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Muskrat Love a beautiful secluded home nestled in the Nantahala Forest

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Muskrat Love - a beautiful mountain home nestled in the Nantahala Forest
Have coffee on the deck whilst enjoying stunning mountain views.
Beautiful master bedroom, private bath, king size bed, fireplace, access to deck
Master Bedroom with gas fireplace
Master bedroom, massive windows, vaulted ceilings, view sunrises, moon and stars

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms3+ bathroomsSleeps 6187.9 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Dryer
  • Fireplace
  • Barbecue grill
  • Washer
  • Hot tub

Explore the area

Map
Franklin, NC
  • Mill Creek Country Club
    ‪12 min drive‬
  • Nantahala River
    ‪12 min drive‬
  • Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts
    ‪14 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Downstairs Bedroom

1 Queen Bed

Master Bedroom

1 King Bed

Upstairs Bedroom

1 Double Bed

3 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

2nd Downstairs Bathroom

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo

Half Bath

Toilet

Master Bath

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo

Upstairs Bath

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only · Jetted bathtub · Shampoo

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Muskrat Love a beautiful secluded home nestled in the Nantahala Forest

Welcome to Muskrat Love, a spacious, yet cozy two-story mountain home nestled in the Nantahala Mountains. This home is perfect for a romantic getaway or an adventurous family vacation. The master bedroom is on the bottom floor, it has a king size bed, gas fireplace, private bathroom, has an awesome view of the mountains and sunrise, sliding door opens up to the back deck. The second downstairs bedroom also has a private bathroom, queen size bed, and a lovely view of the Nantahala National Forest. The third bedroom is in the upstairs loft, it has a standard bed, balcony, lots of windows to view the sunrise and mountains, large private bath with a whirlpool tub and shower, the room has a desk and shelves stocked with books and games. There is a beautiful wooden teepee for small children to play and it's a symbol of our scared Cherokee Indians that once lived in peace with white settlers here in Muskrat Valley and Sand town. This home has lots of unique windows and light throughout the home providing beautiful views from every room.
It's just minutes away from the towns of Franklin (voted best small town in 2016) and Highlands (known for higher elevations, shopping, golfing and restaurants. This home is near near some of the best fishing spots, hiking trails, gem mining, rafting/zip lining adventures and local breweries. Turn onto Muskrat Valley by taking Highway 64, a scenic bi-way with breath taking mountain views and beautiful waterfalls.
Relax and enjoy gorgeous views from the wrap around deck, wake up to stunning sunrises or be awe struck at night by the moon and stars!
This 8+ acre property adjoins the Nantahala National Forest, it is surrounded by old oaks, maples, tulip popular, and sourwood trees, the National Forest is consider big game lands and a bear sanctuary. But don't worry it perfectly safe, like camping, if you don't leave food outside the bears will stay away. The home sits on a mountain and has two spring fed streams that run along both sides. Lots of birds and wildlife! Just footsteps away from taking a hike into the Nantahala National forest from the front door of the property.
Although there is plenty to do in the surrounding area, you can relax and enjoy your entire stay without ever leaving the mountain.

Property manager

Evelyn and Garry Mason

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Hot tub
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Parents please be careful, deck is 35 feet high
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking allowed: in designated areas
Do not flick cigarettes butts on the ground (fire)
Bedrooms are available pending the number of guests on the reservation.
We do not allow parties and we have age requirements. Adults must accompany minors. There is an outside camera.
Please watch children closely, help us protect our soft pine floors and decor. There is a safety gate on stairs and door on decking

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
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
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

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Franklin

Located in Franklin, this cabin is in the mountains. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Nantahala National Forest and Tessentee Bottomland Preserve, while Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts and Franklin Gem and Mineral Museum are cultural highlights. Parker Meadows Park and Ruby City Gems & Minerals are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Franklin, NC

What's nearby

  • Mill Creek Country Club - 12 min drive - 9.5 km
  • Nantahala River - 12 min drive - 11.6 km
  • Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts - 14 min drive - 14.3 km
  • Wayah Bald Lookout - 38 min drive - 28.9 km
  • Mason's Ruby and Sapphire Mine - 43 min drive - 33.6 km

Getting around

  • Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) - 91 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Mill Creek Dining Room & Grill - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Ole Mexican Foods - ‬10 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Muskrat Love a beautiful secluded home nestled in the Nantahala Forest pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Muskrat Love a beautiful secluded home nestled in the Nantahala Forest?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Muskrat Love a beautiful secluded home nestled in the Nantahala Forest?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Muskrat Love a beautiful secluded home nestled in the Nantahala Forest located?

Situated in the mountains, this cabin is steps from Nantahala National Forest and within 9 mi (15 km) of Parker Meadows Park and Nantahala River. Franklin Golf Course and The Factory are also within 9 miles (15 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 18 out of 18 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 18 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 18 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 18 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 18 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Cheryl W.

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

The Perfect Stay in all ways!

Muskrat Love was, simply put, perfect in all ways! I have no hesitation in fully recommending this lovely mountain home for your next getaway. We certainly will return! Convenience-very easy to access yet afforded complete privacy and solitude. Franklin is only minutes away but you feel like you have the world to yourself at Muskrat. Clean-every nook and cranny was spotless! Setting/lighting-beautifully designed home with amazing natural lighting set on the most stunning property. The view is exactly as wonderful as is shown in the photos Provisions-the beds/pillows were very comfortable! There were plenty of towels/linens. The kitchen was well supplied. Everything you need is provided. Internet-Super-fast, reliable wi-fi! Hosts-So hospitable and communicative! You won’t find better than Evelyn and Garry!
Stayed 8 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kathrine V.

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

Beautiful view, super clean

Easy entrance for us which we needed because we had one person in a wheelchair. Very clean and well supplied with all the basics. Beautiful view of the mountains range.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Linda C.

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

Muskrat Love is really a “Love!”

Me, my 93 year old wheelchair bound husband, and my brother spent 6 restorative days at this lovely home in July. The house is “drop dead” gorgeous and impeccably clean. Evelyn couldn’t have been nicer….even offering a spare wheelchair when my husband’s did not fit through a door! Talk about going above & beyond. I think anyone renting this beautiful home will fall in love with it. It is a bit isolated. We enjoyed the peace & quiet, but just know it will be a 15-20 minute drive to the quaint town of Franklin.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Christine S.

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

Amazing Weekend

Muskrat Love is a large home. Excellent for larger groups and couples as well. We knew the size as it was just my husband and I but booked because of the property features and the breathtaking views. The interior was clean, welcoming and spacious. Vaulted ceilings and views from every corner. The master bedroom has huge windows high up the walls so you can see the morning light and night stars right from the king size bed. En suite bathroom is perfect with everything you’d need including towels and a shower large enough to be the size of someones closet. Living room has 2 large and comfortable recliners with a TV, sofa, and charming decor. Kitchen was great and fully stocked. My husband and I spent most of our time outside on the deck. The view alone was enough to make me never want to leave-unfortunately we had to. Scenery included mountains, trees, skyline with the sounds of birds and other animals as they settled in each evening. On the deck was a lovely fire pit, zero gravity chairs, dining table and gas grill which my husband used to make us a wonderful meal. There are some string patio lights that can be plugged in to give the deck a warm glow. If there is a breeze blowing you’ll hear the calming sounds of the wind chime that is hanging outside. Waking up in the morning to their melodic notes will give you such a sense of peace. Our hosts are amazing and we had wonderful communication during our stay. Evelyn and Garry, we are truly grateful to you both for everything.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kris T.

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

Perfect Get Away!

This property is absolutely breathtaking! The owners did a great job supplying all the items we needed for our weekend stay! The house is immaculate, with amazing views! We loved the deck with a firepit, so relaxing at night. The area has a lot to offer and it’s such a quaint small town feel. Thank you for sharing your palace in the mountains, we will be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Lisa H.

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

Peace and Quiet

We were able to get a last minute booking at this wonderful cabin. We enjoyed the views, all the amenities, and the tranquil setting for 5 days. The house is well equipped with everything you need from towels to spices to every day cleaning supplies! We relaxed in the hot tub on the wrap around deck (which also has table and chairs, a fireplace and grill) as we watched the clouds drift through the trees. Evelyn and Garry have tastefully decorated the cabin, answer questions on texts quickly, and prepared a wonderful guide book to help travelers navigate the near by attractions. They are wonderful hosts.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kristy L.

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

Amazing Cabin!

The pictures really don’t do this one justice! Everything was even better than we expected. Evelyn is a dream to work with. The cabin is extremely well stocked with anything you might need. Very, very clean. Very private location, but still fairly convenient to town. Very easy to get to. We will be back!!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Deborah B.

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

Beautiful home and peaceful setting

From booking to checkout everything went perfect. The home was beautifully maintained and relaxing on the deck surrounded by the forest was as peaceful as it gets.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Michael A.

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

Great rental

Great property to get away to in the mountains. Short drive into town with lots of activities around.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Andrew P.

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

Beautiful!

Clean, light and bright, and well equipped cabin on a beautiful piece of property. Plenty of space to relax and wonderful views from almost every room.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

David S.

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

Great - all around!

We had an excellent time, the property is beautiful, the views are fantastic. Peaceful, quiet - wouldn’t change a thing!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2021

10/10 Excellent

Jay R.

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

Quiet Time

This is a beautiful secluded home. Sitting on the deck or in the hot tub feels like being in the woods. Just a peaceful, pleasant experience all around. The home was well provisioned with all you need in the kitchen and a very nice gas grill with utensils. Easy access to hiking trails in every direction and easy access to Franklin and Highlands for shops & restaurants. I recommend buying some steaks and fish for dinners on the grill. I especially liked the large windows that give such a great view out. Thanks so much for letting us stay at your home!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2021

10/10 Excellent

Teresa G.

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

Great location and Home

Gorgeous views from all rooms. Super clean and had everything we needed. Hard to find handicap accessible places in the mountains but this one fit the bill for my 90 and 92 year old folks. Loved the fire pit and hot tub! Only negative were more dishes and towels needed. Only 6 plates provided which mean we had to continually wash dishes. Also, need more than 6 towels. Laundry soap and dishwasher detergent was provided though! Will return!
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Cindy N.

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

Our vacation in tranquility

We truly enjoyed our stay. The home was spacious, clean and beautiful. The views were breath taking. It was quiet and peaceful.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Holly G.

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

Perfect remote getaway, well appointed so you can just relax

This was a perfect place to getaway and relax! Muskrat Love is super clean and you can tell the pride Evelyn & Garry take. We really appreciated the local guide book they had put together with info from breweries to hiking trails. And all the local magazines and brochures so we could take those in the car to guide us on viewing some of the amazing local falls. We had everything we needed plus some to just relax and enjoy! We sat on the great deck and relaxed with no noise except for the forest and nearby creeks. There is no better place for stargazing then to turn out all the house lights and lean back in the Adirondack chairs on the front porch. City slickers (me), be warned, you will hear some wildlife in the forest! We took a relaxing hot tub each night before bed. We watched the sun rise from the comfort of the master bed through the huge windows. It isn’t lacking for a remote getaway though. Our AT&T cell service was fine at the cabin…but we did lose it heading down the mountain, so map before you leave the house. 😂 The fast internet service let one member of our party join her regular D&D game. We cheered on our Crimson Tide on the large tv with some gameday eats from the gas grill. There were even comfy throws to cozy up on the couch while we watched the game. The kitchen had all the tools we needed for lots of cooking over our four nights. The decor is clean and comfortable at the same time. Furniture and linens are quality and comfortable. We can’t wait to return!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Karen S.

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

Well above expectations

This was our first time renting a home so we really didn't know what to expect. Our experience was wonderful, the home was beyond anything we could have imagined ❤ The house was clean and fully stocked with the essentials we needed. The hosts Evelyn and Garry Mason were very helpful and made us feel welcome.. It was truly a home away from home. We're definitely looking forward to another visit.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Lili S.

Liked: Cleanliness, communication, location, listing accuracy

A piece of paradise

We had a wonderful time. The cabin was very clean. The views were amazing. It is very secluded with a walking trail right on the property (walking sticks included). We would definitely return if vacationing with family.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Dinah B.

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

Wonderful Mountain Getaway

Relaxing yet splendid large home nestled in the North Carolina mountains - and the hosts (Evelyn and Garry) were so accommodating, allowing us onto their private river property to fish and enjoy. Highly recommended!
Stayed 7 nights in May 2021

About the host

Hosted by Evelyn and Garry Mason

Host profile image
Garry and I bought this home to retire in, as things often happen our circumstances changed and decided to list our home as an airbnb. That way we can still enjoy the mountains but we can also share it with others that love Western North Carolina as much as we do.

Why they chose this property

In our search for the perfect mountain home to retire in, we stumbled upon the town of Franklin. It was voted best small town and we loved how quaint it was, how nice the people are, how much there is to do in the area and the local breweries. We fell in love with our home the moment we saw it. Great layout gives you lots of privacy, beautiful windows with gorgeous views, stunning sunrises, trees swaying in the breeze. We had our first snow that winter, very novel for a Florida girl! Dogwood trees, wild cherry tree, mountain laurel and wildflowers announce the arrival of spring. Fireflies everywhere in June and July. Fall was spectacular and words can't do it justice so please check out the pictures on our sight. I love birds and wildlife. On our first night I used an bird app on my phone to call a Barred Owl, Garry and I heard a branch crack about a hundred feet away and a huge barred owl flew towards us, over the deck where we sat, and looked us in the eye as he flew by. The location is private and peaceful. Nature is all around, great for viewing wildlife such as deer, bears, birds, bobcats, foxes, etc. We put out salt blocks and our neighbors feed corn to the deer, so chances are you will spot some. So if you're looking to unwind from the big city life and bumper to bumper traffic it's perfect.

What makes this property unique

The location is great, once you leave the mountain you turn onto Highway 64, head east to Highlands or west to Standing Indian. 30 minute drive to the Highlands with beautiful views of waterfalls along the way. If you stay 4 nights we will include a free one day access to the Cullasaja River in Highlands. Enjoy a private great trout fishing spot, a lazy swimming hole, or float around in a raft. There are 6 adirondack chairs to relax in, bring a lunch and enjoy the beautiful view of the Cullasaja river and Buck Creek.

Languages:

English
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