Published: May 01. 2010 2:00AM

By Renata Parker
CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The majestic natural beauty and the brilliant display of seasons at Lake Toxaway and the surrounding Blue Ridge mountains of North Carolina have long captivated visitors. A region rich in history, Lake Toxaway is known among insiders as a destination for renewal of spirit or a quiet respite away from it all.

Down a winding, picturesque mountain road, amid the dense mountain forest and neighboring barnyard meadows, are the Cabins of Seven Foxes. A charming collection of five well-appointed cabins on seven natural acres, the Seven Foxes offers comfort and privacy while maintaining the rustic mountain charm of the area for the perfect getaway.

Marilyn Krone, owner of the Cabins at Seven Foxes, stumbled upon the retreat almost 10 years ago and fell in love with the property, transforming it into an authentic mountain retreat offering all the comforts of home. Each cabin maintains its own personality by incorporating motifs of local wildlife such as the Raccoon Lodge, Bear Lodge, Squirrel Lodge, Fox Lodge and Deer Lodge. The cabins are designed for year-round comfort and come with a kitchen, gas fireplaces, telephone, central heat and air and private screened porches with gas grills. Deer Lodge, the largest of the five cabins, offers a large outdoor Jacuzzi hot tub. To celebrate the art of the local area, Krone incorporates into the décor a delightful mix of local art, antiques and collectible treasures.

Artistic elements are accented throughout the property grounds in unexpected ways. Guests who venture along the Seven Foxes Trail will encounter a charming handmade metal flower garden made out of recycled garden tools and materials; the Frog Pond; a carefully positioned painted bicycle; and even a nonworking still. All of these art elements were lovingly handcrafted by Bill Bergamini, who with his wife, Linda, manages the property and guest services.

“There is a lot to take advantage of on the property beyond hiking and observing nature,” said Krone. “I want guests to have options to interact or to enjoy their privacy. There are areas like the playhouse where you can enjoy a board game or by the cabins where you can gather around a fire pit for a cookout.”

Krone says the children’s play area and custom tree house overlooking the goat meadow are popular with children who stay at Seven Foxes. In addition, the Gem Mine, located on the Seven Foxes trail, offers hours of playtime for children as they mine for gems and treasures among the pebbles of the creek.

“I love the lifestyle of the mountains,” said Krone. “It’s extremely relaxing and laid-back and full of options for shopping, dining and activities. The retreat’s convenient location is ideal for taking advantage of the variety of amenities offered at nearby Toxaway, Cashiers and Brevard. It’s far enough for privacy and close enough to access the endless options of things to do.”

If you enjoy hiking, the trails of the Pisgah National Forest, Gorges State Park and Dupont State Forest are in proximity. Krone says that many visitors to the area are lured by the amazing views of some 100 waterfalls in the area, which are breathtaking sights.

Soak up fresh mountain air and reconnect with yourself, your family or nature. The Cabins at Seven Foxes has it all — all year round. www.sevenfoxes.com