You'll enter our North Carolina mountain getaway under a sylvan canopy, driving past the barn and into our little cove. As the driveway curves to Hawkesdene House, you'll pass four of our five guest cottages where the broad lawn and Pergola Garden meet the trees.

Estate lodging is in the main house, which sits above the sparkling waters of Phillips Creek. The 9,000 square foot main house features seven guest rooms — each with upscale linens, private bath, iPod docking station and flat screen TV. The main house is elegantly furnished, yet you're still free to put your feet up and relax. This is where comfort blends with sophistication.

There are spacious areas, like the great room with plenty of seating, vaulted ceilings, fireplace, baby grand piano, a 54" Flat Panel TV with DISH Network and DVD/VCR, and a sound system with iPod docking station. There are cozy places like the upstairs library with over-stuffed furniture.

There is a chef's kitchen with all Viking appliances and a separate beverage center with a sink, ice maker, refrigerator and duel built-in coffee makers. Two ovens are available for guest use as well as a washer and dryer

There are two dining rooms with total seating capacity for 20, a separate utility room with a large capacity washer and dryer, and a large ground floor family room with a pool/ping pong table, game tables, plenty of seating, and a large flat screen TV with DISH Network and X-Box 360.

One of our favorite sayings is "I've gone to find myself." We hope your experience here will refresh your soul and energize your spirit. The luxury retreat and cabins have been designed with you in mind. You'll come as a guest; we hope you'll leave as a friend.