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About Hidden Gem
Hidden Gem — Fenced Yard • Hot Tub • Wood-Burning Fireplace • Walk to Downtown Banner Elk
Hidden Gem is a charming rustic cottage nestled in the woods right beside Lees-McRae College and just a short walk to downtown Banner Elk. This peaceful retreat perfectly blends cozy mountain charm with modern comfort.
Inside, the home features three spacious bedrooms all located on the main floor—a great setup for guests who prefer to avoid stairs. There’s also a loft area with two low twin beds that’s perfect for kids but may not be ideal for adults. The inviting great room centers around a classic wood-burning indoor fireplace, creating the perfect spot to unwind after a day exploring the High Country.
Step outside to a large single-level deck with comfortable seating, a wood-burning outdoor fireplace (a guest favorite!), and a bubbling hot tub. The hog-wired fenced yard is perfect for pets—dogs are welcome!
From the back deck, you can enjoy soothing sounds of the nearby falls—possibly Mill Pond Falls—adding to the peaceful mountain atmosphere. While you don’t have a direct view of Grandfather Mountain, the property still offers lovely mountain views surrounded by serene woods.
And despite its proximity to Lees-McRae College, the area is incredibly calm. The campus is quiet, and weekend noise is rare—if you see ten students at once, it’s a crowd!
Whether you’re sipping coffee by the fireplace, stargazing by the outdoor hearth, or strolling into town for dinner, Hidden Gem offers a cozy and convenient escape right in the heart of Banner Elk.
AWD or 4WD is highly recommended during the winter months if weather conditions are adverse.
Amenities
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Kitchen & Dining
Relaxation
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Check-in & Check-out
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Guest Reviews
The Hidden Gem was one of the best places I have stayed. The amenities in this house are numerous. Nick is a great host and the home is an amazing. I would stay here again in a heartbeat. We had a one-off issue and Nick immediately found a solution. Nick and this house made our trip to Banner Elk better than we could have planned for it to go.
Wonderful place to stay to visit my daughter who attends Lees-McRae. We loved the fireplaces and fenced in yard for our pup. Comfortable beds and living spaces. All of the details like hand soap at the sinks, the forgot something box, smores station, and doggie bin were nice touches. The loft area was perfect for my teenager and we all had fun playing pool. The back porch was perfect for listening to the birds in the morning and relaxing in the evening by the fire with a cup of tea. It truly is a Hidden Gem which I wish I knew of sooner, but now that I do know, we hope to stay again.
We had an amazing stay in Banner Elk. The location and home exceeded our expectations for a quiet mountain escape for spring break. It truly felt like a home away from home. The space was comfortable for our whole group — our family with small kids and our parents — and worked perfectly for a multigenerational trip. The home was stocked with everything you could need, from sleds to books and games. There’s also a sweet deer family that lives in the woods next to the house, and we loved watching them graze in the front yard. The backyard and hot tub were scenic and private, making it a great place to relax. The location was perfect — right next to the college, which made it feel safe with campus security nearby, yet still very private. “Hidden Gem” is definitely an accurate name. You’re not on top of neighbors, and the home is easy to access. It’s walkable to parts of town but also just a short drive to all the sights and activities. The views were spectacular.
Location was great, quiet wooded setting but very close to downtown and restaurants. The house was very clean and comfortable, had everything we needed for our stay! We will definitely be back
We loved our 3 nights in Banner Elk at Nick's place! The home was incredible. It was clean, the beds were comfortable, the bathrooms were very nice. The back porch + hot tub was a great way to end each day. We walked to coffee shops, to downtown Banner Elk - the location was perfect. Nick was super responsive, very helpful, and a great communicator. A 2 mile drive from Sugar Mountain, and a 10min drive to Beech Mountain, the slopes were super accessible. We loved our time, have so many stories to cherish, and we look forward to coming back next time!
We absolutely loved staying at the Hidden Gem! The house was clean and had everything you could possibly need (even extra toiletry items you may have left at home!). Great fireplaces inside and out, along with a hot tub and fenced in backyard! This home was truly a hidden gem and we will definitely be back!
Location
Beech Mountain, NC
Approximate location shown. Exact address provided after booking.
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