ALMOST HEAVEN — MAIN FLOOR · 2BR RIVERFRONT MOUNTAIN CABIN · BURNSVILLE, NC · SLEEPS 4
Sleeps 4 | 2 Bedrooms | 1.5 Baths | Outdoor Hot Tub + Indoor Jacuzzi Tub | Riverfront | Dogs Welcome
PorchLight Stays' Almost Heaven Main Floor is the intimate version of one of western NC's most beloved mountain cabins — a two-bedroom riverfront retreat on the South Toe River that guests consistently describe as the most well-stocked Airbnb they've ever stayed in. The main floor features an open-concept living room with a propane fireplace, soaring ceilings, skylights, and a floor-to-ceiling bookcase filled with the original owner's curated library of history and classic literature. The renovated gourmet kitchen — stocked with an instant pot, air fryer, burr grinder, frother, and every cooking essential — is the thing guests mention first in reviews. The private outdoor hot tub sits on its own deck with mountain and river views. The master suite has a spacious indoor jacuzzi tub as well. The South Toe River runs alongside the cabin — the sound of the water from the deck in the morning, with birds, is what guests say they remember most.
FALL AT ALMOST HEAVEN — MAIN FLOOR
At 3,200 ft on the South Toe River, fall color begins as early as late September and runs through October — a full month of spectacular mountain and riverfront foliage, earlier and more vivid than lower elevations and valley towns. The creek sounds and the fall color arrive together. The outdoor hot tub, indoor jacuzzi tub, fire table, and propane fireplace mean the property works in any October weather. Roaring Creek Falls is 4 minutes away and is particularly stunning in fall color. Peak color typically mid-to-late October — but the entire late September through October window is bookable and beautiful. One guest put it simply: "I can't imagine a more beautiful time than Fall."
THE KITCHEN — Most Well-Stocked in the Area
The kitchen is stocked at a level guests consistently describe as the best they've ever encountered in an Airbnb. Instant pot, air fryer, every size of baking sheet and pot, spices, cooking basics — everything needed for a full week of real cooking. The coffee station has whole beans, a burr grinder, a drip maker, and a milk frother. One guest who had installed their own dedicated coffee setup at home called this one "absolutely amazing." Hershey's Kisses on arrival. Grocery stores are about 30 minutes away — the kitchen is stocked so you arrive and cook, not scramble.
THE CREEK & THE DECKS
The South Toe River runs alongside the cabin. From the decks you hear it; in the morning through the windows you hear it with the birds. Deer graze in the yard. There's a sitting area under the deck for wildlife watching, a walking path along the creek, and the golf course grounds a 5-minute walk away. In the evenings: the outdoor hot tub on its own deck with mountain and river views, the fire table, the creek sounds. Inside: a spacious jacuzzi tub in the master bath for a different kind of evening. Guests name both in reviews — they're two distinct experiences.
BEDROOMS — 2 Bedrooms · 1.5 Baths · Sleeps 4
King Suite: King bed, en-suite full bath with spacious jacuzzi/soaking tub and walk-in shower, smart TV, room-darkening shades, dedicated workspace
Bedroom 2: Full/double bed, smart TV
Half bath on main level
INDOOR LIVING
Open-concept living room with propane fireplace and comfortable seating
Soaring ceilings with skylights — exceptional natural light throughout
Floor-to-ceiling bookcase: curated library of history and classic literature
Table for two with wooden Scrabble board by the windows
Grand dining table seats 10
Private office with natural light
Foosball table in the lower level game room
Smart TVs in living areas and bedrooms
OUTDOOR LIVING
Two decks with mountain and river views — both included for main floor guests
Outdoor hot tub: private deck with mountain and river views (fee + signed waiver required — see note below)
Propane fire table — turn a dial, no lighter fluid
Outdoor dining
Walking path along the South Toe River
Sitting area under the deck — wildlife watching spot; deer commonly seen
Hammock with private river view
Roaring Creek Falls: 4 minutes — a don't-miss short hike in any season
KITCHEN & DINING
Renovated gourmet kitchen — most well-stocked in the area
Instant pot, air fryer, every cooking essential
Coffee station: whole beans, burr grinder, drip maker, milk frother
Dining table seats 10
Full appliances, dishwasher, all cooking basics
REMOTE WORK
Private office with natural light
Fast Wi-Fi throughout
Dedicated laptop-friendly workspace
In-unit washer and dryer — two full sets available
Long-term stays welcome
PET FRIENDLY
Dog-welcoming: up to 2 dogs, max 40 lbs, pre-approval required (pet fee applies)
Dog bowls, blankets, and towels provided
Walking path along the creek for dog outings
Golf course grounds open for dog walking (5-minute walk)
CONVENIENCE
Full-size washer and dryer set
Free on-site parking
Self check-in via smart lock
Long-term stays welcome
LOCATION — Burnsville, NC · Yancey County · 3,200 ft
Set directly on the South Toe River near Mt. Mitchell in the Black Mountains of western North Carolina. HOA-maintained roads plowed in winter.
Roaring Creek Falls: 4 minutes — a must-do short hike
Blue Ridge Parkway: 2 miles (check current closure status — reopening in stages)
Mt. Mitchell Golf Course grounds: 5-minute walk — open for walking, dog outings, fishing
Carolina Hemlocks Recreation Area: nearby — swimming, picnicking on the South Toe River
Hiking: Mt. Mitchell, Roan Mountain at Carver's Gap (Appalachian Trail), Linville Falls
Asheville: approximately 1 hour — great day trip
Burnsville: 30 minutes — NuWray Hotel restaurant recommended by guests; Ingles Market
Spruce Pine: short drive — dining and Ingles Market
Little Switzerland Orchard, Cidery, Winery & Brewery: 30 minutes — guest-recommended
Penland School of Craft: world-renowned, nearby
Skiing (winter): Hatley Pointe, Beech Mountain, Sugar Mountain
Grocery stores: approximately 30 minutes — arrive provisioned for your stay
HOT TUB NOTE
The hot tub is optional but most guests use it, so the fee is automatically added to reservations. If you don't plan to use it, let us know at least two weeks before arrival and we'll refund the fee. A signed waiver and ID are required per our insurance. Please follow all hot tub rules posted at the cabin.
DOGS WELCOME
Pre-approval required — we'll ask breed, weight (max 40 lbs, limit 2 dogs), age (minimum 2 years), housebroken confirmation, flea/tick medication, and current vaccinations. Dogs must be brushed, groomed, and nails trimmed prior to arrival. Pet fee applies per stay.
HURRICANE HELENE UPDATE
Our area has largely recovered. Neighborhood roads and routes to Burnsville and Spruce Pine are open. Restaurants and businesses are operating normally. The Blue Ridge Parkway is reopening in stages — check current status before your trip. Mt. Mitchell Golf Course grounds are open for walking, dog outings, and fishing. See our digital guidebook for current conditions.
Prior to your stay, we require a completed pre-arrival form and signed rental agreement. Access codes are not sent until a signed rental agreement is received, per our insurance.