MLK Weekend/Valentine's and President's Day - Perfect mountain getaway. Close enough to activities and nightlife yet secluded enough to feel like a nature retreat!!
Holston View Cabin: Minutes from Bristol overlooking South Holston Lake, and Holston Mountains. Make your MLK, Valentine's / President's Day weekend get-a-way or full weeks' vacation a special and unique experience. Surrounded by the Cherokee National Forrest, getting away does not get any better than this cozy cabin - completely off-grid yet fully functioning home. The 360-degree views of National Forrest Vistas and Mountains are makes for a Spectacular get-a-way!! Close enough to Bristol, Abingdon, Bristol Motor Speedway and surrounding lakes and trails for tons of activity, yet so cozy and comfortable to not want to leave the mountain retreat!! As with all vacation rentals - read FULL description. It is guests' responsibility to understand the property before booking.
Cabin is 800 sq/ft, one bedroom with beautiful Queen-sized bed, (Serta hybrid luxury mattress) vaulted ceiling great room has a wood burning fireplace for ambiance (fire wood included), a full-size futon daybed and a pull-out sofa sleeper plus dining table seating 6. All linens/towels/pillows and blankets provided. One magnificent full bathroom with antique claw-foot bathtub with endless "Insta-boil" hot water system. Tub has a shower wand, but no stand-up shower equipment. Full kitchen (all cooking and dining equipment provided), screened in back porch functions as second living room with another wood burning fireplace for ambiance, round out the living spaces. Cabin is completely off-grid with fully functioning solar system that works rain or shine (thanks to super large battery capacity) Cell service is great, no issues streaming to your devices. 6 guests MAX. Seclusive and private, a perfect Get A Way !! Do not worry about becoming acclimated to the cabin and how it works, a complete and easy to follow guide book will be forwarded upon booking giving details regarding heating systems (propane), 2 functioning fireplaces (firewood included in rental price ) solar capabilities, bath and kitchen functionality (all function as you'd expect a normal house with minor modifications - see these modifications below). Most guests have a long list of activities, bring your out-door activity gear for hiking or kayaking, fishing gear etc. - but most guests tend to while-away their stay relaxing in the cabin and taking walks on my 11 acre mountain property. Although pets are welcome you are responsible for ANY added cleaning or damage. If your pet uses a "pee pad" please do not bring them to my cabin. House broken means they are trustworthy to hold it until you let them go outdoors. Your pet cannot be left to relieve themselves on my back porch. I can't believe I have to include this in my description but live and learn. There are two outdoor fire pits, one in front of the cabin, the other closer to the top of the property only steps from the cabin. Hiking is spectacular with the Appalachian Trail, Virginia Creeper Trail, National Forrest service trails among others minutes from the property.
The property is accessible via paved county road, and then long mountain driveway/private road. AWD, 4-wheel drive or front wheel drive vehicle is recommended to access in wet weather. Recent work on mountain driveway/private road has greatly reduced the evidence of wear and tear, including the addition of drainage ditches and tons and tons of gravel!! Typical rear wheel drive vehicle works fine, with possible issues during heavy rains and snow. Snow is rare but when it occurs it is usually a small amount and melts within hours. The gravel driveway remains passable for the most part but on a rare occasion I have had to use chains (once). Mountain driveway/private road instructions will be forwarded with the Cabin and Property guide sent after you've booked. Check out pictures of driveway for a better idea of what to expect. Please note, ATV's, motocross and dirt bikes of any kind are not allowed on my property. If you are bringing atv's for use on designated tracks in the area, (Mountain City and Elizabethton) please leave on the trailer and do not run them on my property. Hunting is not allowed on my property.
The differences because of solar and off grid cabin are: no AC, no electric coffee maker ( but a beautiful French Press that easily makes the best coffee) low but consistent water pressure with a delightful claw foot tub!) I make up for it in these ways:
There are wall mounted heaters in the great room and bedroom with the bathroom sporting a space heater for colder nights. All run on propene and function beautifully with thermostats.
Slow water pressure. Just be patient, the system works, it's just not gushing. I have a deep, deep well that is State of Tenn. certified to be 99.9% pure mountain water. It's delicious, fresh and better than any bottled water. Just take your time and follow the instructions in the guide booklet for taking baths, doing dishes etc.
No electric coffee maker - there is a beautiful French Press. If you are unfamiliar - Google it, it makes great coffee.
September - May the evenings typically get down in the 40's (occasionally lower in Winer months), and warm up nicely during the day. There are 2 wall mounted propane heaters which function beautifully, without residue, fumes or smoke; certified for indoor use. The fireplace is only for ambiance, NOT FOR HEATING the cabin.
It truly is a spectacular slice of heaven which I've taken over 25 years to develop on this mountain. The off-grid setup does not mean you are deprived of comforts and easy relaxation. It just means you'll need to get in the groove of the place and enjoy!!
