Entire home

Luxurious Toxaway Lakefront. Private Golf Club, Tennis, Boating, Hiking, Dining

Choose dates to view prices

Where to?

Dates

June 2025

July 2025

Smart TV, fireplace, DVD player, table tennis

Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location
Host

Exceptional

Entire home

5 bedrooms6 bathroomsSleeps 125500 sq ft

Popular amenities

Dryer
Pool
Fireplace
Kitchen

Explore the area

Lake Toxaway, NC

Lake Toxaway
‪14 min walk‬
Gorges State Park
‪10 min drive‬
Whisper Lake
‪20 min drive‬
Asheville, NC (AVL-Asheville Regional)
‪66 min drive‬

Room options

About the neighborhood

Lake Toxaway

This vacation home places you next to Nantahala National Forest and within a 15-minute walk of Lake Toxaway. The vacation home includes a kitchen, a fireplace, and a balcony.

View more Vacation Homes in Lake Toxaway

What's nearby

Lake Toxaway - 14 min walk - 0.8 miles
Gorges State Park - 10 min drive - 4.5 miles
Whisper Lake - 20 min drive - 7.3 miles
Chattooga River - 30 min drive - 16.0 miles
Lake Glenville - 35 min drive - 19.8 miles

Getting around

Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) - 60 min drive

Restaurants

‪Mica's Restaurant - ‬25 min drive
‪Osteria Del Monte - ‬16 min drive
‪SlopeSide Tavern - ‬25 min drive
‪Villa Amato - ‬11 min drive
‪The Library Kitchen & Bar - ‬25 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.

Luxurious Toxaway Lakefront. Private Golf Club, Tennis, Boating, Hiking, Dining

Welcome to Cardinal Zen. Access to the exclusive Lake Toxaway Golf & Tennis Club Easter to Thanksgiving.*** Since 1903, the Rockefellers, Vanderbilts, Firestones, Henry Ford, R. J. Reynolds, President James Buchanan, Thomas Edison and now America’s Fortune 500 CEO’s refer to this glorious private lake escape as "Little Switzerland."

Extraordinary 5-bedroom 5 and 1/2 bath, 6,000 square foot lake front home with 300-feet of lake frontage. Breathtaking water views from almost every room. Professionally furnished and decorated.

FEATURES
*Private rooms for peaceful escapes
* Motouk linens and pillow top mattresses
*Gourmet fully equipped kitchen (herbs, spices, Keurig pods, professional knives and cookware)
*Lakefront 6-person saline hot tub
*Two great rooms
*5-on suite king bedrooms
*Game room
*Fitness room
*Four wood burning fireplaces
*Screened porch with stunning lake and wooded views and wood burning fireplace
*Vast, gently sloping lawn with surrounding forest and creek. Perfect for children and adults.
***Club access requires guest membership for additional fees

ACTIVITIES
Golf, tennis(clay courts), pickle ball, croquet, fitness center
Swimming
Paddle boarding, kayaking, canoeing
Water skiing & tubing
Hiking (vast waterfall trails)
Fishing
Mountain biking
Horseback riding
Casual and fine dining

PRIVACY
Security cameras are only located outside the primary entrance to the front and rear of Cardinal Zen. They are not monitored and are only reviewed in the event of a security incident.

The vacation home is air-conditioned and features a kitchen, 5.5 bathrooms, and a balcony. There's space to spread out with 5 bedrooms and a dining area. Guests can expect to find free WiFi and a Smart TV with a DVD player. The bathroom offers a jetted tub and hair dryers. Other standard amenities include a washing machine, a fireplace, and a sofa bed. Housekeeping is available on request.

Property manager

Theresa Cannon

Languages

English

Similar properties

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Air conditioning

Property amenities

Beach

Beach towels

Ski

Close to skiing

Pool/Spa

Communal pool
Heated pool
Hot tub
Massage
Outdoor pool
Sauna

Internet

Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

Electric car charging station on site
Car required
Onsite parking options include a garage

Kitchen

Blender
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Dishwasher
Ice maker
Kitchen island
Microwave
Oven
Paper towels
Refrigerator
Spices
Stovetop
Toaster

Dining

Breakfast available for a fee
Dining table

Bedrooms

5 bedrooms
Bedsheets provided
Sofa bed

Bathroom

5.5 bathrooms
Bathtub
Bathtub or shower
Hair dryer
Shampoo
Shower
Soap
Toilet paper
Towels provided

Living spaces

Dining table
Fireplace
Living room
Separate dining area

Entertainment

Books
DVD player
Games
Music library
Smart TV with cable/satellite channels
Stereo
Video library

Outdoor areas

Balcony
Barbecue grill
Garden
Outdoor furniture

Laundry

Laundry facilities
Washing machine

Work spaces

Desk
Desk chair

Comfort

Air conditioning
Heating

Pets

Pet friendly
Welcoming dogs only
2 pets total

Suitability/Accessibility

Smoking not allowed

Services and conveniences

Housekeeping (on request)
Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

In a rural location
In a village
In the mountains
Near a health/beauty spa
Near a hospital
Near the marina
On a lake
On the waterfront

Things to do

Arcade/game room
Boat
Golf
Gym
Heated pool
Kayak
Optional golf privileges
Snow sports gear
Table tennis
Tennis
Water sports equipment
Basketball nearby
Birdwatching nearby
Ecotours nearby
Fishing nearby
Golfing nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Horseback riding nearby
Hunting nearby
Kayaking nearby
Motor boating nearby
Mountain biking nearby
Mountain climbing nearby
Rafting nearby
Rock climbing nearby
Sailing nearby
Sledding nearby
Swimming nearby
Water skiing nearby
Water tubing nearby
Wildlife walks nearby

Safety features

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

Electric car charging station
Garden
Housekeeping (on request)
Property located in a resort
Unit size: 5,500 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM

Minimum check-in age: 30

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

This property welcomes pets
Dogs only
2 total pets
Restrictions apply
For more information, guests can reach out to the property at the number on the booking confirmation
Service animals exempt from fees

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

Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited

Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property

Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property

Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock

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

Check-in: 4:00 PM
Check-out: 10:00 AM
Minimum check-in age: 30

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business.
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.
Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock.

Property is also known as

Lakefront Estate Golf Club/spa/tennis/boating/hiking/fishing

Frequently asked questions

What's there to see around this vacation home?

This vacation home is located in Lake Toxaway, just steps from Nantahala National Forest. You'll also find Lake Toxaway and Gorges State Park within a short drive.

Is there parking available at this vacation home?

Yes, there is electric car charging available.

Is a spa located at this vacation home?

Spa services at the vacation home include massages.

Is this vacation home associated with a casino?

No, this vacation home is not connected to a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at this vacation home?

No, this vacation home doesn't have an indoor pool; however, there are an outdoor pool and a hot tub.

What amenities will couples enjoy at Luxurious Toxaway Lakefront. Private Golf Club, Tennis, Boating, Hiking, Dining?

This historic vacation home offers many amenities for couples such as a fireplace, fireplaces in some accommodations, as well as an outdoor pool.

Does Luxurious Toxaway Lakefront. Private Golf Club, Tennis, Boating, Hiking, Dining have a hot tub?

Yes, this vacation home has a spa tub.

Does this vacation home include breakfast service?

This vacation home offers breakfast for a surcharge.

Will this vacation home allow pets to stay for free?

Although dogs can't stay for free, they are welcome at this vacation home.

Are there connecting rooms at this vacation home?

No, there aren't connecting rooms at this vacation home.

Are there rooms with balconies at Luxurious Toxaway Lakefront. Private Golf Club, Tennis, Boating, Hiking, Dining?

Yes, every accommodation at Luxurious Toxaway Lakefront. Private Golf Club, Tennis, Boating, Hiking, Dining comes with a balcony with some featuring mountain or water views.

Luxurious Toxaway Lakefront. Private Golf Club, Tennis, Boating, Hiking, Dining Reviews

Exceptional

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

8.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer S.

May 30, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness

Beautiful location, great for large family gatherings, spacious & meticulous home

Our family of 12 stayed here in May . We loved sitting on the screened porch by the fire for coffee and conversations in the mornings. During the days, we ventured on hikes to Black Balsam, Rainbow Falls, Lake Toxaway River Trail, and Meadow Ridge. We played tennis at the clubhouse and the tennis pros were so helpful and friendly. Our kids caught crappies, trout & bass in the lake and enjoyed paddling the canoes & paddle boards. It was so relaxing to sit in the dock in the evenings and in the hot tub on cool nights. The home has a game room that our older teens loved using in the evenings- ping pong, poker & card table . They could stay up late watching movies in there without disturbing those who went to bed earlier. The property manager was easily accessible and quick to respond to our needs. We will definitely stay here again in we travel back to the area.

Stayed 7 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Susan B., Cincinnati, United States

Dec 4, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness

Perfect for Family Time

Second time staying at Cardinal Zen. We love it. Plenty of space for adults / couples with five king bedrooms each with own bath. Family room and outdoor porch are big enough for all to sit comfortably (and have great fireplaces). Dock is perfect for sunny afternoons (and canoe/kayaks great too). Lake Toxaway is beautiful. Our family enjoys the upper lake for its quiet and stillness. We highly recommend.

Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Robyn H., Asheville

Oct 14, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness

Break from Helene and Engagement weekend

Upon arriving to a beautiful home on the lake, music and champagne greeted us. We needed the calm, the beauty, the amazing comfort and ease of Cardinal Zen. Words cannot express what this house did for us after 15 days of turmoil in Asheville after Helene. Our youngest daughter was proposed to on Saturday and what a beautiful setting to be in Toxaway. Theresa is amazing too! Very responsive and kind.

Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Pat J.

Oct 11, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness

Family Gathering

Manager was very responsive with all of our concerns after a severe storm impacted the area prior to our arrival. Found the home to be a welcome retreat for our extended family allowing each of us to escape to our own lovely nooks! The 5, 7 & the young at heart year olds stayed outside all day playing in the lake. The nearby hike to a waterfall provided great family pictures for this year’s Christmas cards:)

Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Perry L.

Sep 24, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness

Perfect Stay at the perfect home

We have stayed at this wonderful home before. This trip was excellent also !

Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kelley V.

Aug 12, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness

Family Stay

Our family, including multiple members of all ages, had an incredible stay for the month of July at Cardinal Zen. The setting was idyllic, with the beautiful lake just steps away from our doorstep. One of the highlights was definitely the advantage of having a membership to the club, with the golf course nearby, which we took full advantage of. The kitchen was beautifully stocked for the many meals we cooked, and we enjoyed visiting the nearby Greystone Inn for appetizers in the bar and lakefront dinners. Theresa, the property manager, was very quick to respond to any issues that arose, which made our stay even more comfortable. The ease of boat rentals at the marina added to our experience, and the location was perfect for outdoor enthusiasts like us, with amazing waterfall hikes just a short drive away. The combination of serene lake views, convenient golf access, excellent dining options, responsive management, and stunning natural beauty made our vacation truly unforgettable.

Stayed 28 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

suzanne b.

Jun 29, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness

A week on the lake

We stayed at cardinal zen for a week late June 2024 We were 12,ranging from 2-68 The house is spectacular and beautifully appointed The beds super comfy with great sheets and pillows and fluffy towels The bedrooms very roomy and very tastefully appointed. The master looks just like the photos With such a crowd, it was nice to have a large den off the kitchen, the living area, and a great screened in porch,allowing everyone to spread out The game room was fun with games,ping pong, keyboard, and nintendo. The workout area was great One of the bedrooms is a bit off to itself, which was great for little one with early bedtimes The kitchen was great. The appliances are top of the line, and there are every kind and size of pots and pans! The china and glassware is not what you would expect in a rental.. beautiful, and the cabinets filled with spices The front lawn is big and great for the kids. The dock is spacious with comfy furniture and large umbrellas to shade the sun. Everyone loved the paddle boards, kayaks and canoe. Blowup rings and fishing poles are a must. (Worms can be found at Toxaway Outfitters) Kids did bring water shoes All and all a great rental. Thanks for sharing! Suzanne and Jimmy New orleans

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Hugh H.

Jun 27, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness

Cardinal Zen

Amazing house… This vacation was fantastic primarily due to this wonderful home on Lake Cardinal. House is beautiful and had everything you could possibly need. Host was very attentive and responded quickly to any questions I had prior to and during the stay. Will look forward to our next visit here.

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sam C.

Jun 18, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness

Terrrific Toxaway

What a fantastic week we had here! This house with all of the fantastic amenities along with use of the country club is a very rare find. The screen porch and the gentle sloping yard were huge favorites amongst our group. Theresa was also very responsive to any needs or questions we had. We typically don't go to the same place twice, but we have already booked this house again for next summer- Can't wait!

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Betsey W., Jacksonville

Jun 8, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness

Family vacation

Beautiful house with a beautiful view of the lake.

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

C Michael E.

Jun 4, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness

Great family house

Plenty of room and well appointed for our kids and grandkids. What a beautiful setting!

Stayed 7 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Susan M.

Jun 4, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness

Family Vacation at Lake Cardinal

Also, notice this house is NOT on Lake Toxaway. It's on Cardinel Lake. A small, beautiful, quiet lake above it with no motors allowed. <3

Stayed 8 nights in May 2024

8/10 Good

Charles R.

Mar 18, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness

Great property

Very nice vacation spot right on a private lake

Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Susan B., Cincinnati, United States

Nov 29, 2023

Liked: Cleanliness

The Perfect Thanksgiving Family Week

We had a wonderful time at Cardinal Zen. The house was perfect for our group. The five bedrooms with their own bath is great for couples/families. Lots of room to spread out in the common areas! Outdoor screened in porch with fireplace was lovely for conversation. The great room with fireplace and open to kitchen was perfect for entire family to be together for game playing while meals were being prepped. The dining room with fireplace was lovely for all our meals, especially our Thanksgiving dinner (table nicely fits 11 or 12). The kitchen table was great for game playing and quick meals. The formal living room was nice for quiet morning coffee. The primary bedroom and bath was an escape and delight! We enjoyed sitting on the dock during the day for some sunshine. And several enjoyed the hot tub both during the day and evening hours. The house sound system was excellent. All equipment met and exceeded our expectations. As you can tell, we had a fantastic time. And Theresa made everything easy! Any question or need, she answered immediately. That made for a carefree planning process and week. A few even went out in the kayaks and canoe. This house would be wonderful any time of year!

Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Hendrick S.

Sep 24, 2023

Liked: Cleanliness

Spacious, bright, peaceful

The most enjoyed feature was the large gently sloping lawn and the dock for sitting with drinks and watching the kids on watercraft. Overall, a nice time for the family.

Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

john m.

Aug 5, 2023

Liked: Cleanliness

Idyllic!

Truly a idyllic setting with all the amenities close by that you could experience in a week’s time.

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kim C.

Jun 27, 2023

Liked: Cleanliness

Peaceful Getaway

The property was as described in the description. Plenty of room to spread out and the kitchen was wonderful to cook in. All we needed was provided. The furnishings were more than comfortable with so much style. The beds were extremely comfortable!!! I would recommend this property.

Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Susan C W., Orlando Fl/New Orleans La

Jun 13, 2023

Liked: Cleanliness

Beautiful Home on the Lake.

We enjoyed our stay in this large house on the lake. wit had a great Dock for fishing and kayaking. Caught quite a bit of Bass! Hot tub on the back porch was a big hit with the kids. House is plenty big enough for everyone to get away to their own space. All rooms very large. Very unusual pieces of woodwork and art in the house. I enjoyed walking around and admiring it all. We didn't actually cook dinner while there but the kitchen had very high end nice appliances. Quiet area. Grounds all kept very neat. The screened in porch with real fireplace was awesome. Even got to light it a few times when the weather got chilly at night. Communication before arriving was great. No problems at all. Perfect house for a large group. Oh and the Basketball goal in front of house was a hit for the boys! Great stay and would return.

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tricia W.

Apr 12, 2023

Liked: Cleanliness

Lake Paradise

Beautiful home right on private lake with easy access to the dock. Pet friendly and our dogs had a blast splashing and exploring the forest paths. Private, quiet, spacious, fully stocked home with gorgeous views for working remotely while we tried to enjoy some down time. Great experience and hope to come back soon!

Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Stephen F.

Dec 1, 2022

Liked: Cleanliness

Great Location

Very spacious home and great spot on the water to relax

Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

dawn s.

Oct 20, 2022

Liked: Cleanliness

Mountain Getaway!

This house is amazing. The views of the lake from every room of this spacious house were spectacular. The interior of this home was absolutely beautiful especially the works of art that adorned the walls. This home gives one a sense of peace and relaxation. There is a gentle slope from the back of the house to a wonderful dock with comfortable furniture to sit out on and take in the surroundings. We really enjoyed fishing from this spot and for those who want more adventure, kayaks and paddle boards were also provided. We arrived late our first night and Theresa had the lights on for us and relaxing music playing over the Sonos System as well as logs ready for an evening fire in one of the 3 fireplaces. This is definitely a home we hope to revisit!

Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Claudia M.

Oct 16, 2022

Liked: Cleanliness

Lake Retreat

Home is lovely. Extremely accommodating for a large group. Hostess was very helpful in addressing questions and issues that arose.

Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2022

8/10 Good

Olga K.

Aug 16, 2022

Beautiful location

beautiful home with 4 regular bedrooms and one bonus room, fantastic location, very peaceful and picturesque, great communication with manager

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Stephen M., Boca Raton Florida

Jul 23, 2022

Liked: Cleanliness

Spectacular Home on Cardinal Lake

Cardinal Zen is one of the best equipped and best maintained homes we have ever rented. The home is immaculate and all mechanicals functioned perfectly during our stay. Very private setting with views of Cardinal Lake from all first floor rooms. Property Manager and owner are very responsive. This was our second visit to Cardinal Zen and we look forward to returning in 2023.

Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kathryn P.

Jul 2, 2022

Liked: Cleanliness

Wonderful family time

Enjoyed this property so much. Beautiful home and interior. Wonderful location on Cardinal Lake where all got to enjoy the dock for fishing, paddle boards, and kayaks etc Extremely well stocked kitchen !! And the two washers and two dryers were great. Rented boats from marina for two days on Lake Toxaway for skiing and tubing. Property manager was always available. Would definitely recommend and would love to stay again in the future.

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022