Majestic Views: 2 King Suites + Fire Pit + Fast Fiber Optic Internet
Designed by artists and just minutes from Penland School of Craft, Conley House is a one-of-a-kind escape. This modern cabin on 6 private acres features inspired art, majestic views, a chef’s kitchen, handmade tableware, two spacious master suites, art supplies and lightning-fast fiber internet—perfect for work or play. Bonus: a detached studio/3rd bedroom makes the ultimate creative workspace or guest room.
We live off-site and are very responsive by phone, text, and email. If you need recommendations on what to do in the area, directions, or have a question about the property, we are always more than happy to help. While we do not live close-by, we do have many local resources to help out should onsite assistance be needed. We will do everything we can to make sure you enjoy every minute of your getaway.
Off state maintained roads just 15 minutes from shopping & exploring in Spruce Pine and Burnsville, and just 48 miles from Asheville, Conley House is a modern mountain gem with plenty to do!
Mountain towns often keep their magic tucked away—hidden waterfalls, small well-curated galleries, backroad orchards, and starlit overlooks you won’t find on a billboard. Staying at Doug’s Way puts you in the heart of it all, and our interactive guidebook turns your trip into a treasure hunt, leading you to the region’s best-kept secrets.
Arts & Culture
+ The area is best known for creativity & the outdoors. With Penland School of Craft, America’s oldest and largest craft school, and a vibrant creative community or artists located throughout Western North Carolina you can explore small, well-curated galleries, shop directly with artists in their home studios, and browse unique shops featuring gems and minerals of all kinds. Drop-in for a self guided tour of Penland’s campus or visit their world class gallery and museum. Spruce Pine is also the home of the National Mineral Museum and historic Dellinger’s Grist Mill (1867).
Outdoor Adventures
+ Hike breathtaking trails at Roan Mountain, Linville Falls, Crabtree Falls, and Mount Mitchell. Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway for endless views and picnic spots. Drive the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway. Paddle or float down the Toe River, cast a line in clear mountain streams, play a round at scenic mountain golf courses, or explore Lake James and Brad Ragan Park. For more thrills, try zip lines through the treetops or cool off tubing on a lazy river. In winter, ski or snowboard at Sugar Mountain, Beech Mountain, or Hatley Pointe — each a fun day trip away!
Food & Drink
+ Enjoy locally owned restaurants and cozy cafés in Spruce Pine, Burnsville & Little Switzerland, sip wine at hillside vineyards, sample craft beer at mountain breweries, or pick heritage apples and traditional options at the Orchard at Alta Pass, also known for their live music, museum and gift shop!
Unique Experiences
+ Go rock & gem hunting at local mines, visit colorful butterfly gardens, stargaze at the Mayland Earth to Sky Park, or enjoy family fun at seasonal festivals and art fairs. Whether your day ends with a mountain sunset, a glass of wine, or the Milky Way overhead, Doug’s Way is the perfect base for your Blue Ridge adventure.
The entire house and grounds are available to guests with the exception of the first floor of the detached artist studio. (Guests have access to the upstairs portion through the sliding glass doors found by going up the stairs and around the back of the studio.)
Directions and access instructions will be emailed to you prior to arrival.
A vehicle is necessary for getting around the area.
PROXIMITY
- Ingles Market, a full-service grocery store with traditional, natural and organic selections and a full-service pharmacy, is 12 miles from the house.
- Walmart is 12 miles.
- National Mineral Museum is 15 miles.
- Closest eat-in/take-out option at 4.8 miles.
- Downtown Spruce Pine & Riverside Park is 9 miles.
- Hospital & ER is 8.6 miles.
DRIVEWAY
The gravel drive can be steep for some vehicles that are especially low to the ground, such as sports cars and Mini-Coopers, etc. The owners have a truck and a typical sedan and have no trouble getting up the driveway. Guests may park on the lower part of the driveway if they would prefer. Four-wheel drive is not required, but if you are renting a vehicle, this option might be a good choice for the mountains - especially in winter. Chains for tires are another good option if you are visiting in the winter and you are concerned about getting around. The driveway is plowed when there is snow or ice. If you have any questions, please be sure and let us know.
Note: Four-wheel drive is not required, but is helpful when there is snow or ice. In cases of winter weather, if you do not have four wheel drive, we recommend parking at the bottom of the driveway.
TIPS FOR DRIVING IN THE MOUNTAINS
The key to driving in the mountains, especially steep gravel passes, is to drive with confidence and keep your momentum. If you are driving on a road that is steep or problematic go low and slow - about 6-12 miles an hour - and do not stop. Also, GPS is fairly accurate for businesses, but for residences and small mountain roads it can be inaccurate. We suggest using our directions to get to the cabin initially. If you have questions about how to get somewhere, please let us know. We are happy to help!
Mountain towns often keep their magic tucked away—hidden waterfalls, small well-curated galleries, backroad orchards, and starlit overlooks you won’t find on a billboard. Staying at Doug’s Way puts you in the heart of it all, and our interactive guidebook turns your trip into a treasure hunt, leading you to the region’s best-kept secrets.
Arts & Culture
+ The area is best known for creativity & the outdoors. With Penland School of Craft, America’s oldest and largest craft school, and a vibrant creative community or artists located throughout Western North Carolina you can explore small, well-curated galleries, shop directly with artists in their home studios, and browse unique shops featuring gems and minerals of all kinds. Drop-in for a self guided tour of Penland’s campus or visit their world class gallery and museum. Spruce Pine is also the home of the National Mineral Museum and historic Dellinger’s Grist Mill (1867).
Outdoor Adventures
+ Hike breathtaking trails at Roan Mountain, Linville Falls, Crabtree Falls, and Mount Mitchell. Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway for endless views and picnic spots. Drive the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway. Paddle or float down the Toe River, cast a line in clear mountain streams, play a round at scenic mountain golf courses, or explore Lake James and Brad Ragan Park. For more thrills, try zip lines through the treetops or cool off tubing on a lazy river. In winter, ski or snowboard at Sugar Mountain, Beech Mountain, or Hatley Pointe — each a fun day trip away!
Food & Drink
+ Enjoy locally owned restaurants and cozy cafés in Spruce Pine, Burnsville & Little Switzerland, sip wine at hillside vineyards, sample craft beer at mountain breweries, or pick heritage apples and traditional options at the Orchard at Alta Pass, also known for their live music, museum and gift shop!
Unique Experiences
+ Go rock & gem hunting at local mines, visit colorful butterfly gardens, stargaze at the Mayland Earth to Sky Park, or enjoy family fun at seasonal festivals and art fairs. Whether your day ends with a mountain sunset, a glass of wine, or the Milky Way overhead, Doug’s Way is the perfect base for your Blue Ridge adventure.
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FALL FOLIAGE
Typically fall foliage begins October 1 and, barring an early frost, ends the first week of November. It typically peaks in late October.
PHONE SERVICE
Verizon is the primary mobile carrier for the area. Other mobile users are encouraged to check their carrier's coverage in the region.
DRIVEWAY
The gravel drive can be steep for some vehicles that are especially low to the ground, such as sports cars and Mini-Coopers, etc. The owners have a truck and a typical sedan and have no trouble getting up the driveway.
Four-wheel drive and AWD is not required, but if you are renting a vehicle, this option might be a good choice for the mountains in winter. Chains for tires are another good option if you are visiting in the snowy season and you are concerned about getting around.
PENLAND & THE HOME'S HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE
The home was built by artist/sculptor Bill Brown, the first director of Penland School of Crafts after the founder, Lucy Morgan, retired.
Penland School is important to the region of Appalachia because in the 1920s Miss Lucy, as she was often called, provided education and resources to local women teaching them how to weave and sell their handmade goods. This developed into a cottage industry that helped to improve the circumstances of these women and also gave birth to Penland.
The school now provides instruction in all areas of craft from weaving, pottery, glass and ceramics to metalwork, printmaking, letterpress, photography and much more. The campus occupies 420 acres on the mountain at the other end of the same road as Conley House. Visually inspiring all by itself, the campus is open for tours by appointment and has a catalog of courses that are open to the public and are designed for a range of skill levels.
Also open to the public is Penland Gallery, which offers fine craft in all media made by skilled craftspeople from all over the world. The school also has a coffee shop and gift shop! They love to have visitors, so stop on by! Because of the school and the natural beauty of the mountains, the area is filled with artists and craftspeople, making it a truly unique area of the country that you'll want to explore.
Prior to your stay, we require you to complete a pre-arrival form and sign & agree to our rental conditions.