Medieval magic awaits atop the highest point in the heart of Tryon. The little Castle at Seven Mountains Manor, nestled at the end of a long, bucolic driveway on almost 40 acres of woods in the midst of horse country, has an idyllic setting with sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains from fall to spring. The serenity of the Grand Bedroom, with its luxurious four-poster king-sized bed, romantic private balcony and soaring wood-beamed ceiling will make you feel transported to a faraway land. The space $229/night, no cleaning fees. You’ll have full use of the entire Castle Suite floor, including your own sitting room and workspace, your own thermostat, the amply-equipped kitchen and the splendid Mezzanine Dining Room. You may also choose to have an intimate, leisurely meal on your private balcony or in your Suite’s eating area. Refined antique furnishings and fascinating architectural details blend with modern conveniences to enhance this tranquil, unparalleled retreat. If there’s a gentle rainfall during your stay, perhaps you’ll doze off to the light patter of raindrops on the slate roof. Or you can sink into the cozy, oversized wing chair for a comfy read or just some relaxing quiet time. This captivating home, with its mysterious wood carvings and rugged stone structures, along with its encompassing natural beauty, is one of the most serene, restorative places in the foothills of North Carolina. Yet it’s just a 10-minute walk to historic downtown Tryon (“The Friendliest Town in the South”) and its many shops, restaurants and entertainment venues. (Trade Street is less than a ½ mile from our entrance.) It’s also just a short drive to the world-renowned Tryon International Equestrian Center (14 miles), home of the 2018 World Equestrian Games. The architecture of this lovingly restored 1928 medieval-style home is stunning— rich in tales and legends, with 14 intriguing carved wood characters that greet you along the entrance walkway, 18”-thick milled stone walls, and curious ocean motifs, such as the enameled seahorse wall fountain. Our very first guests ended up getting married here. It was a lovely, intimate, spontaneous event, and so the property is now also known as the "Seven Mountains Little Wedding Chapel"! Surrounded by nature, steeped in history, the Castle at Seven Mountains Manor was built in 1928 as the ultimate labor of love by Clarence Ashley Lightner, one of the founders of the Detroit public library, and the noted playwright Frances Bolton Lightner. Here, they hosted their guests at glamorous events in the Ballroom (now the downstairs Great Room). The Castle became part of the main manor house via the entrance walkway which still stands today. Though the main house (built in 1912) no longer exists, we were fortunate enough to meet the Lightners’ daughter Martha White, who lived in Tryon (and was once married to Daniel Franklin Boone, descendant of American pioneer Daniel Boone!). Martha regaled us with stories and remembrances of her childhood, growing up in the Manor and playing in the Castle. Welcome to Seven Mountains Manor... make yourself at home! Note: We may be able to open up dates that are blocked off on the calendar. The calendar will open up again in the spring, probably late March, through July. Guest access Use of the beautiful Mezzanine Dining Room overlooking the soaring Great Room window. Use of the kitchen, which includes a full-sized refrigerator, microwave oven, convection-baking oven, toaster, coffeemaker and blender. The Castle Suite is on the top floor of the home, where the main entrance is. There is a separate downstairs entrance to the Ground Floor, which is our private area. During your stay We will be in residence during your stay, but will respect your privacy. If you wish, we’ll provide hotel-like service if you don’t want to make your bed or tidy up— whatever works for you! Our private suite, the only other living quarters on the property, is on a separate floor (the lower level) from the Castle Suite. We may need to retrieve something from the kitchen momentarily, but would only do so while you're away, as we have a kitchenette in our private area. We are vaccinated and boosted, but will gladly wear masks when greeting you, for your safety and peace of mind. As a courtesy, we are not charging the customary cleaning fee. Other things to note You won’t need to do any special chores— we want you to feel like you’re in a 5-star hotel! If there are no other guests checking in the day of your departure, we’ll be glad to extend your checkout time. For the amenity described as “Safe”, you’ll have a trunk locker with a keyed lock to use and store valuables. You’re welcome to bring your own lock as well. There is also a walk-in closet with locks which you can use. You’ll have coffee, tea, juice, bread, fruit (bananas, grapes, apples), sausage, mini toaster pancakes, instant oatmeal and cereal available for breakfast. There is also a slow cooker and a blender at your disposal. If you have any special needs, please let me know! We have STARLINK Internet service. It generally works really well, though the speeds vary greatly (~225/29 mbps), depending on the time of day. You will have a Guest WiFi available, as well as a smart TV and a Google Chromecast device.