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River Ranch: Petting Zoo & Farm Stay

Riverfront cabin with kitchen and balcony

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Photo gallery for River Ranch: Petting Zoo & Farm Stay

Fireplace, table tennis
Interior
Fireplace, table tennis
Fireplace, table tennis
Outdoor spa tub

Reviews

8.4 out of 10
Very good

Entire cabin

3 bedrooms5 bathroomsSleeps 63000 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Hot tub
  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Pet friendly
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

View in a map
Watauga County, NC
  • Place, Watauga River
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Place, Buckeye Recreational Center
    ‪15 min drive‬
  • Place, Watauga Lake
    ‪16 min drive‬
  • Airport, Abingdon, VA (VJI-Virginia Highlands)
    ‪73 min drive‬

Room options

About the neighborhood

Sugar Grove

This cabin places you 2.8 mi (4.5 km) from Watauga River. The cabin includes a kitchen, a fireplace, and a balcony.
View more Cabin Rentals in Sugar GroveOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Watauga River - 2 min drive - 1.5 miles
  • Buckeye Recreational Center - 15 min drive - 9.8 miles
  • Watauga Lake - 16 min drive - 12.0 miles
  • Banner Elk Winery - 21 min drive - 12.2 miles
  • Beech Mountain Resort - 22 min drive - 11.4 miles

Getting around

  • Abingdon, VA (VJI-Virginia Highlands) - 80 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Beech Mountain Resort Cafeteria - ‬31 min drive
  • ‪Beech Mountain Brewing Co. Taproom and Grill - ‬31 min drive
  • ‪First Chair Coffe Shop - ‬29 min drive
  • ‪Poppy’s Coffee shop - ‬30 min drive
  • ‪Frazier's Tavern & Grill - ‬29 min drive

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire cabin to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

River Ranch: Petting Zoo & Farm Stay

RIVER RANCH HIGHLIGHTS:
Three King Bedrooms (on each floor) & 4 Bathrooms ... Check!
Private Hot Tub with a huge deck overlooking the entire farm & creek ... Check!
Theatre Room, Wine Room, Wood-Burning Fireplace, outdoor seating & dining ... Check!
WiFi, Smart TVs (bring codes), A/C, W/D ... Check!
Pool Table, Fire Pit, Porch Swing & easy access to all amenities ... Check!

Fully Stocked Kitchen (bring spices, oil and food), Basic Coffee Maker & Gas Grill ... Check!
An Instagram-worthy Farm-Stay experience ... Check!

RULES: No Holiday Arrivals. No visitors allowed to the farm.
PETS: One Dog Allowed: $75 for up to 25 pounds max. More than one dog or a larger dog requires pre-approval - please inquire!

FARM ACCESS / HIGHLIGHTS:

20+ acres to explore & 1/4 mile of state-stocked trout stream ... Check!
Private Petting Zoo, Bird Aviary ... Check!

Zip Lines (2), Trampoline AND Pickleball ... Check!
Hiking trails, so many swings and whimsical surprises ... Check!

25 mins to Boone, 30 mins to Banner Elk & skiing!



RULES, PETS & POLICIES:
No Holiday Arrivals or Departures.

No Visitors allowed at the farm.
Three night minimum & available November thru April only.
One Dog Allowed: $75 for up to 25 pounds max. No cats. More than one dog or a larger dog requires pre-approval - please inquire!


Well-decorated. Well-stocked. Expectations met. We like to let our 50 photos do the talking!


River Ranch is luxury and a true second home, opened only for the winter months (November through April). The cabin is meticulously kept and we keep party sizes at 6 or under. Master King bedroom, pool table and TV room are upstairs with a main level King bedroom (that feels like a master) and one King bedroom downstairs next to your Wine Tasting Room!



Our guest house (Honeymoon Cabin) is a rental, as well as our neighboring barns and Airstream! There will be other small families or couples on the farm enjoying the animals and amenities, however, there is no reason for anyone, other than our workers that utilize one of River Ranch's garages for maintenance needs to travel up to your cabin. It sits up on the knoll overlooking the entire property (and all the amenities are private for only our cabins!)

The Bethel area of Sugar Grove is a quaint area, easily accessible, near everything you will need. And the corner store just up the road has all of the basics you may need from milk and eggs to gas. It’s a slower “Valle Crucis” if you are familiar with the area! We have a paved driveway with grading, it can be a difficult climb in the winter months without 4x4. We will always recommend 4x4 in the winter months, however, we are also located off a state-maintained road and we would consider us "easier access."

PETS: We allow only one dog, under 25 pounds, with a $75 pet fee (weight and breed limitations, please ask).
The cabin is air-conditioned and features a kitchen, 4.5 bathrooms, and a balcony. There's space to spread out with 3 bedrooms and a dining area. Other standard amenities include a washing machine, a fireplace, and a coffee maker.

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  • Washer
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Property amenities

Pool/Spa

  • Hot tub

Internet

  • Available in the cabin: WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop

Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 4.5 bathrooms
  • Hair dryer
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Fireplace
  • Living room
  • Separate dining area

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • Welcoming dogs only
  • One pet total (up to 50 lbs per pet)

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoking not allowed

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • In a rural location
  • On a river
  • On the waterfront

Things to do

  • Billiards/pool table
  • Table tennis

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

General

  • Garden
  • Property located in a resort
  • Unit size: 3,000 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 25

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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Pets

  • This property welcomes pets
  • Dogs only
  • 1 total (50 lbs is the maximum weight per pet)
  • Restrictions apply
  • For more information, guests can reach out to the property at the number on the booking confirmation
  • Service animals exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

Children allowed: ages 0-17

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
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 and a first aid kit
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: 25

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, and a first aid kit.

Property is also known as

623582
New River Ranch Luxury hot Tub Pool Table Trout Stream Ponds
New River Ranch Luxury hot Tub Pool Table Trout Stream Ponds

Frequently asked questions

What's there to do close to this cabin?

This cabin is located in Sugar Grove, close to Watauga Lake Winery, Watson Island, and Buckeye Recreational Center. Watauga River is also within a driving distance of 4.2 mi.

Is there parking available at this cabin?

No, this cabin doesn't offer parking.

Is this cabin adjacent to a casino?

No, this cabin is not connected to a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at this cabin?

No, this cabin doesn't have an indoor pool; however, there is a hot tub.

What amenities will couples enjoy at River Ranch: Petting Zoo & Farm Stay?

Amenities that appeal to couples at this historic cabin include a fireplace and a kitchen in each cabin with some featuring lake views.

Are there hot tubs at River Ranch: Petting Zoo & Farm Stay?

Yes, this cabin has a spa tub.

Does this cabin include breakfast service?

No, this cabin doesn't offer breakfast.

Will this cabin allow pets to stay free of charge?

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

Does this cabin have connecting rooms?

No, there aren't connecting rooms at this cabin.

Where is the closest airport to this cabin?

The closest major airport to this cabin is Abingdon, VA (VJI-Virginia Highlands), which is about 29.5 mi away.

Are there rooms with balconies at River Ranch: Petting Zoo & Farm Stay?

Yes, every cabin at River Ranch: Petting Zoo & Farm Stay comes with a balcony with some featuring lake or mountain views.

River Ranch: Petting Zoo & Farm Stay Reviews

Reviews

8.4

Very Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 4 out of 6 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 6 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 6 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 6 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 6 reviews

8.8/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Terry N.

Liked: Cleanliness

Just absolutely Ahhhmazing

So much to do on property
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Manuel T.

Liked: Cleanliness

Picturous

My husband and I spent our Anniversary here we had a nice time. We enjoyed playing and feeding the animals daily. We stayed 1 night in starry liked the fact we did not have to climb steps to acess it. We stayed 2 nights in the Luxury home up on hill. Very clean, well kept. We enjoyed the theatre room. We were disappointed we could not use the fire place we wete looking forward to a fire, but we still had a nice time. The home was very cozy, you can tell it is of quality build and love went into the nice vacation spot. Our grandkids would like it. Bed was comfortable. I recommend the property. Thank you Connie for sharing ❤️ your spot with us.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023

2/10 Terrible

Jared N., Boca Raton

Disliked: Cleanliness

Stay Far Away

We paid for a 3-bedroom house and upon arrival we found out that the 3rd bedroom was in an unventilated basement with no windows for exit in case of a fire. Furthermore, there was a refrigerator down there full of rotting food that the owners left behind. The owner said it was out job to take the time out of our day and clean the room so that someone could sleep in it. We filed a complaint with the local building department, and they are going to look into the illegal bedroom. Filed a complaint with VRBO as well as with the owners and neither were willing to refund any portion of the stay for the inconvenience. Please do yourself a favor and don't let the looks fool you - The owners are nasty money hungry people.
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

Matthew H.

Liked: Cleanliness

Perfect mountain getaway

Stop looking and book this place for your vacation. I cannot imagine having found a better place to spend a few relaxing days in the mountains with family.

8/10 Good

Angela S., High Point, NC

Liked: Cleanliness

I would return to enjoy the property

The outside property is beautiful and there’s so much for children to do. I would return for this reason alone. It’s an easy drive from Boone. There’s plenty of space for the family to spread out and fun stuff for the adults as well: home theater, hot tub, grill, fire pits, pool table and ping pong. Every room has a comfortable king size bed. Now for the things that can be improved. The kitchen, laundry room and all the bathrooms need to be updated. 2 of the 3 showers are so small that we all used the master shower. And there’s too much of the owner’s personal stuff around - we felt like visitors instead of renters. The pillows in two of the rooms need to be replaced and extra blankets needed for cold nights. The fireplace has candles in it so not usable. An exterminator is needed for the ladybugs and stinkbugs upstairs and spiders in the basement. The third bedroom is in the basement with no way to escape in case of fire. The upstairs bedroom should have a closet available for me to hang my clothes. The nice brick firepit out back needs to be cleaned out and chairs provided to enjoy it. The house itself has real potential, but it’s not quite up to the standard of other VRBO cabins I’ve rented in this price point.

10/10 Excellent

Dora J.

Liked: Cleanliness

Quiet getaway

The home sits on a ranch with other homes but private most of the time. Very well maintained. At Homs feel.

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