Bakersville, NC, United States

Glass House • Mt Mitchell Views • 5 Min to Penland

Minutes from waterfalls, hiking trails, Penland School of Craft, and the Blue Ridge Parkway, Conley House offers six private acres, long-range mountain views, a kitchen designed for serious cooking, and a detached office/third bedroom. A comfortable home base for exploring Western North Carolina… or simply staying in.

8 guests
3 bedrooms
2.5 bathrooms

Good to know

Explore. Cook. Create. Relax Some places are simply where you sleep between adventures. Conley House was designed to be part of the experience. Set on six private acres in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina, the house is filled with natural light, long-range mountain views, lush gardens, original artwork, and thoughtfully chosen details that reflect the character of our region. Mornings begin with good coffee and views stretching toward Mount Mitchell, the tallest peak east of the Mississippi. In season, hydrangeas, azaleas, herbs, native plants, and tiger lilies fill the landscape with color while fireflies twinkle in the treetops above. Open the doors and welcome the mountain breeze as you settle into the slower rhythm of mountain life. For those eager to explore, waterfalls, hiking trails, the Blue Ridge Parkway, Penland School of Craft, Sugar Mountain,, and Asheville are all within easy reach. But many guests find themselves lingering a little longer than planned—reading in a cozy corner, baking bread from scratch, cooking the way they do at home (only with a better view), watching the sunset paint the ridges while ribbons of mist trace the river in the valley below, or waiting for fireflies to emerge beneath a dark sky full of stars. Whether you’re here to discover the mountains or simply enjoy the rare luxury of time and space, Conley House offers an authentic and comfortable home base for both. ⸻ AMENITIES Beds: 2 Kings (per primary), 1 Full Foldout (2nd Primary), 1 Queen (detached office) Total Living Space (with office): ~2,450 sq. ft. General    •   Safe, rural location 15 minutes from town    •   6 private acres at 3,200–3,400 ft. elevation with panoramic mountain views    •   Fast fiber-optic internet & mesh Wi-Fi    •   Smart home with Alexa & keyless entry    •   Motion-sensing exterior cameras    •   Easy access from state-maintained roads •   Handmade details & commissioned artwork throughout Family Friendly    •   Toddler tableware, Pack ’n Play with sheets, booster seat highchair    •   1,150 sq. ft. terrace with fenced-inyard    •   HE washer/dryer with detergent ⸻ LIVING & DINING (~1,000 sq. ft.)    •   Indoor seating: bar/prep seating for 7, dining table for 8    •   Outdoor dining for 8 on 1,152 on a spacious stone terrace    •   Half bath    •   65” 4K HDTV, sound bar    •   Mini Nintendo (no account needed) & Xbox One S (account required)    •   Amazon Fire streaming with house accounts, other apps are also ready for guest’s login ⸻ KITCHEN    •   Coffee & tea setup: French press, Mr. Coffee w/reusable filter, moka pot, pour-over, on-demand hot water dispenser, milk frother, burr grinder, and medium roast Fair-Trade beans and an assortment of teas    •   Gas range, convection oven, Sub-Zero fridge, stainless dishwasher, microwave/air dryer/oven    •   KitchenAid Pro mixer, Ninja blender & food processor    •   Cuisinart cookware, bakeware of all kinds & utensils    •   Handmade Fork Mountain pottery tableware and traditional white tableware    •   Pantry staples & cleaning supplies    •   30+ sq. ft. of prep space—cook and socialize    •   Weber charcoal grill (charcoal not provided)    •   Seasonal apples, pears, blueberries, and fresh herbs on property ⸻ PRIMARY SUITE 1 (~500 sq. ft.)    •   King bed, HDTV, chaise lounge reading nook, walk-in closet, dresser    •   Ensuite bath: jetted tub, separate shower, heated floors, custom fixtures    •   Hairdryer, toiletries, makeup mirror, plush towels    •   Independent heat & A/C PRIMARY SUITE 2 (~500 sq. ft.)    •   King bed, queen foldout couch, HDTV, closet & dresser    •   Ensuite bath: tub/shower combo, makeup mirror, hairdryer, toiletries    •   Separate water heater •   Independent heat and air DETACHED OFFICE/3rd BEDROOM*   •   Desk, office chair, monitor, air printer   •   Queen bed   •   Game table, reading nook, mini fridge, and private deck * Located above the artist studio. During a rental, this space is not rented, in use or occupied. Guests have complete privacy. ⸻ ABOUT THE HOME Originally two cabins joined by artist and former Penland director Bill Brown Sr., the home now features two suites and an open, light-filled living area. Many original railings and details remain, including a Doug Sigler-designed kitchen. Its passive-solar design captures warmth and sunlight year-round, framing mountain views from every room. The home features commissioned artwork and handmade pieces that reflect the area’s craft heritage. ⸻ VISITING IN THE OFF-SEASON: Winter views are breathtaking! Trails and waterfalls are quiet and serene. Some businesses adjust hours mid-December through February, but others offer pop-ups, events, and winter menus. If you’d like help deciding whether the off-season fits your plans, just ask—we’re happy to help. ⸻ CHILDREN: Children are welcome! This is a home, not a museum, but we ask parents to be attentive—move delicate items or cords out of reach as needed for safety. ⸻ Have a larger group? Our sister property, Dougs Way, sleeps up to 10 and is just 4 minutes away. Ask for details!

House Rules

A Few Simple House Rules A few simple house rules help us care for Conley House so it remains a wonderful place for everyone to enjoy. 🚭 Caring for the Home * Conley House is a pet-free property. * We are a smoke free home. Please smoke/vape outdoors. Please do not burn candles or incense. * Please do not use hair dye or self-tanner. * No glitter, confetti, plastic petals, beads, or similar materials inside the home or anywhere on the property. Please do not use tape on the walls, as it can damage the wood. 🚽 Septic System * Please flush toilet paper only. Conley House has a septic system, and feminine hygiene products and wipes—even those labeled “flushable”—can trigger the septic alarm and cause plumbing problems. 🚗 Parking & Outdoor Areas * Please park only in designated parking areas and never on the grass in front of the studio. * Please use the fireplace and fire circle responsibly and never leave a fire unattended. 🍽️ Inside the Home * Please use the over-the-sink dish rack provided. Do not dry dishes on towels placed directly on the wood countertops. * Please keep exterior doors and windows closed while the heating or air conditioning is running. 🤝 If You Need Anything * If anything isn’t as expected or isn’t working properly, please let us know as soon as possible. We’d much rather have the opportunity to help than have an issue affect your stay. Most importantly, please treat Conley House as you would the home of a friend. We appreciate your care and look forward to hosting you. ⸻ Before You Book 🏡 Detached Office/3rd Bedroom Conley House’s third bedroom is a spacious, detached 450-square-foot suite located above the artist’s studio, just a short walk across the driveway from the main house. It features a queen bed, desk, office chair, monitor, printer, sofa, clothing storage, private deck, heating and air conditioning, and beautiful mountain views. Guests using this space access the half bath just inside the back door of the main house and share the full bath/shower with other guests. 🚙 Driveway The gravel driveway is steep in places but is suitable for most passenger vehicles. Four-wheel drive is not required. However, vehicles with very low ground clearance and a long, low profile, such as Corvettes, may have difficulty where the driveway transitions to level near the back of the house. ✔️ After Booking Guests will receive access to our Guest Portal to complete the remaining pre-arrival steps. As required by our insurance, all guests must electronically review and accept our Rental Agreement before arrival. The agreement contains additional information about the property, your reservation, and important safety and legal information. Thank you, Lisa Smith Stay at Penland

Other Details to Note

FALL FOLIAGE Typically fall foliage begins October 1 and, barring an early frost, ends the first week of November. It typically peaks around October 15. PHONE SERVICE Verizon is the primary mobile carrier for the area. Other mobile users are encouraged to check their carrier's coverage in the region. DRIVEWAY The gravel drive can be steep for some vehicles that are especially low to the ground, such as sports cars and Mini-Coopers, etc. The owners have a truck and a typical sedan and have no trouble getting up the driveway. Four-wheel drive and AWD is not required, but if you are renting a vehicle, this option might be a good choice for the mountains in winter. Chains for tires are another good option if you are visiting in the snowy season and you are concerned about getting around. PENLAND & THE HOME'S HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE The home was built by artist/sculptor Bill Brown, the first director of Penland School of Crafts after the founder, Lucy Morgan, retired. Penland School is important to the region of Appalachia because in the 1920s Miss Lucy, as she was often called, provided education and resources to local women teaching them how to weave and sell their handmade goods. This developed into a cottage industry that helped to improve the circumstances of these women and also gave birth to Penland. The school now provides instruction in all areas of craft from weaving, pottery, glass and ceramics to metalwork, printmaking, letterpress, photography and much more. The campus occupies 420 acres on the mountain at the other end of the same road as Conley House. Visually inspiring all by itself, the campus is open for tours by appointment and has a catalog of courses that are open to the public and are designed for a range of skill levels. Also open to the public is Penland Gallery, which offers fine craft in all media made by skilled craftspeople from all over the world. The school also has a coffee shop and gift shop! They love to have visitors, so stop on by! Because of the school and the natural beauty of the mountains, the area is filled with artists and craftspeople, making it a truly unique area of the country that you'll want to explore. Prior to your stay, we require you to complete a pre-arrival form and sign & agree to our rental conditions.

What this place offers

Common

  • Air conditioning
  • Cleaning products
  • Cooking basics Pots and pans, oil, salt and pepper
  • Dishes and silverware
  • Dryer In the building, free or for a fee
  • Essentials Towels, bed sheets, soap, toilet paper, and pillows
  • Hair dryer
  • Heating Central heating or a heater in the listing
  • Kitchen Space where guests can cook their own meals
  • Dedicated workspace
  • TV
  • Washing Machine
  • Wifi

Outdoors

  • Alfresco dining
  • BBQ
  • Fire pit
  • Garden or backyard
  • Hammock
  • Outdoor seating
  • Patio
  • Sun loungers

Kitchen and dining

  • Baking sheet
  • Barbecue utensils
  • Blender
  • Coffee
  • Coffee maker
  • Dining table
  • Dishwasher
  • Freezer
  • Hot water kettle
  • Microwave
  • Mini Fridge
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Rice maker
  • Stove
  • Toaster
  • Wine glasses

Common

  • Air conditioning
  • Cleaning products
  • Cooking basics Pots and pans, oil, salt and pepper
  • Dishes and silverware
  • Dryer In the building, free or for a fee
  • Essentials Towels, bed sheets, soap, toilet paper, and pillows
  • Hair dryer
  • Heating Central heating or a heater in the listing
  • Kitchen Space where guests can cook their own meals
  • Dedicated workspace
  • TV
  • Washing Machine
  • Wifi

Outdoors

  • Alfresco dining
  • BBQ
  • Fire pit
  • Garden or backyard
  • Hammock
  • Outdoor seating
  • Patio
  • Sun loungers

Kitchen and dining

  • Baking sheet
  • Barbecue utensils
  • Blender
  • Coffee
  • Coffee maker
  • Dining table
  • Dishwasher
  • Freezer
  • Hot water kettle
  • Microwave
  • Mini Fridge
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Rice maker
  • Stove
  • Toaster
  • Wine glasses

Bathroom

  • Bathtub
  • Body soap
  • Conditioner
  • Hot Water
  • Shampoo
  • Shower gel

Bedroom and laundry

  • Bed linens
  • Extra pillows and blankets
  • Hangers
  • Iron
  • Room-darkening shades
  • Clothing storage

Family

  • Board games
  • Children's books and toys
  • Children's tableware
  • Fireplace guards
  • High chair
  • Outlet covers
  • Stair gates
  • Travel crib

Entertainment

  • Books
  • Ethernet connection
  • Game console
  • Record player
  • Sound system

Home safety

  • Carbon monoxide detector
  • Fire extinguisher
  • First aid kit
  • Smoke detector

Parking and facilities

  • EV charger
  • Free parking on premises
  • Private living room
  • Single level home No stairs in home
  • Free street parking

Heating and cooling

  • Indoor fireplace
  • Portable fans

Luxury Amenities

  • Heated floors

Location features

  • Laundromat nearby
  • Private entrance Separate street or building entrance

Services

  • Long term stays allowed Allow stay for 28 days or more

Accessibility and Availability

Neighborhood

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, just 15 minutes from Spruce Pine and Burnsville and about 48 miles from Asheville, this area blends art, nature, and small-town charm. Explore hidden waterfalls, mountain trails, artist studios, and starry overlooks. Visit Penland School of Craft, America’s oldest and largest craft school, or browse local galleries, gem shops, and the National Mineral Museum. Enjoy scenic drives on the Blue Ridge Parkway—though a few nearby sections remain closed for repairs, most overlooks and connecting routes are open. Hike Roan Mountain, Crabtree Falls, or Mount Mitchell, and paddle the Toe River. In winter, ski or snowboard at Hatley Pointe, Beech, or Sugar Mountain. Savor cafés, breweries, vineyards, and orchards—pure Western North Carolina charm. ____ Roads in the neighborhood are maintained by the HOA and plowed in winter; we recommend AWD or 4WD during snowy months. ____ PROXIMITY 1.9 miles (m.) - Penland School of Crafts 9.1 m. - Ingles Market, a full-service grocery store with traditional, natural and organic selections and a full-service pharmacy. 4.8 m. - Downtown Spruce Pine & Riverside Park 13 m. - Walmart, Spruce Pine 14 m. - National Mineral Museum 13 m. - Mount Mitchell State Park 16 m. - Roan Mountain State Park 19 m. - Lake James State Park 28 m. - Jonas Ridge (snow tubing) 33 m. - Downtown Asheville 34 m. - Sugar Mountain (skiing) 5.2 m. - Hospital & ER

Guest Access

The entire house and grounds are available to guests with the exception of the first floor of the detached artist studio. (Guests have access to the upstairs portion through the sliding glass doors found by going up the stairs and around the back of the studio.)

Find us

Directions and access instructions will be emailed to you prior to arrival. A vehicle is necessary for getting around the area. 4WD or AWD are recommended in snowy months. PROXIMITY - Ingles Market, a full-service grocery store with traditional, natural and organic selections and a full-service pharmacy, is 12 miles away - Walmart is 12 miles. - National Mineral Museum is 15 miles. - Closest eat-in/take-out option at 4.8 miles. - Downtown Spruce Pine & Riverside Park is 9 miles. - Hospital & ER is 8.6 miles. DRIVEWAY The gravel drive can be steep for some vehicles that are especially low to the ground, such as sports cars and Mini-Coopers, etc. The owners have a truck and a typical sedan and have no trouble getting up the driveway. Guests may park on the lower part of the driveway if they would prefer. Four-wheel drive is not required, but if you are renting a vehicle, this option might be a good choice for the mountains - especially in winter. Chains for tires are another good option if you are visiting in the winter and you are concerned about getting around. The driveway is plowed when there is snow or ice. If you have any questions, please be sure and let us know. Note: Four-wheel drive is not required, but is helpful when there is snow or ice. In cases of winter weather, if you do not have four wheel drive, we recommend parking at the bottom of the driveway. TIPS FOR DRIVING IN THE MOUNTAINS The key to driving in the mountains, especially steep gravel passes, is to drive with confidence and keep your momentum. If you are driving on a road that is steep or problematic go low and slow - about 6-12 miles an hour - and do not stop. Also, GPS is fairly accurate for businesses, but for residences and small mountain roads it can be inaccurate. We suggest using our directions to get to the cabin initially. If you have questions about how to get somewhere, please let us know. We are happy to help!

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Approximate location. Full address will be provided on booking.