Entire home

Lake Summit Nest, peaceful retreat with dock & boathouse on cool, clean lake

Photo gallery for Lake Summit Nest, peaceful retreat with dock & boathouse on cool, clean lake

Exterior
front view showing private entrance
front porch
living room seating area, bay windows, tv
Interior

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 270.6 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Air conditioning
  • Kitchen
  • Outdoor space
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

Map
saluda, NC
  • Lake Summit
    ‪10 min walk‬
  • Green River Adventures
    ‪10 min drive‬
  • Pearson's Falls
    ‪16 min drive‬
  • Asheville, NC (AVL-Asheville Regional)
    ‪28 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 2)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Garden
Dining Area

About this property

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 2 cats. 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.

Property manager

melinda way
Premier Host

Languages

English, French

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
Parking available

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 3–17
Not suitable for children under 5
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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 grounds or at dock
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

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts
A car is required for transport to and from this property

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. Green River Adventures and Mineral and Lapidary Museum are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
saluda, NC

What's nearby

  • Lake Summit - 10 min walk - 0.9 km
  • Green River Adventures - 10 min drive - 7.4 km
  • Pearson's Falls - 16 min drive - 12.5 km
  • Flat Rock Playhouse - 17 min drive - 12.1 km
  • Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site - 17 min drive - 12.3 km

Getting around

  • Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) - 28 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Bojangles' Famous Chicken 'n Biscuits - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Boon Choo Thai Express - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Janitzi Mexican Restau - ‬16 min drive
  • ‪Flat Rock Wood Room - ‬17 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.

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 Dog Park and Heartwood Contemporary Crafts Gallery 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. 89 out of 90 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 90 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 90 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 90 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 90 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Matthew M.

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

Stay at Summit Lake

The homeowners were very friendly, the place was ideal, and we definitely plan to come back soon
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Matt G.

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

Great place, beautiful location, wonderful hosts

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.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mari H., Raleigh, North Carolina

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

Great fall getaway

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!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Rita M.

Beautiful, peaceful, relaxing and fun!

Our hosts were fabulous and the cabin and boathouse were incredible! Definitely want to return!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2018

10/10 Excellent

Mitch E.

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

A great place to relax with fun water activities

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.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Allen S.

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!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2017

10/10 Excellent

Sabina C.

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

Cozy Nest

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.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

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

10/10 Excellent

Darien A.

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

Secluded

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.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

LINDA G.

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

Heavenly Lake

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!
Stayed 9 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Paula a.

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

Magical

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.👍❤️
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2024
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Julianna P.

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
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2016

10/10 Excellent

Igi L.

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

Relaxing at the Nest

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!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Patti L.

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.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2017

10/10 Excellent

Ann D.

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

October vacation

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!!
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

David R.

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

Wonderful gettaway

After traveling for many years from Charleston deep into the Blue Ridge mountains of NC, we decided to search for a mountain retreat closer to home. The Nest is a part of a beautiful estate on Lake Summit not far from Saluda, NC....the first mountain town near I-26 while ascending the the "Blue Wall". We found this property to be perfect for our needs. The Nest is a very comfortable and cozy rental, fully stocked for those who want a home away from home on vacations. We cooked all of our meals there. The setting is a mountain side....a beautiful forest that was our main attraction. Sitting on the porch taking in that environment was heavenly. The boathouse is a great feature for water lovers. We took advantage of the kayaks and explored much of the lake. The location is also great for sightseeing. We explored Flat Rock, Hendersonville, and the Blue Ridge Parkway on one of our days. Hal and Melinda were charming hosts who provided a private accomodation, but were always on hand for help and friendly conversation. True southern charm! We will be back!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Dale F.

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--
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2016

10/10 Excellent

Kayla G.

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

A great mountain/lake retreat!

Well, I can't write a review without first addressing the hosts. Melina and Hal are two of the most warm and gracious hosts you'll ever meet. The cottage/carriage house is located above the garage adjacent to their lovely home, tucked up a winding path and encapsulated by a breathtaking flower garden. You enter the cottage from a wonderful porch, half of which is covered and would be great on rainy days. The cottage is a large studio with a large kitchen/living/dining room that is separated from the bedroom area and bathroom by a beautiful fireplace. My favorite part of the living room is the built-in bench seating in front of the bay windows. To get to the lake, you can either take a beautiful, but steep, walk from the cottage (approximately 90 steps) or you can drive down about a mile. Driving takes longer. On the lake you have access to the boathouse which is filled with paddle boards, kayaks, floats, chairs and fishing poles. My husband tried to catch the large bass under the boathouse without success while I enjoyed floating in the cool water. The boathouse has a large deck on the upper level with bench seating. It is worth noting that the boathouse is located in a very quiet cove with minimal boat traffic. I would absolutely recommend this property to individuals or couples looking to escape reality and reconnect with themselves and nature. It would also be a wonderful place for anyone trying to write a novel, dissertation or study for professional exams.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sharon H.

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

Great visit

This is such a great place to stay. Although tucked away in a cozy spot that looks far away from everything, it is not far away at all. Once you take a short, beautiful ride back to the main road every possible convenience is at your fingertips. You have the Blueridge Parkway, Hendersonville, Ashville, hiking...everything. The host and hostess are just the nicest people and so accommodating. The lodging itself is clean, so, so comfortable, so well-appointed and beautiful views in both springtime and fall. This will be our go to place whenever we want a few days respite.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Nicholai R.

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

Peace & quiet on another level

We had a marvelous time doing nothing. The "Nest" is the perfect escape if you want to get away from it all, while still having good food and other local attractions nearby. We'll be back again!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Paul B., Los Alamos, NM 87544

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

Guest House Perfect for a Couple

The guest house is adjacent to the property owners house, but faces away giving plenty of privacy. The owners are gracious and friendly and respected our privacy, but were available for help or just to chat. They provided many amenities that one doesn't find in a hotel JUST IN CASE YOU FORGOT SOMETHING. The guest house looks to be about 800 sq. ft, which is subdivided by a partial wall separating the bed/bath area from the living/dining/kitchen. Cleverly designed and it seemed very spacious. Everything was clean and worked well. Tourist pamphlets and books of history and fiction are available in the guest house. It is a short drive to Saluda for restaurants and groceries. We did not use the lake but it is down a stairway and across the road to their boat house which was available to us. Overall, a relaxing and perfectly situated place for us to stay at.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Ann D.

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

Truly Delightful

Tucked away in the gorgeous foliage is the jewel of a guest house...the photos do not do it justice! This place us totally equipped w/all you need if you choose to: stay in to cook dinner (highly recommend doing so); go out for a long walk; go for a swim from their dock area; hang out to read or take a nap or watch a flick. This "Nest" is comfortable coziness personified. You will be more than pleased in staying there, & do so for days-in-a-row.
Stayed 9 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Richard B.

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

The Perfect Lakeside Vacation Rental

Exactly what I was hoping it would be. All hopes and expectations were exceeded.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kim F., Greenville sc

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

Fabulous

We love it!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

amelie s.

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

Lovely retreat

We had such a nice time relaxing at the Nest. The home was spotless and we really enjoyed the dock. Looking forward to returning .
Stayed 4 nights in May 2022

About the host

Hosted by melinda way

Host profile image
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 board 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