Guest Comments

Well, here we are back in hot, humid Gainesville longing so for the wonderful, cool river breeze from the Nantahala, rocking peacefully on the deck enjoying every wonder, small and large, that your River Lodge has to offer.  Needless to say, we all had the time of our lives!!!  I honestly could go on and on about your Lodge - words though simply cannot express what the Lodge has to offer. It is comfort with class and class with comfort!  I just hate that we did not have more time.  Without a doubt, one day, and I hope soon, we will be back!   Just one last thing about the "awesomeness" of  your Lodge.  As we were opening the windows in the master bedroom my husband said "five hundred" and I replied what do you mean by 500?  "This is number 500 of the cool things that I have seen in this cabin". Need I say more.   Our 16 year old had the "best vacation ever".   Your hospitality is immeasurable!

P.S.  Your dreams have been met - what you have is a place where nature, peace, beauty, comfort and family have all come together and we were so fortunate to be a part of it.

Gainesville,  GA 

I had the most fun in North Carolina that I have ever had.  The house is so beautiful and so close to beautiful nature.  I caught the fish of a lifetime and the other 40 or so others didn't hurt to catch.  I would do anything to return here.  Thanks a bunch for your hospitality.

Henry O - Age 15
Jacksonville, FL 

The time you have here to clear your head equals a thousand years of meditation.  If anything troubles you, find a rock in the river to sit on.  In seconds, nothing matters.  The Lodge has allowed me to find my place in the world; fishing and manual labor.  So pick up a fly rod, dry fly, nymph or streamer.  It does not matter.  Forget the troubles of the world as you are lifted to heaven.

Max "Fishing Maniac" - Age 16
Jacksonville, FL

Just a note to tell you how much we enjoyed our stay at your Lodge.  My family wants to book Thanksgiving if it's available!  We felt like treasured guests rather than renters, with every need anticipated.  Where in the world did you have the labels fabricated?  You answered every question before we asked - and if I were to design my perfect vision of a river house - this would be it!  I'll be sending pictures as soon as I get home, but couldn't wait to tell you how much we enjoyed ourselves.

Roswell, Georgia

We had a fantastic time at the Lodge, and we once again thank you for sharing this amazing place!  As predicted, my father-in-law fell in love with the Lodge, and marveled over the craftsmanship and attention to detail.  We had 3 great days of mountain biking at Tsali, a hike through Joyce Kilmer, a quick trip up to Tellico Gap and then Bateman's store, and really just enjoyed relaxing at the Lodge.  My boys would like to especially thank you for recommending Soda Pops!  Once was not enough for my oldest son and his friend...they finished their bike ride ahead of the rest of us on Thursday and snuck off to Bryson City without us for round two.  The previous day, I told the owner that we found him because of your book of favorite places, and he was all smiles!  Said he knew you, and was most appreciative.  I like to support local business owners who work hard to provide something special.   Soda Pops was special! Thanks again for a memorable Spring Break!   OUr 17 year old said it best..."it just wouldn't be the same to come to Nantahala and stay anywhere else."  Thanks again for helping to create a Spring Break family tradition that we will all long remember.

Greer, SC

We absolutely loved it!  Ya'll have done such a great job with the decorating and stocking of appliances, etc.  We will definitely stay here again.  The boys loved it and didn't want to come home.  We loved everything about it and had no complaints about anything.  We will be back in touch as soon as we can plan a longer stay.  Thanks for allowing us to share in your little bit of heaven.

Hiram, Georgia

We had a great time.  Your place was nothing but fantastic!  Your attention to details was so appreciated by our group.  We couldn't have found a better place to stay.  Even the fishing was great.  Thanks again, we will definitely go back and the entire group will definitely refer your place.

Murfreesboro, Tennessee

We loved it!  The best fishing was right in front of the house.  Put us down same time next year!

Plainfield, IN

We just had a terrific time at the Lodge - everything was better than we expected.  My husband might be the only one who was disappointed - the big fish got away!  Thanks for letting us use your beautiful home.  We will definitely be back, maybe in the summer, to take advantage of the water activities.

Durham, NC

We had a great time at your River Lodge.  My parents were so impressed by how beautiful your home is and enjoyed reading the history of how you built it.   We had so much fun!  We canoed Nantahala lake, hiked the Appalachian Trail to the fire tower and hiked Joyce Kilmer forest, tubed at Deep Creek and just enjoyed being by the river and staying at your Lodge.  Even when it rained we had a great time playing games inside the Lodge.  Our kids loved the campfires and catching fireflies at night.  We all have special memories of our time at your River Lodge.  

Stuart, FL

When we walked into the River Lodge we felt at home.  We could feel and see the love and care that went into the building of the Lodge.  Even the smell of the wood made us think of a home far away.  Everything we needed was there.  Everything had been made ready.  We did not want to come home.  The weather was great 60 degrees in the morning and 80 degrees in the afternoon.  Fall will see us back at the Lodge for sure.  Thank you for all you have done.

Mendenhall, MS

I wish you could have heard when I told my children that we were returning to your home - they all cheered!  It was great.  We are all very excited.

Stuart, Florida

We thoroughly enjoyed your beautiful home in the mountains.  The interior decorating is exceptional.  I cannot stop talking about the house, the organization and the decor.  I love it !!!!  We all had a fantastic time and we look forward to visiting there again.  Our travel today went like clockwork.   I am back home and the humidity is killing me.  Again thank you for making our vacation super special.

Davie, Florida

We had the most fabulous time!  I can't even put into words how much we enjoyed the Lodge.  Everything about the Lodge was beautiful, top quality and restful.  Even though it was cold, we slept with the window open every night to hear the river and the most remarkable thing happened - for the first time in over 10 years I slept through the entire night without waking up once.  The combination of the bed, the linens and the sound of the river was just what I needed.  And cooking in the kitchen was a complete pleasure.  We had a hot breakfast every morning and we grilled every evening (except for the last night when we went to Thirteen Moons).  And, of course, the fishing was outstanding!  My husband fished in the Smoky Mountain National Park every day, but he had the most fun fishing right outside on our part of the Nantahala (we became very territorial and called the stretch of river along your property "our section").  He fished it every day after we got back from the Park and we decided on the last day not to go to the Park - he fished the Nantahala all day and caught so many fish that he lost count!  All in all, we had the best vacation of our lives!   We will be back!  Meanwhile we are recommending you to everyone we know.   If you ever need "babysitters" for the Lodge call us and we'll be there!

Cumming, Georgia

I could never have imagined just how wonderful your lodge and river location could be.  We are so envious and would love to have a place just like this. We really enjoyed ourselves.   My husband caught lots of fish, 25-30 one day up and down the river and I really enjoyed the trails and waterfalls.  Can't wait to visit again!  Thanks again for sharing.

Tullahoma, TN

OMG..did we love your home!!!  Your home is truly a work of art.  Every detail is artistic and functional.  We adored staying there.  We mountain biked just about every day at Tsali and went to the Biltmore twice.  One time we just took our bikes and rode the trails on the grounds.  We loved that Blue Smoke Coffee and every morning we sat on the deck and spent a good hour out there rocking with the dog in our lap.  Your kitchen is out of this world.  I want to redecorate everything now at my home in NJ!  I loved cooking in there and always was amazed by all the subtle surprises of artistic designs.  I loved the coke bottle opener!  We really had the best time and a well needed get away to get healthy with exercise and nature again.  It worked and we thank you so much for the Lodge being MORE that you ever advertised.

Lebanon, New Jersey

What an amazing place!  I read the story behind the cabin, and that makes it even more special that you open up this piece of family history for others to share.  It is obvious how much you have worked to make the cabin and the property something really unique.  It is also obvious that you have thought of everything when it comes to equipping the cabin for your guests... we couldn't have possibly needed anything we didn't have available.  As you know we had four teenage boys with us, and they are already telling their friends about this week.  Not to bore you with too many details, but here's a snapshot of the week:

Mountained biked the Tsali Trails on Sunday with 75 degree weather and then enjoyed the deck and river.  Hiked 8 miles of the Bartram Trail on Monday morning in snow and 40 degrees...the creek and river crossings created some real memories!  Fished in the snow Monday evening and much of Tuesday...all the boys caught trout and became addicted to fishing the river!  Enjoyed inside fireplace and outdoor fire pit each night.  Biked and hiked Flint Ridge Trail @ NOC on Wednesday morning, came back and went to The Daily Grind and Wine in Andrews, then went to the trout farm a few miles from the cabin and bought fresh trout for the grill.  A fantastic day with high around 60 degrees.  Today, we packed up and went back to Tsali for one more ride!

As you can see, we packed a lot in, had a real variety of weather, and it just couldn't have been any better.  Our family and the family we shared the cabin with, will be talking about this Spring Break for years to come.  Actually, we're already talking about 2010 and I will likely be back in touch with you to see if the cabin is available once we confirm the school calendar.  Thank you again for sharing your home! 

Greer, South Carolina

Thank you so very much!  We had a relaxing stay at the Lodge.  To say it met all of our expectations is indeed an understatement.  You and your husband have done a masterful job with the design and construction of this place.  Your craftsmen are to be commended.  As stated in past conversations, my husband and both of my sons each own a homebuilding company in Atlanta.  My husband has been in the business of construction and design for over 20 years.  They both examined the Lodge inch by inch and were amazed at the quality of construction - the attention to detail and the quality of materials speaks volumes of everyone involved.  We are a rather spoiled family when it comes to our living spaces - and we are usually disappointed when we venture beyond major hotels for vacation stays.  However, this time was certainly not the case - the Lodge felt like "home" right down to the comfy sheets/blankets/towels and mattresses.  The grounds are so private and I so enjoyed just wandering outside.  We had major snow on our arrival and the snow remained during our stay so the kids were in heaven.  We shall definitely plan another getaway to the Lodge.

Atlanta, Georgia

We can't thank you enough!  Everything worked out great and we were absolutely amazed at the beautiful property and home you have.  The home was beyond our expectations with everything we needed and more!  We loved to look at all the workmanship that went into the home.  I didn't even mind cooking in the kitchen with all the amenities.  The boys had a fantastic time in the river and didn't want to leave.  We caught and released 8 trout.  We can't wait to return next year!  I have already sent your link to two family friends for their vacation.  Thank you again!

Coconut Creek, Florida

We had a wonderful time.  Everyone relaxed and slept in much later than anyone could remember.  The guys had a wonderful time fishing.  Our annual rafting trip was also a great success.  A great deal of success is owed to you for creating the atmosphere.  When my daughter was impressed as a supervisor, she would always say "you knocked my socks off".  Well, Annette, YOU KNOCKED OUR SOCKS OFF!

Cary, North Carolina

We had such a wonderful time at your Lodge.  Everything was perfect at the Lodge...I cannot think of anything that needed attention.  We really enjoyed our stay and I will send you some of our favorite photos.

Stuart, Florida

Annette, everything was great.  What a great place you have.  We loved the use of all of the salvaged wood.  The ceilings were amazing.  It did snow a little on Saturday!

Peachtree City, Georgia

We had a great time and caught trout (all released).  Your cabin has spoiled us from staying in some cabins we get in West Virginia.  Everyone wants to go back next year.  You have done a great job putting together the cabin and the property.

Ironton, Ohio

We loved your mountain home and had a great time on our trip.  Your place is wonderful.  It felt like home away from home.  Our stay was too short.  Everyone enjoyed the rafting portion of the trip.  I think we will try to do more of that in the future.  Thanks again for making your home available for others to enjoy too.

Raleigh, North Carolina

We had a wonderful time relaxing in your beautiful lodge.  Coffee on the porch overlooking the river on those chilly mornings was refreshing.  We did catch trout and put them all back.  Good to know I still have the knack.  Thanks for everything.

Fayetteville, Georgia

Our entire family had a blast!  We hope to come back again next year. 

Alpharetta, Georgia