Waynesville, North Carolina
The Swag
Appalachian ridge outpost
Appalachian ridge outpost
Perched nearly a mile high along the Cataloochee Divide, this intimate Appalachian refuge pairs backcountry seclusion with nightly porch gatherings and guided naturalist walks.
“A mountaintop getaway of logs, fieldstone, shake roofs, and natural rock porches, this is a very unusual place—and we mean that as a compliment.”
What it’s good at
Remarkable
All-inclusive seasonal dining, custom backpack trail lunches, evening porch receptions, and private steam showers with soaking tubs.
Remarkable
Direct trail access into Great Smoky Mountains National Park paired with guided hikes led by resident naturalists.
Notable
Hand-hewn 18th-century timbers, fieldstone fireplaces, shake roofs, and stick-built furniture across rustic mountaintop cabins.
What they say
Two Michelin Keys
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler and AFAR.
The main house was built in the 20th century out of reclaimed wood, some of it dating back as far as 1785.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Bordering Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the estate offers direct access to the Cataloochee Divide Trail under certified dark skies.
1 of 5
The rooms
Rustic timbers, stick-crafted headboards, and stone fireplaces anchor the cabins, where private porches look out over mountain ridgelines through morning valley fog.
The hot tub and sauna
An outdoor hot tub sits on the stone patio beside a cedar sauna, surrounded by woods at The Lookout.
The Still Spa
The Still Spa has plaid-draped relaxation lounges, three treatment rooms, and an outdoor tented mountain massage platform.
The gym
The fitness room at The Lookout has free weights and medicine balls looking out over the mountain valley.
At the table
Four-course farm-to-table dinners follow evening drinks on the porch, alongside mountaintop picnic buffets on Gooseberry Knob.
The campus-style property offers cabins, suites, and guest rooms teeming with rustic touches like wood paneling and stone fireplaces and luxury amenities.
How it began
Built in 1971 from salvaged 18th-century church timbers and farm logs, the former family retreat was transformed into an inn a decade later.
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.