Retreat to the silent woods in meticulously restored original “Joe Webb” log cabins: Gilmer Lodge marries the nostalgia of original rustic period architecture with modern finishes, including completely new kitchen and bathrooms. Nestled beneath old-growth tree canopy, this unique design-forward property includes two separate log cabins – circa 1790 and early 1900s – that together function as a single home. The two cabins are adjacent to each other, connected exteriorly by a wrap-around covered porch.
Purchased from the Gilmer Family, who stewarded the property for generations, the cabins have now been lovingly, comprehensively, and painstakingly updated. Their charm is enhanced by bespoke furniture, top-of-the-line appliances and finishes, and whimsical decor.
Whether you want to relax in tranquil nature and feel worlds away from it all, hang out in town, or a bit of both, Gilmer Lodge is ideally situated for your perfect getaway. The location is only a five-minute drive from downtown Highlands – chock full of fabulous dining, live music, shopping, coffee and wine shops – and at the same time private and secluded, with no other homes in view. Drive for less than ten minutes, and you’ll find breathtaking scenery with waterfalls, trailheads, and fantastic fly-fishing spots.
About the spaces:
Front cabin: Escape to this charming sleeping cottage that includes a king-size bed resting in front of a floor-to-ceiling fireplace and lounge area for cozy evenings, and an open-concept slumbering loft above with a “short” full-size bed ideal for one to two young children. Floor-to-ceiling windows bring the outdoors indoors in an expansive en suite bathroom, replete with soaking tub, oversized shower with rain shower head, and quality finishes (Waterworks, Perrin & Rowe, etc.).
Sleeps — 2 (king bed) and 2 small children (“short” full bed)
Back cabin (upstairs): Gather in the heart of Gilmer Lodge here, where the centerpiece, the original stone fireplace, nods to the past while centering you in the present. Seamlessly access the cozy eat-in kitchen with banquette seating for six, well-equipped with All-Clad cookware, Subzero refrigerator, Bertazzoni induction range, dishwasher, microwave, high-end Jura coffee machine & drip coffee maker – all the tools you need to indulge your culinary side. Enjoy morning coffee while overlooking the woods from the outdoor deck just off the kitchen. A hallway separates the kitchen and large bathroom areas from a bedroom ideally positioned at the end of the residence and outfitted with a queen-size bed. The bathroom features a custom marble sink and spacious shower with rain showerhead.
Sleeps — 2 (queen-size bed)
Back cabin (downstairs): A cozy space which includes built-in twin beds suitable as sleeping quarters for additional guests, a powder room bath, and laundry closet with washer/dryer available for guest use.
Sleeps: 2 (two twin beds)
Note: the front and back cabins sit adjacent to each other and are connected by an exterior covered porch (they are not connected internally).
Outdoor spaces: Serene outdoor spaces abound at Gilmer Lodge. Take a restorative soak in the hot tub tucked amongst the trees, wind down around the fire pit surrounded by Adirondack chairs, or fire up the large Wolf gas grill and dine al fresco underneath Edison string lights at an outdoor table that can seat six, immediately adjacent to the kitchen. A wrap-around covered porch, and a large screened deck provide additional spaces for you to unwind, taking in all that the outdoors has to offer.
Amenities:
Onsite parking for 2-3 cars
Keyless entry
Heat and AC in all indoor spaces
High-speed internet - Starlink
Samsung Smart TV with streaming from your apps/subscriptions
Laptop-friendly desk/workspace
SONOS speakers, both indoors and outdoors
Two wood-burning fireplaces (firewood will be provided for each stay)
Games and books
Quality linens and towels
Pack ‘n play
Washer and dryer
Laundry detergent
Steamer
Shampoo/body wash
Hair dryer
Bathtub
Fully equipped kitchen – all kitchen and cooking supplies, utensils, serving platters, etc.
Dishwasher
Dishwasher tablets
Induction range
Microwave
Jura coffee machine (whole bean), coffee pot (ground) & coffee filters
Basic cooking pantry supplies (olive oil, salt/pepper, basic spices)
Paper products (paper towels, toilet paper)
Hot tub
Wolf outdoor gas grill
First aid kit
Fire extinguisher
Board games & cards
Gilmer Lodge lies within the quaint Webbmont Community. As you drive into the property, you’ll be immediately charmed driving past a horse barn, a community garden, and a collection of Joe Webb cabins. Located within the Nantahala National Forest at the highest crest of the Western North Carolina plateau, the town of Highlands, N.C. is driving distance from major cities in the Southeast — including Charleston, Atlanta, Nashville, Charlotte. Highlands has been called “America’s best mountain town” by Travel + Leisure. Driving to Highlands from Asheville Regional Airport takes one hour and 20 minutes, and takes 2.5 hours from Atlanta International Airport.
