Perched on a hill above the N. Toe River at the end of the road you’ll find Dougs Way, a modern cabin with huge picture windows that frame long range mountain views as if it were art. Surrounded by old oaks and loblolly pines, the property is quiet and never cookie cutter. You’ll love the Japanese soaking tub, two-sided fireplace, gourmet kitchen, robust coffee/tea setup, and the true craftsmanship found in the artwork and handmade details like the bent cherrywood “cloud” above the dining table!
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.
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.
ABOUT THE HOUSE: Master woodworker and designer Doug Sigler and architect Robert Leverich built several of one-of-a-kind homes around Penland, each reflecting the area’s craft heritage and the boundless creativity inspired by the Penland School of Craft.
Guests have access to the house, except for locked areas, the garage using the door opener, and the yard.
Restore yourself at Doug’s Way, where art, craftsmanship, and convenience meet! Enjoy the warmth of a double-sided fireplace from the dining and living rooms. Soak your cares away in the Japanese tub while taking in stunning views of Roan Mountain. Bake bread or make a meal in our chef’s kitchen! Outside, take in the beautiful surroundings from the hammock or cozied up next to the firepot in the private courtyard surrounded by a mature forest. If you listen you just might hear the rushing of the Toe River down below, too. Explore, shop and dine out, Dougs Way is located just 15 minutes from Spruce Pine and Bakersville and just 20 from Burnsville. We are also close to numerous waterfalls, hiking trails, and the stunning Blue Ridge Parkway! Plus, just minutes from the beautiful campus of Penland School of Crafts, America’s oldest and largest crafts school!
Top Compliments from Guests:
+ “Soaking in the Japanese tub while watching the sun dip behind the mountains was pure magic.” — Emily, March 2025
+ “The artistry + tranquil mountain views made the stay unforgettable.” — Jennifer, June 2025
+ “Best stocked kitchen—just bring food and everyone can relax.”— Morgan, November 2024
+ “Fireplace kept us cozy even on the coldest nights.”— Charles, February 2025
+ “Wonderful stay with two kids and the in laws” — Jack, Feb 2025
🛌 SLEEPS UP TO 5 COMFORTABLY:
• 2 King Beds
• 1 Queen Memory Foam Foldout
• Pack ’n Play Travel Crib, Toddler Travel Cot
🛁 SPA-LIKE MASTER BATH:
• Japanese soaking tub with views of Roan Mountain with essential oils to help you relax
• Walk-in shower, fluffy towels, bath gel
• On-demand hot water + whole-house water filter system
🔥 COZY COMFORTS:
• Double-sided fireplace in living + dining areas + lap blankets
• Firepot + teak outdoor dining in private courtyard surrounded by mature forest
• Hammock + lounge chairs + outdoor seating
👨🍳 CHEF’S KITCHEN INCLUDES:
• KitchenAid stand mixer, blender, food processor, waffle maker, Instant Pot
• Burr-style coffee grinder, French press, Moka pot, drip coffee maker with filters, fresh Fair Trade coffee beans
• USA-made All-Clad cookware, bakeware, small utensils, plus handmade ceramic tableware
• Herbs, spices, and pantry basics included
📺 ENTERTAINMENT FOR ALL AGES:
• 4K HDTVs with house streaming accounts (Netflix, Amazon Live TV, and more)
• Xbox One S (account required) & Nintendo Mini with preloaded games
• Board games, cards, poker, dominos, classic DVDs, and DVDs & books by regional authors/makers
• Fast fiber optic internet with mesh network coverage
🧺 FAMILY FRIENDLY:
• Sippy cups, BPA-free kid’s dishes, booster seat, gates, Pack ’n Play travel crib, toddler travel cot
• Laundry area in master
• Game closet and quiet corners for downtime and fun pursuits
• Bonus: desk, office chair and printer all with a view for catching up on work remotely
📍 IDEAL LOCATION FOR EXPLORING:
• 15 mins to Spruce Pine & Bakersville
• 20 mins to Burnsville & Blue Ridge Parkway
• Minutes from Penland School of Craft, waterfalls & scenic trails
🌿 FLEXIBLE BOOKING OPTIONS:
Choose the main floor only (2BR/2.5BA) or the entire house (4BR/3.5BA with 2 kitchens, 2 laundries, and a den).
No matter what, your group is the only group on the property—we never rent the floors separately because we know our guests like privacy. (see more details below)
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🔔 Other Things to Note:
🍁 Fall Foliage peaks mid to late October
❄️ Off-season visits (Dec–Mar) offer peaceful hikes & cozy vibes—some local businesses adjust hours, but others offer creative pop-ups. Just ask if you’re unsure!
🎨 This is a Doug Sigler-designed home, filled with original details and artwork by world-class artists featured in museums like The Met, The Smithsonian, and The Mint.
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DOUGS WAY CAN BE RENTED TWO WAYS – This is the Main Floor listing.
+ We want you to know exactly what to expect: we never rent the main floor and lower level to separate groups at the same time. This means that no matter which option you choose, your group will have the entire property to yourselves—full access to outdoor spaces, complete privacy, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing you’re the only guests there.
Yes, we understand this limits our income potential, but it’s worth it to us. We believe it gives more people the chance to truly experience and fall in love with the house, the surrounding mountains, and the community.
+ Whole House (4,100 sq. ft.) – Two floors with 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, living room, dining room, eat-in kitchen, den/playroom, two laundry rooms, full kitchen plus kitchenette, and more—everything shown in the photos.
+ Main Floor Only (2,200 sq. ft.) – 2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, living room, kitchen, dining room, and eat-in kitchen—essentially everything shown in that listing’s photos.
Please note: Some high-demand dates—such as Christmas and Thanksgiving—are reserved for Whole House bookings only and are not available for the Main Floor option.
Directions and access instructions will be emailed to you prior to arrival.
ROAD & DRIVEWAY:
The gravel road leading to the driveway can be steep at the top for some vehicles that are especially low to the ground, such as Mini Coopers or sports cars, or light vehicles, such as Prius or small trucks. Using a lower gear can be helpful. The owners have a truck and a typical sedan and have no trouble getting up the road or driveway.
Four/All wheel drive is not typically 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 a good option if you are visiting in the winter and do not have 4-wheel drive and you are concerned about getting around.
