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A bespoke two-cabin retreat where considered design meets the wild, quiet beauty of Highlands, North Carolina.
Originally stewarded by the Gilmer family for generations, the cabins carry a rich history that remains woven throughout the property. Original log construction, fireplaces, and architectural details are paired with bespoke furniture, exceptional materials, top-of-the-line appliances, and unique found pieces. Every room has been intentionally curated to feel collected rather than conventional, balancing the warmth and character of a historic mountain cabin with the comfort and refinement of a boutique retreat.
The result is a luxury log cabin unlike the typical mountain rental: intimate, atmospheric, and deeply connected to its surroundings. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the woods, screened porches invite long mornings outside, and evenings unfold around wood-burning fires, the fire pit, or the private hot tub tucked among the trees.
And while Gilmer Lodge feels wonderfully secluded, downtown Highlands is just 7 minutes away. Spend the day exploring Highlands' celebrated restaurants, live music, boutiques, coffee shops, and wine bars—then home again to more than an acre of private mountain landscape, with no neighboring homes in sight.
Venture less than ten minutes in almost any direction and the scenery shifts to waterfalls, winding trails, and cool mountain streams renowned for fly fishing. Spend the day exploring, the evening in town, or simply stay put. At Gilmer Lodge, you can have a little—or a lot—of both.
About the Space
Outdoor Living
The outdoors are very much part of the experience at Gilmer Lodge. Soak in the hot tub tucked among the trees, gather around the fire pit, or fire up the Wolf gas grill for dinner beneath the Edison lights. A six-person outdoor dining table sits just off the kitchen, while a wraparound covered porch and expansive screened porch offer plenty of places to settle in and enjoy the mountain air.
A note on the layout: The front and back cabins sit side by side and are connected by a covered exterior porch; they are not connected internally.
The Front Cabin
A private sleeping cottage designed for cozy mountain nights, with a king bed positioned before a floor-to-ceiling wood-burning fireplace and a relaxed lounge area. Above, an open loft with a “short” full-size bed is perfect for one or two young children. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the surrounding woods in the expansive en suite bath, featuring a soaking tub, oversized rain shower, and beautifully appointed Waterworks and Perrin & Rowe fixtures.
Sleeps 2 adults + 2 young children
The Back Cabin — Upstairs
The heart of Gilmer Lodge centers around the original Joe Webb log-cabin family room, anchored by a stone wood-burning fireplace. The adjoining kitchen is made for lingering, with a banquette for six and a suite of top-tier appliances and cookware, including Sub-Zero, Bertazzoni, All-Clad, and Jura Coffee Machine. Just beyond, a screened porch offers a peaceful perch for morning coffee among the trees.
At the far end of the cabin, a private queen bedroom is paired with a beautifully finished bath featuring a custom marble vanity and spacious rain shower.
Sleeps 2
The Back Cabin — Downstairs
A cozy additional sleeping space with two built-in twin beds, a powder room, and a dedicated laundry area with washer and dryer.
Sleeps 2
Please note: To ensure your comfort and the best experience possible, we have a strict 6 guest limit.