A family-friendly stay in Sapphire awaits you at this holiday home. Within steps you'll find Nantahala National Forest and Hogback Lake within a 15-minute stroll. Highlights at this holiday home include a kitchen, a washing machine and free WiFi. .You can enjoy Smart televisions with a DVD player, and home features 3.5 bathrooms, a fireplace and a balcony. In-room dining is easy with a kitchen that comes equipped with a fridge, a microwave and a stovetop. Nice touches to enhance your stay include a jetted bath and a memory foam bed. A sofa bed, a living room and a TV are also available. Limited housekeeping is available. .Enjoy the indoor swimming pool, outdoor swimming pool, gym and Hot tub. Added amenities include a sauna and laundry facilities. .In proximity to this Sapphire holiday home you'll find Lake Jocassee.
Western Carolina University - 47 min drive - 45.3 km
Getting around
Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) - 63 min drive
Restaurants
Grand Olde Station at Lake Toxaway - 14 min drive
The Tavern @ High Hampton - 16 min drive
Whiteside Brewing Company - 14 min drive
Buck's Coffee Cafe - 13 min drive
Canyon Kitchen - 10 min drive
About this property
Entire place
You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
ONCE UPON A STREAM- Storybook cottage on stream, perfect for family gatherings.
***Now offering ultra high-speed GIGABIT Wifi*** ***New VIRTUAL TOUR- Stroll through the cottage at your leisure in 3-D*** We are PET-FRIENDLY! Welcome to "ONCE UPON A STREAM!"
Escape from the ordinary and plan your next "adventurcation" in our storybook English mountain cottage complete with a rushing mountain stream that will keep the kids (and dog) busy for hours! Create memories with family and friends in the waterfall capital of the eastern U.S. that will last a lifetime. Don't settle for another ordinary vacation!
Our goal is to offer a concierge-like vacation hospitality experience- not just a place for you to stay. We pride ourselves on helping you plan the perfect mountain getaway with recommendations on things to do, places to visit, and amazing restaurants and boutiques. That is truly what makes us different and why many guests choose to book with us. The mountains are meant to be a stress-free environment; we're here to make sure that holds true for your group!
Just over an hour from Asheville, NC, ONCE UPON A STREAM is located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains in beautiful Sapphire, North Carolina. The cottage is conveniently located near shopping, dining, and all sorts of recreation. Cashiers, NC is just ten minutes away and the quaint town of Highlands, NC is only 25 minutes away. Lake Toxaway, NC is also nearby- just ten minutes away. There are more than a dozen spectacular waterfalls to hike and explore less than a half hour away.
SAPPHIRE VALLEY RESORT Our guests also have full access to the Sapphire Valley Resort and all of its amazing amenities including the private Lake Fairfield where you can fish, and sail, paddle, and swim. Visit nearby Narrows Falls and all of the fabulous amenities at the Sapphire Valley Resort. The Sapphire Valley Recreation Center offers gem mining, three swimming pools (one heated indoor and two outdoor), two saunas, two hot tubs, locker rooms, mini-golf, arcade and game room, lounge with WiFi, tennis, playground, running track, par-3 golf course, direct access to the Horsepasture River, and much more. Guests can also purchase discounted tickets to the Biltmore Estate and other area attractions and tours.
SKI SAPPHIRE VALLEY is also inside the Sapphire Valley Resort and offers tons of fun during the winter months. There is a Blue-diamond ski slope complete with quad chair lift and also a Bunny Slope. Frozen Falls is the tubing run and very popular with the kids. Our guests receive 25% off skiing, tubing, and rentals. Ski and Snowboard lessons are available at a very reasonable rate.
We provide first in class concierge service and love to help our guests plan the ultimate mountain vacation. In addition, we provide our guests with access to our unique online guidebook complete with all of our favorite restaurants, things to do, and places to see. Once Upon a Stream is ideally set up for a two or three-family vacation getaway. The cottage is three levels with 4 BR/3.5 BA and sleeps up to 14 persons comfortably.
MAIN LEVEL: offers a large master en-suite with a King-size bed topped with luxurious linens and high-end pillows. Relax after a long day of hiking in the over-sized jetted tub while enjoying the treetop view and taking in all of nature's beauty.
UPPER LEVEL: features two additional bedrooms and a loft with pullout couch. The 2nd bedroom has a queen-sized bed topped with fine linens and pillows. Bedroom 3 has two queen log beds with amazingly comfortable memory foam mattresses and fine linens and pillows.
LOWER LEVEL (Basement aka KID CAVE) is now complete and includes a large rec-room with two sets of mountain log bunk beds, a 55" 4KHD TV, Dish Network, BlueRay Player, Air Hockey table, and Foosball! The new basement also includes bedroom #4 with queen bed and full bathroom.
Ideally situated on a 2-acre private lot, the cottage will spoil you to the point where you won't want to leave. Greet the morning with a cup of coffee on the large back deck. Stroll down the backyard hill along the meandering boulder pathway to the stone patio below and enjoy a glass of wine as you listen to the noisy stream. The kids will stay busy exploring and hiking up and downstream- bring your dog too!
Whether you stay for a few nights or a few weeks, we strive to create a one of a kind experience for you at Once Upon a Stream. Please contact us for more information on booking your mountain getaway.
Be sure to check out our other two homes nearby in Sapphire on VRBO:
ONCE Upon a Stream #4258820 * Sleeps 14, 4 BR, 3.5 BA, streamfront, pet-friendly
TWICE Upon a Stream #2634264 * Sleeps 10, 3 BR, 3.5 BA, streamfront, pet-friendly
Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
First aid kit
Fire extinguisher
Deadbolt lock
General
Garden
Property located in a resort
Unit size: 3,100 square feet
Policies
Check-in
Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in and check-out are available
Minimum check-in age - 25
Check-out
Check-out before 10:00 AM
Contactless check-out
Special check-in instructions
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Rules
See Rental Rules in Exhibit A of Rental Agreement.
Pets
Pets are welcome
Service animals are exempt from fees.
Note from host: Most dogs allowed. Non-refundable PET FEE applies.
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome.
Note from host: Families are very warmly welcomed!
Events
No events allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Long-term renters welcome
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business.
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited. Long-term renters welcome. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit and a deadbolt lock in all accommodation.
Property is also known as
Once Upon Stream Rushing Mountain Stream Pet-friendly House
Once Upon Stream Rushing Mountain Stream Pet-friendly Sapphire
Once Upon Stream Rushing Mountain Stream Pet-friendly House
Once Upon Stream Rushing Mountain Stream Pet-friendly Sapphire
Once Upon Stream Rushing Mountain Stream Pet-friendly
Once Upon A Stream Rushing Mountain Stream Pet friendly!
Once Upon A Stream Rushing Mountain Stream Pet friendly!
Frequently asked questions
Are there any beaches close to ONCE UPON A STREAM- Storybook cottage on stream, perfect for family gatherings.?
The closest beach to ONCE UPON A STREAM- Storybook cottage on stream, perfect for family gatherings. is Sandstone Beach (19.9 km).
Does ONCE UPON A STREAM- Storybook cottage on stream, perfect for family gatherings. have a pool?
Take your pick from a heated pool, a communal pool, an outdoor pool and an indoor pool.
What luxury perks are available at ONCE UPON A STREAM- Storybook cottage on stream, perfect for family gatherings.?
This property features a heated pool, as well as a jetted bath and memory foam beds.
What makes ONCE UPON A STREAM- Storybook cottage on stream, perfect for family gatherings. a romantic place to stay?
1 hot tub, Jetted bath, and memory foam beds all help set the scene for a sizzling getaway at ONCE UPON A STREAM- Storybook cottage on stream, perfect for family gatherings..
Is ONCE UPON A STREAM- Storybook cottage on stream, perfect for family gatherings. family-friendly?
You bet! With amenities such as a playground and an arcade, as well as highchairs and travel cots, it's no surprise that ONCE UPON A STREAM- Storybook cottage on stream, perfect for family gatherings. is a winner with our family travellers.
Is there a private hot tub at ONCE UPON A STREAM- Storybook cottage on stream, perfect for family gatherings.?
Yep, there is a hot tub.
Is there a free airport shuttle available at ONCE UPON A STREAM- Storybook cottage on stream, perfect for family gatherings.?
No, ONCE UPON A STREAM- Storybook cottage on stream, perfect for family gatherings. does not offer an airport shuttle service.
What time are check-in & check-out at ONCE UPON A STREAM- Storybook cottage on stream, perfect for family gatherings.?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM. Check-out time is 10:00 AM.
ONCE UPON A STREAM- Storybook cottage on stream, perfect for family gatherings. Reviews
Reviews
10
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
Rating 10 - Excellent. 63 out of 68 reviews
10 - Excellent
63
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 68 reviews
8 - Good
5
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 68 reviews
6 - Okay
0
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 68 reviews
4 - Poor
0
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 68 reviews
2 - Terrible
0
9.6/10
Cleanliness
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Jennifer S.
27 Mar 2026
Liked: Cleanliness
We had a fantastic time! Very family friendly and Travis was super easy to communicate with.
Jennifer S.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2026
10/10 Excellent
Kenneth M.
1 Dec 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
We enjoyed our stay. The house is great. Very well taken care of and very clean and neat.would recommend this house to anyone and would stay here again.
Kenneth M.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2025
10/10 Excellent
Katie H.
28 Apr 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Peaceful place on the creek
Our family had a wonderful time this past weekend at Once Upon A Stream. Our young boys loved the lower level setup with the bunk beds and the foosball table, and most importantly they spent both days down exploring and playing in the creek. There was ample space to spread out when necessary so our little one could nap or so grandparents could relax. It really was a perfect setup for our family. Plus, it was close to multiple easy waterfall trails which we enjoyed as well.
Katie H.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025
10/10 Excellent
Tricia Q.
23 Feb 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Tricia Q.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025
10/10 Excellent
Elizabeth W.
8 Jan 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect Getaway
The house was beautiful, clean, and well equipped. We traveled with a baby and dogs and the house supplied dog bowls and a crate. It also had a port a crib, booster seat, and a hiking backpack for the baby. The fire pit area was really nice and the dogs loved walking the trail down to the stream. We truly enjoyed our stay and would definitely stay again.
Elizabeth W.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2025
10/10 Excellent
barbara h.
29 June 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Roomy
The property was as advertised and we had plenty of room to spread out. Travis responded quickly to our calls. Overall, it was centrally located to what we wanted to do as a family of 6 adults and 5 children.
barbara h.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
10/10 Excellent
Christine J., Durham, NC
2 June 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Family Vacation Success
Three generations on vacation and it could not have been more comfortable. This house was perfect for having our own space while also providing an environment where we could gather. There really wasn't anything we needed that wasn't provided. Communication was great!!! Fantastic location for getting to restaurants, shopping and outdoor adventure.
Christine J.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2024
10/10 Excellent
Dana M.
1 Apr 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Family fun
We had a great time! The house was well appointed and plenty of space for my husband and I and our 3 (tween-teens) kids. They loved the kids cave and the foosball table. The upstairs had 2 nice sized bedrooms, but we didn’t even need those. Communication with Travis was great. Enjoyed several hikes in the area and the local restaurants.
Dana M.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2024
10/10 Excellent
Betty F.
10 July 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Family Celebration
We had 14 family members in our group. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay. We really enjoyed the stream below the house. We had small grandkids come over from Whisper Lake and put rubber duck in the stream to float down. I think the stream was the family favorite. Would definitely do this again. Travis responded quickly to any questions we had,
Betty F.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023
10/10 Excellent
Donna S., Jacksonville
23 Jan 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Learning to Ski
Fun property. Easy to get to. Close to small ski resort, great for teaching young ladies to ski.
Donna S.
Stayed 11 nights in Jan 2023
10/10 Excellent
Trely W.
3 Jan 2023
Our Mountain Christmas
Travis is very quick to respond and answer all questions. “Once Upon A Stream” was ideal and suited all our family’s needs. Even though we lost power for over 8 hours on Saturday, we were able to take advantage of the community center. A beautiful home, a wonderful place and more importantly a Christmas for our family and group of 14 to remember for a lifetime! Thank you, Travis!
Trely W.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2022
10/10 Excellent
Kim M.
9 Dec 2022
Liked: Cleanliness
Wedding weekend
Comfortable stay. Very clean. Owner easy to work with.
Kim M.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022
10/10 Excellent
Bill P.
18 Nov 2022
Liked: Cleanliness
Great House & Owner
My family stayed a long weekend in mid-November, 2022. The layout of the house was great. The kids space downstairs was fantastic. The fireplace warmed the house amazingly. The lot was large and on a nice creek. Our dogs were at home there. The very responsive owner was receptive to taking care of the few very minor issues that we ran across. I highly recommend this property, but please don't book it at the same time I plan my next stay!
Bill P.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2022
10/10 Excellent
Joseph B., Charleston, SC
7 Nov 2022
Liked: Cleanliness
Great mountain escape
This is a lovely property in a secluded neighborhood. Great escape from city living. The leaves had changed and were beautiful here! We used the outside fire pit to roast marshmallows. It was a nice, clean house as advertised. Everything worked well and made for a great friends and family getaway.
Joseph B.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022
10/10 Excellent
BROOKS R.
12 Sept 2022
Liked: Cleanliness
Fantastic and fun time
Everything we needed was available and property was great. Best of all, the owner responded and assisted with any questions or issues.
BROOKS R.
Stayed 13 nights in Aug 2022
10/10 Excellent
Jennifer A O.
11 July 2022
Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful and relaxing
The property was beautiful and relaxing. The space was perfect for our 3 families. We thoroughly enjoyed the outside and inside, and the location was great. The owner was easy to contact and accommodating.
Jennifer A O.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022
10/10 Excellent
Cecile S., White Plains, NY
10 July 2022
Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful mountain vacation and family reunion
We all thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Once Upon a Stream. The accommodations were roomy and permitted 13 people to spread out in the house and on the decks. The activities at the nearby resort were numerous- something for everyone. The stream at the house was a magnet for the children who went “mining” for beautiful rocks. The owner, Travis, was most helpful and accommodating. It was easy to reach him when necessary. We would definitely want to return here- both to the house and the area.
Cecile S.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
10/10 Excellent
Evan M.
4 July 2022
Liked: Cleanliness
Magical stay
We had a completely wonderful two week stay here. My kids spent hours in the backyard and playing in/ hiking the creek. House was huge and comfortable for everyone. Location is incredible, close to a zillion hikes and an easy 15 minutes into Cashiers and all the wonderful restaurants. Travis was super helpful for restaurant recommendations and things to do that were appropriate for the ages of our kids. Also loved the access to Sapphire rec center. We swam, played mini golf, did the zipline, and rented boats multiple days. Would stay here again in an instant!
Evan M.
Stayed 11 nights in Jun 2022
10/10 Excellent
Anna G.
27 Dec 2021
Liked: Cleanliness
Christmas at Once Upon A Stream
The property is exactly as described and shown. We were a family of 10 including 3 children and we were very comfortable in the space. The main area has a beautiful view of the mountains, the kitchen is well equipped and open and the downstairs area was perfect for playtime. Very nice home and host.
Anna G.
Stayed 8 nights in Dec 2021
10/10 Excellent
Denise B.
8 Nov 2021
Liked: Cleanliness
Great for family reunion
Lots of space and amazing kid cave. Owners are exceptionally responsive and available to assist throughout the stay. Easy access to Cashier’s, Highlands, Gorges State Park, and horseback riding. Stream out back kept the kids busy rock hunting. Decks great for just enjoying the color explosion in the fall.
Denise B.
10/10 Excellent
Mary M.
30 July 2021
Liked: Cleanliness
Once Upon a Stream
If one is looking for a quiet, peaceful setting in a beautiful wooded setting, Once Upon a Stream is the place. Our family of 12 ( 9 adults and 3 children) enjoyed our stay immensely.
Mary M.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2021
8/10 Good
Kathleen D.
3 July 2021
Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely mountain home
This property was exactly as advertised .. property owner available and very responsive with questions … we would def recommend
Kathleen D.
Stayed 21 nights in Jun 2021
10/10 Excellent
Margaret S.
15 June 2021
Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful accommodations!
It was the perfect getaway. The house was nestled in the woods. We had enough space for everyone to have their privacy and gather. We enjoyed the balconies, fire pit, and the stream. The owner was always responded to us by phone and text, and problems we had were taken care of immediately. The Sapphire resort amenities were a big plus. Thank you!
Margaret S.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2021
10/10 Excellent
Betty E.
20 Mar 2021
Liked: Cleanliness
Great accommodations. Love the fire pit
Loved the house.
Betty E.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2021
10/10 Excellent
Timothy C.
4 Mar 2021
Liked: Cleanliness
Feb. weekend getaway.
Great property for families, especially with kids. The kids loved the basement accommodations (bunkbeds are awesome)! Very close to plenty of activities and dining..