We had a wonderful stay at Hersie House! I loved reading the history of Hersie and her home and seeing the photos of the renovation. Everyone in Hiawassee including the owners of this home were so kind and helpful.
Recommended stops: We took a day trip to Helen, about 30 minutes away and it was the cutest little Dutch themed town- bring your bathing suit to shoot the Hooch (tubing down the River). We also went to Crane Creek Winery, Eagle Fork Winery, and Hightower Creek Vineyards which were each less than 20 minutes away. Hiawassee Brew also has great beer and food! Antiquing in downtown Hiawassee. Ingles for groceries. Splash Island for the kids.
What was great: The house has a fully stocked kitchen, washer/dryer, heated bathroom floors, ability to bring your own boat, cutest decor, bonfire pit, history, games and puzzles available, was mostly very clean, use of their kayak, inflatable tubes available, very close to town, the check out cleaning requirements were very reasonable, owner provided s’mores, linens provided, comfy beds, etc.
What we didn’t like: There were a lot of construction supplies on the grounds and I picked up a bunch of nails. There isn’t great access to the lake by just walking off the land, if you want to swim you’ll have to go off the end of the dock into the deep water. We did see a snake in the shallow water but had no issues with it. I cleaned the shower myself when we got there, although the rest of the house was spotless, there was some pink mildew in the shower- it wiped up decently. This is an old house so the floor plan is a little awkward- what would be the master bedroom with the largest bed is up front in the room closest to the road and it does not have a bathroom attached. To get to the bathroom from inside, you have to walk through the middle room with 2 twin beds and then the room with a full bed. Or you can go outside and access the bathroom from the back porch, but at night when you want exterior doors locked/have kids, this is not a good option. I also wish all of the bedrooms had a TV, only 2 do currently (Queen and twin bed rooms).
Overall, Hersie House was awesome and we had an amazing vacation! I think it would be amazing to stay here without small children or as two adult couples. The owner was so helpful and attentive! Highly recommend.