Laurel Pines Retreat- Bring the fam or friends (and your fur-babies) to this charming cabin — and your rustic home away from home in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

At a Glance:

* Classic cabin-in-the-woods feel, with modern flair
* Queen first level; loft with queen, twin, and half bath
* Sleeps 4(ish)
* In Blairsville, a scenic mountain town and an outdoors-lover’s dream, just two hours north of Atlanta.
* Dogs welcome, not just “allowed” (see The Small Print for details)
* Fenced in yard for your pup (and kids) to safely play in.
* Open lounge and kitchen area.
* Split unit (heat/AC) system: cool in summer, toasty in winter.
* Immaculately organized kitchen with upgraded appliances.
* FiberOp/SmartTV’s
* Washer/dryer
* Indoor games (e.g., foosball), outdoor cornhole
* Wood-burning fireplace in living room; huge firepit out front.


The Laurel Pines Retreat Story...

Lewis grew up in Orlando and never knew what it was like to live in a small town. So when he and his wife, Amy, bought a property in the Blue Ridge Mountains in order to be closer to their son (and grandbaby on the way!), they were understandably excited to experience a slower, more peaceful, pace of life.

“It felt like home right away,” Amy tells me. “It felt… warm, you know?”

Having been to Blairsville, I do know, and told her as much. One of the most charming little towns in the state, it has something (everything?) for everyone: rolling vineyards, orchards, quaint country stores, sprawling state parks, hikes, great food… and a lovely community of people.

“As we’re getting closer to retirement age,” Amy continues, “we’re ready for more serenity, without being in the middle of nowhere.” Laurel Pines Retreat is just secluded enough, but she and Lewis also enjoy having lovely neighbors — who are just close (and far) enough.

Amy says they’re North Georgia “newbies,” and have been loving the winding mountain roads, mom-and-pop establishments, and getting to know the many restaurants, wineries, and distilleries in and around Blairsville. As outdoor enthusiasts, they also can’t wait to explore more of the natural wonders in the area (more about this in Pro Tips & Local Wisdom below, and the guide we have put together for you, which you will find in the cabin upon your arrival).

As they began to spend more time “in the woods,” their cabin grew into a cozy home. They revamped the outside area, decorated the interior, and made sure the most important room of any house was perfect. “Of course it’s the kitchen,” Amy says. “We’re Italian!”

The kitchen is so well-equipped and immaculately organized, Emeril Lagasse, himself, would be happy to whip up a lasagna in it. But don’t worry: even amateur chefs will be delighted. And the best part? The open-concept lounge area is open to the kitchen, and close enough to keep the conversation and laughter flowing between the cooks and the couch potatoes.

“The fridge is fewer than 15 steps from the couch,” Amy says, (which I took to mean that staying there, one is never far from a cold beer).

In addition to Amy and Lewis, there is one other family member who feels right at home at Laurel Pines: Suni, their rescue pup. As lifelong “dog people,” A&L made sure their cabin was a cozy place for all members of the family or friend group — even the ones who walk on all fours.

After I congratulated Amy on their vision (and fruition) for Laurel Pines, she kind of shrugged it off.

“It’s not fancy-shmancy,” she admits, “but we love it.”

I’m sure that when you’re here, in a gorgeous little cabin nestled in the Chattahoochee National Forest and the Blue Ridge Mountains, with the Appalachian Trail cutting through the area… you will, too.


Pro Tips & Local Wisdom:

Adventure through the Chattahoochee National Forest.

Taste the best of Georgia grown produce at Lasso the Moon Alpaca Farm and Reece Heritage Farm.

North Georgia is wine country — have a glass or a bottle at Crane Creek Vineyards and you’ll see why.

Lace up your boots and bring some snacks: Blairsville is your perfect jumping-off point for some epic hikes (Brasstown Bald, Trahlyta Falls, Appalachian Trail from Blood Mountain to Cowrock Mountain, to name a couple)

Roll up your sleeves at Jim's Smokin' Que, a legendary barbecue joint.

The Small Print:

The Sounds of Silence: please limit outdoor use of speakers and other amplified sound equipment to 8:00 am through 10:00 pm, Sunday through Thursday; 8:00 am through 11:00 pm, Friday and Saturday

You love your furry friends, and we’d love to host one or a couple of them. We charge a $75 cleaning fee per dog, per day. Cats make us sneeze: please leave them with grandma .

We put together a starter kit for your arrival (5 trash bags under kitchen sink, 1 roll of paper towels per kitchen, 3 rolls of t.p. per bathroom, small bars of body soap) — please anticipate any needs beyond that, and stock up in town or bring from home.

Suds and beans can be very personal choices: please bring your own laundry detergent and coffee.

You’ll find an ample supply of dish soap, shampoo, conditioner, and hand soap.

Need us? We’re a phone call (and stone’s throw) away, 7 days a week, 9:00 am to 9:00 pm. Give us a buzz and we’ll be there in a jiff to help you with any unforeseen detail.

From our entire team, a big thank-you for choosing SVR — and booking so much more than a rental property. With nearly 10,000 stays and half as many glowing reviews, our guests agree.

Born and bred here in Georgia, we ensure our clients feel the warmth of our southern hospitality and have unforgettable stays in beautiful homes — in one of the prettiest landscapes the country has to offer.

We love North Georgia — and we love sharing her with you. In each of our cabins you’ll find an “Experience the Mountains” manual full of suggestions about local attractions such as hikes and sightseeing, as well as our favorite restaurants in town.

Want to connect with us about anything from the layout of the property to our favorite local IPA? Give us a shout. Someone on our team of locals (possibly me) will be happy to chat with you, answer any questions, and help you book your next dream mountain vacation.

We can’t wait to see you soon in our neck of the woods… and mountains, and lakes, and so much more.


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