I typically would refrain from using a 5-star rating, as I believe room for improvement is always part of the life process... with this being said, however, I can not rate my Airbnb experience with anything less. Truly, staying at Ellen and George's cottage rates 5 full stars across the board.

Yes, the LocationLocationLocation is premium with its easy access to Asheville's buzzing metropolis, all with the calm of the country. And "charming" is a great adjective for describing the actual, physical space - but when also considering its warm ambiance and the true grace demonstrated by our hosts, most words simply pale to the richness that Mother and I felt while staying with Ellen. She had us at "Hello" - and then left us to feast on chocolate ice cream made at a local buttery. We were immediately smitten, and joyful feelings just kept on coming throughout the weekend.

Favorite moments include our quiet morning time on the veranda, sipping coffee and listening to the birds (as we enjoyed special interaction with Miss Clara the Cat) and the snippet of time we shared with Ellen and George. They truly are amazing individuals!

Mother is 87 years old; we traveled a great distance to spend a little time with her 84 year old sister, and when planning the trip I knew that we would need a place of rest and calmness after driving two long days to regain some energy lost along the way. I was captured by the initial picture of the veranda's view and knew that Ellen's place was our perfect spot. What I could not expect at the time of booking: that Mother's (and my) spirit would be so filled by the experience that her restoration would extend well past the reunion with her sister. We both became totally revitalized - our joy and laughter made for light traveling during our equally arduous drive home. I will be forever grateful for our time on Beaver Lake - I have never seen Mother more happy or alive. The gift of a lifetime!

I plan on returning to this sweet spot and our wonderful hosts. Again and again!