Highlands Bungalow: Pond View, Fire Pit, Pet Friendly

Experience a tranquil Highlands retreat at Mama Bear's Cottage, where scenic pond views, a private fire pit, and pet-friendly outdoor space await. Recently renovated for modern comfort, this cozy bungalow offers a peaceful escape just minutes from downtown Highlands. Enjoy the balance of privacy in your own cottage—separated from the main home by a pond and gate—while benefiting from shared property conveniences. Perfect for couples, solo travelers, and pet owners seeking relaxation, inspiration, and easy access to local dining and attractions.

2 2 guests
1 1 bedrooms
1 1 bathroom
Highlands Highlands, North Carolina
The image showcases the charming front entrance of a renovated bungalow, framed by large windows that let natural light spill inside. The cottage is nestled amid lush greenery, offering a tranquil setting with inviting porch seating. You can see the reflection of the nearby pond and hints of a firepit area, suggesting relaxing evenings outdoors. The overall atmosphere is peaceful and welcoming, with the cottage blending seamlessly into its serene, natural surroundings.
Unwind on the inviting porch of this cozy Highlands cottage, where large windows frame tranquil pond views and sunsets paint the sky—your perfect mountain escape awaits.

Scenic pond views, private fire pit, recently renovated interiors, pet-friendly outdoor space, and easy access to downtown Highlands.

Scenic Sanctuary: Living Area & Pond Views

Features

  • • Comfortable seating
  • • Wi-Fi
  • • Streaming-capable TV
  • • Pond views
  • • Open to kitchenette/dining area
  • • Windows overlooking pond

Step into your private retreat, where the cozy living area invites you to relax, reconnect, and take in tranquil views of the lily-dappled pond just beyond your window. Recently renovated with a blend of modern comfort and classic cottage charm, this space offers comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, and a streaming-capable TV—perfect for enjoying your favorite shows or unwinding after a day of Highlands adventures. Whether you're seeking a romantic escape or a solo creative retreat, the natural light and scenic outlooks set the ideal mood for relaxation and inspiration.

This image presents the living area featuring large windows that fill the room with natural light. Comfortable chairs are arranged for both relaxing and socializing, while a streaming-capable TV and a decorative lamp add to the cozy ambiance. The windows offer a glimpse of outdoor greenery, hinting at scenic views beyond.
Cozy living area with bright windows, plush seating, and a streaming-ready TV—perfect for unwinding with tranquil views.
A welcoming corner of the living space with a vibrant orange front door, windows revealing lush greenery outside, and comfortable seating arranged for cozy gatherings. Sunlight streams through the windows, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere ideal for reading or enjoying coffee.
Inviting living space with garden views, cozy seating, and sunshine filtering through the windows—an ideal spot for relaxation or creative inspiration.
A beautiful view of the pond covered in lily pads, bordered by lush greenery and a charming wooden bridge. The peaceful waters and surrounding landscape create a serene, picturesque setting that can be enjoyed from the cottage's living area windows.
Serene pond views with lily pads and a charming bridge—nature’s beauty just beyond your window.

Effortless Essentials: Kitchenette & Practical Touches

Features

  • • Microwave
  • • Small refrigerator
  • • Toaster
  • • Coffee maker
  • • Sink
  • • Dining nook
  • • Shared laundry room (in attached building)
  • • Connects to living area
  • • Short walk to laundry room

Find everything you need for simple, satisfying meals in the thoughtfully equipped kitchenette—perfect for morning coffee, a quick breakfast, or a light snack before heading into town. While there's no oven or stove, a microwave, small refrigerator, toaster, coffee maker, and sink provide convenience for light cooking or takeout. The nearby dining nook makes mealtime cozy and intimate. For longer stays, the laundry room—just a short stroll outside in an attached building—offers fresh clothes at your fingertips, blending cottage privacy with practical shared amenities.

This image features a cozy interior with comfortable armchairs positioned near a kitchenette area, a television, and shelves adorned with decor. The kitchenette is visually accessible and equipped for light meal preparation, aligning with the section’s emphasis on practical essentials. The scene feels warm and welcoming, suggesting a space where guests can relax or enjoy snacks and meals.
A welcoming kitchenette and cozy sitting area—perfect for coffee breaks or quick bites.
This image presents a close-up view of the kitchenette, focusing on blue cabinetry, a granite countertop, and open shelves stocked with glassware. The vignette suggests a well-equipped, attractive space ideal for preparing coffee, breakfast, or snacks. The overall mood is casual and welcoming, with a lived-in feel.
Bright blue cabinetry and handy appliances make meal prep a delight.
This image shows the laundry room with a washing machine, laundry basket, and a green detergent bottle. The environment is practical and functional, emphasizing utility and convenience for guests needing to do laundry during their stay.
On-site laundry facilities keep you fresh for longer adventures.

Private Haven: Bedroom & Spa-Inspired Bath

Features

  • • Queen bed with soft linens
  • • Pond views
  • • Ensuite bathroom with walk-in shower
  • • Direct access to living area

Retreat to your serene bedroom sanctuary, designed for restful nights and quiet mornings. Soft linens, gentle lighting, and peaceful views of the pond create a beautiful backdrop for couples or solo travelers seeking restoration. The ensuite bathroom features a sleek, tiled walk-in shower for a touch of everyday luxury. This cozy hideaway promises privacy and comfort, ensuring you wake refreshed and ready to enjoy another Highlands day.

A tranquil bedroom with a neatly made bed featuring soft linens, flanked by two bedside lamps and adorned with tasteful artwork. A large decorative mirror adds depth to the space and natural light filters in, creating an inviting, restful ambiance.
Relax in a serene bedroom sanctuary with plush linens and calming decor.
A modern, spa-inspired bathroom featuring a spacious walk-in shower, a sleek sink area, and a large mirror. The clean lines and neutral palette evoke a sense of everyday luxury and calm, ideal for rejuvenation.
Refresh and unwind in your sleek ensuite bathroom with a walk-in shower.
A peaceful pond surrounded by lush greenery, with a wooden bench overlooking the water, lily pads floating on the surface, and a small footbridge nearby. The setting invites quiet contemplation and relaxation, offering beautiful views.
Wake up to tranquil pond views right outside your window.

Nature’s Embrace: Outdoor Living & Fire Pit Evenings

Features

  • • Private fire pit
  • • Pond-side seating
  • • Pet-friendly outdoor space
  • • Shared driveway and parking
  • • Easy access from cottage to pond and fire pit
  • • Shared property layout

Experience Highlands’ signature mountain magic just outside your door. The private fire pit area—separated from the main house by a footbridge and gate—invites you to cozy up under the stars, toast marshmallows, or simply bask in the peaceful sounds of nature. Enjoy pet-friendly outdoor spaces, scenic pond-side seating, and the chance to spot frogs or the occasional bear passing through (especially in the fall). The shared driveway and parking area are thoughtfully designed for both convenience and privacy, letting you enjoy a secluded retreat with easy access to town.

This image showcases a cozy fire pit area surrounded by Adirondack chairs and a grill, set against a backdrop of trees and a rustic cabin. A gate separates this inviting outdoor nook, emphasizing privacy and the sense of a secluded retreat. The warm lighting and arrangement suggest gatherings, evenings by the fire, and enjoying the peaceful natural environment.
Gather around the private fire pit and savor tranquil evenings under the stars.
A serene pond scene featuring deer grazing near the water’s edge, with lush greenery and lily pads providing a rich natural setting. The image evokes peace and connection with wildlife, suggesting the possibility of spotting animals while relaxing by the pond.
Unwind by the pond and spot local wildlife in their natural habitat.
This wide view captures Mama Bear’s Cottage, the peaceful lily pond, a tree-lined boundary, and the privacy gate. The image conveys the overall property layout, including the natural landscape and features that ensure both seclusion and access to shared spaces.
Enjoy a secluded retreat with pond views and easy access to town.

Explore the Area

An inviting outdoor fire pit area surrounded by adirondack chairs, nestled in lush greenery. The scene is set for evening gatherings, with a grill nearby and space for guests to relax and enjoy the tranquil surroundings.
Share stories and s'mores around the cozy fire pit under the stars.
A peaceful pond bordered by water lilies and vibrant greenery, with a deer caught mid-step at the water's edge. The image radiates tranquility and connection to nature, offering a glimpse of local wildlife in a serene setting.
Take in tranquil pond views and unexpected wildlife sightings right outside your cottage.
A charming exterior shot of the cottage, showing the house, its pathway, and surrounding greenery. The scene suggests opportunities for relaxation on the porch, with the landscape inviting guests to enjoy the outdoors or prepare for nearby adventures.
Relax on the porch or set off to explore the vibrant Highlands just minutes away.

Romantic Highlands Adventures

Indulge in the romantic charm of Highlands, just a 3-mile drive from your cottage retreat. Spend your days exploring the shops and acclaimed restaurants of downtown Highlands, ideal for couples seeking a blend of nature and luxury. After a lovely dinner at Old Edwards Inn or a stroll through the boutiques, return to your private retreat for an evening by the firepit—perfect for sharing stories under the stars. The picturesque pond view right outside your cottage sets the scene for memorable moments, while the cozy, renovated interiors offer comfort and tranquility. If you're feeling adventurous, nearby scenic trails and waterfalls provide the perfect backdrop for a romantic hike or a private picnic.

A tranquil pond bordered by lush greenery and dotted with lily pads, with a deer standing at the water's edge. The soft light reflects off the water, and the setting exudes peacefulness and stillness, inviting quiet observation and reflection.
A deer pauses by the lily-padded pond—perfect for quiet moments of inspiration and nature reflection.
A woodland scene featuring a deer standing among vibrant green foliage and a well-maintained mulch bed. The composition centers on the deer, with the surrounding woods offering a sense of immersion in nature.
Experience unexpected encounters with local wildlife just steps from your door.

Creative Retreats and Nature Reflections

Mama Bear's Cottage is a haven for solo travelers—writers, artists, and creative souls—seeking inspiration amid nature. The serene pond, teeming with lily pads, frogs, and tadpoles, offers peaceful surroundings for reflection or creative work. Enjoy high-speed Wi-Fi in your cozy living space, or take your journal outside to the private firepit area for some fresh mountain air. Downtown Highlands is just a short drive away, offering coffee shops and quiet corners for a change of pace. With the convenience of a basic kitchenette and easy access to laundry facilities—just a few steps outside—you have everything you need for a productive and rejuvenating retreat.

A welcoming interior scene featuring an orange barn door, a sturdy wooden table, and a comfortable armchair. Sunlight streams through a window, illuminating the cozy space, and casting warm tones across the room. The setup invites relaxation, reading, or enjoying a meal, with hints of the outdoors visible through the window.
Sunlit interiors with cozy seating and views of the outdoors create a perfect retreat after a pet-friendly adventure.

Pet-Friendly Outdoor Escapades

Bring your furry companion along for a Highlands adventure! Pets are warmly welcomed at the cottage (applicable pet fees apply), with the home set apart from the main house by a pond and gated footbridge for added safety and privacy. Explore nearby parks or take scenic drives through the Blue Ridge Mountains. The spacious property offers plenty of room for on-leash walks and outdoor play, though pets must remain leashed at all times for their safety, especially with seasonal wildlife—such as bears in the fall—in the area. Enjoy peace of mind knowing your exclusive cottage space ensures privacy, while the shared grounds provide space for strolls, all within clear boundaries.

Dining and Culinary Discoveries

While the kitchenette is ideal for preparing simple breakfasts and snacks, Highlands’ vibrant culinary scene is just minutes away. Savor farm-to-table cuisine, local coffee, or a romantic dinner in town, then return to the comfort of your cozy cottage. If you prefer a quiet evening in, grab some takeout and enjoy it by the pond or firepit, making the most of the scenic setting. Highlands’ restaurants cater to all tastes, so you can explore local flavors without worrying about full kitchen facilities.

Property Amenities

Facilities & Security

Deadbolts

Self Check-in/Check-out

Fire Extinguisher

Outdoor Space: Patio

Free Parking

Garden

Comfort & Lifestyle

Hair Dryer

Library

First Aid Kit

Toaster

Clothes Washing Machine

Clothes Dryer

BBQ Grill

TV

Laundry Basics: Clothes Dryer, Ironing Board & Iron, Clothes Washing Machine

Standard Essentials

Towels

Climate Control

Cooking Basics

Smoke alarm

Carbon Monoxide Detector

Bed Linens

High-Speed Internet

Shower/Bathtub

Cooking Space

Kitchen Basics: Basic Dishes & Silverware, Microwave/Convection Oven, Refrigerator

Ready to Book Your Stay?

Book your Highlands escape at Mama Bear's Cottage and enjoy pond views, cozy comforts, and mountain charm—reserve your retreat today!

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Cancellation Policy: Strict

Cancelation Policy

You can cancel this Vacay and get a Full refund up to 60 days prior to arrival

Important Information

Check-in and Check-out Procedures

  • Self check-in/check-out available. No specific check-in or check-out times provided in listing information.

Property Access

  • Guests have access to the entire area, except for the backyard of the main house.
  • In a unit attached to the cottage and reachable in a few steps outside and down the front of the building is a room with a washer and dryer.
  • The cottage is separated from the main home by the pond and a footbridge with a gate between the two homes' fire pit areas.
  • The property has 3 homes. The only shared area is the driveway.

Policies and Rules

  • No smoking allowed.
  • Minimum guest age: 25 years.
  • Children allowed.
  • No events allowed.
  • Pets allowed. Pet fees apply.
  • Firewood fees apply.
  • This area, like most of Highlands, is known to be visited by bears, especially in the fall. Do not leave trash or food in your vehicle and do not allow pets off leash outdoors.

Fees and Payments

  • Firewood and pet fees apply.
  • Firewood and materials for toasting marshmallows can be provided for $85 (not including taxes), or guests may bring their own supplies.

Parking Information

  • Free parking is available.
  • The parking area and trash cans are shared with the main house. The only shared area among the 3 homes on the property is the driveway.

Utilities and Amenities Access

  • Wi-Fi (high-speed internet) provided.
  • TV and DVD player available.
  • The kitchenette includes a small refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, toaster, and sink (no oven or stove).
  • Washer and dryer available in a unit attached to the cottage.
  • Towels, bed linens, climate control, hair dryer, cooking basics, basic dishes & silverware, and first aid kit provided.
  • Smoke alarm, carbon monoxide detector, deadbolts, fire extinguisher, and self check-in/check-out available.
  • Ironing board & iron provided.
  • Garden and patio available as outdoor spaces.

Safety and Emergency Information

  • Smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector provided.
  • First aid kit and fire extinguisher available.
  • This area is known to be visited by bears, especially in the fall. Do not leave trash or food in your vehicle and do not allow pets off leash outdoors.

Other Critical Details

  • The property is not walkable to town due to no sidewalks, but it is a short drive.
  • Outside seating for two at the fire pit.
  • Daytime viewing of lily pads, frogs, and tadpoles in the pond.