FaBears Den

The best of both worlds! Due to its unique location, FaBear’s Den has the feel of both a mountain treehouse lodge and a serene lake house, all in one. Perched perfectly above the shores of idyllic Lake Cardinal, a private feeder lake to Lake Toxaway, guests are invited to unwind in the five-star amenities found within this magnificently appointed home and its environs. The main floor boasts hardwood floors and beams rescued from a turn of the century Philadelphia barn, adding to the rustic yet elegant world that greets you when you enter the home. The supple main floor master suite is outfitted with a mix of modern and antique furniture, along with Ritz-Carlton styled bedding that allows for the perfect sleep. The suite’s uber-luxurious bathroom boasts a waterfall shower, soaking tub, and a “Juliet” porch, where one can truly dry off “au natural” in the privacy of the mountains. The main level is also home to a spacious lakeside porch, which allows for elevated views of glorious Lake Cardinal, along with lounge-style patio furniture and a built-in gas grill for those nights when guests want the feeling of dining al fresco. In addition, the main floor also has a side porch, which allows one to nap away the day to the whitewater sounds of the Toxaway River, which runs right along the side of the home, emptying into Lake Cardinal.

On the lower floor, the house is equipped with another two rustic, yet, luxuriously appointed bedrooms, along with a spacious reading-room, which has a “hidden” queen-size murphy bed for extra guests. Also on this level is a large game room dressed with a cloud-like couch (it’s literally called “the cloud”) that allows for guests to enjoy movie nights on the big screen TV or to cheer each other on while the family competes in games of ping-pong on the other side of the room. On the upper level, FaBear’s Den is home to another intoxicating master bedroom suite called “The Treehouse.” One step out onto the suite’s A-frame-lined porch, and visitors will be swept away by the views of Lake Cardinal and beyond. The porch also has a comfy hammock that allows visitors to laze about and fall truly under the tranquil spell of the sounds of nature. And when it’s time to wash up for the day, guests will be wowed by the bathroom, which is almost bigger than the bedroom. Marble vanity, waterfall shower, jetted spa tub, and those views of the lake, these are just a few of the amenities that away the discerning renter. Also on this level is another suite called “The Farm,” which is outfitted with a four-poster bed and its own charming bathroom, replete with claw-foot tub. Like all of the bedrooms in this house, the Farm is full of hidden surprises (look for the secret door), as well as a sundeck of its very own where guests can relax on chaise lounges while admiring the majestic granite rock faces of nearby Panthertown Mtn.

And while the interiors of FaBear’s Den truly delight the senses, more magic awaits when guests head down to the lake. Accessible by the main floor porch or by the lower level porch, visitors follow a surprising forest trail that leads down to Lake Cardinal. The trail is actually a path joined by a series of steps that briefly lead guests past age-old moss-covered boulders and lush pines. Please stop to take a mental picture (or a real one) of nature abound. As one reaches the bottom of the trail, the steps open up to a picturesque flag-stoned patio that serves as the berm to the dock and kayak launch, which are tucked in perfectly on the very best part of the lake. The house is outfitted with two kayaks, two SUPs, a canoe, and a “lilypad” for all of the lake fun you can muster. When guests aren’t on the water, they can often be found lounging on the Adirondack chairs that surround the patio’s fire pit, roasting marshmallows, or gazing up at the stars as the day gives way to night. And for those guests not up for the steps leading down to the lake. Optional access to the Lake Toxaway Country Club is available from April - November. *subject to application and usage fees*

Vacation Rental Reviews

• summer vacation

  Stayed 15 days ending in August, 2023

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  Barry H from Boca Raton, FL recommends this vacation rental

  second season in a row we have stayed at this beautiful home. Beautiful deck for breakfest and evening drinks. My wife and I stayed in the upstairs suite and our son and nanny enjoyed the lower level. Great kitchen and easy lake access. A couple of miner issues fixed quickly by Rachel and her team. Highly recommend!

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• Beautiful Home

  Stayed 10 days ending in May, 2023

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  Chip S from College Grove, TN recommends this vacation rental

  Home has a great location on Lake Cardinal.

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• Wedding Weekend

  Stayed 5 days ending in October, 2022

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  a guest from Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan recommends this vacation rental

  The home is beautiful. Great location on North End, a little drive from Club but not bad. There is nothing "wrong" with the property but would suggest a few upgrades. 1) Driveway (paver base did hold), 2) Kitchen Appliance upgrades - especially the cook top and dishwashers. 3) Well water smell in Master Bath upstairs.

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• FaBears Getaway

  Stayed 7 days ending in August, 2022

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  Ronald F from palm beach gardens, Florida recommends this vacation rental

  Was fantastic. House is in great condition right on Lake Cardinal. Could not have been nicer!

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• An Amazing Memorable Family Vacation

  Stayed 7 days ending in August, 2022

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  Lisa H from Hilton Head, SC recommends this vacation rental

  This home has everything you need for an unforgettable experience. The design of the home with bedroom and laundry placements, gorgeous kitchen and our most favorite the screened in porch including beautiful dining and grilling.We has all that we needed for water sports off the dock. Our family hiked in the morning and enjoyed the water fun in the afternoon. We are planning to return next year!!

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• summer vacation

  Stayed 24 days ending in June, 2022

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  Barry H from Boca Raton, FL recommends this vacation rental

  We had a five star visit from June 6th thru the 30th.
  The property was far exceeded the web pictures. The three level home was set on a private lot ( no houses visable) with a much better lake view than expected. Home was very clean and very well appointed. So may decks and fireplaces with a very upscale kitchen. Coffee and evening drinks every day on front deck facing the lake. Used the lakefront boats most days and smores in the firepit was great.Everything needed was supplied! Took a day or so to figure out the TVS and a/c but all worked great. Rachel at the rental office was first class from booking to checkout - made everything so easy - really great. An the one or two very minor issues - fixed on a timely basis. A very special home and would love to come back again!

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• Most fabulous house

  Stayed 7 days ending in May, 2022

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  Janet S from Dallas, TX recommends this vacation rental

  We loved every minute of it. The house is absolutely beautiful and decorated the same. It is not like staying at a rental, it is like staying in a really high end home. It is a huge house, and we loved being on the lake. You can paddle board, canoe and kayak. The house was very clean, updated, and comfortable. The beds were very comfortable. We spent time at the Greystone Inn, where the atmosphere, food, spa and especially the bar was great. We rented a pontoon at the marina, golfed, and ate at the country club a lot. The management company is wonderful, they bend over backwards to make your stay fabulous. The hiking is the best. There is a beautiful waterfall, a very short hike from the house. We definitely want to go back again. We were eight adults and three small children. Oh, and ping pong in the lower level was lots of fun too. We lived on the front porch overlooking the lake.

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• FaBears

  Stayed 6 days ending in May, 2022

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  Jane H from Aiken, SC recommends this vacation rental

  Perfection!

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• FaBears

  Stayed 4 days ending in March, 2022

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  Rebecca C from Chapel HIll, NC recommends this vacation rental

  Great space for 5 Senior couples, Beds and baths were clean but living area/kitchen had dirty floors. It looked like the house had been closed for the winter and was not vacuumed before our arrival. Sitting on the sofa with the morning sun coming in there was a massive amount of dust uner the TV cabinet and on the desk. You could also see dust and crumbs under the toe kicks in the kitchen.

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• FaBulous Place!

  Stayed 4 days ending in November, 2021

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  Mary S from MEMPHIS, Tennessee recommends this vacation rental

  Our family group of eight had the best Thanksgiving vacation at FaBears Den! It is a wonderful home with too many amenities to list. Rachel and Dave with Lake Toxaway Company were awesome to deal with in the planning process. The home provided everything we needed for a stress-free holiday. We stayed four nights. The main level was a great place to hang out and cook, play games at the large dining table, and watch ballgames by the fire. The kitchen was well stocked and had top-notch appliances. We also loved having a den on the lower level with huge TV and pingpong table. The sectional there was sooo comfy! The lower level sitting area with books was a nice bonus too. We discovered a murphy bed there on our last day! (We didn't use it but it was fun to find!) The bedrooms and bathrooms were all comfortable and well-appointed. This home has the BEST outdoor spaces... so many wonderful porches and sitting areas to enjoy! We loved being on Cardinal Lake and the remote feeling but also being close to go have a drink at The Greystone Inn. We enjoyed the fire pit by the lake and even had a couple of sunny days when we took the canoe out. There is great hiking nearby at Gorges. Going into Cashiers is a 30 minute drive but worth it to get food at Cashiers Market and Slab Town Pizza. It was just an overall wonderful trip and we hope to get back soon. Thanks to the Fabers for sharing their lovely home! 5+ Stars!

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