The 4 bedroom Fontana Lake NC vacation cabin Lake Cliff Retreat
The secluded privacy of Lake Cliff Retreat leaves you only visible from a distance to a few passing boaters below.
Located atop a cliff overlooking Fontana Lake
Lake Cliff Retreat as seen from a Pontoon Boat.
A picturesque view of Fontana Lake from the upper back deck.
Dine out with a beautiful view of Fontana Lake.
From every angle the view off the back deck will inspire, calm and captivate you.
As you pull up to the front door the lake is visible through the cabin windows.
The mountain side location and gravel driveway leading to the cabin.
After a day of hiking trials in the GSMNP soak away any tired muscles in the warm restorative messaging waters of the outdoor hot tub.
The lower deck is lighted so you can enjoy the fresh cool evening air from the warm comfort of the hot tub.
Watch the sun paint colors across the evening sky and over the lake from the comfort of a hot tub.
The view of Fontana Lake fills the living room. A large screen TV is above the wood burning fireplace.
Two leather swiveling recliners are positioned to allow you to turn and watch the view of the lake from the comfort of the living room.
The kitchen has all the appliances and utensils of home. The island offers seating for 4 and the dining table seats 5.
Awake to a view of Fontana Lake from a comfortable king size bed
The master bedroom has a king size bed satellite TV and private bath.
Enjoy the fresh air and a morning coffee in a screened in porch off the master bedroom.
The view of the Smoky Mountains National Park and Fontana Lake from the master bedroom screen porch.
The second bedroom on the entry level has a king size bed.
A View of Fontana Lake while laying in bed.
The second bedroom has a screened porch with a beautiful view of Fontana Lake.
The large family room on the lower level has a large screen satellite TV over the gas log fireplace, comfortable seating and wide view of the lake.
The third bedroom with a king size bed is on the lower level.
The third bedroom a has beautiful view of Fontana Lake.
The fourth bedroom has two sets of twin bunk beds for the kids.
A view of Fontana Lake from the lower covered porch.
At sunset the colors of the western NC sky can only be matched by the colors reflected on the lake below.
The western NC sky can only be matched by the colors reflected on the lake below. A passing boat chasing the setting sun back to dock before night falls.
Watch how nature paints a new masterpiece every day over and across the lake view from the back deck
The scenic northern (right) shore of Fontana Lake borders the Great Smoky Mountain National Park.
Sunset view from the lower patio
The night time glow and peaceful seclusion of Lake Cliff Retreat.
The night time glow and peaceful seclusion of Lake Cliff Retreat.
Fontana Lake NC
Rating
from Deck
Accessibility
Policy
Lake Cliff Retreat is located in the back of a large private gated "Upscale" subdivision that borders Fontana Lake. The subdivision's entrance is hidden from The Great Smoky Mountains Expressway (HW 74) which connects it to all the main attractions of the region. The restaurants, shops and Deep Creek entrance to the GSMNP are about a 20 minute trip back HW 74 to Bryson City. The Cherokee Indian Reservation and its many cultural exhibits, shops and Visitors Center main entrance of The Great Smoky Mountains National Park are another 15 minutes past Bryson City. If exploring the sights of Fontana Lake itself appeals to you, you can rent a pontoon boat about 15 minutes away at the Almond Boat Dock. If you are in the need of a little more exciting time on the water; try white water rafting down the Nantahala River about 35 minutes down HW 74. The cabin is about six miles from the entrance along a well paved yet very winding scenic mountain road. This road and the cabin's driveway are easily managed by most all vehicles. Since the last mile or so and driveway are gravel road, we don't recommend motorcycles. Along this quiet forested and curvy two way road you will occasional pass driveways that disappear into the forest, a hand-full of other partially visible cabins and many flocks of wild turkeys foraging along and in the road. The max speed along this road is 20 mph. Though the winding curves may inspire that road rally spirit we strongly suggest that you don't test the speed limit. Many of the full time residents of this community enjoy biking and jogging this same road and there are many sharp blind curves that can appear quickly. Also it is not uncommon for there to be a wild animal or two on the road, mostly wild turkeys.
As you drive down the driveway of this cabin you will be able to see Fontana Lake shining through the windows of the entry level. The lower level of this cabin is hidden by it's cliff side vantage point. The front door is accessed from a small covered porch on the left side of the cabin. The gas grill sits just off this porch. A small gravel walk way leads from the gravel parking area down to the lower level. The back side of this private secluded retreat overlooks Fontana Lake and is where you will probably want to spend most of your time. The upper deck is accessed only from within the cabin. The covered main deck area is accessed from a door on the right side of the living room. The main deck is where the view of Fontana Lake is the widest. The roof is vaulted to allow a wide view of the lake and the western North Carolina mountain sky. The view from the back deck looks out across Fontana Lake and the mountains of the GSMNP to the right. Spending time on this deck watching the serene view of nature at its most beautiful will inspire a restorative sense of peace and relaxation that can't be achieved or manufactured anywhere else. The view of this picturesque lake is ever changing, from mornings of drifting mist, to afternoons of diamonds sparkling on the water's surface, to often finish the day in a spectacular display of colors reflected from the western sky above. The mountains also seem to change shape as the sun passes over high lighting and shading different textures throughout the day. On clear nights the sky above this secluded mountain location fills with more stars than you have ever seen. A table that seats 6 is a great place to enjoy all of this and dine-out at too. There are two screened porches on either side of this same deck offering similarly scenic views. Both of these screened rooms are accessed from either of the entry level bedrooms. These screened rooms are a great place to enjoy a morning coffee or a last glass of wine for the night in the fresh lake side air shielded from any visiting insects. The lower level deck is accessed either from the gravel walkway from the parking area or the glass doors of the family room. The view from the lower deck might not be as photographic as the upper deck; yet it is still a very scenic view of Fontana Lake. The main attraction on the lower deck is the hot tub. Relaxing in the warm massaging waters of the hot tub is a great way to soothe muscles sore from hiking the shops of Cherokee and Bryson City or the many trails of the GSMNP. The cover of the upper deck allows you to enjoy the warmth of the hot tub even on a rainy day.
Entering through the front door, you step into an open concept kitchen (to the right) and living room (to the left) where Fontana Lake and the smoky mountains immediately draw and hold your gaze through the vaulted window wall at the back of the cabin. The colors and textures of the beautiful natural environment outside are echoed throughout the interior enhancing the relaxing effects of this smoky mountain lake side retreat. Wood plank walls and a vaulted ceiling with exposed beams run the length of the whole great room giving this room as spacious a feel as the mountains outside. In the living room, comfortable sofas are positioned so that there is not a bad view from any of their seats. Two swiveling leather recliners allow you to turn and watch nature’s show safe inside from the elements; like sitting in a private movie theater. If you prefer to experience the smells of the fresh mountain air, sounds of birds playing in the trees, feel of a cool mountain breeze then exit the living room through the glass door to the right of the windows and step out onto the back covered deck. The view of the mountain lake might be the feature presentation of the living room most of the day, but the wood burning stone fireplace and satellite TV are the stars of the living room at night. Starting a log fire may take a little more effort than starting a gas fire (downstairs family room) but nothing can duplicate the look, sounds and smell of a real wood burning fire. It is easy to spend hours just relaxing and watching the fire that you built in the stone fireplace. If you’re not in the mood for watching a fire; then a large screen satellite TV on the mantel will probably have something worth watching on it. A selection of DVDs are available on the shelving unit next to the fireplace but you can always bring your favorites to watch instead. Past the fireplace and to the left of the window is a door to the master bedroom. The wood plank walls and vaulted ceiling with exposed beams style continues into the master bedroom. A comfortable king size bed sits opposite a pair of glass doors and a satellite TV mounted to the wall. The glass doors open into a screened room. This is a popular spot to enjoy a fresh morning coffee or to share a last glass of wine of the night. These glass doors allow you to enjoy a private view of the lake, no matter what time you wake. Around past the king size bed a sliding pocket door open to the master bath. The master bath has a duel sink vanity and shower. Choosing whether to leave this lake front mountain retreat to eat at a crowded restaurant or stay-in, cook a quick meal and dine overlooking the lake is a decision you will have to make. To make this decision easier, we suggest stopping by one of the grocery stores in Bryson City before you arrive at this cabin. The kitchen is fully equipped with all the appliances and cooking utensils of home, even a dishwasher to help with clean up. While views from the open kitchen of the fireplace and lake outside are not likely similar to anything you’ve seen at home. A large island serves as additional prep space and seating for 4 guest. Don’t forget that you passed the gas grill just outside the front door on your way in. Between the kitchen and living room a small hallway leads to several other doors. The first door on the left side of the hallway leads down to the lower level. The first door on the right is the pantry. The next set of doors opens to the washer and dryer. Though doing a few loads of laundry while on vacation is not likely on your list of favorite activities. They are available if the need arises. The second door on the left side of the hallway open to the second bedroom. Similar to the master bedroom this room also has wood plank walls, vaulted ceiling with exposed beams and a king size bed. Two glass doors opposite the foot of the bed open the room to a view of Fontana Lake. These glass doors open to a screened room with two chairs and table to enjoy the view and fresh morning air. The last door at the end of the hallway is the entry level bath. This bathroom has a tub and shower combination.
The stairs from the upper level end into the large family room of the lower level. This room is a great spot to send the kids so the parents can enjoy a quieter time upstairs. To the right of the stairs is a wall of window and set of glass doors that open out to the lower patio where the outdoor hot tub sets. These window let the view of Fontana Lake fill the family room. A group of comfortable sofas gathered in front of a gas log fireplace. There should be adequate seating for everyone to get a spot to watch their favorite channel on the satellite TV above the fireplace. The remote controlled gas log fireplace may add to the warmth and comfort of the family room but it should only be operated in the company of an adult. The door past the wall of windows leads to a bunk bedroom. Two sets of twin size bunk beds give the kids that at camp feel that they will enjoy. The door to the left of the fireplace is the mechanical room and only accessible to the maintenance staff. If these two game or the TV does not hold their attention long enough there is adequate floor space to play board game or with whatever toys they brought. A small hallway towards the back of the family room leads to a bedroom and bath. The first door on the left opens to the third bedroom. This room has a king size bed with a wide window opposite it. In this room you can also wake to a view of the lake without having to get out of bed. The door at the end of the hallway leads to the lower level bath. This bathroom does have a tub and shower combination.
15% Military Discount
Active Duty and Retired !!
Armed Forces Veterans
Two night minimum stay required.
Subject to availability. No cash value.
Must present Valid Military ID at Check In.
CAROLINA MOUNTAIN VACATIONS
VACATION RENTAL AGREEMENT
Click Here to Print or View Complete V.R.A. as PDF
If you have questions about this Vacation Rental Agreement, we would love to answer them for you.
Our toll free number for questions about this agreement is: 877-488-8500.
To view required payment at Booking,
Click on the "Get Quote" button.
Reservation balance due at check-in.
Military Discounts can only be applied by
Reservationist after confirmation of eligibility.
(full descriptions and details provided in VRA)
- To Secure (Book) Your Reservation: A deposit of 50% of total reservation must be made on a major credit or debit card (Master Card, Visa, Discover or American Express). Upon the successful charge to your card, you will receive a Reservation Confirmation email with invoice and this VRA, either in full or hyperlinked for download.
- BALANCE DUE 30 Days before Check-In: All guests are required to make payment in full of remaining balance before they are given directions to and lock box codes for property entry. Due date of final payment is determined by booking method and listed on invoice.
- All reservations incur the following Fees:
- Rent set at a per night rate and unique to each property
- Security Deposit or LDW guest must choose one option:
- Departure Cleaning Fee, the amount of this fee will be set on a cabin by cabin basis.
- Processing fee of 3% to cover merchant credit processing expense.
- Applicable Taxes including State and Local
- Pet Fee, if property is pet friendly and a pet is accompanying you on vacation, a non-refundable Pet Fee is required.
We understand that accidents do happen after all we are all human. Though as unintentional as accidents are, there is a cost to rectify their results. We believe the Limited Damage Waiver is the most practical method for both our Guest and Property Owners alike to provide for those expenses.
- Purchase Limited Damage Waiver (LDW) is a one-time non-refundable fee waiving your financial responsibility for up to $1,000 of accidental, unintentional damage. For full details, read Complete VRA linked above. The amount of the fee is specific to each property.
- Provide Security Deposit: (As an option to purchasing LDW) Guest may choose to provide a refundable (less damages) security deposit of $600.00 on credit or debit card. Security deposit will be refunded once the property has been fully inspected upon guest’s departure and cleared of all damages. North Carolina Law allows 30 days from departure date to inspect for damages and billed to Guest’s account. If damages exceed the Security Deposit amount, tenant will be responsible for the entire amount and the remaining cost will be charged to the tenant’s card on file. Carolina Mountain Vacations will refund security deposit (minus before mentioned expenses if necessary) within 45 days of tenant departure in accordance with NC law.
Cancellations with short notice are unfair to both Carolina Mountain Vacations as well as the Cabin owner.
If you must cancel be sure to do so at least 31 days in advance of your arrival date.
If you elected to purchase trip insurance, the travel insurance company should be contacted with the claim by tenant.
- All cancellations made less than 31 days of arrival are non-refundable.
- Cancellations made more than 31 day from arrival, initial payment will be refunded less a 75$ cancellation fee plus processing fee paid at booking and any Travel Insurance Premiums purchased.
- No-Shows are considered a last-minute cancellation and tenant forfeits full rental payment and voids lease agreement.
- Tenant may switch reservation to a different cabin more than 31 days prior to your arrival by payment of $30 transfer fee and difference of rates of new cabin.
Reservations CAN NOT be transferred to different cabin within 31 days of arrival.
NO RENTALS will be permitted to ANYONE UNDER 21 YEARS OF AGE.
Detailed information regarding check-in and checkout procedures will be emailed the day before your scheduled arrival. Check-in is to occur at property leased as described in instructions emailed prior to arrival. Guest acknowledges that authorization to occupy property is only granted during dates and times listed on reservation. Attempting to or occupying property before or after the date and time indicated on reservation is a breach of this Lease Agreement and constitutes an illegal Trespass.
CHECK-IN is AFTER 4 P.M.
At check-in:
A.)
balance must be paid in full a minimum of 30 days before scheduled arrival date for access is permitted.
B.)
Detailed check-in instructions, full property address, directions and checkout info will be emailed 1 day before scheduled arrival to email address on file.
Internet mapping devises and navigation systems are NOT recommended for use in the Western NC Mountains ( GPS signal reception is spotty in the mountains).
C.) On date of scheduled arrival guest may travel directly to property but may not arrive before check-in time listed on reservation. Our Staff needs time to properly prepare a cabin for your stay and cannot start until the previous guest has checked out at 11am
CHECK-OUT is by 11 A.M.
To check-out you do not need to come by our office. Simply, Call our office to let us know you are leaving.
Before leaving the cabin Please:
* Just leave the linens and towels where they are, laundry services are part of the Departure Cleaning (not part of your Vacation)
*No need to run to the dump with your trash, we got that too. Just make sure the lids are on Tight.
*Remove all perishable food from cabinets and refrigerator.
*Start the dishwasher, if cabin is equipped. Dish soap is provided under sink
*
Check for all personal belongings. Items left behind can be sent back with a $20 retrieval fee, plus shipping, will be charged
*Lock all doors and place keys back in the lock box
*Don't forget to give us a call as you head out.
Early Check-In and Late Check-Out:
If you are planning a late arrival time to your North Carolina vacation cabin rental, please contact our cabin rental office during business hours to make arrangements. Our office hours are 9 am to 9 pm, 7 days a week. Requests for early check-in or late check-out will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please contact our office no less than 24 hours in advance with requests for an early arrival or late departure. Consideration is given based upon the property’s “status” immediately prior to or following your reservation.
Failure to disclose an accurate Guest count or the presence of unregistered Guests could result in immediate eviction, forfeiture of any remaining rent and an additional charge of $250 deducted from card on file.
Children 12 and under stay free.
Maximum occupancy refers to all persons over the age of one year old. Violations of maximum occupancy can cause property damage as well as violate local laws and regulations. (Most mountain cabins and homes run on private septic and well systems. Overtaxing these systems can cause serious problems.) Any maximum occupancy violation constitutes a breach of contract and Guest agrees that any such violation, in addition to any other remedies herein, will result in immediate eviction of Guests, forfeiture of any remaining rent and an additional charge of $250 representing liquidated damages.
Policies for Carolina Mountain Vacations Pet-Friendly Cabins
A property is only deemed pet-friendly when prior approval has been arranged and non-refundable pet fee has been paid. Should prior approval not have been obtained or if the requisite pet fee remains outstanding, the cabin will adhere to our Non-Pet Friendly policies, and corresponding penalties may be enforced!
There are potential consequences for bringing an unauthorized pet onto any CMV property.
Policy for Pet-Friendly Cabins
Even though we love all pets, we regret that we are unable to allow any animals other than dogs in our rental cabins. CMV only accepts well-behaved, housebroken dogs into our cabins designated as pet friendly. Absolutely no cats are permitted in CMV rental cabins. For the purpose of this agreement, the term “pet” is always used in reference to a dog.
- To bring a pet to a cabin listed as pet friendly, Guest must make arrangement to include pet(s) on reservation by indicating number of pets and pay a onetime non-refundable pet fee at time of booking or guest may contact office to include a pet on a reservation. Arrangement to bring pet must be made before date of scheduled arrival on reservation to activate pet friendly status of property.
- If prior approval has not been authorized or pet fee has not been paid, the Not Pet Friendly Policy will apply to the property. If an unauthorized pet is found to be, reported to be or there is evidence of a pet having been at property, penalties will be enforced as described in the Not Pet Friendly policy.
- Each property has a maximum number of pets permitted which is determined by the property owner but is never more than 2 pets. Having more than the authorized maximum number of pets at a cabin voids the Pet Friendly agreement and Not Pet friendly policy is enforced.
- Any damages to the cabin or cabin property or another person by or because of a pet will be the sole responsibility of the registered Guest. Guests are held financially responsible for all physical damage to the Cabin (i.e. chewing, scratching, flea infestation, etc.) inflicted on the Cabin by the presence of a pet. If extra cleaning is deemed reasonable due to the presence of a pet (i.e. soiled furniture and/or flooring, hair on furnishings or bedding, fleas), the Guest will be held financially responsible and the credit card on file will be charged for the amount of the repair/recovery. The limited damage waiver (if purchased) does not include damage from pets.
General rules for pets when visiting.
- In the interest of protecting your dog, a leash should always be used when your dog is outside. While North Carolina does not have a state leash law, please note that cities and counties may have stricter regulations. No dog shall be tied outside the Cabin unless supervised by a responsible adult.
- Dogs should not be left unattended in cabins (they are on vacation to). In an unfamiliar environment dogs may act uncharacteristically and unpredictably. They may get nervous and bark, causing a disturbance to neighbors. Or they may harm the cabin by chewing, scratching, or making messes that they would not typically make at home. Please remember to be respectful of nearby neighbors. Always use a crate in the rare event that a dog must be left alone.
- Pets are not permitted on furniture or Bedding.
Please review the Road Scale info for this cabin before booking.
Cars & most All Vehicles access:
Most all standard vehicle types can confidently traverse the roads leading up the mountain. Lowered suspension, front wheel drive Mini-Vans and Motorcycles are not recommended. Paved and hard packed gravel sections on a well-maintained mountain road, Switchbacks and moderate to steep incline sections possible, no washed-out section. Bryson City is in the Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina, where no mountain road is flat its full length. As you travel to and from your cabin, the local roads may be very curvy, narrow, steep, paved, gravel or dirt. Please be prepared to drive on these mountain roads when you are here. CMV will not give refund or be held liable if guest does not adhere to minimum recommended vehicle type and is not able to or elects not to drive up road to cabin.
For full explanation of Road Scale and NC Mountain driving tips.
- Hot tubs. Showering before and after using the hot tub is recommended.
- Our hot tubs are cleaned and maintained by certified techs before and after each tenant occupancy or every 5 days. This means a tech will be required to inspect hot tub during stays of 7 days or longer.
- Guest is responsible for damages to hot tub from misuse or negligence.
- Do NOT sit or stand on hot tub covers, they are not designed to handle weight. This type of damage is not covered by LDW.
- Guest will be responsible for cover replacement if Damage to cover is discovered. Amount starting at $500.
- Failure to re-secure cover with supplied equipment after use, resulting in loss of cover down the mountain side, will incur a $100 retrieval fee or replacement fee if damaged.
- Do Not exceed posted Guest Capacity or engage in activities that result in excessive water loss from tub. Guest will be responsible for repairs, including but not limited to pump replacement.
- An additional Hot Tub Service charge may be applied for introduction of foreign substances (i.e. soap, oils, bath bubbles or beer), broken glass or discarded items left in Hot Tub, including swim-wear.
SMOKING or Vaping is PROHIBITED:
All cabins are NON-SMOKING and NO VAPING allowed indoors. If this regulation is violated and smoking is detected in the cabin, a $500 fine will be charged to the credit card on file for specialty cleaning and laundering services to remove odor from all soft surfaces within property. The tenant is liable for the expense to repair burns to furniture, bedding, carpet or other flooring. Tenant is liable for any lost revenue to property if next tenant must be transferred to a different property while odor mitigation and repairs are completed.
All indoor fireplaces (gas log and wood burning) are closed/ shut off during the dates of May 16 thru September 30. Tampering with a gas supply or burning wood indoors during these dates is Prohibited. Tenant assumes financial responsibility for damage to AC systems caused by excessive strain on system to compete with fireplace.
Wood Burning Fireplace fee:
If cabin has a wood burning fireplace a mandatory $30 wood fee will be included on your reservation during the months of October 1st - May 15th to cover an initial supply of wood and cleaning of the fireplace after your departure. This supply is estimated to last about 3 nights and is intended for Fireplace use only. If your stay is longer or you run out of wood, please contact our office to purchase an additional delivery of wood for $30. Burning of unapproved wood types or overloading the fireplace can damage the fireplace and lead to liability for repair expense.