Special to the Observer
Michele McMahon, one of the proprietors of Mountainbrook Cottages in Western North Carolina, explains their operation:
"We want to be the kind of place where you can just decide to go, grab a toothbrush, pick up a few groceries and be on your way, without a lot of packing."
To that end, Mountainbrook's kitchens are fully equipped, and both bath towels and bedding are provided.
Similarly, you'll find wood, all chopped and ready to burn, for the fireplace in your cottage.
The Mountainbrook setting is wooded, with a trout pond on the property, and for those who'd like to cook their catch, there are McMahon family recipes for cooking trout in the kitchen.
A little less earthy, a spa and sauna close to the cottages are available to all guests.
The McMahons have run Mountainbrook for 25 years, making changes in the cottages to keep them in good shape without spoiling their earlier-times character. No two cottages are quite the same.
"If you're looking for fancy, that's not us," Michelle says.
Although Mountainbrook Cottages have a Sylva address, they are actually on the outskirts of Dillsboro, about three hours from Charlotte and 20 minutes from Cullowhee, where the 30th annual Mountain Heritage Day festival will take place on the campus of Western Carolina University, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 25. The event includes 200 crafts booths, traditional mountain food and live music and dancing. Details (828) 227-3193; www.mountainheritageday.com).
Mountainbrook Cottages
208 Mountainbrook Road, Sylva, NC 28779; (828) 586-4329
www.mountainbrook.com
PROPRIETORS: Gus, Michele and Maquelle McMahon.
OPEN: Year-round.
RATES: $90 to $140.
ROOMS: 4 one-bedroom cottages; 4 two-bedroom cottages; 1 vacation home; 3 "romancer" honeymoon cottages, each with private bath, fireplace and equipped kitchen, 1 with Jacuzzi and sauna.
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