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Asheville is only 1/2 hour away but you can enjoy the best of both possible worlds by staying in pristine countryside in a beautiful, stunning private cottage. You will be enchanted by the Clearfield Cottage which was just featured out of thousands of rentals in the area on ABC TV's reality show Sweet Retreats. The cottage is nestled in the Smokies with a spectacular view of Mount Mitchell and surrounding mountains but is only ½ hour from Asheville’s world-class restaurants, entertainment, and the famous Biltmore Estate. The cottage and grounds have become a destination paradise for honeymoons, anniversaries, birthdays and even intimate weddings. This entire two story, romantic cottage is entirely new, fresh, green built, green furnished and eco-friendly. The unique interiors feature origi...Asheville is only 1/2 hour away but you can enjoy the best of both possible worlds by staying in pristine countryside in a beautiful, stunning private cottage. You will be enchanted by the Clearfield Cottage which was just featured out of thousands of rentals in the area on ABC TV's reality show Sweet Retreats. The cottage is nestled in the Smokies with a spectacular view of Mount Mitchell and surrounding mountains but is only ½ hour from Asheville’s world-class restaurants, entertainment, and the famous Biltmore Estate. The cottage and grounds have become a destination paradise for honeymoons, anniversaries, birthdays and even intimate weddings. This entire two story, romantic cottage is entirely new, fresh, green built, green furnished and eco-friendly. The unique interiors feature original artwork and mosaics by owner and internationally renowned artist Rachel Clearfield. The downstairs kitchen, dining and living area has a stunning mosaic floor, named 'Stepping Stones in a Flower Garden' made of Brazilian polished granite. Upstairs is the amazingly intricate, mosaic bathroom shower called 'Trees of Beauty' made of European marble and colorful stones. The kitchen has all granite countertops. The upstairs bedroom has a beautifully finished 100-year-old maple floor and a sumptuously comfortable queen size futon bed with luxurious linens.
Outside the cottage there is a peaceful shade garden with a rose covered gazebo in which you can swing, listen to the creek and watch the birds and butterflies. Guests are welcome to enjoy and roam through the beautiful English style flower gardens. You also have a lovely outdoor sitting area right by your back door, perfect for enjoying your morning coffee or sipping a glass of evening Chardonnay and stargazing the sequined night sky without light pollution. There's also a wonderful barbecue, chiminea and sitting area right by your own private creek. This cottage is a perfect getaway for a romantic weekend, birthdays, anniversaries, soulful retreats, girl’s time together or just a quiet, peaceful place to let go of the challenges and stresses in life and return to the simple joys of existence and beauty. The owners are recording artist, cellist and conductor Ron Clearfield and his wife, fine artist Rachel Clearfield. There is an abundance of creative energy on this property for anyone who needs a place to find that seed of inspiration for their next book, album or painting. Without a doubt, this is a paradise for painters, photographers and nature lovers or just anyone who is looking for a beautiful, fulfilling time in the mountains.
Keywords: Fine art interiors, esthetic, peaceful, meditative, rural beauty, gorgeous views, organic flower gardens, green built, original artwork, wonderful hiking, owner managed.
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The setting of the cottage is beautiful with details that allow you to really take in the beauty of the mountain views, sunrise, fresh air, and sounds of nature. The babbling of the stream provides the essence of natures music while exploring the beautiful grounds. The vibe of the cottage inside provides a true artistic and musical experience. Every detail of the cottage is warm, interesting, and inviting. It is the kind of place where you wake with the sun and feel your inner spirit being awoken. The gardens, walking path, and resident pets (Princess Pumpkin, Caramel, and Adora) add additional depth to an already amazing experience of being connected to art, music, nature, and spirit. Be prepared to leave feeling like a younger version of yourself.
Visited February 2021
Written 28 February 2021. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Storyteller567724
Dear Ron and Karen, your review is very beautiful and in the deepest way so honest and true. Thank you. Rachel and I humbly appreciate you both for staying in our cottage and getting the chance to really enjoy it all.
All the best! Ron and Rachel
Written 9 March 2021. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Bekah
1 contribution
Peaceful artist
My husband and I really enjoyed this little get away . It was definitely tough maneuvering up and down the steep mountain driveway with our big truck , but I’d say that’s about the only downside.... it was very cozy. Ron and a Rachel were very accommodating and sweet . Rachel invited us to eat from her garden, which was a nice surprise :) her artwork around the entire cottage is absolutely beautiful! There was a lot to look at and admire. Ron who is a musician has his music available to listen to, which made it even more of a personal and friendly environment. Thank you Ron and Rachel for your hospitality ❤️
Visited October 2020
Written 7 October 2020. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Storyteller567724
Thank you Rebecca for your lovely review. Yes your truck was the largest passenger truck I've ever seen! Looked larger than a Hummer. lol! It makes sense you had a little difficulty with our very well maintained mountain country road but for sure most vehicles wouldn't have any trouble. Aside from that we're really happy you appreciated all the beauty of our cottage experience. All the best, Ron and Rachel
Written 11 January 2021. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Vinny R
1 contribution
Relaxation relaxation relaxation.
My wife and I were here to celebrate our 25th anniversary and our choice of where to stay couldn't have been better. All the previous reviews really said it all, but I was personally mesmerized by the floor, as soon as you walk in it really is quite unique. There is also something very calming about being able to look out the window and see a pony. If I was 50 years younger I would have gone up and down the spiral staircase all day.
If you told me I couldn't leave unless I complained about something then I guess I'm not leaving!
Thanks to Ron & Rachel who we met on our last day for sharing their talents with us.
Vinny & Eva
Visited June 2019
Written 4 July 2019. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Storyteller567724
Dear Vinny and Eva, thank you for such a special and heartfelt review! Rachel and I were honored that you spent your 25th anniversary in our cottage. That says it all!! You and Eva have a very wonderful marriage and we were so glad to have met you both.
Warm regards,
Ron and Rachel
Written 5 July 2019. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
jpastri
Coral Springs, FL1 contribution
Relaxing and unique
I was looking for a quiet and beautiful place to spend some quality time with my family near Asheville. This cottage was just perfect, the owners make it a priority that your stay is hassle free. The view is great and the opportunity to feed the ponies is unique, my daughters enjoyed it so much. We enjoyed looking at the stars as we got some s’mores on the campfire. We highly recommend this cottage.
Visited December 2018
Written 11 January 2019. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Storyteller567724
Dear Javier, it was really wonderful having you and your family stay in our cottage. Thank you for your kind words and Rachel and I are very glad your stay was hassle free, peaceful and full of fun and relaxation.
Warm regards,
Ron and Rachel
Written 17 January 2019. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lauryn Corinne G
1 contribution
A dream come true!
My family will remember this unique and beautiful experience for years to come. Fairy tales do exist! The love and craftsmanship put into this wonderland of a cottage is simply exquisite. Ron and Rachel are two of the most genuine, talented, kind and interesting people we have ever met. What a honor it was. The cottage was clean and decorated in a cozy, artistic and whimsical style. The full kitchen was great for cooking family meals. Plenty of comfortable bedding and plush towels were provided. A lovely assortment of adult and children’s books, puzzles, board games and playing cards were also a nice surprise. Feeding the 2 ponies were the highlight of our mornings as was the magestic sunrise we were lucky enough to experience. The soft rush of the creek was music to our ears when taking walks around the property. Be sure to bring comfortable clothing and good waterproof footwear if you plan to venture out on walks around the property. Very scenic surroundings so I’m sure you will want to wander. Ron’s music and Rachel’s art was candy for the senses. Their beautiful, friendly and smart Great Pyrenees dog was my 9 year old daughters best friend during the stay. It was great to have a furry friend to go on walks with and sit in the pasture. She was a real treasure. We had a great 4 night stay and will be returning soon. We truly found peace here!
Visited November 2018
Written 15 November 2018. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Storyteller567724
Dear Lauryn, your review goes so far beyond just a wonderful review. It's poetic, descriptive......a cottage tour guide and truly fine writing. It was an honor for Rachel and I to host you and your amazing family in our cottage! You folks are so special! We loved hearing about your daughter's friendship with our sweet dog Adora and the family walks with her but your final line touched us the most, "We truly found peace here!" Gosh, that line is music to our ears to know that we've created such a special environment and place for people to come and experience that sacred feeling we call peace in a world that is often very far from that emotion. This was our hope and vision when we built this cottage and opened it to the world.
Thank you so much!
Ron and Rachel
Written 30 November 2018. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Alain P
Puerto Rico14 contributions
Superb and quiet retreat near Asheville
The location is simply stunning and Ron and Rachel are truly extraordinary human beings. The kids felt in love with the quiet place, the space to run around and the animals to cuddle and play with. Adora is an enthousiastc and gentle Pyrenean dog, Princess Pumpkin and Prince Max are friendly and lovely poney and horse. After all the activities that we did in the area the kids were always impatient to go home and play with the animals.
Highly recommended!
Visited October 2018
Written 7 October 2018. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Storyteller567724
Dear Alain, it was truly our pleasure to meet you, your wife, daughter, and her friend. It was really so wonderful for Rachel and I to see the whole family enjoying the cottage, property and especially our sweet animals.
Thank you for staying and hope you come visit again.
Warm regards,
Ron and Rachel
Written 22 October 2018. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kayleigh S
Rainsville, AL1 contribution
The Most Charming Cottage!
I chose this beautiful cottage for a quick solo getaway. I'm in graduate school and have been under a lot of stress. This was the perfect spot to relax and unwind. I took a hike around the property and came across the most breathtaking view. It was absolutely magical. The owners also have the sweetest puppy that went on the hike with me. It was so fun to have a little buddy!
If you are like me and you are prone to motion sickness, take some medication before you get on the curvy roads leading to the property. I got pretty sick on the way in, but I took nausea medication on my second day in town and I didn't get sick at all!
The cottage itself was a dream. I will definitely stay again, and I have friends and family members who are already planning to book this place in the future! It's absolutely perfect!
Visited July 2018
Written 3 August 2018. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Storyteller567724
Hi Kayleigh, thanks for the wonderful review particularly mentioning the relaxing and unwinding quality of our cottage. And thanks for the sweet shoutout about our adorable, well behaved, five month old puppy Adora.
Thanks also for bringing up the curves in the road. Those curves are about the final two miles after you get off the main road from Asheville. The main road coming to and from Asheville is pretty much straight. But yes, if anyone has a great sensitivity to motion sickness it's a good idea to take your meds before making the drive for the first time. No one has ever mentioned actually getting sick before but were thankful that you mentioned it for others who could have that problem. Those curves last just about ten minutes but they never get like those constant around and around and around roads (like when going to places like Cashiers or Highlands) that last for more than an hour.
Thanks for telling your friends and family about the cottage! We really look forward to seeing you soon (Adora as well!)
Best,
Ron and Rachel
Written 8 August 2018. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
T M
Robbins, NC5 contributions
Serendipity
The driveway going into the cottage starts the setting for the peaceful magical stay you will have. Entering the cottage looking at Rachel's art work, it tells the story of the magic in and surrounding the cottage. Rachel's work is absolutely amazing! Listening to Ron's music featuring him playing the cello just ties the entire experience all together! Words cannot express how beautiful his music is! The greeting my son and I received from Ron and Rachel made us feel at home. Also, Adora visited us everyday sometimes twice a day wanting a good belly rub. She was adorable and my son looked for her everyday. The music, art work, horses, gardens, butterflies, views, and lightning bugs that lit up the night sky with the stars. It was an experience my son and I will remember for a lifetime! He already wants to go back and we will every year! Imagine your 12 year old not playing video games or watching tv. My son did not even watch 2 hours of Television in 6 days. Nor did he play video games. Did not even pull out the handheld system he brought with him. We had wifi at the cottage and television. We did not need it. My son spent his time outside, reading, and playing board games with me. We did get out and enjoyed a few of the many things to do in the area. Ron and Rachel we thank you so much!!! Please give Adora a hug from us both.
Visited July 2018
Written 21 July 2018. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Storyteller567724
Hi Trina,
Gosh, you and your son's stay was truly amazing and what a descriptive review you've written for future interested visitors! We're so glad you mentioned the new member of the family Adora our well behaved five month old Great Pyrenees. She is a delight and she sure enjoyed spending time with your son. Looking forward to seeing you again soon!
Best wishes,
Ron and Rachel
Written 8 August 2018. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sandra W
1 contribution
Wonderful Experience
The location was close enough to enjoy the sights and sounds of Asheville but far away enough to be soothed by the fresh mountain air and the sound of the nearby creek. The cottage is filled with Rachel's art and it gives the place so much character. There is attention to detail in every space from the floors to the ceilings.
Rachel's artwork, jewelry and gardens are amazing and Ron's a true musical genus. It was a pleasure to meet both of them and they welcomed us with open arms. We left wishing we could have spent more time getting to know them and wishing our time didn't have to end!
Visited May 2018
Written 17 May 2018. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Storyteller567724
Dear Sandra, thank you for such a tremendous review! Rachel and I are deeply touched by your sincere and kind praises. It was an honor having you and your husband stay and hope to see you again!
Warm regards,
Ron and Rachel
Written 15 July 2018. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tabitha K
2 contributions
Magnificent
I could never decide what I loved more about the place the wonderful mountain view, or the amazing art within the cottage. I also loved that it is an earth house. I had thought about building one for myself and after staying in one so comfy I definitely have my mind set to build one in a few years. This stay was just what my husband and I needed for our anniversary not to mention the relaxation we needed before our second baby comes along next month. We will definitely be back. I also have a friend wanting to come after sending her the beautiful pictures of this quaint cottage.
Visited March 2018
Written 22 March 2018. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Storyteller567724
Hi Tabatha, Rachel and I were so honored that you chose our cottage to enjoy your anniversary and prepare for the blessed birth of your next child. Yes the cottage uses straw bale insulation and has been called at times an "earth house" since a large part of the house interior are straw bales set in post and beam and skillfully covered with fine stucco making it look like a beautiful Italian Villa. Usually though "earth houses" are filled with rammed dirt or even cob but in this case it's straw. Using straw insulation creates what they call an R-factor of +45. Normal walls in traditional construction are R-factor 19 which is standard code. What +45 means is that it's warm and comfortable in the winter and cool in the summer. Thank your again for your wonderful and detailed description and we do hope to see you again (hopefully with the little ones!) Warm regards, Ron and Rachel
Written 6 April 2018. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The Clearfield Cottage is nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains with spectacular views of Mount Mitchell and other surrounding mountains but only ½ hour from Asheville and it's world-class restaurants, entertainment and the famous Biltmore Estate. Available in this area are some of the most diverse and quality outdoor adventures you have ever experienced from beautiful hiking, exhilarating white water rafting, fabulous zip-lines, natural hot spring mineral baths, serious fishing and even skiing! Without a doubt, this is a paradise for bird watchers, painters, photographers, nature lovers, outdoor thrill enthusiasts or just anyone who is looking for a fabulous and fulfilling time in the mountains.
Access
Car required
How to get there
The Clearfield Cottage is a scenic 1/2 hour drive NW of Asheville, NC and can be accessed from either I-26 or I-40.
100% refund within 24 hours after booking (provided the stay is at least 60 days away).
50% refund* if you cancel at least 4 weeks before check-in
No refund available once booking is confirmed
About this property
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