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North Carolina | Banner Elk

Buckhorn Lodge

6 bedrooms·4 bathrooms·12 guests
Mountains

Beautiful mountain views and year-round adventure define this spacious retreat perched atop Sugar Mountain. Designed for both comfort and connection, the main level features an inviting living area with a gas fireplace, seamlessly flowing into a well-appointed kitchen with granite countertops and a generous dining space. Large windows and easy access to the deck bring the outdoors in, where rocking chairs, al fresco dining, and scenic vistas create the perfect setting for relaxing mornings and peaceful evenings. A thoughtfully designed layout offers well-appointed bedrooms on multiple levels, including a luxurious primary suite with a spa-inspired bathroom. The lower level is dedicated to entertainment and leisure, offering a lively game area complete with a pool table, arcade, and additional lounge space for gathering. Step outside to enjoy the private hot tub, a unique ski-lift swing, and a beautifully designed outdoor fire pit area ideal for evenings under the stars. With convenient features like a mudroom for gear, multiple laundry areas, and close proximity to skiing, hiking, and local attractions, this home delivers a seamless blend of mountain charm, modern comfort, and unforgettable experiences in every season.

Our promise

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KEY Curation Notes

Sugar Mountain ski access, 1.1 miles from the resort. The house sits in a quiet residential community atop the mountain, less than a mile and a half from Sugar Mountain Resort — close enough that night skiing and day trips to the slopes are easy without committing to slopeside lodging.
Six bedrooms across two levels, sleeping 12. The main level holds a king suite with a tiled shower and soaking tub plus deck access, and two queen bedrooms sharing a full bath. The lower level adds two king bedrooms, each with a private sink and access to a shared full bath, plus a twin room with two beds.
Lower-level game room with pool table, Pac-Man arcade, and a working jukebox. A secondary kitchenette with full-size fridge and microwave is also downstairs, making the lower level a functional hangout space independent of the main floor. Two full laundry rooms — one on each level — mean a large group can turn over gear without waiting.
Hot tub on the lower deck, with a ski-lift swing and steps down to the yard. The main deck has large rockers, a granite-countered outdoor grill, and long-range mountain views — the listing headline puts them at 70 miles on a clear day. A stone fireplace in the lower yard is set up for s'mores.
AWD or 4WD is required November through April, and chains may also be needed. The roads are paved but mountain conditions apply — no refunds are issued for guests who arrive unprepared for winter weather.
Starter supplies cover approximately one night. The home provides toilet paper, paper towels, soap, laundry pods, dishwasher detergent, and bath products in starter quantities — stock up before arrival, or use KEY.co's grocery delivery to have essentials waiting. Firewood is available for $25 with one week's advance notice.

Amenities

Indoor
Air conditioning
Dryer
Fireplace
Entertainment room
Internet
Outdoor
Outdoor grill
Hot tub/Jacuzzi
Firepit
Balcony
Deck
Misc
WiFi

Bedroom details

Bedroom 1 - Main Level: King
Bedroom 2 - Main Level: Queen
Bedroom 3 - Main Level: Queen
Bedroom 4 - Lower Level: King
Bedroom 5 - Lower Level: King
Bedroom 6 - Lower Level: Two Twins

Location

Inside the destination

Neighborhood: Sugar Pointe - A gorgeous cabin in a peaceful community atop Sugar Mountain, only minutes from the slopes. - Close to Alpine Wilderness Coaster

Getting to the property

The roads are paved, but AWD/4WD and possibly chains will be needed to access homes in Sugar Mountain during times of snow or ice. Please plan accordingly when traveling November - April.

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Reviews

Meagan

Absolutely stunning location! Our group loved waking up and sitting out on the porch with coffee. The fire pit was also a great hit. The view is fantastic and the house felt very private. The kitchen was stocked with all of the pots & pans our group needed, which made cooking meals for a large group easy. The host was very responsive and the house was exactly as described. We will be back!

Policies

Check-in: 4:00 PM
Check-out: 10:00 AM
Renter's age: 25+ years old
Quiet Hours: 10:00 PM - 9:00 AM
No smoking allowed
No events allowed
No pets

Cancellation policy

Plans change, we get it.

Enjoy peace of mind when booking with KEY.co.

90% Refund: Receive a 90% refund when you cancel your reservation at least 60 days before check-in.

No Refund: Reservations canceled 59 days or less before check-in are not eligible for a refund.

Refunds subject to a 5% processing fee of the total.

Things you need to know

Guests of the home must observe quiet hours after 10 pm. Please be respectful of the full-time residents. The neighborhood is very strict about its noise ordinance.

Firewood may be purchased for the fire pit at the time of booking or by contacting us with at least a week’s notice. You’ll get two wrapped packs of kiln-dried wood and a fire starter for $25 plus tax.

The owners of this home use exterior cameras to monitor their property and ensure it remains safe. The cameras face the front/driveway area only and are not pointed at the interior of the home.

The property is set up for light housekeeping, including linens and towels. We provide a STARTER SET of toilet tissue, paper towels, bath toiletries, dish soap, and trash bags. This is enough for one or two nights, but if you are staying for an extended length of time, you should plan to bring some supplies from home or plan to purchase these items at a grocery store when you arrive.

We provide one towel and washcloth per person that each respective house accommodates, plus a few extra towels if there is a hot tub. The beds are made up with clean linens (except bunks, sleepers, and futons, but linens are provided on site). If you routinely use two towels after bathing, you may need to bring some of your own.

This home comes equipped with a basic set of cookware, sufficient plates & silverware for the occupancy of the home, and basic serving and baking dishes. Most homes do not have unusual items such as crockpots or blenders, so if you’re planning a dish that requires an unusual item, it is best to bring that from your home.

This home is not stocked with cooking oils or spices, hairdryers, condiments, coffee, coffee filters, or food storage items, including plastic wrap or foil.

Restrictions

Guests & Occupancy

  • Age requirements: Primary guest must be at least 25 years old and must remain on-site for the full stay.
  • Maximum occupancy: Occupancy limits (including children) must not be exceeded at any time.
  • Guest accountability: The booking guest is responsible for all occupants, compliance with rules, and any damages beyond normal wear and tear.
  • Unauthorized guests: $25 per person per day for exceeding occupancy; may result in immediate removal.
  • Approved use of property: Use is limited to vacation purposes unless prior written approval is obtained. Subletting or assignment is not permitted without written approval.

Events & Noise

  • Events & gatherings: Not permitted without prior written approval; unauthorized events may result in fines, immediate removal without refund, and charges for damages/cleaning.
  • Noise restrictions: Must comply with local noise regulations at all times.

Prohibited Activities

  • Pets: Allowed only in designated homes with prior approval and a non-refundable pet fee. Unauthorized pets: $200 fee + $500 cleaning fee; may require removal or termination without refund. Pets must meet all listing restrictions and be pre-treated for pests.
  • Smoking/vaping: Strictly prohibited indoors; $300 smoke remediation fee.
  • Illegal activities: Any violation of laws or regulations is prohibited and may result in termination of stay.
  • Fireworks & firearms: Strictly prohibited at all times.
  • Fire/fireplace misuse: No burning wood in gas fireplaces. No roasting food in fireplaces. Unauthorized outdoor fires prohibited (fees apply).
  • EV charging: Prohibited unless specifically approved; $500 fine.

Equipment & Amenities

  • Seasonal requirements: (if applicable) 4WD/AWD and/or tire chains strongly recommended November–April; no refunds for lack of preparation.
  • Hot tubs _(if equipped)_: Use at your own risk; not suitable for individuals with infections or open wounds. Must follow all sanitation and usage rules (no additives, glass, or tampering). $500 fee for cover damage; additional fees for misuse or extra cleaning.
  • HVAC & utilities: Some homes may not have air conditioning; no refunds due to weather or lack of AC.
  • Internet/TV/phone: No refunds for outages or service issues. Pay-per-view is prohibited; charges will be billed if used. Long-distance calls must not be billed to the home.
  • Appliances & equipment: No refunds for malfunctions (TV, hot tub, appliances, etc.).
  • Equipment reporting: Issues must be reported promptly; repairs will be attempted but are not guaranteed.
  • Parking rules: Vehicle limits apply; some areas restrict motorcycles, RVs, or trailers. No roadside parking if prohibited.
  • Restricted areas: Locked closets/areas are off-limits.
  • Firewood: Available for purchase ($25/day) with 7-day advance notice.

Checkout & Care

  • Check-in: Begins at 4:00 PM (may vary up to 5:00 PM depending on home/season). No early check-in guarantees or compensation.
  • Checkout: By 10:00 AM.
  • Key return: $25 fee for lost keys.
  • Cleaning expectations: Leave the property in reasonable condition. Bag and dispose of trash, start dishwasher, and place used towels as instructed.
  • Furniture & home care: Maintain cleanliness and avoid unsafe or unsanitary conditions.
  • Supplies: Starter supplies only; additional items must be purchased by guests.

Liability & Disclaimers

  • Accidental damage may be covered under a waiver (not insurance); exclusions apply (intentional acts, negligence, misuse, etc.). Additional charges may apply.
  • Not responsible for lost items; return attempts may incur cost.
  • No liability for injuries related to hot tub or amenities; use at your own risk.
  • No refunds for outages, mechanical failures, pests, cleaning issues, or similar inconveniences.
  • No refunds for weather conditions, hazardous roads, or inability to access property due to lack of preparation.
  • No refunds for nearby construction or environmental conditions.
  • Furnishings, decor, and amenities may vary; no refunds for preference differences or listing discrepancies.
  • Mandatory evacuations may qualify for prorated refunds (subject to conditions).
  • Alternative accommodations or a full refund will be provided if the property becomes unavailable.
  • Authorized personnel may enter for inspection, repair, or maintenance during reasonable hours.
  • Guests assume responsibility for personal injury or property damage unless caused by the negligence of the owner.