River Nest

Three floors of living space offer four bedrooms, each with its own unique charms. Two of the upstairs bedrooms have romantic private balconies with magnificent mountain views, perfect for catching the sunrise, and the full length deck below invites you to relax surrounded by nature. Or sit out front on the spacious porch and enjoy the lush garden! River Nest offers a kitchen designed and built to order for a family that loves to cook. One window looks out over a mountain meadow, and the other provides a sunset view of the garden - look for deer or wild turkeys roaming the mountain as you prepare dinner, and keep an eye out for hawks and herons during your after-dinner stroll! This spacious, comfortable residence sits on 30 acres of wooded land, and provides easy access to the Toe River - all you need to do is walk downhill. To the south, explore a hidden wetland, or walk up Ned Branch creek and marvel at the beautiful waterfalls! To the north, enjoy the excitement of an old-style swinging bridge that leads to a romantic former train station perched high on a rock above the river. For an easy, historical hike, cross the swinging bridge and walk up the paved road to Kona. Fans of North Carolina history, traditional music, and ghost stories will be familiar with Frankie and Charlie Silver, made famous in Sharyn McCrumb's novel The Ballad of Frankie Silver. See the graveyard where the figures in that tragic story lie buried! If you wish to go further afield, cool down hiking on Mt. Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi, renowned for its natural wonders and stunning views. River Nest is also close to famous Penland School of Crafts, which can be reached either by highway, or through charming backroads that pass through quaint Loafer's Glory. Time your stay so you can even attend one of Penland's renowned open houses, where you can try glassblowing, papermaking, pottery, and more! Nearby, tranquil Celo Valley boasts more artisans per capita than anywhere in the United States! The Blue Ridge Parkway is an easy drive away through beautiful woodland and quaint towns. Another scenic drive takes you to the North Carolina/Tennessee border and the grassy, quiet mountaintop of Round Bald, home to unparalleled views, wild blueberries, and the twisting pathways of the Appalachian Trail. Easily accessible via state-maintained roads, and 20 minutes from shopping and delicious restaurants in charming downtown Burnsville, restful, renewing River Nest has something for everyone.