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Quietly nestled in the mountains northeast of Asheville is a retreat unlike any other we’ve encountered in the Tar Heel State. A cross between Narnia and Tolkien’s Mother Earth, the Mountain Light Sanctuary offers peace and solitude in a most unusual and natural surround.
The facility has a central lodge with traditional, albeit rustic, accommodations; however the lodge may not be where you want to sleep once you see the outrageously popular outposts on the property.
The retreat is as unique as the setting in which it rests within. Shown below is a stunning cluster of bamboo creating a forest in which you can wander, or just admire from afar.
And while the setting and the views are striking and add 100% to the charisma of Mountain Light Sanctuary, the kitschy and rustic sleeping outposts are, in our opinion, the real allure.
Perhaps the most primitive of them all is a grouping of basic shelters, called the Banana Patch Huts. They're unique and awesome and may be ideal for a group with teenagers along.
Another fun place to stay at the retreat is the renovated Gypsy Wagon. It's completely off the grid, but has solar-powered lighting and a 3/4 bed, perfect for a couple who really likes to snuggle all night.
One stone cottage, appropriately named "Frodo's Cottage," is tiny, but has electricity and a view of the cascading river. Many of the outposts have electricity, but some are so rustic they simply have solar lighting.
You may be wondering about facilities... There is no restaurant at the Sanctuary, but there is a group kitchen anyone can use. You just need to bring your own food. Pots, pans, dishes and silver are provided. The photo below shows a view from the kitchen's Haiku Cafe to the sanctuary's garden suites.
About the other facilities available to guests... the main lodge, which has 7 guest rooms, has two restrooms and a shower. The outposts also have access to tasteful portable potty sites. Certain rooms in the lodge, like the library, are open to all guests. Further info reveals that linens and towels are provided to guests staying within the lodge; however, outpost guests should bring their own linens, blankets, sleeping bags, etc.
Mountain Light Sanctuary is located approximately 25 miles northeast of Asheville, and six miles from Barnardsville, North Carolina. Exact directions to the retreat are provided after reservations are confirmed. Learn more (and see images of the other outposts we didn’t show here) on the official website for the sanctuary, and on their Facebook page.
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