Stay in your own little haven -- a stone chalet that was once the Kilmichael Tower. This one bedroom chalet, with impressive two-foot thick stone walls and 23-foot cathedral ceiling, harks back to the days when the Kilmichaels left their mark in history on the Isle of Arran. Chalet Switz today offers Blue Ridge mountain ecology, imaginative architectural design and the perfect setting for a memorable getaway.

Located on the very top of 4000-foot Grassy Mountain, the Chalet is a 30-minute (1.5 mile) looping walk to the Switzerland Inn, which is centered in a historic 100-year old town with quaint shops, homes of extraordinary character and highly reviewed fine and casual dining. Unlike many residences in Little Switzerland, Chalet Switz gets no traffic noise from the Parkway or other paved roads since it is located on the very top of the mountain. As you walk down a country road to the village you will enjoy breathtaking views and the countryside filled with wildlife and natural forest, passing a few residences on the way as you descend 800 feet.

Chalet Switz is made of natural materials with the finest of craftsmanship. Cozy nooks include the kitchen and the inglenook with a wood-burning stone fireplace. In contrast, the airy loft above with its 13' cathedral ceiling offers spectacular views of the extra-dark night sky right from your bed! Amenities for your comfort include down pillows and Ralph Lauren linens. The 4' long deep Kohler Greek tub with hand-held shower offers a view of a giant tulip tree set against the sky and is the only bathing. The commode is enclosed and has an operable Pella window that matches the other three in the loft plus additional natural light streams through the gable glass. The kitchen is equipped with refrigerator-freezer, stove/oven, coffee maker, toaster and distinctive dinnerware. There is no air conditioning; exceptional insulation, two moveable Hunter fans and the natural movement of air on the mountaintop provide temperature control and ventilation. A pleasant yard with outdoor furnishings surround the chalet. Many guests report the enjoyment of dining outdoors and relaxing on chaise lounges. Feel free to roam the several acre mowed Commons area too, just across the trail road north of the chalet and maintained by our homeowners association.

Between 5 and 24 miles away along the Blue Ridge Parkway is spectacular hiking at Linville Falls, Crabtree Falls, Craggy Gardens and Mt. Mitchell. The Gallery and Visitor Center of the Penland School of Craft is less than 15 miles away, the crucible for the dozens of pottery, glass, wood, iron and other fine craft studios and shops in the area.

A 50-mile drive on the scenic, forested Blue Ridge Parkway takes you past the Black Mountains with 6 of the highest 10 peaks -- including Mt. Mitchell, the highest mountain -- east of the Mississippi to the city of Asheville and the Biltmore.

In the winter, when 'the season' has ended and most village shops and the Switzerland Inn have closed, there is peaceful quiet and endless views. You can lie in bed or bath and listen to the wind roar in the trees -- or sit in front of a fire in the cave-quiet inglenook. The super-insulated home with silent, dry electric heat combined with warmth emanating from the 23' tall rock chimney is truly a haven.

If you're wanting to explore: Heading out under the stone Blue Ridge Parkway bridge you can reach the Emerald Mine and -- in less than
15 miles -- the Penland Museum and Visitors Center with some of America’s best fine craft studios established in the area -- ask for a map there but first visit their website and Blue Ridge Heritage Craft Trails and Toe River Arts Council websites.  

Alternatively, scenic Parkway drives take you to wild Crabtree Falls and meadows in just 5 miles, Mt. Mitchell 18 miles beyond, Craggy Gardens, the Altapass Orchard,  Linville Falls and Gorge, two large national park visitors centers and stores -- with countless overlooks along the way.  

Other places of interest within 50 miles are the Bare Dark Sky Observatory, the town of Linville with historic structures sided in chestnut bark,  Burnsville,  Black Mountain, Asheville, and The Biltmore Estate and village.

Closest to Little Switzerland is Spruce Pine. With the convenience of a WalMart and McDonald's on the way, its downtown is less than a 10 mile drive past the state minerals museum, gem mining and a golf course with restaurant. Named by Family Circle as Main Street, USA a few years back and known for its fine residents, Spruce Pine offers steps back in history walking the footbridge across the RR tracks and Toe River,  and stopping by the Bark House and DT's Blue Ridge Java across from the old train station. Explore its history, layout and restaurants first online to get ready for the real thing.


Keywords: Haven for one person, Chalet for two, Mountaintop Getaway