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Year-Round 3300’ Gathering @ Sky Valley-Highlands Hub! Hike-Golf-More! 5 BR-4B!

Photo gallery for Year-Round 3300’ Gathering @ Sky Valley-Highlands Hub! Hike-Golf-More! 5 BR-4B!

"Skylands" in the Glory of the Setting Sun Perched Overlooking Mtns and Lake!
Huge Wood-Burning Fireplace to Enjoy When Chill in the Air!  Firewood Provided!
Pool Table Lower Level for all Ages of Fun After a Day of Hiking or Golf!
Amazing Ambiance Overlooking Lake and Mtns from Vaulted Porch Off Greatroom.
From Main Level Vaulted Porch - Winter Sunset Mirrored in Lake!

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
5 bedrooms4 bathroomsSleeps 12315.9 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Parking available
  • Gym
  • Hot tub
  • Washer

Explore the area

Map
Dillard, GA
  • Highlands Aerial Park
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • Black Rock Mountain State Park
    ‪22 min drive‬
  • Dry Falls
    ‪27 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

5 bedrooms (sleeps 12)

Cedar Master Main Level

1 King Bed

Hickory Queen Main Level

1 Queen Bed

Pine Bunks Lower Level

2 Single Bunk Beds

Pinecone Main Level

1 Queen Bed

Pine with Mtn Laurel Lower Level

1 King Bed

4 bathrooms

Lower Level Hall Bath

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Lower Level Master Bath

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Main Level Hall Bath

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Main Level Master Bath

Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Year-Round 3300’ Gathering @ Sky Valley-Highlands Hub! Hike-Golf-More! 5 BR-4B!

We’re praying for all our friends and family in multiple areas ravaged by “Helene,” but we’re putting the word out our home at the Sky Valley area is fine, unscathed and lights are on! If you need refuge or just to retreat a few days, “Skylands" is the perfect place on the Georgia/North Carolina line high up on the Highlands Plateau at 3300' elevation to gather your flock of family or friends! Room for 12 max occupancy per county rules, but cozy for just two of you, too. Our high-speed wifi will cover all your needs! We offer 10% off for 7 or more nights and 16% off for 28 or more!

There's plenty of space with 5 bedrooms (including 2 masters) and 4 baths over two levels, with covered porches main and lower levels. Pool table and ping pong tables in 2 separate game rooms! Extra den lower level as well. Laundry on main level! Easy access from road to driveway to front door!

Skylands is totally non-smoking, and the neighborhood environment is quiet and peaceful. We do not allow pets, and we expect all guests to respect our neighbors insofar as noise/music any time, and rear floodlights after 9 pm.

This is truly a paradise where you will hear birds singing and occasional chapel bells chiming! People make multi-generational memories coming year after year due to its location, amenities, and 3300-foot elevation on the "Highlands Plateau" near multiple national and state parks and countless things to do!

Skylands' upscale rustic charm exudes as you approach the front door with extension of the house's 20+ foot gable over the front porch, with tongue-in-groove pine ceiling. Once inside the door, you're treated to the grand sight of the huge vaulted great room with massive stone wood-burning fireplace, our well-appointed kitchen with granite-topped custom island and cabinetry created from circle-milled pine, a convenient pantry, stainless steel appliances, heart-of-pine flooring main level, updated bathroom vanities with granite and vessel sinks, local-craftsman-made Appalachian mountain log beds of cedar, pine, hickory and laurel, PEX plumbing, new HVAC, and so much more!

The focal point of the lower level game room is an 8-foot oak pool table surrounded by a sassafras and sourwood pub table and hickory stools as well as two large comfy chairs with bear/trout motif and carved bear/trout arms! Nearby is the "ping pong room" with new professional-grade table! The adjoining lower den offers more rustic comfy seating with a drop-leaf table for cards, a board game, or puzzle. There are Roku-smart TV's both levels to connect all your streaming services...next to the fireplace main level and lower level on top of an antique wagon wheel table with old barn wood top.

Skylands is within walking distance to the beautiful Sky Valley Resort, including its excellent and beautiful golf course (or an easy 5-minute drive). Our guests enjoy free access to its amenities: exterior heated pool and hot tub, tennis/pickleball courts, and a fitness center open 8 am to 9 pm with sauna and an interior hot tub and locker rooms! There is also a playground for your little ones!

Going northeast, Skylands is literally blocks from the trail head to Georgia's 2nd highest peak, Rabun Bald. Jump the GA/NC line, and multiple adventures within 10 minutes of our house await with Highlands Aerial Park (zipline) and Highlands Outpost (winter snowtubing / summer tubes and a mountain roller coaster). Highlands is still just a 35-40 minute drive via Franklin or Clayton (with temporary Hwy 106 road rework at Blue Valley Overlook - mid October-December 2024). Visit Main Street in Highlands for all its charm, incredible restaurants, shops, and more! Head southwest 10 minutes for Dillard, 20 to Clayton's shops and restaurants and Lakes Burton and Rabun! Skylands is central to so many choices for a long weekend or week or more - any time of year!

As for the house itself, both the main and lower levels open to covered porches with the vaulted main level porch offering a gas grill and outdoor dining area. The porches have a south/southwestern view, overlooking a beautiful small lake and the surrounding mountains. No matter the season, the porches are perfect for perching, breathing the fresh air, enjoying the year-round views, and listening to the sounds of birds and distant church chimes!

All five Skylands' bedrooms feature rustic log or solid-wood beds, all with heart pine or luxury vinyl plank flooring - no yucky carpet! "Cedar," Skylands' master bedroom (king-sized cedar log bed) is on the main level with a view of the massive great room fireplace from bed! Its windows overlook the lake and mountains. It has an adjoining large private bath with garden tub and shower, double vanity, separate toilet room and walk-in closet. Two other main level bedrooms are on other side of great room with a hall bath. "Pinecones" has a queen-sized forged-iron and wood bed with pinecones & pine branches motif. Its windows overlook the lake and mountains. The main level 3rd bedroom now boasts a hickory log queen bed! "Pinecones" and "Hickory" share a full hall bath. Also nearby is the laundry room with a washer and dryer for your use if you need them.

The central great room on the main level includes an ample formal dining area with tiger-mahogany table and 8 chairs, the updated kitchen and new circle-milled pine island with stools, and generous seating options. The fireplace and porch view provide great ambiance whether inside or out. A black walnut game table with live-edge benches provides more dining or game table options. Best of all, relax and visit..."perch"!

Interior pine stairs lead down to the lower level with its central game room as described above, with an 8-foot oak pool table, and a den between 2 bedrooms and 2 baths. The lower level porch has an exterior egress to the ground level. Essentially, the lower level has a 2nd king-size master we call "Laurel" (pine logs with laurel accents) with adjoining bath and on the opposite side of the lower level is the "Pine Bunks" bedroom, with now 2 sets of whimsical pine log bunk beds! One is twin over full and other is twin over twin! "Pine Bunks" shares Skylands' 4th full bath with the den and game room.

Skylands is situated on 4 wooded lots - very private! Listen for the multitude of birds and other sounds of nature. It's why we have used the word "perch" as a verb...it's a restful, peaceful setting yet so close to so much! All roads are paved and maintained year-round. In fact, most of our neighbors are year-round residents who have discovered this uniquely-well-situated mecca for golf, hiking several national forests within minutes, heading up for an afternoon drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway or even venturing to Cherokee for casino/nightlife!

When you arrive, the beds will be made and everything ready for an incredible break from the "real world," but yet the real world's cellphones work great here, and the WiFi is perfect for connecting as you wish. Upon your departure, leave the cleaning and washing to our professional housekeepers, and leave with wonderful memories and a sense of calm from a break well-deserved!

Property manager

Vicki and Craig Wilkes
Premier Host

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Pool
Hot tub
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Adult Supervision House, Yard and Neighborhood
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
No Smoking in House, on Porches, or in Yard.
Noise ordinance in effect for neighborhood at all times, including loud TV, music, or other.
No rear (lake side) exterior flood lights after 9 pm.
No outside fires or fireworks permitted.

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

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Dillard

Located in Dillard, this holiday home is in a rural area and on a lake. Highlands Aerial Park and Scaly Mountain Outdoor Center are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those looking for area attractions can visit Andy's Trout Farm and Highlands Biological Station. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Dillard, GA

What's nearby

  • Highlands Aerial Park - 9 min drive - 5.2 km
  • Scaly Mountain Outdoor Center - 10 min drive - 6.4 km
  • Black Rock Mountain State Park - 22 min drive - 18.0 km
  • 12 Spies Vineyards and Farm - 22 min drive - 15.9 km
  • Dry Falls - 27 min drive - 23.2 km

Getting around

  • Atlanta, GA (PDK-DeKalb-Peachtree) - 125 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Dillard House - ‬16 min drive
  • ‪Cupboard Cafe - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Julep Farms - Dillard - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪La Cabana Mexican Restaurant - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Valley Cafe - ‬14 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Year-Round 3300’ Gathering @ Sky Valley-Highlands Hub! Hike-Golf-More! 5 BR-4B! have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool. Pool types include heated pools.

Is Year-Round 3300’ Gathering @ Sky Valley-Highlands Hub! Hike-Golf-More! 5 BR-4B! pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Year-Round 3300’ Gathering @ Sky Valley-Highlands Hub! Hike-Golf-More! 5 BR-4B!?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Year-Round 3300’ Gathering @ Sky Valley-Highlands Hub! Hike-Golf-More! 5 BR-4B!?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Year-Round 3300’ Gathering @ Sky Valley-Highlands Hub! Hike-Golf-More! 5 BR-4B! located?

This family-friendly Dillard holiday home is located on a lake, within 2 mi (3 km) of Chattahoochee National Forest and Nantahala National Forest. Fisher Lake is 2.6 mi (4.3 km) away.

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 51 out of 51 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 51 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 51 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 51 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 51 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Randy C.

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

Great trip

we had a wonderful family time. The house was a perfect fit for our family!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kimberly S.

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

Thanksgiving in Sky Valley

We spent Thanksgiving at this beautiful cabin with our family and one other family. There were 4 adults, one teenage girl, and 3 boys. Everyone had ample space. There were enough bathrooms for the group. The kids loved playing pool and ping pong daily. The kitchen was large and well-stocked. Vicki was kind and very easy to communicate with. The community had great amenities, beautiful property, and close to hikes, restaurants, and nearby towns. We would definitely return!
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

ABBY W.

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

Run Bum Race Weekend

Loved the house and everythingvit provided. Had two families with 5 kids, space was perfect. Very close to Sky Valley Community Center where the race started. Dollar General was less than 10 minutes away. Vicki was wonderful to communicate with. Will definitely stay again.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

The Great Outdoors Cousins Camp

"Skylands" House was perfect for me, my husband and our 6 teenage grandchildren. The kids all wanted to stay downstairs so we had empty bedrooms! The teenagers loved the pool table and ping pong and we all went swimming nearby. The house is well decorated and furnished and most comfortable. My communications with the owner was friendly, easy and most positive. We would love to return in a few years with more grands.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Randy C., Tifton, Ga

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

Great house and location

Great house, everything was perfect. Very comfortable.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Diane B.

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

Thanksgiving at Dilliard

Very nice home. Lots of hiking nearby.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Wedding weekend

The property is beautiful and Vicki is a fantastic host!! Tons of communication with us. We had a great time. Our initial booking was canceled 36 hours before checkin - Vicki and the property rescued us and saved the wedding weekend!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Selena L.

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

Spacious, clean, beautiful home with excellent check-in / owner communication!

Spacious, clean, beautiful home with excellent check-in / owner communication!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Michael L.

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

Sky Valley

The property was in a great location. Vicki was a great host and was quick to respond to questions and made great recommendations for food, hiking and whitewater rafting. We look forward to coming back and enjoying this area again. Close to Clayton, GA as well as Highlands and Cashiers, NC Country Club was a bonus
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Katie T.

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

Will absolutely come again!

This was an amazing location! The house had everything we needed. Lots of seating to accommodate the large family we brought. And the lake being right down the street was perfect for fishing with the whole group. The proximity to both the Highlands and Clayton was perfect for our holiday weekend adventures! Will definitely be back!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Aaron M.

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

Great property with close vicinity to Dillard and Highlands

The owners were very accommodating and communicated promptly. Property was clean and was just as advertised.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Connie C.

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

Lovely retreat with incredible views!

My family had a wonderful week at Vicki’s mountain home. On rainy days, we played ping pong, billiards, and enjoyed the wood burning fireplace! Vicki is delightful! She is responsive and engaging. We enjoyed our experience from start to finish!
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ami B.

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

Great stay

Nice large home that accommodated 11 (5 adults, 6 kids) of us comfortably! Vicki was so prompt in her communications and proactively had sent all the information we needed well in advance of our stay. We loved the big deck out back and overall had a great stay!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sharon E.

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

Mrs.

Could not be happier with our choice to stay at this property. Vicki was fantastic! She even offered suggestions when she learned of things we were interested in doing while in the area. My husband lost a hearing aid, so she asked her cleaning person to be on the lookout. Happily, it was found there & being sent to us. The property itself was just as we expected and worked beautifully for our family of 10 plus 3 month old. It was clean & though we brought everything we thought we'd need, it was well stocked. Beds were comfortable as well. Doesn't matter how lovely a property is if you cannot rest well. Thank you for the use of your lovely home.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jim R.

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

Great Family House

Beautiful clean and well equipped. Had everything we wanted. We had great time, a place we would go back to again.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Liset

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Property is beautiful, all you need for a great getaway and the host is absolutely the best at communicating and making sure you have a great time, will definitely go back! My family really enjoyed this trip over Christmas.

10/10 Excellent

Carrie Lee B., Safety Harbor, Florida

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

Perfect stay in the mountains

We had a great stay at Vickis home. She was such a great host and was so accommodating with our arrival and departure times. The cabin had everything we could have needed. The kitchen was completely stocked. There were plenty of cozy blankets for us to use. We loved the pool table and ping pong table for the kids to play when it was rainy. Such a beautiful view off the back patio. We would absolutely return if we’re ever back in this area again. Thank you for such a great experience all around!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Deborah S., Seminole Florida

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

Mountain Retreat

Beautiful, spacious, well-equipped home. Great location near Highlands, Dillard and Clayton.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Matthew C.

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

Awesome Mountain Retreat

Fantastic holiday weekend with the family! Owner amazingly responsive and kind. House and amenities very comfortable and convenient to local hiking and attractions. Highly recommend!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Ronald J., Diamondhead MS

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

Great house and location

Would definitely go back
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Robert V.

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

Amazing getaway!

What an incredible house in an amazing location! House was perfect for our family gathering. We enjoyed relaxing on the deck, meals in the kitchen, pool and ping pong tournaments. Vicki was great, she gave us many recommendations from hiking to zip lining to the mountain coaster to dining and shopping in Highlands. Awesome experience, we can’t wait to go back.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Liz B.

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

Beautiful, comfortable home.

Excellent vacation spot with all the comforts of home.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Dennis M., Dawsonville, GA

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

vacation in the mountains

House was quite large and accommodated all ten of us with ease. Beds were comfortable and the kitchen was well stocked. Location near Highland, NC was a plus. Everyone enjoyed the Pool.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

keith r.

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

Great spot for a big family

Nice big house with room for a big family. Near Highlands. Easy access and nice community pool and playground just down the road. Cool waterfall a couple of miles away.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jere W.

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

Skylands is a gracious, spacious s home in a beautiful setting

Skylands has plenty of room, a well-designed living space, pool/table tennis areas on the bottom floor, and stunning views of the mountains.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2022

About the host

Hosted by Vicki and Craig Wilkes

Host profile image
Craig and Vicki live in Columbia, SC, and are the parents of two active teens who love golf, hiking, and family gatherings, particularly around a pool or ping pong table, grill, and huge wood-burning fireplace! From south Georgia and mid-South Carolina originally, Craig and Vicki each formed a deep love of the southern Appalachian mountains from their childhoods. It's also generally 15 degrees cooler on any given summer day at Skylands versus those areas! Craig is a retired Presbyterian minister, and Vicki is a financial administrator, both with deep commitments to family across generational lines, deep love for the simple things in life, and a deep faith in God and our country.

Why they chose this property

We chose the Sky Valley / Dillard (GA) area for many reasons, including its elevation and proximity to Highlands (NC) yet easy access, its very-moderately priced golf yet highly-rated, its proximity to many national parks and the Blue Ridge Parkway, yet within 2 hours of major hubs, and on and on.

Then we fell in love with this house. One day we may retire here, and until then, we both enjoy it as well as offer it on the vacation rental market for others to enjoy. It fits when it's just 2 people, when 4, and when many more. It has a freshness and vitality about it, yet is in a quiet area just a couple blocks from the Sky Valley golf course. With 5 bedrooms (including 2 masters - 1 each level) and 4 baths, all hardwood, LVP or tile floors, a great room, 2 lower level game rooms + den, and 2 porches, there's ample room for everyone!

What makes this property unique

Skylands offers an unlimited variety of activities, which is perfect for an extended family's gathering or a quiet week-end away for a couple. Golf is 5 minutes away at the incredible Sky Valley course. The club's other amenities (pool / tennis / fitness center with hot tub) are available in-season to Skylands' guests (access card is kept at the house). Skylands to all the wonderful shops/restaurants/theater around Highlands' Main Street is about 16-18 minutes northeast, or to Main Street Clayton the same to the south. Franklin and the Nantahala National Forest and Lake are 30-45 minutes northwest. From Hwy 441 in Dillard, zoom up the excellent Dillard/Highlands Road (Highway 106/246) zig-zagging in and out across the Georgia and North Carolina state line! Catch the views of a lifetime as you ascend to 3300' elevation to Sky Valley and beyond to Highlands!

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests