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Samundeeswari S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Its been pleasant stay and great experience

The experience is great and house is so beautiful , clean and tidy . The kitchen setup and dinning hall is too good setup and we enjoyed the cooking with all necessary things to cook ourselves in this pandemic situation . The hospitality from the owners was so very nice . This is the first time we stayed in cabin rental instead of hotel and its been very nice experience and if there is a chance i would definitely like to stay here again .
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

TONY c.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Get away

Very good loved the hot tub
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Faith H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Home away from home!

Smooth, serene, sensational... mountain paradise... we'll be back🤓
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Maria P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing

it was a really fun time it was quiet we were able to relax because there was no Wi-Fi and that was amazing because no one bother me.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2019

About the host

Hosted by Gabrielle Thompson

Host profile image
We built a 75' schooner in California and took guests for a week's sail throughout the Virgin Islands for 14 years. We decided to move to the mountains of North Carolina in 1991. We found our property at the end of the road next to the national park, and set about putting in an acre pond, a 35' pavilion, and many gardens. We have created a paradise that we adore. We wanted to share our beautiful location with guests, which we do with Eco Cove House.
Now that we are retired, we love to travel the world, but are always glad to come home to the prettiest place we know.

Why they chose this property

We love the natural beauty and tranquility of Eco Cove. It is secluded, yet only 1/2 mile from 70 Highway. As we are adjacent to the Pisgah National Forest and our property is mostly woods, meadows and ponds, we have an abundance of wildlife and bird varieties that visit. It is peaceful, and romantic.

What makes this property unique

The serenity and amazing variety of trees drew us here, yet the nearness to all of the myriad of activities that our mountains offer year round was another important aspect of our affection for Eco Cove. We lived in Black Mountain when we first moved here, but wanted the serenity of space and found it 20 minutes away. Asheville is our favorite city in the South. It brought us here after we left St. Thomas, the American Paradise. We established our own paradise in our cove.

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English
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