Light-filled living room
A large picture window frames the canopy, so the forest is always in the room with you. Settle in by the warm woodland décor and unwind.
Sapphire, North Carolina
The Woodland Cottage
A cottage with a turret, deep in the Sapphire woods
Hidden in the hardwoods minutes from Cashiers and Highlands — two bedrooms, a sleeping loft, and a firepit at each end of the house.
- Sleeps 6
- 2 bedrooms
- 2 baths
- Full kitchen
- Two forest firepits
The cottage
There's nothing else like it on the mountain
You'll know it by the turret. Crowned with cedar shingles and wrapped in a deep porch, the cottage sits on its own among towering hardwoods just outside Cashiers.
Inside, a wall of windows pulls the forest into the living room, and a loft tucked under the eaves makes a quiet place to read away an afternoon. Two firepits — one on the porch, one out under the trees — take care of the evenings.
Mornings start with coffee on the deck and the sound of the woods waking up. It's close enough to town for dinner and waterfalls, far enough to forget the rest.
- 2Bedrooms
- 2Bathrooms
- +2Loft beds
- 6Sleeps
Inside
Room to gather, corners to disappear into
Comfortable for a family, cozy for a couple, and full of character in every corner.
Full kitchen
Everything you need to cook in — from a quick mountain breakfast to a proper dinner after a day of chasing waterfalls.
Two bedrooms, two baths
Two restful bedrooms and two full bathrooms give everyone space to spread out and slow down.
The loft under the eaves
Climb to the wood-paneled loft: two more beds, a wall of books, and a rocking chair beneath the steep angled rooflines — the quietest seat in the house.
Character in the details
From the conical turret entry to the bronze stag lamp and the eclectic woodland touches, the cottage has a personality you won't find in a stock rental.
A look around
Step into the woods
Tap a room to filter the photos.
Outdoors
Two fires, endless trees
The forest is the cottage's biggest room — and there's a seat by the fire whichever way you turn.
The front porch & firepit
The wraparound porch is made for morning coffee and slow evenings. Fire up the grill, light the firepit, and let dinner stretch into stargazing.
The back patio, under the canopy
Down among the trees, a second firepit is ringed with Adirondack chairs on a stone terrace — the spot for s'mores, a nightcap, and the sound of the woods settling in.
Around the plateau
Things to do around the cottage
Sapphire sits on the Cashiers–Highlands plateau, in the heart of Western North Carolina's "Land of Waterfalls." Tap a category to plan your days.
Silver Run Falls
The closest falls to the cottage — an easy walk to a pretty cascade and swimming hole right off Highway 107.
Whitewater Falls
Among the highest waterfalls in the eastern U.S., with a short paved path to a dramatic overlook.
Gorges State Park
Miles of trails plus Rainbow and Turtleback Falls. Stop at the visitor center first, then make a day of it.
Panthertown Valley
The "Yosemite of the East" — 30+ miles of trails, granite domes and backcountry falls in the Nantahala forest. Bring a map.
Dry Falls
Walk safely behind the curtain of water on a short, paved path — a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Whiteside Mountain
A two-mile loop to some of the biggest views on the plateau — steep in spots, worth every step.
Whiteside Brewing Co.
House-brewed beer and hearty plates in the middle of the village — easy, year-round, good for groups.
Canyon Kitchen
Rustic fine dining with sweeping valley views at Lonesome Valley — the special-occasion night out.
The Ugly Dog Public House
The local favorite for burgers, pizza and a beer with the game on. Two locations on the plateau.
Cornucopia
A longtime institution for relaxed lunches and dinners, with a porch made for a slow afternoon.
The Orchard
Southern cooking with a little flair in a century-old farmhouse. Reservations recommended in season.
Cashiers Valley Smokehouse
Brisket, ribs and smoked chicken for when you want barbecue without the fuss.
Buck's Coffee Café
The plateau's go-to for espresso, chai and a slow morning before you hit the trails.
Duck Hawk Provisions
Part café, part gourmet market — coffee, pastries and picnic supplies under one roof.
Mountain Fresh Grocery
Espresso bar, bakery and provisions — the easiest place to stock the cottage kitchen on the way in.
Cream & Flutter
Coffee alongside cakes, cookies and treats worth the detour.
Cashiers Farmers Market
Local produce, gourmet goods and takeout barbecue right on Highway 64 — great for picnic supplies.
Highland Hiker
An outfitter since 1982 for trail gear, maps and last-minute layers before a hike.
Vivianne Metzger Antiques
European and American antiques, art and furniture for serious browsers.
Acorns
Jewelry, antiques and home pieces gathered from around the world in downtown Highlands.
Reclamations
Architectural salvage and antiques worth a rummage on the road between Cashiers and Highlands.
The Village Green
A 13-acre park with trails, a boardwalk and sculpture; Friday-night "Groovin' on the Green" has a kids' zone.
Highlands Nature Center
Hands-on exhibits, programs and an easy nature trail — a great rainy-morning stop with kids.
Highlands Recreation Park
A playground plus a pool with a retractable roof, so a little weather won't cancel the swim.
Gem mining at Sapphire Valley
Sluice for gems and arrowheads just minutes away — a reliable kid favorite.
Cliffside Lake
Swimming, easy trails and picnic shelters around a calm mountain lake.
Good to know: the plateau runs on mountain time — many spots are seasonal and hours shift, so it's worth a quick call ahead. Also nearby: golf, fly fishing on the Horsepasture River, Lake Toxaway, and winter skiing at Sapphire Valley Resort.
Reserve the cottage
Come stay in the trees
Book directly with us and skip the platform fees — or reserve through Airbnb or VRBO, whichever you prefer.
Questions about dates, the loft, or bringing the whole family? Just email or call — we're happy to help you plan.