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Entire home

Minutes to town! Mountain chic/ waters swim hole firepit. Game room and porches!

Lakefront cottage with private pool and kitchen

Photo gallery for Minutes to town! Mountain chic/ waters swim hole firepit. Game room and porches!

Exterior
Smart TV, fireplace, ping pong, books
Terrace/patio
Smart TV, fireplace, ping pong, books
Property grounds
Escape to On the Rocks, a tranquil cottage nestled within quiet woods near Big Creek river. Panoramic water views from the screened-in porch and Adirondack chairs by the fire pit invite relaxation. The chef’s kitchen, bar, great room with a wood-burning fireplace are perfect for entertaining while high-end décor provides comfort.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

4 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 82750 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Fireplace
  • Pet-friendly

Add dates for prices

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Minutes to town! Mountain chic/ waters swim hole firepit. Game room and porches!

UPCOMIMG EVENTS:
- November 7-10 - Highlands Food & Wine Festival
- November 26th - December 24th: Trim Our Town
- December 7th -: Olde Mountain Christmas Parade

Upscale private cottage nestled within quiet & serene woods. Escape to the backyard for a private swim hole in Big Creek river. It doesn’t sound more idyllic than vacationing steps away from the shores of Big Creek. With mountain chic décor and all the comforts and spaciousness of a true home, this mountain retreat is perfectly cozy for a couple or family, and shines as a place to entertain. The Property: suitably named, On the Rocks, is a tranquil cottage situated on 3.9 acres right on Big Creek. You and your family will enjoy panoramic water views from the screened-in porch, have the chance to curl up in Adirondack chairs by the fire pit or spend a relaxing evening unwinding on the large outdoor hammock. This hidden jewel is just 2 hours drive north of Atlanta surrounded by the Nantahala National Forest and situated atop a plateau at an elevation of 4118 feet. The Layout: The configuration of the living quarters at On the Rocks is ideal for two to three pairs to enjoy their personal living spaces. The chef’s kitchen and bar open up to the great room with a wood-burning fireplace. French doors lead you to a peaceful screened-in porch that comfortably seats 10. The main level houses two private suites that share a nice bath. The king suite is situated on the second level and includes a full bath, office, dressing room/nursery, and two walk in closets large enough for a pack-n-play. Enjoy the bright and airiness of the room that is accentuated by the vaulted ceilings. Entertain the night away with a full entertainment suite and additional bedroom that includes a flat screen TV & game table. French doors open up to a second screened porch with a private path leading to Big Creek. The Details: Hardwood floors throughout the property. The kitchen is outfitted with serving dishes, china and stemware. Fresh white linens provided (sheets and towels). Experience the feeling of residing in a luxury Bed and Breakfast with all the comforts of home. The Location: This private cottage is neighboring to three other properties located off Billy Cabin Road.

Property amenities

Pool/Spa

  • Outdoor pool
  • Private pool

Internet

  • Available in the cottage: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Car recommended
  • Limited on-site parking (max 4 spaces)

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Hob
  • Ice maker
  • Lobster/crab pot
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 4 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 3 bathrooms
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Books
  • Games
  • Music library
  • Smart TV with cable/satellite channels
  • Stereo

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue grill
  • Firepit
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Work spaces

  • Desk
  • Desk chair
  • Office

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • Welcoming dogs only
  • Up to 23 kg per pet

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Cobblestone flooring in public areas
  • Hardwood flooring in public areas
  • In-room accessibility
  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Housekeeping (on request)
  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • In a rural location
  • In a village
  • In the city centre
  • In the mountains
  • Near a health/beauty spa
  • Near a hospital
  • On a lake
  • On a river
  • On the waterfront

Things to do

  • Arcade/game room
  • Billiards/pool table
  • Boat
  • Golf
  • Kayak
  • Table tennis
  • Tennis
  • Water sports equipment
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Horseback riding nearby
  • Hunting nearby
  • Ice skating nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Mountain climbing nearby
  • Rafting nearby
  • Rock climbing nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Sledding nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Water skiing nearby
  • Water tubing nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby
  • Winery tours nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • At least 10% of profits reinvested in community and sustainability
  • At least 80% lighting from LEDs
  • Energy-saving switches in guestrooms
  • Garden
  • Housekeeping (on request)
  • Local artist showcase
  • Locally-owned and organised tours and activities
  • Recycling
  • Reusable coffee/tea filters
  • Unit size: 2,750 square feet

Similar properties

Interior
The Millhouse | The historic Mill House on Mirror Lake and Cullasaja River
  • Pool
  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, 86 reviews
The Millhouse | The historic Mill House on Mirror Lake and Cullasaja River

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Contactless check-in and check-out are available
Minimum check-in age - 35

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM
Contactless check-out

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets are allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs only
1 total (up to 23 kg per pet)
Note from host: $400 pet fee. Host must verify to confirm booking.

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Note from host: Creek play under adult supervision.

Events

No events allowed
Parking limited to 4 cars.

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Note from host: Parking limited to 4 cars.
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Map
Highlands, NC

What's nearby

  • Bridal Veil Falls - 4 min drive - 2.3 km
  • Dry Falls - 5 min drive - 3.6 km
  • Highlands-Cashiers Hospital - 6 min drive - 3.4 km
  • Highlands Country Club - 6 min drive - 3.8 km
  • Whiteside Mountain - 11 min drive - 9.1 km

Getting around

  • Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) - 84 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Shell - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Oak Steakhouse - ‬15 min walk
  • ‪Calders Coffee Cafe - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Blue Bike Cafe - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Highlands BBQ Company - ‬5 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Minutes to town! Mountain chic/ waters swim hole firepit. Game room and porches! have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

Is Minutes to town! Mountain chic/ waters swim hole firepit. Game room and porches! pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet.

What time is check-in at Minutes to town! Mountain chic/ waters swim hole firepit. Game room and porches!?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Minutes to town! Mountain chic/ waters swim hole firepit. Game room and porches!?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Minutes to town! Mountain chic/ waters swim hole firepit. Game room and porches! located?

This family-friendly Highlands cottage is located on the waterfront, within 3 mi (5 km) of Nantahala National Forest, Highlands-Cashiers Hospital and The Bascom Center for the Visual Arts. Highlands Dog Park and Cullasaja River Gorge are also within 3 miles (5 km).

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Minutes to town! Mountain chic/ waters swim hole firepit. Game room and porches! Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 125 out of 131 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 131 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 131 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 131 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 131 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Kirsten G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect getaway

We loved staying here! Great layout and close proximity to town made it ideal!
Stayed 12 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

David T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely getaway!

Plenty of space and great activities both inside and out!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Brad J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fun Highlands House

We enjoyed our stay with fun activities at the house and nice to be close to downtown Highlands.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jason S., Edinburg

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful Cozy Stay!

Fantastic property, loved our stay! Running stream you can hear from the porch 24-7. Very peaceful place to relax and home has everything you need.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2021

10/10 Excellent

Betsy C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

We’ll Be Back!

On The Rocks was the perfect home for our mountain trip this summer.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Suzy B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect anniversary celebration

We visited “On The Rocks” to celebrate our parents 59th anniversary. It was a peaceful and relaxing visit. The gorgeous porch in the treetops with the sound of the rushing water below was especially enjoyable. And the close location to town was a nice convenience! We hope to return one day.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

paige h.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The best!

On the Rocks was an amazing property! We loved the babbling brook in the back yard! I want to bring my family back to stay there next time...I only wish some of the neighbors would also rent out nearby properties because this would be THE BEST PLACE for a family reunion! The property manager was great, too. Exceptional place! So glad we stumbled on to it!!!!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2019

10/10 Excellent

Terry E.

Great Ambiance !

A first class rental that has all the luxury's you will need. The rushing creek below ran like a river and created a harmonic sound from the waterfalls that we listened to for hours on end. We would return again. Thanks for a truly enjoyable 4 day escape.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2018

10/10 Excellent

David H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

lovely mountain escape

We had a wonderful time in the Highlands. It was so peaceful sitting on the screen porch listening to the river behind the house. the house was very clean upon our arrival, except for the grill. We tried to clean it, however, could not get it clean enough to use. Location was great. Easy to get downtown, but far enough to escape the busy town of Highlands.
Stayed 21 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Pam B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Tucked back & tranquil

Everything was very easy & the house is relaxed but well appointed & pretty. The upstairs master suite was so quaint! The basement level is a great game room with the rushing water just outside. Perfect for a family or couples as it allows everyone space with some wonderful common areas! You can't beat being able to hear the creek as you sit on the gorgeous screened porch. I was expecting this house to be quite isolated & initially was worried about noise as there are other homes around but, we had no issues with that at all. We really enjoyed our time here!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2019

10/10 Excellent

Steven G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

On The Rocks Vacation

Excellent family vacation, 6 adults, 2 children. Plenty of room and space for everyone. Indoor wood burning fireplace and outdoor fire pit were both used and cleaned out before our arrival. Plenty of firewood as promised, in fact delivered more within 4 hours when we needed to be restocked. Caught 2 trout in Big Creek right on the property. Screened porches with furniture were in excellent condition and also used. All utensils, dishes, pots/pots were abundant and also used. This home was wonderful and 20 minutes from downtown Highlands. Terry Vawter was excellent to communicate with via email as well as text. The accuracy of the listing and photos was outstanding. Steve Gabrielle
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rachel B.

On the Rocks was charming, convenient to town and felt like home!

We traveled with three adults and two children (ages 11 and 7) for a four night getaway to Highlands. The house is very convenient to town, Whiteside Mountain and many waterfalls in the area. The house was very clean and had plenty of rooms. It felt like our home. It had nice furniture, comfortable beds, and a lot of amenities(cookware, condiments, hand soap, toilet paper, Wi-Fi, etc) We had fun playing board games and pool and even taught the kids how to play poker at the card table. Our favorite part of the house were the screened in porches where we ate meals while listening to the water flow in the creek...so relaxing. We enjoyed a fire down by the creek every night and made s’mores while relaxing in the hammock and sitting in the chairs. The owner was friendly and easy to communicate with if needed. I highly recommend this house for families. We will be back again. Everyone voted that we do not want to try another house and want to be first on the list if it ever comes up for sale! :)
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2017

10/10 Excellent

Steve M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Just a great house. Loved the sound of the stream flowing in the back of the house. Our kids loved the pool table and ping pong. We would rent this house again!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Betsy C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Iconic home on a creek in Highlands made for a perfect family getaway!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Brett J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great stay!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

allison g.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great house in highlands

We had a great few days in highlands - house was fantastic and enjoyed being next to the river!!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Virginia M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great stay in Highlands.

Wonderful house with plenty of space for family and lovely screened porches to enjoy the breeze and the wash of the stream. Very relaxing.
Stayed 21 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Erin R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

So relaxing

This Highlands home is situated in the most beautiful setting. I love sitting on the porch and listening to the creek below. The inside is just as lovely and cozy, and the owners are such wonderful, gracious hosts.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lawrence C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great memories

This house is perfect for two families each with two kids. IT has all of the creature comforts with a secluded feel and the loud rush of Big Creek in the background.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Hillary B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect mountain getaway

We had the best time at the house. It was perfect for 3 couples. We enjoyed the fire pit by the water and cozy nights by the fire.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Amy D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Dream Vacation Home!

We had an amazing time at this upscale home in Highlands, NC! The rushing creek was a tranquil and refreshing spot to relax and enjoy some adventure. This home was a perfect fit for our family vacation, especially with three boys! Exploring the nearby trails, fishing, and visiting local shops made for a memorable experience. The fact that the owner was accommodating and quick to respond to all our questions shows their dedication to making our stay enjoyable. Having a variety of activity recommendations added to the excitement, even if it was impossible to do everything in one visit. We are already looking forward to returning to this wonderful vacation spot.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

julie w., Baton Rouge, LA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Thanksgiving Family Trip

We booked this gorgeous vacation home for our family of four and brought along my husband’s mother. The location of this home is absolutely amazing. This house backs up to a beautiful scenic creek with a peaceful sound of constant water flowing over the rocks. In the backyard was a nice area with four large chairs and a hammock to gather around a homemade fire. The downstairs game room was the perfect place to gather for cardplaying, a pool table and ping-pong. The main living area boasts high ceilings with a wood-burning fireplace and a comfortable large dining table where we ate our Thanksgiving dinner. The upstairs master suite was large and comfortable, and we used the office space for our luggage and closet to hang clothes in. The house was cozy and comfortable and very close to the town of the Highlands. we enjoyed hiking Whiteside mountain, flyfishing, eating at the Old Edwards Inn, shopping at the market & shops in town and snow tubing at the Highlands outpost. We also drove over to Brevard for a horseback riding adventure with Saddle Up and visited friends in the Sapphire area. This area of North Carolina is absolutely beautiful and we definitely hope to visit again! I highly recommend this house! The property manager was easy to communicate with and full of knowledge of the area.
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Alex M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Excellent

We loved staying at this cozy home nestled in the woods. It was clean and owner was so kind and very responsive. The house was close to town. We will be back! Great weekend with friends.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Russ F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Awesome!

We loved the home and the location was perfect. Having morning coffee on the porch listening to Big Creek bubble in the background was pure bliss!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Erin R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Love On The Rocks

On The Rocks has become a favorite destination for our family -- such a cozy, peaceful property.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023