Lake Cliff Retreat on Fontana Lake

Location:
Lake Cliff Retreat is located in the back of a large private gated "Upscale" subdivision that borders Fontana Lake. You will take a beautiful 15-20 minute drive around winding turns that will lead you throughout the subdivision back to the cabin. The subdivision's entrance is hidden from The Great Smoky Mountains Expressway (HW 74) which connects it to all the main attractions of the region. The restaurants, shops and Deep Creek entrance to the GSMNP are about a 20 minute trip back HW 74 to Bryson City. The Cherokee Indian Reservation and its many cultural exhibits, shops and Visitors Center main entrance of The Great Smoky Mountains National Park are another 15 minutes past Bryson City. If exploring the sights of Fontana Lake itself appeals to you, you can rent a pontoon boat about 15 minutes away at the Almond Boat Dock. If you are in the need of a little more exciting time on the water; try white water rafting down the Nantahala River about 35 minutes down HW 74. The cabin is about six miles from the entrance along a well paved yet very winding scenic mountain road. This road and the cabin's driveway are easily managed by most all vehicles. Since the last mile or so and driveway are gravel road, we don't recommend motorcycles. Along this quiet forested and curvy two way road you will occasional pass driveways that disappear into the forest, a hand-full of other partially visible cabins and many flocks of wild turkeys foraging along and in the road. The max speed along this road is 20 mph. Though the winding curves may inspire that road rally spirit we strongly suggest that you don't test the speed limit. Many of the full time residents of this community enjoy biking and jogging this same road and there are many sharp blind curves that can appear quickly. Also it is not uncommon for there to be a wild animal or two on the road, mostly wild turkeys.

Access road:
Cars and Most All vehicles- Paved and hard packed gravel sections on a well maintained mountain road, Switchbacks and moderate to steep incline sections possible, no washed out section.

Exterior:
As you drive down the driveway of this cabin you will be able to see Fontana Lake shining through the windows of the entry level. The lower level of this cabin is hidden by it's cliff side vantage point. The front door is accessed from a small covered porch on the left side of the cabin. The gas grill sits just off this porch. A small gravel walk way leads from the gravel parking area down to the lower level. The back side of this private secluded retreat overlooks Fontana Lake and is where you will probably want to spend most of your time. The upper deck is accessed only from within the cabin. The covered main deck area is accessed from a door on the right side of the living room. The main deck is where the view of Fontana Lake is the widest. The roof is vaulted to allow a wide view of the lake and the western North Carolina mountain sky. The view from the back deck looks out across Fontana Lake and the mountains of the GSMNP to the right. Spending time on this deck watching the serene view of nature at its most beautiful will inspire a restorative sense of peace and relaxation that can't be achieved or manufactured anywhere else. The view of this picturesque lake is ever changing, from mornings of drifting mist, to afternoons of diamonds sparkling on the water's surface, to often finish the day in a spectacular display of colors reflected from the western sky above. The mountains also seem to change shape as the sun passes over high lighting and shading different textures throughout the day. On clear nights the sky above this secluded mountain location fills with more stars than you have ever seen. A table that seats 6 is a great place to enjoy all of this and dine-out at too. There are two screened porches on either side of this same deck offering similarly scenic views. Both of these screened rooms are accessed from either of the entry level bedrooms. These screened rooms are a great place to enjoy a morning coffee or a last glass of wine for the night in the fresh lake side air shielded from any visiting insects. The lower level deck is accessed either from the gravel walkway from the parking area or the glass doors of the family room. The view from the lower deck might not be as photographic as the upper deck; yet it is still a very scenic view of Fontana Lake. The main attraction on the lower deck is the hot tub. Relaxing in the warm massaging waters of the hot tub is a great way to soothe muscles sore from hiking the shops of Cherokee and Bryson City or the many trails of the GSMNP. The cover of the upper deck allows you to enjoy the warmth of the hot tub even on a rainy day.

Entry level:
Entering through the front door, you step into an open concept kitchen (to the right) and living room (to the left) where Fontana Lake and the smoky mountains immediately draw and hold your gaze through the vaulted window wall at the back of the cabin. The colors and textures of the beautiful natural environment outside are echoed throughout the interior enhancing the relaxing effects of this smoky mountain lake side retreat. Wood plank walls and a vaulted ceiling with exposed beams run the length of the whole great room giving this room as spacious a feel as the mountains outside. In the living room, comfortable sofas are positioned so that there is not a bad view from any of their seats. Two swiveling leather recliners allow you to turn and watch nature's show safe inside from the elements; like sitting in a private movie theater. If you prefer to experience the smells of the fresh mountain air, sounds of birds playing in the trees, feel of a cool mountain breeze then exit the living room through the glass door to the right of the windows and step out onto the back covered deck. The view of the mountain lake might be the feature presentation of the living room most of the day, but the wood burning stone fireplace and satellite TV are the stars of the living room at night. Starting a log fire may take a little more effort than starting a gas fire (downstairs family room) but nothing can duplicate the look, sounds and smell of a real wood burning fire. It is easy to spend hours just relaxing and watching the fire that you built in the stone fireplace. If you're not in the mood for watching a fire; then a large screen satellite TV on the mantel will probably have something worth watching on it. A selection of DVDs are available on the shelving unit next to the fireplace but you can always bring your favorites to watch instead. Past the fireplace and to the left of the window is a door to the master bedroom. The wood plank walls and vaulted ceiling with exposed beams style continues into the master bedroom. A comfortable king size bed sits opposite a pair of glass doors and a satellite TV mounted to the wall. The glass doors open into a screened room. This is a popular spot to enjoy a fresh morning coffee or to share a last glass of wine of the night. These glass doors allow you to enjoy a private view of the lake, no matter what time you wake. Around past the king size bed a sliding pocket door open to the master bath. The master bath has a duel sink vanity and shower. Choosing whether to leave this lake front mountain retreat to eat at a crowded restaurant or stay-in, cook a quick meal and dine overlooking the lake is a decision you will have to make. To make this decision easier, we suggest stopping by one of the grocery stores in Bryson City before you arrive at this cabin. The kitchen is fully equipped with all the appliances and cooking utensils of home, even a dishwasher to help with clean up. While views from the open kitchen of the fireplace and lake outside are not likely similar to anything you've seen at home. A large island serves as additional prep space and seating for 4 guest. Don't forget that you passed the gas grill just outside the front door on your way in. Between the kitchen and living room a small hallway leads to several other doors. The first door on the left side of the hallway leads down to the lower level. The first door on the right is the pantry. The next set of doors opens to the washer and dryer. Though doing a few loads of laundry while on vacation is not likely on your list of favorite activities. They are available if the need arises. The second door on the left side of the hallway open to the second bedroom. Similar to the master bedroom this room also has wood plank walls, vaulted ceiling with exposed beams and a king size bed. Two glass doors opposite the foot of the bed open the room to a view of Fontana Lake. These glass doors open to a screened room with two chairs and table to enjoy the view and fresh morning air. The last door at the end of the hallway is the entry level bath. This bathroom has a tub and shower combination.

Lower level:
The stairs from the upper level end into the large family room of the lower level. This room is a great spot to send the kids so the parents can enjoy a quieter time upstairs. To the right of the stairs is a wall of window and set of glass doors that open out to the lower patio where the outdoor hot tub sets. These window let the view of Fontana Lake fill the family room. A group of comfortable sofas gathered in front of a gas log fireplace. There should be adequate seating for everyone to get a spot to watch their favorite channel on the satellite TV above the fireplace. The remote controlled gas log fireplace may add to the warmth and comfort of the family room but it should only be operated in the company of an adult. The door past the wall of windows leads to a bunk bedroom. Two sets of twin size bunk beds give the kids that at camp feel that they will enjoy. The door to the left of the fireplace is the mechanical room and only accessible to the maintenance staff. At the back of the family room are two game tables. Here you can challenge the kids to some old school air hockey or school them at a game of foosball. If these two game or the TV does not hold their attention long enough there is adequate floor space to play board game or with whatever toys they brought. A small hallway towards the back of the family room leads to a bedroom and bath. The first door on the left opens to the third bedroom. This room has a king size bed with a wide window opposite it. In this room you can also wake to a view of the lake without have to get out of bed. The door at the end of the hallway leads to the lower level bath. This bathroom does have a tub and shower combination.

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Pet Policy:
This cabin is PET FRIENDLY. If you are bringing a pet along for your visit, there is an ADDITIONAL $45 pet fee (per pet) that must be added to your reservation after it is confirmed. We can add your pet fee to your reservation through a 'special request' on Airbnb once your reservation is confirmed, or you are welcome to pay the pet fee over the phone by calling our office anytime. There are maximum pet restrictions set by the individual cabin owners, so be sure to inquire what the restrictions may be for your cabin if you are planning to bring more than one pet with you. Please read our House Rules for more information and specifics about our Pet Policies.