
Holiday houses in McDowell County
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Top-rated holiday rentals in McDowell County
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High Cottage Retreat At 3500ft
Discover the perfect blend of cozy comfort and breathtaking adventure at our cottage. Nestled high on the Blue Ridge Parkway, at a refreshing 3500ft elevation, this getaway offers unparalleled tranquility. Imagine sipping your morning coffee on the private deck, gazing at a sea of stars in the crisp mountain air. While you'll feel miles away from it all, you're a short stroll from charming local restaurants and shops. Explore the world-renowned Penland School of Craft, Toe River Arts studios.
ValueLocationComfort
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 471 reviews
Charming Creekside Cabin
This charming, rustic cabin is nestled amongst lush mountain laurel providing a very private and secluded atmosphere. Take in the sights and sounds of nature from the generous wrap around porch which overlooks the babbling brook and mossy rocks below. A chance to unwind and unplug while being surrounded by nature. This creekside cabin is located on 24 wooded acres, we invite you to get outside and explore the private hiking trails, mountain views and creeks this special place has to offer.
ValueFamilyGetting around
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 225 reviews
Cozy Mountain Cabin (Pets Welcome)
This mountain log cabin retreat offers a truly unique experience. With an elevation of 2000 feet and great mountain, valley, wildlife, and sunset views from your private 50' deck. Fast Star Link WIFI internet, satellite Direct TV, Sony PS2, movie theater with surround sound, 100" screen, HD projector, 500 DVDs, books, board games, air hockey, darts, telescope, firepit, chiminea & charcoal grills. Centrally located to fishing, hiking, golf, lakes, waterfalls, gem mining & Blue Ridge Pkwy.
FamilyValueView
4.89 out of 5 average rating, 111 reviews
Quiet Blue Ridge Cabin · Spotless & Serene
Great for a reset/recharge with family & friends or a quiet place to work! What you'll love... 🔹️< 5 minutes to the Blue Ridge Parkway 🔹️Fire pit under the stars 🔹️2 acres of private woods 🔹️WiFi, smart TVs & cable 🔹️1st floor primary w/king bed & en-suite bath 🔹️10 min to Little Switzerland & downtown Spruce Pine 🔹️Hiking within 25 min to Crabtree Falls or Linville Falls & 45 min to Grandfather Mountain Stays 28+ days will require a signed rental agreement & security deposit
ValueFamilyOutdoor spaces
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 193 reviews
Luxurious Secluded Romantic Treehouse with Hot Tub
***2020 #1 Airbnb Most Wish-listed property in North Carolina*** Escape to one of North Carolina’s most unforgettable stays—your own private treehouse retreat tucked deep in the woods, designed for relaxation, romance & connection, and total peace. Walk across a swinging bridge into your secluded oasis, surrounded by towering hardwoods and mountain laurel. From morning coffee in the trees to evenings in the hot tub under the stars, every moment here feels like an experience.
LocationFamilyOutdoor spaces
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 803 reviews
Mountain Farm Retreat with Animals & Sunset Views
Ever have a moment where you just stop and breathe it all in? That’s what this hillside farm is for...especially in the spring. The hills turn green again, flowers bloom, and the whole farm feels alive. Wake up to misty mornings and birdsong with coffee in hand, spend your days wandering meeting the animals, and end it all with golden sunsets from the summer kitchen and a glass of wine by the fire. With space to just be... this is the reset you didn’t know you needed.
LocationFamilyOutdoor spaces
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 240 reviews
Stylish Retreat with Views, Gym & Prime Location!
Wake up to Blue Ridge Mountain views from a stunning A-Frame retreat. This is a custom-built 4-bedroom is the most well-equipped vacation rental near Lake James. Spend mornings on the water or golf course, then relax by the fire pit or in the game room with a 70" TV. Enjoy a full gym, bunk room, and spacious kitchen. 14 mins to Marion Lake Club Golf Course, 5 mins to Bear Creek Marina, 10 mins to Lake James State Park. Perfect for families and group getaways.
LocationFamilyLaundry
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 115 reviews
Elevated Escape|Treehouse+Hot Tub+Hiking/Goats
⭐️ Brand New Treehouse suspended 16 ft high ⭐️Swinging Bridge ⭐️ Breathtaking Mountain View ⭐️Onsite half mile hike to Waterfall ⭐️Hot Tub on deck with View ⭐️Close to Asheville and Black Mountain ⭐️Hiking/Creek access on site ⭐️ 90 acres backed up to Pisgah Nat’l Forest ⭐️Small petting farm with goats, donkey on site ⭐️Marion recently voted #1 area to purchase vacation property by Travel & Leisure ⭐️ Black-out Shades on all windows and doors
ValueLocationGetting around
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 289 reviews
View, Outdoor Tub, Hiking Trls, 30minto Asheville
🍁 Suspended, Treehouse With Views 🍁 Hiking trails to a Waterfall 🍁 Fire-pit with Hammock Swings 🍁 Outdoor Kitchen Countertop with Blackstone 🍁 Outdoor Tub 🛁 - Will be CLOSED Mid Nov - March due to below freezing temps. 📍 5 mins to Old Fort, NC 📍 15 mins to Marion 📍 20 mins to Black Mountain 📍 30 mins to downtown Asheville 📍 25 mins to Blue Ridge Parkway 📍 45 mins to Mt. Mitchell (highest peak east of the Mississippi)
FamilyLocationCheckout
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 226 reviews
Blue Ridge Mountain Retreat |Walk to Trails+ Views
Escape to your private Blue Ridge Mountain retreat in Burnsville. Tucked away among the trees, this peaceful cabin offers stunning mountain views, an open-concept living space, a fully equipped kitchen, and comfortable accommodations for up to 6 guests. Enjoy hiking, waterfalls, scenic drives, star-filled nights, and the tranquility of nature—all while being just a short drive from downtown Burnsville and local attractions.
ValueLocationSolo travel
4.76 out of 5 average rating, 474 reviews
Creekfront Cabin, Linville Gorge, Lake James
Upper Creek Cabin is a private creekfront retreat tucked deep in the woods, bordering Pisgah National Forest at the base of Linville Gorge and just minutes to scenic Lake James. Fall asleep to the sound of rushing water, wake to filtered mountain light, explore the forest and soak up the stars. Secluded, romantic, and surrounded by nature. Dog-friendly with no pet fee — because every great escape is better shared. 🐾🌲
FamilyLocationCheck-in
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 345 reviews
Incredible Views at Continental Divide Retreat
Escape to a luxurious 2,600 sq ft mountain retreat at 3,200 ft on the Eastern Continental Divide. This private home comfortably sleeps 10 and offers breathtaking 35-mile panoramic views. Adjoining the Blue Ridge Parkway, it's the perfect blend of serene seclusion and easy access to hiking, scenic drives, and local attractions. Enjoy stunning sunsets from the expansive deck of your premier mountain escape.
LocationFamilyNearby
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 137 reviewsPopular amenities for McDowell County holiday rentals
Other great holiday rentals in McDowell County

Mountain Views | Hot Tub | Family/Friend Retreat
ValueLocationBackyard
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 166 reviews
Voted "BEST VIEWS!" Private 6 Acres - 3 Story Home
FamilyLocationHot tub
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 210 reviews
Quiet Lakefront Home with Private Dock
FamilyLocationParks
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 104 reviews
Dog-Friendly Cabin Near Lake James & Pisgah
ValueLocationCleanliness
4.92 out of 5 average rating, 64 reviews
"Rooms with a View", A Rustic-Modern Mnt. Retreat
FamilyLocationLayout
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 66 reviews
Cozy Cottage Retreat, Fire Pit, Near Waterfalls
FamilyLocationComfort
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 60 reviews
Mountain vistas & river access on 90 acres
FamilyValueView
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 63 reviews
Cozy home with gorgeous views of Shortoff Mtn
ValueLocationLaundry
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 75 reviewsDestinations to explore
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- Blue Ridge Parkway
- Pisgah National Forest
- Beech Mountain Ski Resort
- Tweetsie Railroad
- Hawksnest Snow Tubing and Zipline
- Tryon International Equestrian Center
- River Arts District
- Land of Oz
- The North Carolina Arboretum
- Max Patch
- Wolf Laurel Country Club
- Chimney Rock State Park
- Lake James State Park
- Grandfather Mountain
- Appalachian Ski Mtn
- Appalachian State University
- Banner Elk Winery
- Harrah's Cherokee Center - Asheville
- Lake Lure Beach and Water Park
- Grandfather Mountain State Park
- DuPont State Forest
- East Tennessee State University
- Mount Mitchell State Park
- South Mountain State Park
- Things to do McDowell County
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- Wildlife North Carolina
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