Your home away from home
Relax, recharge, and reconnect at River Ridge Retreat – a private 3-bedroom, 3.5-bath getaway where every bedroom has its own en suite bathroom. Nestled in the woods between Sapphire and Cashiers, NC, our home offers stunning views of the Horsepasture River from all bedrooms, the living room, dining room, and three spacious decks.
Wake up to the sounds of nearby rapids and a cascading waterfall, enjoy your morning coffee while watching the river flow, or unwind in the evening with a glass of wine under the stars. The fully stocked kitchen has everything you need for cooking, while the house is also equipped with games, books, and reading materials for all ages.
Whether you’re planning a family getaway, couples’ retreat, or friends’ escape, you’ll find plenty of space, comfort, and natural beauty — just minutes from hiking trails, waterfalls, golf, and the charming towns of Sapphire and Cashiers.
The Land of Waterfalls
Just minutes from the house, Whisper Lake awaits — a quick 2-minute drive or a scenic 8-10 minute walk. We provide two kayaks for you to enjoy peaceful paddles surrounded by mountain views. You can also explore nearby Fairfield Lake and Lake Glenville, each offering their own beauty.
The area is a hiker’s paradise, with endless trails for every skill level in Gorges State Park, Panthertown Valley, Pisgah National Forest, and DuPont State Forest.
Fishing enthusiasts will love the abundance of spots nearby — from the surrounding lakes and rivers to casting a line right off our own riverfront deck.
Explore Western NC
River Ridge Retreat is the perfect home base to experience the charm and natural beauty of Western North Carolina. From our location in the Whisper Lake neighborhood of Sapphire, you’ll have easy access to some of the region’s most beloved mountain towns and attractions:
- Cashiers (12 minutes): A quaint mountain village known for its boutique shops, farmers market, and scenic hikes like Whitewater Falls—the highest waterfall east of the Rockies.
- Highlands (30 minutes): A sophisticated small town with fine dining, art galleries, and stunning overlooks along the Highlands Plateau. Don’t miss Dry Falls, where you can actually walk behind the waterfall.
- Brevard (30 minutes): A lively town famous for its music scene, bike trails, and as the “Land of Waterfalls,” with more than 250 cascades to explore in Pisgah National Forest and DuPont State Forest.
- Asheville (1 hour): A vibrant city blending mountain charm with artsy energy. Explore the historic Biltmore Estate, stroll through the River Arts District, or enjoy craft breweries and farm-to-table dining.
Each destination offers unique shopping, dining, and outdoor adventures, ensuring something memorable for everyone—whether you’re seeking a relaxing day trip, a scenic hike, or a night out.
River Ridge Retreat truly puts you at the center of it all.
A Guest Favorite
River Ridge Retreat was established in 2020 and we have been honored to host hundreds of guests. Here are some comments from previous guests:
"This property is not just a rental. It felt like a real home! The house is lovely, clean, comfortable and so well equipped. It was truly amazing! One of our favorite areas was the screened porch where you could hear and see the river down below." Marci, 2022"What a wonderful and truly zen experience to listen to the Horsepasture River from the decks. The owners have spared no expense to deliver a tastefully and beautifully decorated home. We have booked many vacation homes but River Ridge Retreat surpasses them all." Agnes, 2021
"This was one of the best equipped houses we have stayed in. So much to do in the area while still being very private once you’re at the house. The hosts were very responsive and helpful. Their welcome book was full of suggestions of great things to do. We highly recommend it!!" Suzette, 2024