Thanks for checking The Round House out! The Round House offers the convenience of location paired with the experience of a secluded tree house-like mountain retreat. The 1,600 sq. ft. dodecagon cabin and the 8 acre wooded property it's located on is yours to enjoy during your stay. The cabin includes all of the modern amenities you could ask for other than a dishwasher, but don't let that hold you back from that one-of-a-kind mountain experience! Plus, you can bring your dogs with you!
THE CABIN
Upon arrival, you pull into a towering canopy of oak and maple trees and onto a winding driveway. Follow the "To House" sign over the wooden bridge and up to the cabin which is perched overlooking the property. At the top there is parking for two vehicles. As you enter the home, it transports you decades into the past, and it's in that moment that you realize you've made the right decision to stay in some place special...
You've traded in new and cookie-cutter resorts for a unique experience, perfect for a couple getaway or a group of friends.
The upper level has two bedrooms, full bathroom, kitchen (with modern appliances), a cozy living room with wood-burning fireplace, and our favorite area of the cabin – the wraparound deck – which is equipped with Adirondack chairs and unspoiled views of the wooded wildlife sanctuary. You are encouraged to refill the bird feeder to catch glimpses of several birds species, our local family of blue jays and even white squirrels, stopping by for a snack in the morning and afternoon.
Head to lower level using the staircase located off the kitchen (use the rail!). At the foot of the stairs you're now in the "Secret Place". Formerly Grandpa Ralph's workshop, the work bench has been converted into a laptop bar. The noise of hammers and saws is now replaced with silence making for the perfect spot to relax in the rocker with a good book.
As you make your way further you'll find largest bedroom, The Sleepy Hollow Suite. It offers guests the largest bedroom on the property, featuring a queen-size bed, sitting area with a sleeper-sofa, and private half bath, along with access to the laundry room containing a full-sized washer and dryer. The wood stove that once heated the area is now permanently retired for safety reasons. As you exit the French doors you'll be greeted by a porch swing, picnic area, and fresh mountain air.
Throughout the home, you will notice unique accents and stonework, all of which were designed and built by Grandpa Ralph. Stone steps, hand laid by him, lead you back up to rear entrance.
THE GROUNDS
The Round House is located on the north side of Mount Hebron. The mountain is historically significant in that an early road builder, Solomon Jones (1802-1899), raised his family and created one of the first tourist attractions in the area -- an observation tower -- atop Mount Hebron. He surrounded the tower with fruit trees and a vineyard to provide refreshment for his guests. One visitor to the Solomon’s pleasure aerie was George Vanderbilt who, from that vantage point, first beheld Mount Pisgah. Vanderbilt found the great mountain irresistible and purchased more than 100,000 acres along its wooded slopes and built the famed Biltmore.
During your stay at The Round House you (and dogs) can explore the mountain side via the two walking trails (keep a lookout for the red and yellow arrows). The Red Trail begins near the back of the cabin and ends near the bottom of the driveway near the garden. The Yellow Trail begins near the entry of the property. It takes you across a small footbridge and ends at the large granite rocks where Willow Creek enters the property. For safety reasons we ask that you wear jeans or other pants while exploring and please keep children away from the locked green maintenance shed and the root cellar which is no longer usable.
Before the end of your stay, be sure to leave us a message in the "Be Happy" journal. We'd love to hear from you!
