Welcome to Spice Ridge Retreat! Come and stay in this gorgeous upscale contemporary mountain cottage located close to Grandfather Mountain, between Boone and Banner Elk. Both Boone and Banner Elk are less than ten (10) miles away. Blowing Rock is less than twelve (12) miles away. The village of Valle Crucis, which boasts a beautiful community park, the original Mast General Store, the Watauga River, great shopping, restaurants, and more, is also less than ten (10) miles away. Sugar Mountain Ski Resort is seven (7) miles from Spice Ridge Retreat and offers snow skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and more. Beech Mountain Ski Resort and Appalachian Ski Mountain are about fifteen (15) miles distant, in different directions, and offer skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, snow tubing, and sledding. Hawksnest Snowtubing and Ziplines is right across HWY 105 on Seven Devils, a short six (6) mile drive. Grandfather Mountain is only a few miles away, depending on which way you go and what you want to do when you arrive. The Profile Trail offers incredible hiking. There is an animal sanctuary where you can see examples of local NC mountain wildlife, and of course, everyone must see the famous Mile High Swinging Bridge! Tweetsie Railroad and neighboring High Gravity Adventures are fun for children and young adults of all ages! They are approximately fifteen (15) miles away. The Watauga River is less than two (2) miles from Spice Ridge Retreat, just at the foot of Spice Mountain, and offers fingers of creeks and fishing holes for miles and miles in either direction. We also have both the New River and the Elk River, both within about fifteen (15) minutes, and Lake Watauga, which is less than thirty (30) miles. Linville Falls and Linville Caverns are two regional outdoor attractions and are within twenty (20) miles. Spice Ridge Retreat sits exactly equidistant to Appalachian State University and Lees McRae College, a ten (10) mile drive to each. This location is ideal for homecoming visits, home sporting games, graduation, orientation, and for visiting alumni or coming up to spend time with your loved ones attending school at either of these fine institutions. In the home, you will find furniture and finishes befitting the most discerning guest. This home gives its guests a luxury experience without the luxury cost. The kitchen is impressive with a central island with bar stool seating under a coffered ceiling made of reclaimed wood, custom-reclaimed barn-wood shelving and cabinets, hammered copper accents above the gas cooktop, granite countertops, stainless appliances, and more. The kitchen is open to the great room with comfy furniture centered around the wood-burning wood stove. Past the great room furniture is the dining area with a gorgeous cedar live-edge banquet-style dining table with bench seating and a custom-rustic bar that matches the custom rustic chandelier, all situated in front of big view windows. Dine eight (8) comfortably at the dining table, plus two (2) more at the kitchen island. Adjacent to the great room and dining area is a cozy screened-in porch with comfy furniture which looks out at mountain views. There is a stainless gas grill on a small side stoop off of the screened porch. On the main level is a queen bedroom with mountain views, a bunk bedroom with a full bottom bed, a perpendicular twin top bed with a built-in ladder, and a desk and chair. The central custom full bathroom boasts timeless character, featuring a free-standing footed soaking tub with a handheld shower wand, wood floors, beadboard wainscot, and a reclaimed beam vanity with a large rectangular ceramic vessel sink. Upstairs at the top of the steps is a comfortable loft with a concave leather sofa, chaise lounge chair, and an armchair, all situated in front of large HD Smart TV atop a reclaimed Lineberry cart. The carpeted floor in the loft makes for comfy feet and helps to absorb sound. Beside the loft is the master bedroom suite with a queen bed, an HDTV, and a private ensuite bathroom. The bathroom has heated tile floors, a step-in tiled shower with a frameless glass door, a marble top makeup counter with a tufted chair, and a marble countertop with an under-mount sink. The grounds feature a stone-lined, wood-burning fire pit with outdoor seating situated to enjoy the mountain view. A large, hand-hewn log meditation bench also faces the views. There is a level gravel parking area with room for up to four vehicles and rolling wooded grounds that are fun and safe for children to play and explore! The neighborhood is gated and private. The cottage is full of special custom touches. Reclaimed wood accents throughout, hammered copper accents, custom rustic branch designs, custom light fixtures, and so much more, much of which cannot be fully appreciated and experienced in the photos and virtual tour alone. Central heating and air conditioning, WiFi internet, and HD Smart TVs with digital programming are more comforts that make Spice Ridge Retreat a fun, convenient place to enjoy your mountain vacation. Two dogs, 35 pounds or under, are welcome with your reservation. Applicable fees will apply. Book your dates now to experience the High Country while staying in Spice Ridge Retreat. Please Note: Per POA restrictions, absolutely no firearms can be discharged on or near premises. Thank you for your cooperation. *Neighborhood requires that renters have tire chains, regardless of road conditions at the time of arrival. Drivers should expect one lane only on gravel roads. Even the slightest ice or snow makes these roads treacherous. Add must be at least 25 years of age to book.