River’s Edge Retreat: Amazing Views, Screen Porch, Decks, Grill, Fish, One Floor

Nestled on North Carolina’s Hiwassee River, Cottage on the River’s Edge is a cozy retreat with amazing views and heaps of charm set to the sounds of the rippling river. Relax on the deck, swim or splash around, fish for trout – right off the deck, or enjoy the rustic fire pit. Feel time slow, relax with family and friends, and breathe deep to the rhythm of the river. Beloved by families, and especially comfortable for multi-generational groups that prefer a single floor.

Wifi, New 55” Flatscreen and smaller TVs w/Roku, Full Kitchen, Keurig Duo, Screen Porch, Fireplace, Rocking Chairs, Firepit, Views, Private, Riverside, Single Floor.

The space

• Decks (multiple) overlook the river - can fish right off the outermost
• Spacious screened porch runs across the back of the cottage.
• Front porch with ample seating to view the grassy long front yard
• Large stone fireplace
• 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths and a half-bath
• Fully equipped kitchen
• Keureg Duo coffee machine (with a few pods to get guests started)
• BBQ Grill (propane)
• Washer/dryer
• Primary suite featuring four poster queen bed, full bath with private deck overlooking river
• River bedroom with queen bed
• Front bedroom with queen and twin beds, tv w/Roku
• Jack-and-Jill full bath accessible to two bedrooms

The views and setting overlooking the river - not in the distance but mere feet away - are really the best features. Air is fresh, often with a light breeze. We enjoy the deck in all seasons - airy and right in the midst of the river action in spring and summer and cozy in a rocking chair in the fall or winter. When choosing the house decades ago we preferred the riverbank location for watching birds, fishing right at home, and spotting wildlife, to being on a lake where in some seasons the water receded dramatically, the air was stagnant, or we were up a big hill and had to walk or drive to the water.

A full kitchen is great for cooking at home. It's a true live-in kitchen with a wide range of amenities and equipment including a Keurig Duo and microwave, a wide range of spices, salt, pepper, oil and vinegar, flour and sugar, coffee pods (a few), tea and usually hot chocolate. A full size refrigerator/freezer is available so guests can bring their favorite foods, bring take out or leftovers back to enjoy later, or bring groceries to make pancakes or a big biscuit, gravy and sausage breakfast (whatever you choose to bring).

Our indoor dining table fits 4-6 and there are smaller tables if you need a kids table. Our dining table on the screened porch is larger, easily fitting 5-7.

The living room is comfortable and cozy. Guests tend to compete to be first on the comfy plaid sofa or one of several spacious easy chairs including a rocker with footstool. It's a great place to enjoy the fire, a glass of wine, beer, or coffee, a game or catch up on a movie or the latest sports on the television which offers Roku for streaming (another smaller TV with Roku is in the front bedroom).

The mattresses are quite new and guests tell us they had the best sleep of their lives. We offer a high thread count sheets, a range of pillows and blankets, on which we've had unanimously great feedback.

What it's like being here: on early misty mountain mornings as the birds awaken, you can sip coffee, hot chocolate or tea in deep antique rocking chairs on the porch, or as twilight falls share dinner and festivities around one of two tables. Fish from the riverbank or the deck (please provide all fishing gear/scaling tools). Or gather round the front (very rustic) fire pit and share the day’s events. Toss or kick a ball around on the large grassy lawn. Even a rainy afternoon provides a great reason to relax on the screened porch listening or reading a book. There is much to offer for people of all interests and abilities.

The area

The Sweetwater location just outside Hayesville helps to ensure privacy, with a single lovely neighbor sharing the driveway. Even though you feel like you are in the middle of nowhere the charming town of Hayesville is only a 4-mile 10-minute drive. Fish or play in the river. Hike local trails and explore. Fires Creek offers picnicking and fishing close by, and Nantahala National Forest, which means Land of the Noon Day Sun in Cherokee, has its Tusquitee district nearby for hiking, picnicking and other activities. Visit the unique mountain towns of Hayesville, Blue Ridge, Murphy and Brasstown. Try your luck at the new casino in Murphy. The renowned John C. Campbell Folk Art School and craft shops are nearby, plus wineries, farmers’ markets, flea markets, theater and folk music, and town square concerts and events at the gazebo. Golf at Mountain Harbor, Chatuge Shores or Brasstown Valley Resort and Spa – or treat yourself in the spa. Further afield visit the alpine town of Helen, Georgia. In the fall visit Blueridge, GA for apple orchards (we love Mercier Orchards for amazing pies and apple goods).

We're located just a couple hours away from Asheville, Atlanta, Greenville, and Knoxville and it's an easy getaway or a stop along your journey. People flock here in hot summer temps to escape for cool(er) mountain mornings.

Guest access

Full property and home including the river (only on our property, please!). Stair access (six stairs to the front door). Please be cautious of slippery rocks and wear water shoes if wading or fishing in the creek to be safe. Ample free parking for three cars (four if not large) is available in front and to the side of the garage. The garage is not available to guests. Master bedroom closet is also not available (supplies and linen storage).

More info/photos on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube (including video walk-through) @cottageontheriversedge.

Note:
• We take our COVID cleaning protocol seriously.
• We ask that you treat our cottage as you would your own home, with care and respect. And leave it as you found it.
• Your comfort is our top priority – we hope you enjoy your stay and make memories you will treasure.
• Guests are family – we have a guest book and would love to have you sign it and add your experiences to the living history of our cottage.
• No smoking – please keep our place smoke free indoors and including the screened porch.
• Cell phone service in the area can be a challenge but Wifi assist/calling makes connectivity a breeze, no problems. Sometimes you can get a low signal on Verizon or AT&T but other times less so.
• Download directions, instructions, content, and anything you need prior to leaving home or (at latest) the center of Hayesville.
• Landline calls (local) – use all you want, and sometimes we'll check in to make sure your stay is going. Long distance/international calls require a calling card.
• Noise – the area is typically very quiet. We have lovely neighbors on either side and we ask that guests stay on our property at all times (we'll definitely get a call if guests wander or try to use river access via tresspass).
• Safety/lighting – there is a bright security light next door (from dusk to dawn) that is excellent for safety and finding your way in late at night. There can be light spill in the front bedroom, so close the window shades for darkness.
• Wildlife & nuisances – being on the river surrounded by nature lends itself to seasonal infiltration of wildlife, mosquitos, gnats, ticks, ants and poison oak. In the warm summer months don’t be surprised if you find uninvited guests. Luckily the spacious screened porch allows you to enjoy the ambiance of the river from while offering protection. We keep a range of bug repellant and pest supplies available. Recently in the wider region coyotes and bears have been sighted so please keep a watch over small children and do not leave food out.
• Power outages - in the mountains as elsewhere we occasionally have power outages, usually quite brief. We have an emergency kit with lanterns, flashlights, batteries, etc. Food should keep safely in the refrigerator for 48 hours. As hosts these events are outside our control and we do not reimburse guests for such events. If extended you may need to pick up some ice to keep your food cold and fresh.
• Mud & dirt – please use outdoor hose on the side of the cottage to clean off mud or sand from the river or lake before going inside.
• Allergies – the property owner’s cats do visit the property on occasion so be aware if you have allergies. The cottage is cleaned thoroughly after their visits. For feather allergies we have a variety of pillows for your convenience.
• River traffic & levels – you’ll see adventure-seeking paddlers float by in their kayaks during daytime. Late afternoon, water released from the dam will cause the river to rise and run enthusiastically. Information on the timing of these water releases is provided for safety.

Amenities – some highlights:
• Full kitchen includes basics: a variety of spices, salt and pepper, olive oil, vinegar, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and cornstarch, bottle and wine openers.
• Coffee station with coffee, tea, shelf-stable half-and-half, sugar and stevia.
• The water is from a well and very tasty. A Brita Filter is provided to filter it.
• Microwave, located on shelf in the laundry room. Please enjoy some popcorn, our treat!
• BBQ grill (propane), tools and propane provided.
• Laundry Room including washer and dryer with detergent for 2 wash cycles. The water is soft, and you don’t need a lot of detergent to get things cleaned. Be sure to empty the dryer lint filter after each use.
• Towels – we offer a selection for outside activities but please bring beach towels should you prefer them. Please only use bath towels for bathroom use.
• A basket of throws/blankets is available for use on the screened porch in the evening or by the fire pit. It does get cool by the river.
• Note: we do not offer a stereo or sound system/speakers. Please bring your own should you have need of one and please be mindful of our neighbors.