Zillow Gone Wild Glass House atop of 80 acre mountain + Lake Lure resort access

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Zillow Gone Wild Glass House atop of 80 acre mountain + Lake Lure resort access

A spacious room with a large bed, a desk, and a view of the outdoors.
A pool area with multiple swimming pools, lounge chairs, and umbrellas.
A spacious room with a tiled floor, a wooden ceiling, and large windows offering a view of the outdoors.
A spacious indoor area with a bar, seating, and large windows offering a view.
An aerial view of a rectangular building with a flat roof, surrounded by dense greenery and a dirt path.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Hot tub
  • Pet friendly
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Parking available
  • Laundry

Explore the area

View in a map
Union Mills, NC
  • Place, Lucky Strike Gold and Gem Mine
    ‪22 min drive‬
  • Place, Lake Lure
    ‪31 min drive‬
  • Place, Pisgah National Forest
    ‪36 min drive‬
  • Airport, Asheville, NC (AVL-Asheville Regional)
    ‪78 min drive‬

Room options

About the neighborhood

Union Mills

This castle places you 10 mi (16.1 km) from Bechtler Mint Site Historic Park and 10.2 mi (16.4 km) from Lucky Strike Gold and Gem Mine. Guestrooms at this castle include kitchens, balconies, and Smart TVs.

What's nearby

  • Lucky Strike Gold and Gem Mine - 22 min drive - 9.4 miles
  • Riverside Riding Stables - 27 min drive - 14.6 miles
  • Lake Lure - 31 min drive - 22.6 miles
  • Pisgah National Forest - 36 min drive - 24.4 miles
  • Chimney Rock State Park - 39 min drive - 26.3 miles

Getting around

  • Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) - 102 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Gilkey General Store & Cafe - ‬21 min drive
  • ‪Union Mills Country Market - ‬19 min drive
  • ‪Bailey Marketing - ‬19 min drive

About this property

Zillow Gone Wild Glass House atop of 80 acre mountain + Lake Lure resort access

The 'quick' overview:
Featured on Zillow-Gone-Wild and various other platforms as the "bond villain house" is one of the most unique staycations available. It is an absurd house, in every aspect, being built by a local recluse/inventor/bachelor in the 1980s who developed the entire area. A PBS special and other publications once described this house and owner.

The entire 80 acre mountain is owned by this property. Caves, hiking, privacy and a rooftop platform that has the most incredible views in North Carolina (no HOA) are solely yours. There are no deceptive photos: you won't show up and have your neighbor 50 feet from your door. Simply being inside the house is an experience, surrounded by 16 foot tall glass windows that had to be installed via helicopter.

The entrance to the property is a 1 mile private driveway with electricity buried underneath, after a 2.3 mile gravel road within an HOA (well maintained). The internet services on the house provide the surrounding mountains with internet service, by being the tallest mountain in the area. You have privacy, but do not lack luxury.

The owner of the property also owns a lot in Rumbling Bald, so you get luxury resort passes (if requested) to Rumbling Bald and its lazy river pool, golf course, restaurants, beaches and other amenities on Lake Lure (20-30 minutes away)

It is rare that someone walks into the house and doesn't say, "wow"

This house has been featured multiple times on Zillow-Gone-Wild. Many of the locals know the house as the "glass house" as it is visible for 50+ miles in many directions, being atop the highest mountain in the area (Pinnacle Mountain). It has 360 degree views, by being at the very top of that mountain. For reference, this mountain is taller than Beach mountain, and is entirely owned by this property.

Some days, you wake up above the clouds. Thunderstorms/poor weather is/are sometimes the most beautiful days that you can be at this property: storms are wild at this property (and beautiful). It is mesmerizing to see lightening, under you.
Sunrise/sunset are nonpareil.

More Detailed description: The original property was a singular, 4,000 sq feet room atop the mountain with a large desk inside and a bed: bachelor paradise. The inventor had a 15 foot round desk surrounded by computers and nothing else other than a bed.

The modern renovation has moved the kitchen to the middle of the house, where the desk existed, to preserve the 360 views out all large windows. Two additional bathrooms have been added (in the master on main/2nd level and bedroom on ground floor), as well as a dedicated bunk-bed, bedroom, downstairs (ground floor). The main living area is one level above grade and the rooftop viewing deck is approximately 30 feet above the main living area. Ceilings are huge: 20 feet

Large barn doors were added to make room for a master bedroom, but the doors can be opened to again create the large living space. This is designed best as a single family rental because privacy is not this property's appeal. The Master has a king bed but the other king bed is in the middle of the huge living space. A bunk bed was placed in the lower room and additional air mattress is available if needed. The couch pulls-out into a separate bed and there are areas for other sleeping areas, as needed (without privacy)

The 16 feet windows are insane and surround the living area. They even frame one of the internal showers, where you can imagine some crazy parties occurred. The insane-o shower is now a completely rebuilt steam cave with various nozzles, red light therapy, etc.

A 28 feet tall, spiral stainless-steel staircase in the shape of a tree was created, that accesses the rooftop platform from the rear of the house. A gazebo is on top of the house, as well as binocular viewing platform and various Polywood, rotating Adirondack chairs.

Two different bath-tubs feature jacuzzi jets. An outdoor hot tub is available.
Various arcade machines are positioned for children's use.

If you want to hide from the Zombie Apocolypse, this is the place to do it. If you want to travel to Lake Lure and partake in the various amenities of Rumbling Bald or Chimney Rock, that can be fun. You can do anything from this place.

Amenties:
The house has two Jacuzzi bath-tubs, an outdoor hot-tub, steam shower with red-light therapy and other various quirks. There is plenty of outdoor space to go hiking and do what you please.

Rumbling Bald: Rumbling Bald passes are included if you email the host in advance and request. An outdoor lazy river pool, mini-golf, indoor poor, beach/kayaking/paddleboarding are all at your disposal, if requested

see here: https://rumblingbald.com/amenities/
The house is not far from Chimney Rock, which is also a good day-trip.


Finer details and history:
The inventor/developer of this area retained this house as his personal residence, after developing the entire area (many hundreds of acres). Only through the development of the entire area was he able to persuade the power company to bury the 1-mile power cable to this house. Imagine the cost to bury a single power-line to only one house: substantial.
The 3.3 mile gravel road to the house is well maintained. A buddy took his Lambo to the house, but I would not recommend that. The occasional hard-rain/storm can create some bumps. A normal car is usually OK. A truck or SUV is wonderful. We have full-time staff who are available if a tree is fallen

We're told that no property in NC will ever have such dedicated, long-distance access without unbelievable cost. You are off grid, without being off grid.

Local inspectors tell us that these huge windows are the last of its kind: the large size was outlawed in residential use, telling us that these are 'grandfathered in' and cannot be replaced.

The water system to house is ran through a well at the bottom of the mountain. It has taken 2 years to get a working water system at the house (and huge expense)
Two different HVAC systems maintain comfortable zones.

The owner is willing/happy to talk to anyone about future renovations/additions/concerns/suggestions: 704-956-7498
Guests can enjoy a Smart TV and stay connected with free WiFi. The bathroom offers a jetted tub and hair dryers. Other standard amenities include a kitchen, a washing machine, and 3 bathrooms.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • In-room WiFi speed: 50+ Mbps
  • Available in some public areas: Internet access

Things to do

  • Hot tub

Conveniences

  • Laundry facilities

Outdoors

  • Garden

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only

More

  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 3 bathrooms
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Jetted bathtub
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • Smart TV

Food and drink

  • Kitchen

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Dryer
  • Heating
  • Iron/ironing board

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out available

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

Check-out instructions

The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Trash collection must be taken to the local dump by cleaners. Please leave trash in bear-safe container
You do not need to lock doors. Noone that is right in the head, would try to trespass around here.
Make sure hot tub cover is securely fastened
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Pets

  • This property welcomes pets
  • Dogs only
  • 1 total (999 lbs is the maximum weight per pet)
  • Service animals exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

Children allowed: ages 0-17

Events

Events allowed: family gatherings and birthday parties

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
Parties and events (including family gatherings and birthday parties) are allowed on site; maximum attendees: 17
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, and a smoke detector
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
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: 11:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18

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.
  • This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room.
  • 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.
  • Parties and events (including family gatherings and birthday parties) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 17.
  • Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, and a smoke detector.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • There are no elevators.

Frequently asked questions

What's there to see within easy reach of this castle?

This castle is located in Union Mills, close to Lucky Strike Gold and Gem Mine and Cedar Knob.

Is this castle next to a casino?

No, this castle is not connected to a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at this castle?

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

Does this castle provide breakfast?

No, this castle doesn't offer breakfast.

Will this castle allow pets to stay free of charge?

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

Where is the closest airport to this castle?

The closest major airport to this castle is Asheville Regional Airport (AVL), which is about 28.7 mi away.

Zillow Gone Wild Glass House atop of 80 acre mountain + Lake Lure resort access Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

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

10/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
It's impossible not to be completely blown away the moment you walk into this crazy place. It's even bigger, crazier, and more fun than we expected—and we expected A LOT of crazy. Just sitting inside drinking a coffee is ridiculously fun!And the views are hard to describe because you don't really look for a view here. You're in the view. It's everywhere, all around you, all the time.The waterpark was an absolute blast!We hope you'll let us come back! I consider myself an Airbnb snob when it comes to finding fun and unusual properties, and I can confidently say this is the most unique, fun, and interesting place I've ever stayed. An unforgettable experience!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This house is truly something you have to experience in person. The pictures are amazing, but somehow they still don’t do this place justice. From the moment we arrived, we were completely blown away by the house, the views, and the sheer uniqueness of the property.The 360 mountain views are absolutely incredible, and sitting inside surrounded by those enormous windows feels like you’re literally floating above the mountains. The rooftop viewing area was one of our favorite parts. The sunsets and sunrises were spectacular, and the privacy of having an entire mountain to explore made the experience feel incredibly special.The house itself is fascinating. There are so many interesting architectural details and quirky touches that we kept discovering something new throughout our stay. The hot tub, incredible bathrooms, huge living spaces, and beautiful kitchen made it comfortable while still retaining all of the character that makes this place so unique.We also really appreciated how peaceful and private the property is. It genuinely feels like you’re away from everything, while still being close enough to enjoy Lake Lure and the surrounding area.If you're looking for a cookie-cutter vacation rental, this isn't it, and that's exactly what makes it so amazing. This is an experience, not just a place to stay. We made memories here that we'll be talking about for a very long time.We would absolutely stay here again and highly recommend it.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2026