Carolina Cabin
This art-filled A-frame sits on nearly an acre yet is just a few minutes from downtown Tryon, N.C., which offers pocket parks, shopping, a contemporary art gallery, restaurants, book shops, a Fine Art Center, and even an extensive set of nature trails tucked behind the main street. Located just 7-minutes off of I-26 (take the first exit once you cross over into North Carolina) and a 5.5 to 6 hour drive from Jacksonville, Florida, this 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom split-level home sleeps 7.
A pair of barn doors separates the upstairs area: a sitting room and separate master bath & king bedroom, plus a balcony. There are individual cooling units in both rooms upstairs to ensure they stay comfortable even though heat rises.
The downstairs living area is dominated by enormous 2 story windows, which bring the beauty of outdoors inside. Pocket doors separate the soaring great room from the kitchen, also the downstairs guest rooms from the kitchen to ensure early morning coffee drinkers don’t disturb those who prefer to sleep in.
The home is fully stocked from kitchen appliances and cooking ingredients and dishes to the linen closets -- there is even a basket of bath goodies in case you forgot your toothpaste or shampoo. A washer and dryer is located in the garage for guest use. Natural cleaning products are used exclusively throughout the home and several of the beds feature organic latex mattresses and bedding. (All are exceptionally comfortable and there are a variety of pillows to choose from.)
Less than half a mile away is Harmon Field, the location of the original famous Tryon equestrian shows. The public recreation facility includes a river, running track, horse stables, covered basketball courts, tennis courts, and beautiful walking paths that meander through frisbee golf courses, under trees, and along bamboo groves and the water.
Melrose Falls in the springtime
Take a shady hike to Melrose falls past giant boulders (a 5-10 minute drive away) or trek upward to the deserted railroad tracks. Cool your feet off in mountain water or wade farther down for a swimming hole. Enjoy the smaller waterfalls in the Nathan Wilder Forest, a 3 minutes drive away. Pearson's Falls is also nearby, though there is a fee to access these beautiful grounds. (No dogs allowed at Pearson's Falls unfortunately.)
Falls Park on the Reedy in downtown Greenville, SC- a 45 minute drive from the home.
The Tryon International Equestrian Center, the new state-of-the-art complex at the center of the horse world, is 15 minutes away, as is the adventure town of Saluda. Farmer's markets pop up in the area several days a week and Tuesday-Saturday the Mill Springs Agricultural Store is open - housed in a former school, this store is like visiting all the markets at once (inside with AC!) It's a convenient way to get a variety of vegetables, fruits, meats, jams, eggs, baked goods, from nearby farmers and bakers and even crafts from local artisans perfect for gifts. The closest natural grocer is 5 minutes away and there is a lovely option (Beneficial Foods) 15 minutes away as well as a co-op 30 minutes away in Hendersonville.
For a city fix, both Asheville and Greenville are 45 minutes away and Spartanburg, with it's fun up-and-coming downtown, is just a half and hour from Tryon.
Waterfalls are plentiful in the foothills of the Blue Ridge mountains and DuPont Forest (above) is a stunning place to see several falls at once and get some great hiking in with your family or furry friends.
Looking back on the Class I & II rapids on the Green River-- much more exciting than tubing in Florida!
Experience the Green River, a mixture of peaceful currents + thrilling rapids, by tubing or paddling a kayak. The more adventurous might opt for zip lining, white water rafting up to Class IV rapids, or even rapelling down a waterfall.
The foothills of the Blue Ridge mountains are well-known for their prime riding. Road cyclists & gravel grinders will be pleased to roll right out of the house to elevation gains and windy, low-trafficked roads while mountain bikers have a plethora of options, including DuPont Forest, Pisgah, and Buffalo Creek Park near Lake Lure (of Dirty Dancing fame) -- all which are great for hiking as well.
evening walk in nearby Harmon Field
