Asheville NC Vacation

Why rent your cabin from an agency when you can receive personal care and service from your vacation rental’s owners!  We are Stephanie Joy Johnson and Robert Bowles, local residents of Asheville NC and owners of Asheville Vacation Homes.  We are in love with this absolutely beautiful mountain town nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina and it is our pleasure to share this exquisite area with you. 

For years we have professionally restored and decorated homes.  We now bring this talent to our personally owned vacation rental cabins, chalets, cottages and homes.  We have chosen lush locations….rich forests, private lakes, panoramic mountain views…as ideal settings for our charming vacation rentals filled with delightful amenities and attention to detail.  All homes are only minutes to town, are exquisitely furnished and with all our special touches, it feels like a warm, inviting home rather than a vacation rental house.  Enjoy hot tubs, massage chairs, gas log fireplaces, top quality king and queen beds with luxurious bedding, high speed wireless Internet, quality kitchens, tastefully furnished, pet and child friendly.  We offer discounted Biltmore Estate tickets.  Visit our website for full details and photos of each home:  www.AshevilleVacationHomes.com

Call us today to book your week’s vacation:  828-274-9777 or email us at joyah@aol.com

Enjoy year round awesome 50 mile panoramic views from the View Chalet in Asheville NC. This luxury home has 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2400 SF and sleeps up to 11 guests. www.AshevilleVacationHomes.com

White Stone Lake Manor has its own private wild life lake. This 4000 SF home features 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, living room, family room, media room, 2 kitchens & dining rooms, kids play room, multiple decks and sleeps up to 20 guests. www.AshevilleVacationHomes.com

What a delight to find the newly opened Picasso’s Café in the heart of Hendersonville’s Historic Main Street shopping district!  As best stated on their website:  “Picasso’s patisserie & coffee bar offers a variety of delicious made-from-scratch European pastries, whole or by the slice, to enjoy with our wonderful gourmet coffees, espresso, lattes and cappuccino, all in a relaxed atmosphere surrounded by beautiful European art and music that soothes the soul.”  Not only that, their luncheon menu has a tasty selection of sandwiches, paninis (Italian grilled sandwiches), quiches, salads and soups you’re sure to enjoy.  Try the tuna sandwich made with albacore tuna, artichoke & kalamata olive Tapenade, lettuce, tomato & mayo served on kalamata rosemary bread!  If you are out and about early (they open at 8 AM), stop by for your breakfast coffee and pastries.

We felt like we were eating in a small Italian café with the charming tables and chairs (each a little different), and the gorgeous hand-painted Italian style oil paintings in beautiful carved frames–for sale if you see one you must take home!  The amiable owner was present to help with our selection and make sure we were pleased with our meal.  As long as you are there, be sure to wander through the other half of the store which is a wonderful boutique filled with unique treasures. 

·        Address:  240 North Main Street, Hendersonville NC 28792

·        Phone:  828-694-0907

·        Website:  www.picassospatisserie.com

·        Hours:  8 AM – 4:30 PM Monday – Saturday  (Lunch starts at 11 AM)

This cafe is recommended to our guests at our Asheville & Hendersonville Vacation Rental Cabins, Cottages & Homes:  www.AshevilleVacationHomes.com  828-274-9777

Biltmore Estate Tickets available at a DISCOUNT and are good for 2 consecutive days instead of just 1 day!  828-274-9777  www.AshevilleVacationHomes.com 

Ginny is just about to be seated at one of the chaming tables and is entralled with all the gorgeous handpainted oil paintings on the wall.

Ginny discovers the newly opened Picasso's cafe in the charming downtown historic Hendersonville Main Street Shopping District.

The romantic woodlands Story Book Cottage will embrace you in charming warmth & lavish comfort:  Hot Tub, Massage Chair, Plush King & Queen Beds with Sumptuous Bedding, Gas Log Fireplace with Remote, Secluded Setting with 11 Acres of Trails, High Speed Wireless Internet, HDTV’s with Premium Stations, Central Heat/Air, Beautiful Furnishings, New Quality Kitchen, New Bathroom with Jetted Tub, One Level Living (no stairs!).  YOU DESERVE TO BE SPOILED!!!

PLEASE SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR 40+ PHOTOS, PRICING & AVAILABILITY:  www.AshevilleVacationHomes.com/STORYBOOKCOTTAGE.html

Or call us at 828-274-9777 from 9 AM to 10 PM ET

THE STORY BOOK COTTAGE:

• LOCATION:  Tucked away in a residential neighborhood in a quiet woodlands setting with 11 acres of trails, the Story Book Cottage is right in-town just a mile from downtown Hendersonville Historic Main Street unique shopping & restaurants and Patton Park’s swimming, playground, tennis courts, racquet ball, basketball courts and picnic area.   It’s a short 25 minute drive to downtown Asheville and the Biltmore Estate.  (Let us know if you need Biltmore Tickets….we have DISCOUNTED tickets good for 2 consecutive days instead of just 1!) 
• LIVING/DINING ROOM:  Lovingly restored original heart-of-pine floors, a wall of windows, lovely furnishings, open beam archways and elegant fireplace mantle with gas logs and remote control,  set the mood for romance!  Watch the HDTV/DVR/VHS with premium stations from the comfort of the sofas or from the awesome massage chair.  There’s a large movie library and board games for entertainment.  The graceful dining table is perfect for eating or playing games. 
• FULLY EQUIPPED KITCHEN:  Open to the living room with a large counter/breakfast bar, the cheerful kitchen has been remodeled from top to bottom with all new maple cabinets, counter tops, stainless steel appliances and flooring.  You have quality KitchenAid cookware and accessories, sharp cooking knives, delightful hand-painted dinnerware, coffee maker and coffee grinder and more!  There’s even a front loading washer & dryer for your convenience. 
• KING & QUEEN BEDROOMS:  Tastefully furnished and decorated, each room has double French doors that lead to the very private back deck, hot tub and peaceful woodlands.  Indulge in the sumptuous bedding and quality plush mattresses (King and Queen) that will insure a great night’s sleep! 
• BATHROOM:  All new remodeled bath features a deep Kohler jetted tub, elegant furniture vanity sink, marble-like tile floor and tub-surround and lovely lighting.  Dry off with our thick plush towels.
• WHAT ELSE YOU’LL FIND:  Throughout this comfortable, charming home are sophisticated wall colors, delightful paintings, plush throws, and decorator touches of elegance.  CHILD FRIENDLY:  You’ll find a high chair, stroller, infant Pack N Play, stuffed animals, kids toys & books for your little ones.  DOG FRIENDLY:  Dogs will be permitted with prior approval.  The thoughtful little extras we’ve provided will make you feel that you’re staying at a best friend’s home rather than a rental house.  You may never want to leave! 

PLEASE SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR 40+ PHOTOS, PRICING & AVAILABILITY:  www.AshevilleVacationHomes.com/STORYBOOKCOTTAGE.html

Or call us at 828-274-9777 from 9 AM to 10 PM ET

BILTMORE HOUSE TICKETS:  Buy your DISCOUNTED Biltmore tickets from us to save on gate entry price, avoid waiting in ticket lines, tickets upgradeable to season passes, free wine tasting tickets  and best of all, tickets are good for TWO CONSECUTIVE DAYS instead of just one day!

Just outside the double French doors from each bedroom, is the lovely back deck facing into the 11 acres of woodlands. Enjoy preparing meals on your gas grill and eat in the peaceful setting.

Story Book Cottage Living Room with elegant fireplace & easy to operate gas logs, 2 comfy couches and HDTV w/premium stations

Just beyond the living room's couches is the sunny dining area with movie library and massage chair (not in view).

The famous & awesome iJoy Turbo 2 Massage Chair is a special treat for our guests!

The all new kitchen is well equipped to please any chef!

The Elegant King Bedroom with ultra plush mattress & sumptuous bedding, looks out through the double French doors to the back deck, hot tub and peaceful woodlands.

Ginny is ready to enjoy a bit of history and delicious food!

Adjacent to the entrance of the Biltmore Estate in Asheville NC is the charming Biltmore Village with original 1890’s cottages now home to unique galleries, shops, boutiques and delicious places to eat.  One of my favorite restaurants is the delightful Corner Kitchen where the home is rich in history and the food is scrumptious!  Delicious breakfasts, lunches and dinners are served here, so come most any time to enjoy their tasty menu!   The breakfast and lunches have a small but varied selection at average prices, and their dinner menu is quite wonderful and a bit more pricey.

 As the name suggests, the Corner Kitchen is on the corner of 3 Boston Way and All Soul’s Cresent.  There are a variety of rooms in this two story century old home to enjoy your meals: the romantic “Parlor” with its welcoming fireplace, the “Porch” which is an all glass sunroom where you have a street view, or follow the staircase to several upstairs rooms.  The day we most recently dined there, we were seated on the Porch.  For lunch I ordered their Roasted Portobello Sandwich Sliced which was served open faced with warm Goat Cheese, Field Greens, Fresh Basil leaves and Pickled onions on a Griddled Ciabatta.  This is the best Portobello sandwich I’ve ever had!  Instead of a big hunk of mushroom, there were tiny slivers piled high of wonderfully seasoned portabellos.  Yummmm! 

You will find the Corner Kitchen at 3 Boston Way in Biltmore Village, Asheville NC 28803. Phone:  828-274-2439  See their website for menus and more details:  www.thecornerkitchen.com 

Reviewed by Stephanie Joy Johnson, www.AshevilleVacationHomes.com for luxury Asheville and Hendersonville vacation rental cabins, cottages, chalets and homes.  Buy your discounted BILTMORE HOUSE TICKETS from us…save money, no waiting in line and tickets are good for TWO CONSECUTIVE DAYS instead of just one!

Ginny seated in the "Porch" room, ponders over her lunch menu choices....

We are often asked by our vacationing guests where we find our unusual and delightful home décor for our Asheville & Hendersonville luxury vacation rental homes.  (To see photos of our home furnishings at our various vacation cabins, chalets & cottages, go to www.AshevilleVacationHomes.com )  The answer is we find out-of-the-way home decorator stores such as “The Outlet on Kanuaga Bend,” where there are wonderful new and used decorator furniture and accessories such as unusual decorator pillows.  The mix of what is available is always changing and always a delight.  I often stop by to see what charming treasures I can find….and I always do find something to please me!  I think the reason we keep adding more vacation rental homes is so I can have a place to house all the enchanting furniture, artwork and decorator items I can’t resist buying!

You’ll find the store just south of Historic Hendersonville downtown Main Street.  Follow Church Street and turn right on Kanuga.  The store is just down a block where Kanuga takes a 90 degree turn left. “The Outlet on Kanuga Bend” store is straight ahead “at the bend.”  The address is 401 Kanuga Street, Hendersonville, NC 28739  (828) 693-3343.

Reviewed by Stephanie Joy Johnson of Asheville’s luxury vacation cabins, chalets, cottages and homes:  www.AshevilleVacationHomes.com   828-274-9777.  YOU DESERVE TO BE SPOILED and you will be outrageously spoiled at our vacation rental homes!!!  We have Discounted Biltmore Estate tickets that are good for 2 consecutive days instead of just 1 day.  No waiting in lines! 

Don't let the rather plain exterior fool you....inside has wonderful decorator treasures!

Ginny likes to shop here!

Fun New & Consigned Furniture and Accessories - Always Something New!

Restaurant Recommendation for our guests at our vacation rental homes in Asheville & Hendersonville:  www.AshevilleVacationHomes.com 

You would never know passing by this bright blue little building on Highway 25 (3987 Hendersonville Rd) in Fletcher (half way between Asheville and Hendersonville NC) that the some of the tastiest food around is served here!  Let the full parking lot clue you in that locals know where to find really great food!  You immediately feel welcomed in the fun and relaxed atmosphere.  Sit inside with the blue sky ceiling filled with stars and planes or in the patio out back where there’s even a full size playhouse for your kids (they also have a great kid’s menu).

It’s not your ordinary fare of burgers or country food….the menu is filled with delightful food combinations that will have you coming back again and again!  We often order the “Trio Salad Plate” for a sampling of their dill chicken salad, pesto penne and hummus with pita & veggies.  Another of our favorites is their Spinach Salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette & hot Grilled Chicken. There’s a selection of about 20 wonderful wraps made with sun dried tomato flour tortillas and tofu can be substituted for meats in you prefer.  Try their Blackened Chicken wrap or their Sesame Veggie wrap. They have Super-duper Sandwiches and “Bodacious Burgers” and delicious “Cosmic Chicken” choices.  Vegetarians will find a huge selection!  Of their delightful side dishes, served as part of your menu selection, their Sweet Potato Fries are the best we’ve ever, ever tasted! 

The Blue Sky Café is open for lunch and dinner from 11 AM – 8 PM and is closed on Sundays.  You can also order your meals “to go.”  Their phone number is 828-684-1247.  Located at 3987 Hendersonville Road, Fletcher, NC.  The full menu is on their website at www.ILoveBlueSkyCafe.com 

Reviewed by Stephanie Joy Johnson and Robert Bowles, owners of Asheville & Hendersonville luxury vacation rental cabins, chalets, cottages and homes where you deserve to be spoiled!  www.AshevilleVacationHomes.com   We have Discounted Biltmore Estate tickets that are good for 2 consecutive days instead of just 1 day.  No waiting in lines!

Ginny eyes her sweet potato fries....the best anywhere around! Robert & I are sharing the Spinach Salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette & Grilled Chicken

Ginny decides where to sit....always enchanted by the playful atmosphere.

Ginny spots her favorite Blue Sky Cafe where she dines on a regular basis!

We have successfully designed vacation cabins and cottages in Asheville, Fletcher and Hendersonville, North Carolina that are extremely child friendly and we would love to share our ideas on how to set up one of your own.  There is nothing more exciting to children on vacation than to be in a home with areas especially designed for their pleasure!  And it’s a big bonus to parents for their children to be thoroughly entertained during their week stay at one of our kid friendly homes. 

We find our one and two bedroom homes are primarily rented by couples for romantic getaways and honeymoons with less call for children’s needs.  In these homes we supply the basic Pack N Play, small stroller, high chair, toy box and soft blankies.  It is the 3+ bedroom homes rented by families with children that we refer to in this article.

We love to be excessive…and impressive…in what we offer our guests!  With so many vacation homes from which to choose, we endeavor to offer the most and the best so potential guests will select one of our vacation rental homes for their stay.  With that said, here is an idea of how we attract guests with children to our Asheville vacation rental homes:

OUTDOOR PLAY GROUND EQUIPMENT:

We purchase the Playnation brand Premium Wooden Play Systems.  They are well-built, heavy & strong for years of constant use.  The largest system is at our White Stone Lake Manor, a 5 bedroom, 4 bathroom, 4000 square foot home on several acres with a private lake.  Family reunions are often held here usually with 5 or 6 children.  This playground has a covered fort (kids love to sleep there in the sleeping bags we provide), 3 swings including a toddler swing, 2 slides (one is an enclosed spiral), climbing rope wall, tire swing, clatter bridge and picnic table.  We place benches nearby for the parents to comfortably supervise their kids. We also provide kid size crash helmets.  This elaborate Playnation system costs about $6000 and the smaller systems at our other homes are closer to $2000. 

INDOOR PLAY ROOMS:

These cheerful rooms are devoted to a child’s fantasy & imagination….murals, bright colors, as many exceptionally soft stuffed animals that will fit (which is several hundred at our largest home), and, if it will fit, a walk-in play house (these we purchase at Toys R Us – about $400 - $500).  The playrooms, filled with children’s toys, games, books, & soft blankies, provide countless hours of play for the kids.  We also have a variety of kid movies they can watch on our TV/DVD/VHS throughout the home.

Colorful Kids Play Area at the Rose Cottage

Note:  We suggest that you do NOT provide crayons, marker pens or paints.  Clean up after children is a major housekeeping chore when guests leave but crayons marked on walls is something you do not want to encourage.  It’s also good to avoid putting breakable decor in the home. 

BABIES:

It is a great relief for parents traveling with small infants (who seem to require a great deal of special paraphernalia) to find our homes equipped with a full size crib with bumper pad & bedding, high chair, stroller, infant bath tub, playpen, child gates, etc.  Although used for the entire household, another necessity with babies and children are a full size washer and dryer! 

CHILDREN:

In addition to the playroom and outdoor equipment, children appreciate chairs and picnic tables especially their size.  Parents also appreciate the colorful kids tableware for their children….plastic plates, cups (including sip cups) and silverware.  We provide quick inflate/deflate twin air beds since you never know where kids want to sleep.  We have plenty of twin bedding as well as children’s sleeping bags. 

BIGGER KIDS:

Teens and adults like the Play Station game player with games, foosball table, badmitten, croquet, board games, etc.  If you have plenty of spare room in your home, consider putting in a pool table.  And, everyone loves a huge big screen television!

WHAT TO CHARGE:

Cleaning is much more extensive and expensive that with only adults.  We find fingerprints in all the glass doors & windows, toys & game pieces hidden in the oddest places, baby spit-up just about anywhere that one needs to be a detective to find!  We also have a large investment in what we provide for children.  So, we consider children and infants as full fledged guests and charge accordingly. 

CLICK HERE TO SEE EXAMPLES OF OUR CHILD FRENDLY HOMES:

www.AshevilleVacationHomes.com

Stephanie Joy Johnson

828-274-9777

www.AshevilleVacationHomes.com

You’ll be outrageously spoiled staying at our luxury vacation homes.

Cribs are greatly appreciated by traveling parents!

Playroom with walk in Play House at the White Stone Lake Manor

Playroom with Play House & Jungle Mural at the View Chalet, Asheville NC

Kids Play Ground at Rose Cottage