Peaceful Dog-Friendly Cottage in Nat'l Forest

Reviews

• Perfect getaway

  5/5

  This was our second time staying at Grinders Switched and it was just as amazing as the first. Quiet and quaint little cabin perfect for a relaxing get away. Definitely will be back!

• fall in the smokies

  3/5

  2nd time staying at this property, first time at the 1830's cabin (which has a LOT more charm) this time at grinders switch. We were given a 10% discount for being return customers. Beautiful secluded location and close to everything. The beds were very comfortable, but the sofa (sofa bed) and winged back chair not so much, kinda disappointing after a long drive or a day in the smokies that we did not have something comfortable to sit on. sleeps up to 6 people but definitely not enough space for 6 to sit.

  There is lots of outdoor space to sit or stroll around. saw deer on the property while on a stroll. there is a .50 per piece of wood if you want to have a fire, other places usually include that. We took our own paper towels and toilet paper because what is provided is very cheap and thin. The windows were dirty inside and out, so certain times of the day it was hard to see out of them. chairs around the firepit were broken. found cobwebs in several spots of the building along with bugs in the light covers. The kitchen was nicely equipped except for the 5 cup coffee maker (10 cup in listing picture) and lack of spices if you plan on cooking there. The bird feeder hanging on the front porch was emptied when we arrived and never refilled during the 7 days we were there The 1 real odd thing was there was 2 of us staying here and as a welcome they left 1 hershey bar?? compared to our stay 2 years ago this stay was just ok, BUT if we come back to Bryson City we will stay at Settlers Mountain again.

  Manager's Response:

  Hi David, The homeowners were surprised to read your review, as they are accustomed to providing 5-star experiences, and would like to clarify the following:
  - The cabin’s indoor seating includes a sofa, wingback chair, rocking chair, and dining chairs, while the porch offers additional options with rockers and a swing. The sofa bed has recently been updated with new, firmer cushions that should soften over time, but the owner is considering additional options to improve indoor comfort.
  - The firewood is offered as a convenience for guests to purchase at a lower rate than in town, where it tends to be more expensive. The broken Adirondack chairs around the fire pit have been replaced to ensure a better outdoor experience for future guests.
  - While the cabin is professionally cleaned, the wooded setting can lead to quick accumulation of cobwebs and dirt on windows. The owner has reminded the cleaning team to keep up with these areas, and they appreciate your feedback to help maintain a high standard.
  - The kitchen includes basic seasonings as advertised, but the coffee maker will be replaced to match the 10-cup model shown in the listing. The owner also noted your comment about the welcome chocolate bar and will keep this in mind for future stays.
  
  Thank you again for being a returning guest and for providing such valuable feedback. We look forward to welcoming you back to Settlers Mountain for an even better experience next time!

• Tranquil mountain setting in close proximity to everything the Smoky Mountains has to offer!

  5/5

  We traditionally come down to the area three or four times a year and stay on the other side of the mountain. Due to the hurricane, we shifted our focus further west. How blessed we were to have found this gem! The cabin was pet friendly, clean, well equipped and thoughtfully organized. The other cabins, though nearby in walking distance, we're fairly separate from one another which added privacy without making you feel isolated. There were two trails on the property we walked our first day there that added to the adventure and exploration. We were amazed at how well kept all of the cabins appeared as well as the vast green space around them. The proximity to several areas of the Great Smoky Mountain Park as well as Bryson City and Cherokee made it ideal for giving us a variety of options for entertainment each day. Prompt response received from both the owner and the property manager when a question arose as well as upon arrival and departure. Would highly recommend!

• Great property

  5/5

  We had three guys just wanting to chill and hike and this was perfect for our needs. Felt very secluded but was easy to get to. The kitchen was well stocked with dishes/tools/etc. We also really enjoyed the fire pit area.

  *This review was originally posted on Vrbo

• Great Time Despite Tropical Storm Helene

  5/5

  My sister and I had a great visit to the Smokey Mountains and truly enjoyed our stay at Grinder's Switch. We rafted on the Nantahala, shopped in Bryson, and enjoyed the mountain air and views. The house was clean as a whistle, well-equipped, private and nicely landscaped. We enjoyed all of the bird life, especially the non-stop hummingbirds.

  Although we had two days of pouring rain from Helene, the house was safe and dry. The owners allowed us to stay an extra night after all of the roads in the area were closed. We made it home today after a 9 hour drive for what should have been 6.3 hours.

  The flooding around Ashville and on into Tennessee was devastating and the detours were often down to one lane. God bless those poor people and the cleanup they have ahead of them.

  A real adventure, but overall a great trip and a lovely house.