Buffalo Whiskey | Soak Above the Clouds at a Luxe 5BR Eagle's Nest Lodge

Banner Elk, NC, United States

About

A custom lodge at 5,200 feet in gated Eagle's Nest, ten minutes from Beech Mountain. Sink into a hot tub set flush into the deck and watch Grandfather Mountain drift in and out of the clouds, then move to the covered pavilion for a wood fire and an outdoor TV. Inside, a two-story stone fireplace, a chef's kitchen seating six at the island, and a loft game room with pool table and wet bar. Four bedrooms, two king ensuites, bunks for the kids. Sleeps 12. Self check-in and central air.

12 guests
5 bedrooms
4 bathrooms

Good to know

Buffalo Whiskey was built in 2022 for a family that wanted the mountain in every room, and it shows. The great room stacks a wall of windows under a vaulted tongue-and-groove ceiling so the ridgelines sit at eye level whether you are standing at the kitchen island or sunk into one of the leather recliners. A dry-stacked stone chimney runs two stories to the peak. Mountain-laurel branches, gathered and woven into the stair and loft railings, are the first thing most guests photograph. The house lives outward. Nearly every main-level room opens toward the deck, and on a clear morning you can watch clouds sitting in the valley below the railing while the coffee finishes. MAIN LEVEL The great room centers on the stone fireplace with a propane fire and a mounted TV, ringed by two leather sofas and four recliners. It flows straight into the dining room, where a plank table seats eight beneath a linear iron chandelier, and into the kitchen: a big granite island with stools for six, a professional gas range under a stainless hood with a pot filler, a farmhouse apron sink beneath a window, a French-door refrigerator, a built-in microwave, a Cuisinart coffee station, a dishwasher, and a wine and beverage fridge tucked into the island. A slider off the dining room puts you on the deck in one step. Bedroom 1 is on this level: a king with a private ensuite bath, a double vanity of hammered copper vessel sinks on swirled quartzite, and a large tiled walk-in shower. The laundry room sits just off the mudroom hall with a full-size washer and dryer, a utility sink, folding counter, and the home's half bath. UPPER LEVEL The branch-railed staircase climbs past an antler chandelier to a catwalk overlooking the great room. Bedroom 2 is the upstairs king, also with a private ensuite bath, a double copper vessel vanity and a walk-in shower, plus its own TV and a slider onto the covered deck. Bedroom 3 is a queen with a ceiling fan, a TV, and windows looking straight down the ridgeline. Bedroom 4 is a second queen. A full bath with a tub-and-shower combination serves this level. Bedroom 5 is the bunk room: two hickory-log bunk beds sleeping four, with its own TV, heat, air conditioning and room-darkening shades. Please read this one carefully — it is an OPEN LOFT that it shares with the pool table, the wet bar and the game room TV. It is a real, conditioned sleeping space, but it does not have a door. THE DECK The wraparound deck is the best room in the house. A six-person hot tub is recessed flush into the decking with the mountains directly beyond it. A covered timber pavilion holds a stone wood-burning fireplace with a TV above and cushioned lounge seating below, lit by an antler chandelier and string lights. There is an eight-seat outdoor dining table, a gas grill and a flat-top griddle, Adirondack chairs, and rocking chairs on the covered porch. Stainless cable railing keeps the view unobstructed from every seat. FAMILY-READY Twelve people fit here comfortably. The loft is the natural gravity well for kids — pool table and four bunks in one space — while the two king ensuites give the adults real separation. The eight-seat indoor table and eight-seat outdoor table mean the whole group eats together either way. GETTING COMFORTABLE Central air conditioning and propane heat throughout with three thermostats, plus the fireplace in the great room. Wi-Fi and YouTube TV are included. Several bedrooms have their own TVs in addition to the great room and outdoor sets. There is no dedicated desk, though the dining table and kitchen island both work well for a laptop. A NOTE ON STAIRS This is a two-story home with a full flight of stairs to the loft and the upper bedrooms, and there is no elevator. One king bedroom with its ensuite bath, the kitchen, great room, laundry and deck are all on the main level, so a guest who would rather not climb can stay entirely on one floor. The stair and catwalk railings are built from natural branches with irregular gaps — beautiful, but worth knowing if you are traveling with toddlers.

Other Details to Note

Self check-in with a smart lock. Your door code and Eagle's Nest gate pass arrive before your stay. This is a gated community. You will need the gate pass or code we send you to get in, and guests should plan to share it with anyone joining them. BEDROOM 5 IS AN OPEN LOFT. The two bunk beds that sleep four share the loft with the pool table and wet bar. It has its own heat, air conditioning, TV and room-darkening shades, but it does not have a door. Please plan your sleeping arrangements with that in mind. Exterior security cameras are present on the property: two by the garage, a video doorbell at the front door, and two on the deck covering the walkways and entry. There are no cameras of any kind inside the home. Parking is free on site for up to 6 vehicles between the paver apron at the garage and the circular drive. From November through March, 4WD or AWD is required; the community roads are plowed but steep and winding. The home is two stories with a full flight of stairs to the loft and upper bedrooms, and no elevator. One king bedroom with an ensuite bath, the kitchen, great room, laundry and deck are all on the main level. The stair and loft railings are built from natural mountain-laurel branches with irregular gaps, and the deck railings are horizontal stainless cable. Both are climbable — please supervise young children closely. The deck sits a full story above the lawn. The hot tub is set flush into the deck surface. Watch your step around the rim, and please keep the cover on when it is not in use. The covered pavilion fireplace burns real wood. Please make sure any fire is completely out and cold before you leave the property or go to bed. The home is on a private well and septic system. Please run only full loads and avoid flushing anything other than toilet paper. This is a non-smoking property. No pets are permitted at this home. Events and commercial photo or video shoots are permitted at this property by prior arrangement. Please contact us before booking so we can confirm details and any community requirements. Eagle's Nest is a growing community and there may be visible or audible construction on neighboring lots during the day. Maximum occupancy is 12 guests and is strictly enforced. MUST BE AT LEAST 25 YRS OF AGE TO BOOK NCREC License #C41500

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What this place offers

Common

  • Air conditioning
  • Cleaning products
  • Cooking basics Pots and pans, oil, salt and pepper
  • Dishes and silverware
  • Dryer In the building, free or for a fee
  • Essentials Towels, bed sheets, soap, toilet paper, and pillows
  • Hair dryer
  • Heating Central heating or a heater in the listing
  • Hot tub
  • Kitchen Space where guests can cook their own meals
  • TV
  • Washing Machine
  • Wifi

Outdoors

  • Alfresco dining
  • BBQ
  • Garden or backyard
  • Outdoor seating
  • Patio

Luxury Amenities

  • Bar
  • Breakfast bar
  • Game room
  • Gated community
  • Outdoor fireplace
  • Property manager
  • Spa access

What this place offers

Common

  • Air conditioning
  • Cleaning products
  • Cooking basics Pots and pans, oil, salt and pepper
  • Dishes and silverware
  • Dryer In the building, free or for a fee
  • Essentials Towels, bed sheets, soap, toilet paper, and pillows
  • Hair dryer
  • Heating Central heating or a heater in the listing
  • Hot tub
  • Kitchen Space where guests can cook their own meals
  • TV
  • Washing Machine
  • Wifi

Outdoors

  • Alfresco dining
  • BBQ
  • Garden or backyard
  • Outdoor seating
  • Patio

Luxury Amenities

  • Bar
  • Breakfast bar
  • Game room
  • Gated community
  • Outdoor fireplace
  • Property manager
  • Spa access

Bathroom

  • Bathtub
  • Body soap
  • Conditioner
  • Hot Water
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Walk-in shower

Bedroom and laundry

  • Bed linens
  • Extra pillows and blankets
  • Hangers
  • Clothing storage

Home safety

  • Carbon monoxide detector
  • Fire extinguisher
  • First aid kit
  • Smoke detector

Heating and cooling

  • Ceiling fan
  • Indoor fireplace

Kitchen and dining

  • Coffee
  • Coffee maker
  • Dining table
  • Dishwasher
  • Freezer
  • Microwave
  • Mini Fridge
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Stove

Parking and facilities

  • Free parking on premises
  • Private living room

Location features

  • Mountain view
  • Private entrance Separate street or building entrance
  • Resort access

Entertainment

  • Pool table

Accessibility

Neighborhood

Welcome to The Lodges at Eagles Nest, a private, gated community perched 5,200+ feet in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Think of it as a luxury summer camp for families—where high-end living meets the wild outdoors. Buffalo Whiskey sits in the Great Camp section on the front side of the mountain, within easy reach of the community's most popular gathering spots. ### COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS & AMENITIES **The Great Camp:** The heart of the community, with a BBQ pavilion, amphitheater (home to the summer concert series), mini-golf, a playground, and the "Toy Barn" housing a 24/7 General Store for basic supplies. **Epic Chophouse:** With your stay at our home in Eagles Nest, you have the option to dine at Epic Chophouse! Perched atop a knoll with panoramic mountain vistas, this beautiful restaurant offers a memorable setting with soaring ceilings, glass walls, and striking artwork. During the warmer months, enjoy the mountain scenery and summer sunsets from the covered decks, complete with firepits. In winter, the bar and dining room become a cozy gathering spot with a massive stone fireplace. Reservations may sometimes be available during the slower season, but during busier months, walking into the bar is often your best bet. If you would like to try for a reservation at Epic, please reach out to us and we can share their phone number. Thank you! **Eagles Nest Winery:** World-class wines in a converted barn with sweeping views. Day passes are available (~$25) for guests 16+. **Sports & Recreation:** The North Pavilion offers basketball and pickleball courts, ball fields, and a dog park. Camp Eagles Nest also features tennis, disc golf, and fishing ponds. **Hiking & Trails:** Miles of scenic trails wind through Eagles Nest, offering opportunities to explore the surrounding mountain landscape. ### SEASONS AT 5,000 FEET **Spring & Summer:** Mild temperatures, lush greenery, and the Summer Concert Series (May–Nov) at the amphitheater on weekends. **Fall:** Some of the best leaf-peeping in the country, with vibrant reds and golds surrounding the lodges. **Winter:** A snowy wonderland minutes from the slopes. Beech Mountain Resort is approximately 10–15 minutes away, while Sugar Mountain Resort is approximately 15–20 minutes away. Roads are plowed, but 4WD/AWD is required November–March due to steep grades and snow. ### NEARBY ATTRACTIONS Grandfather Mountain and its Mile-High Swinging Bridge, the Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster, and Elk River Falls are all a short drive. Beyond the gates, downtown Banner Elk offers dining at Stonewalls, Artisanal, and Louisiana Purchase. ### NOTES AND TIPS **Gate Access:** You will need a pass or code for the main gate, provided before check-in. **Access Restrictions:** The Fitness Center and locked portions of the Sportsman's Lodge are normally owner-only unless the membership allows guest access. **Construction:** This is a growing community, so there is occasional construction visible during the day.

Guest Access

All spaces are available except for locked owner's closets. Feel free to enjoy the entire property. That includes the full wraparound deck, the hot tub, the covered fireplace pavilion, the grilling station, the loft game room, and the driveway and paver parking apron.

WHERE YOU'LL STAY

Find us

Getting around is easy with accessible paved roads leading through Eagles Nest and down to Banner Elk. A car is recommended to fully enjoy the area, especially for grocery trips, restaurants, and nearby attractions. During winter months, 4WD or AWD is suggested due to snowy or icy conditions at higher elevations. Popular destinations like Beech Mountain, Sugar Mountain, wineries, trails, and scenic overlooks are just a short drive away, making day trips simple and convenient. From this home: Beech Mountain Resort ~10-15 minutes, Sugar Mountain Resort ~15-20 minutes, downtown Banner Elk ~10 minutes, Banner Elk Winery ~5.4 miles, Elk River Falls ~8.9 miles, Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster ~9.0 miles, Grandfather Mountain ~18.5 miles, the Blue Ridge Parkway ~18.6 miles, and downtown Boone / App State ~21.6 miles. Free parking on site for three to four vehicles on the paver apron and circular drive.

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Approximate location. Full address will be provided on booking.