Just 15 minutes from Boone, North Carolina — a lively mountain town known for its indie shops, farm-to-table restaurants, and the hum of Appalachian State University —sits a restored forest cabin on two secluded acres, offering the kind of escape that invites you to truly unplug. I visited the area this year and through Airbnb found a cozy A-frame cabin that was the picture-perfect welcome to the high country. As the road wound deeper into the trees, the world seemed to quiet. By the time the cabin came into view — black siding, a pop of green on the door, and forest all around — I could already feel the calm setting in. Inside, the entryway opened into a vaulted living room aglow with string lights and soft evening light, a space that instantly whispered: pour a glass of wine and stay awhile.
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The space at our Appalachian A-Frame
@epic.stays A-frame living in the Blue Ridge Mountains, just two hours from Charlotte @appalachianaframe near Boone offers floor-to-ceiling windows and forest views that make disconnecting easy @Joanna | Travel Creator #appalachianaframe #boone #northcarolina #airbnbfinds ♬ original sound – Epic Stays
The moment I stepped inside the A-frame cabin, I was surprised by how spacious it felt. With three levels, each offering its own bedroom and bathroom, the cabin easily fits up to eight guests—ideal for families or friends who want time together but room to unwind.
Main Floor
The main floor houses the social heart of the cabin. A sectional faces a TV and gas log fireplace that became my evening anchor point, perfect for unwinding after mountain adventures. The family-size dining table seats group meals, while nearby shelves stocked with puzzles, board games, and books promise cozy afternoons when you’d rather stay in than venture out.
You’ll also find one bedroom with a king bed here. Step inside to find a large window facing the forest and a record player with a curated vinyl collection that transported me straight to a ’70s living room. I spent more time than I’d like to admit flipping through albums and watching trees sway outside. The full bathroom sits conveniently across the hall.
The loft
Ascending the stairs from the living room, I reached the loft bedroom—a queen suite with genuine treehouse vibes that awakened my inner child. The private balcony overlooks the forest canopy, making it the perfect perch for morning coffee while listening to birdsong and rustling leaves. A reading nook tucked into the corner and a half bath complete this private retreat.
The basement
The lower level transforms the A-frame into a multigenerational paradise. Four twin beds (two with trundles) create the perfect kids’ quarters, while the second living room features a leather sofa, smart TV, and fireplace for basement movie marathons. The star attraction? An authentic 80s-era arcade machine loaded with over 60 classic games that had our entire group competing for high scores. The wet bar and mini fridge meant no trudging upstairs for drinks, and the full bathroom gives everyone their own space to get ready in the morning.
What to do at this Appalachian A-Frame
@epic.stays Save this A-frame for your next mountain escape Appalachian A-Frame in #NorthCarolina @Joanna | Travel Creator #airbnb #airbnbfinds ♬ original sound – Epic Stays
Sometimes the best vacation activities happen without leaving the property. The six-person hot tub on the deck became our nightly ritual, steam rising into the cool mountain air as we soaked beneath the stars. The firepit area beckoned for s’mores sessions and storytelling, with Adirondack chairs surrounding it.
Inside, the kitchen impressed me more than any Airbnb I’ve visited. Beyond the standard appliances, it’s stocked with a spice collection and phenomenal coffee that rivaled my home setup. Every detail has been considered—from cooking essentials to serving pieces—making it effortless to prepare elaborate meals or simple breakfasts without multiple grocery store runs.
What to do in the area
Photo: Chris and Pam Daniele (@dirtandglass)
The Airbnb’s location delivers the best of both worlds: mountain seclusion with easy access to outdoor adventures and small-town charm. Just five minutes away, Watauga River Gorge and Trashcan Falls provide quick nature fixes with dramatic waterfall views and accessible hiking. The 15-minute drive into Boone brought me to King Street, where you can find cute shops, craft breweries, and restaurants serving up local flavors against a backdrop of college-town energy. I also made the short trip to Valle Crucis to visit the iconic Mast General Store—a historic country store that’s been serving the community since 1883 and feels like stepping back in time.
By venturing just 20 to 30 minutes in any direction you’ll find even more possibilities. I visited during fall when the surrounding mountains blazed with autumn colors, creating spectacular leaf-peeping opportunities from the cabin deck or along scenic drives. Winter transforms the region into a snow sports paradise with App Ski Mountain, Sugar Mountain, Beech Mountain, and Hawksnest Snow Tubing all within easy reach.
How to get to this Appalachian A-Frame Airbnb
Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is your closest major airport, approximately two hours from the cabin. For a shorter drive, Tri-Cities Airport (TRI) in Tennessee sits roughly 90 minutes away.
A word of caution: AWD or 4WD is strongly recommended year-round due to the steep driveway and mountain roads, and it’s absolutely essential during winter weather. But trust me—that winding mountain road is part of the experience, building anticipation with every turn until 15 minutes later, that beautiful black A-frame finally comes into view.
