
Cottage vacation rentals in McDowell County
Find and book unique cottages on Airbnb
Top-rated cottage rentals in McDowell County
Guests agree: these cottages are highly rated for location, cleanliness, and more.

Sitting Bear Cottage w/ Spa at Linville Gorge
Hosted by Flying Squirrel Cottages, Sitting Bear Cottage is nestled in the thick rhododendrons on the east edge of Linville Gorge Wilderness Area. The cottage has 4 bedrooms: 1 - king bed 1 - queen bed 1 - full bed 2 - twin beds in loft The master suite has a private deck off the room and there is a beautiful new sunroom and deck addition on the front of the cottage. The high speed internet works great for working remotely or streaming your favorite entertainment services. The 3 par

Celo Valley Retreat, with Awesome View
One of the most beautiful views in the whole valley, very close to rivers, streams, waterfalls, fishing, hiking, state parks, and more. Located in a private, quiet country neighborhood with little traffic. This 530 Sq. Ft. studio apartment has an additional 10 Ft. x 20 Ft. deck/balcony out front overlooking the Celo Valley with a spectacular view of the Celo and Black Mountain ranges (see photos). This apt. has its own private entrance. Sorry, we must maintain a no pet policy, no exceptions.

High Cottage Retreat At 3500ft
Discover the perfect blend of cozy comfort and breathtaking adventure at our cottage. Nestled high on the Blue Ridge Parkway, at a refreshing 3500ft elevation, this getaway offers unparalleled tranquility. Imagine sipping your morning coffee on the private deck, gazing at a sea of stars in the crisp mountain air. While you'll feel miles away from it all, you're a short stroll from charming local restaurants and shops. Explore the world-renowned Penland School of Craft, Toe River Arts studios.

Clear Branch Cottage
Clear Branch Cottage is 750 sq. feet with 180 sq. feet of covered porch totally surrounded by forest, which can be enjoyed sitting on the porch or inside with large picture windows and views throughout. It has one bedroom with a queen bed, and a trundle bed with 2 single mattresses. A comfortable living room with mid century decor adjoins the well equipped kitchen. The porch has a dining table with additional seating. The private backyard has a gas grill, plenty of seating and a fire ring.

Stunning Mountain Retreat – 25% off Monthly Stays
Nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, just an hour from Asheville, and a few miles from Mt. Mitchell, the Blue Ridge Parkway and Pisgah National Forest is Celo Farm, a 100-acre property boasting panoramic mountain views, numerous walking trails through fields and forests, and river access, providing tranquility and rejuvenation for the body and the mind. Relax and unwind in the beautifully appointed and spacious cottage or explore the area’s many scenic and cultural attractions.

River Bliss: 4 Season Healing Sanctuary + Retreat
Just a few moments sitting in the presence of this pristine river + you will feel your entire nervous system calm + ground. Seasonal meals + massage as an add-on! 2 private river spots steps away; shallow sandy beach + deep swimming hole! House is open + filled with beauty, perfect for a creative retreat to rekindle your connection to the earth + your heart. Open living concept, cherry bar, outdoor kitchen, herbal tea, majestic trees, clean spring water, gardens! No fragrance. No parties.

Dockside Delight @Lake James
Dockside Delight is a charming, century-old cottage nestled into a quiet cove around the corner from Bear Creek Marina on Lake James. Distant enough for peace and quiet yet close enough by land or lake to a lively night out, food, or boat/jet ski rental. Play, swim, canoe, sunbathe and relax all day. Eat dinner on the lakeside deck and soak in the beautiful views as the sun goes down before building a campfire in the perfect fire pit. The quintessential lakefront vacation experience!

"Fox Den"Peaceful Mountain Cottage
"The Fox Den" -now limited to 2 persons total. A whole house instead of a motel room Wow! Great for a couple, 2 friends, or parent-child catch-up. Enjoy large deck with gazebo that feels like a treehouse above mountain stream, wood interior, fast wi-fi, kitchen, full bath, outdoor shower, 2 bedrooms, 2 swings, fire pit, and Japanese garden. Nestled in a valley, just below Deep Gap on the Black Mountain Ridge Crest Trail that leads to Mount Mitchell, tallest mountain east of the Rockies.

The Mothership
Welcome to the Mothership, an octagonal post and beam cottage built for those with a love of the outdoors. Located on our small farm in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, we are a perfect launching point for adventure. Lake James and the Linville Gorge are only 20 minutes away, Asheville 45 minutes, and Charlotte only an hour. Explore countless waterfalls, miles of trails, or kayak our beautiful rivers during the day, and relax in the hot tub and shoot pool in the evening.

Vintage Cottage
This small vintage cottage is perfect for two people, It is located 5 minutes outside of town. It is centrally located about 1 hour from Boone NC, Asheville NC, and Johnson City TN. It is close to Mt Mitchell and Roan MT. There is hiking, biking, gem mining, tubing, rafting, fly fishing, or just sightseeing and relaxing in a small southern town. There are many craftsmen and potters in the area also. The property is a peaceful place to end your day of activities in the area.

Hot Tub+Fire Pit, Mtn Sunsets, Fireplace & Grill!
Welcome to beautiful Sunset Mountain Lodge, a 3-bedroom (plus a loft), two-bath home, on a secluded six acres of property with stunning sunset views. Relax and unwind on the large porch overlooking the mountains, enjoy hiking on the property, soak in the hot tub, or roast marshmallows by the fire pit. The house is close to many area attractions, grocery stores, and great restaurants, with downtown Spruce Pine and Burnsville nearby. This is the perfect mountain getaway!

The Red House at Penland
Located just steps from the campus of Penland School of Crafts, the Red House is ideal for students who want a private space with cooking facilities. The perfect lodging for couples, with either one or both enrolled in a Penland class. Also an ideal location for visiting galleries and the many area artists' studios or exploring the surrounding attractions such as Mt. Mitchell, Roan Mountain, Linville Falls, and other scenic attractions in Western North Carolina.
Popular amenities for McDowell County cottage rentals
Cottage rentals with a hot tub

Mamaw's Cabin @ Heart of Linville Falls w/spa

Sitting Bear Cottage w/ Spa at Linville Gorge

HOT TUB! Jarrett Creek Cottage by HomestayNC

Hot Tub+Fire Pit, Mtn Sunsets, Fireplace & Grill!

The Mothership
Pet-friendly cottage rentals

On the River+Fire Pit+Grill, WiFi, Newly Remodeled

Bee Balm Cottage | Cozy Pet-Friendly Retreat

Unplug & Play | Cottage w/ Children’s *Bird House*

Crag Cottage at Linville Gorge

17 Mi to Sugar Mountain: ‘Tensie’s Cottage’
Private cottage rentals

Dockside Delight @Lake James

Wildflower Cabin with a Mountain View

Mamaw's Cabin @ Heart of Linville Falls w/spa

Clear Branch Cottage

Vintage Cottage

Sitting Bear Cottage w/ Spa at Linville Gorge

Kibbin | Pet-Friendly Stone Cottage on Creek

Hot Tub+Fire Pit, Mtn Sunsets, Fireplace & Grill!
Destinations to explore
- Pet-friendly rentals McDowell County
- Rentals with a washer and dryer McDowell County
- Rentals with pools McDowell County
- Rentals with a patio McDowell County
- House rentals McDowell County
- Rentals with lake access McDowell County
- Rentals with a fire pit McDowell County
- Rentals with a fireplace McDowell County
- Apartment rentals McDowell County
- Rentals with a kayak McDowell County
- Family-friendly rentals McDowell County
- Rentals with a hot tub McDowell County
- Tiny house rentals McDowell County
- Cabin rentals McDowell County
- Rentals with outdoor seating McDowell County
- Cottage rentals North Carolina
- Cottage rentals United States
- Beech Mountain Ski Resort
- Tweetsie Railroad
- Blue Ridge Parkway
- Appalachian Ski Mtn
- Grandfather Mountain
- River Arts District
- Max Patch
- The North Carolina Arboretum
- Chimney Rock State Park
- Tryon International Equestrian Center
- Lake James State Park
- Hawksnest Snow Tubing and Zipline
- Lake Lure Beach and Water Park
- Elk River Club
- Grandfather Mountain State Park
- Grandfather Golf & Country Club
- Jump Off Rock
- Land of Oz
- Biltmore Forest County Club
- Banner Elk Winery
- Boone Golf Club
- French Broad River Park
- Vineyards for Biltmore Winery
- Wolf Ridge Ski Resort
- Things to do McDowell County
- Nature and outdoors McDowell County
- Things to do North Carolina
- Nature and outdoors North Carolina
- Art and culture North Carolina
- Sports activities North Carolina
- Food and drink North Carolina
- Tours North Carolina
- Sightseeing North Carolina
- Wellness North Carolina
- Entertainment North Carolina
- Things to do United States
- Sightseeing United States
- Entertainment United States
- Wellness United States
- Tours United States
- Food and drink United States
- Art and culture United States
- Sports activities United States
- Nature and outdoors United States