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Impressive scenery and urban escapes await you in the Tar Heel State, and what better way to experience it than in a charming tiny home?
Staying in a tiny home is a memorable way to experience a place. Typically no larger than 600 square feet, many tiny homes are known for their expertly optimized spaces and unique decor. Better yet, their small footprint often means that tiny houses are more eco-friendly, unlike traditional hotels and vacation rentals.
Another bonus to staying in a tiny home is that they’re easier to build in exciting destinations. And in a state home to vibrant cities and majestic mountains, there are tons of exciting places for tiny homes to be found throughout North Carolina.
These charming North Carolina tiny homes are perfect for hosting your next big adventure.
1. The Caboose at Station 451
Why you should stay: A 1926 train car nestled amongst the Great Smoky Mountains.
- Location: Waynesville
- Sleeps: 4
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $237/night
The Caboose at Station 451 is a charming tiny home in a perfect location for hiking and outdoor recreation. The interior has been transformed from a retro train car into a studio space with a bed, kitchen nook, and sofa. Special touches like complimentary coffee and drinks await guests on arrival. Next to the red caboose is a sparkling clean bathhouse with walk-in showers and luxury toiletries.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park boundary is just 20 miles away, where visitors can access the Cataloochee Valley Overlook trail. The main entrance through Gatlinburg is about an hour and fifteen minutes away by car.
Check AvailabilityRelated read: 11 Most Beautiful Swimming Holes in North Carolina
2. Modern Tiny House
Why you should stay: A contemporary tiny home on a quiet, wooded property not far from downtown Durham.
- Location: Durham
- Sleeps: 2
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $185/night
Not only will you feel good staying at this modern tiny house, but you’ll do good too! That’s because for every booking the hosts donate to One Tree Planted, an organization that works on reforestation efforts, making a small but mighty dent in our carbon footprint.
The good vibes continue inside, where towering ceilings and lots of natural light help brighten the space, and a lofted bedroom and screened-in porch help make it feel spacious and open. The modern interior is contrasted perfectly by the surrounding woods, which give this tiny home a surprising storybook feel. But despite its forested vibes, it’s actually located in Durham’s posh Hope Valley neighborhood, just a short drive from downtown and Duke University.
Check Availability3. Raven Rock Cabin
Why you should stay: A glamping cabin on a secluded cliff overlooking Hooper’s Creek Valley, just 25 minutes from downtown Asheville.
- Location: Fletcher
- Sleeps: 2
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $142/night
Perched on an overhanging rock high in the mountains, the Raven Rock Cabin offers visitors the joys of waking up to Great Smoky views. This tiny cabin is minimalistic and doesn’t have running water, making it best for those seeking a comfortable camping experience in nature. Glampers should come with their linens and prepare to disconnect without access to WiFi.
However, what it lacks in amenities, it makes up for in beauty, thanks to its incredible location and breathtaking views. The unobstructed views are best taken in from the balcony or the living room, where an all-glass garage door opens the home to fresh mountain air. In the evenings, grill out on the deck or curl up next to the fireplace after a day well-spent hiking in the woods.
Check AvailabilityRelated read: 10 Can’t-Miss Glamping Sites Near Great Smoky Mountains National Park
4. Asheville Tiny Home
Why you should stay: An inviting tiny home in Asheville’s Haw Creek neighborhood.
- Location: Asheville
- Sleeps: 2
- Minimum stay: 2-3 nights
- Rates from: $100/night
This Asheville tiny home offers a lovely urban escape just 10 minutes from downtown. Fun pastels are the first to greet you as you approach the front door, which is painted a cheerful sherbert orange and framed by mint green walls. Once inside, the small yet cozy interior, vaulted ceilings, and sunny atmosphere make you feel right at home. The well-appointed kitchenette might lack a stove and oven, but it comes complete with a full sink, dishwasher, fridge, and toaster oven, perfect for an afternoon panini.
One happy camper shared in their review, “This tiny home is super cozy and comfortable. It is on a very green and woodsy property. We had a beautiful view from our back window into the woods behind the house.”
Check Availability5. Scandi Cabin
Why you should stay: A modern tiny cabin and private airstream featuring a hot tub.
- Location: Asheville
- Sleeps: 2
- Minimum stay: 1 night
- Rates from: $260/night
The Scandi Cabin offers mid-century modern charm, embodying the Scandinavian spirit of minimalism without sacrificing style and comfort. Although tiny, the cabin’s layout features a separate living area with a kitchen nook and a private bedroom. Guests visiting with pets are more than welcome, and the cabin comes stocked with essentials for four-legged friends.
But it’s the covered porch with its eye-catching red Malm fireplace and plush outdoor seating where you’ll want to spend most of your time. Additionally, the yard features a hammock, games, hot tub, and a fire pit for evenings under the stars. There’s even a retro airstream on the property offering a second bedroom. This vacation rental is surrounded by trees and mountain views not far from downtown Asheville.
Check AvailabilityRelated read: 14 Best Glamping Destinations in North Carolina
6. Little Sun Bird
Why you should stay: A beautifully decorated Airbnb Plus between the city and the mountains.
- Location: Asheville
- Sleeps: 2
- Minimum stay: 1 night
- Rates from: $148/night
Enjoy simple pleasures at Little Sun Bird, an artistic tiny home in Asheville’s Riceville Valley. This little Airbnb has it all: a full kitchen complete with an oven and rustic sink, a seating area, and a bathroom with a rain shower. Not to mention, floor-to-ceiling windows illuminate the home’s cozy interior, filled with wooden elements and potted plants.
This studio tiny home has a semi-private bedroom nook with a small T.V. and a nightstand providing a comfy place to unwind at night. Out front, a little porch with seating for two looks out on the quiet property. Not far from this vibrant tiny home lies the Blue Ridge Parkway, one of America’s most beautiful scenic drives.
Check Availability7. Rivers Edge
Why you should stay: A riverfront cabin on a glamping resort with excellent community amenities.
- Location: Marion
- Sleeps: 2
- Minimum stay: 1 night
- Rates from: $90/night
The Rivers Edge is a charming glamping getaway that’s part of a larger camp resort. Each studio cabin measures only 120 square feet but is outfitted to the nines with conveniences like a coffee maker, a mini-fridge, and homey decor. Though the cabin doesn’t have a private bathroom, clean and modern bathhouses are located on the property.
Guests also enjoy access to a lovely open-air kitchen under the cover of a wooden pavilion and an impressive community area with lawn games, fire pits, picnic tables, hammocks, and more. Furry friends are allowed at the camp, making it a full family affair. Better yet, the camp isn’t far from fantastic hiking trails like Tom’s Creek Falls in the Pisgah National Forest.
Check AvailabilityRelated read: The 8 Best Camping Spots in the Nantahala National Forest
8. Urban Tiny Home
Why you should stay: An eco-friendly tiny home near Durham’s Northgate Park.
- Location: Durham
- Sleeps: 2
- Minimum stay: 2-4 nights
- Rates from: $75/night
This North Carolina tiny house is a rustic charmer constructed from beautiful reclaimed wood and other recycled materials. The home has a lofted sleeping space with a queen mattress, outlets, and windows to allow a refreshing breeze. Unlike some tiny homes, this one features a full bathroom stocked with complimentary toiletries.
The property is nestled in the host’s yard, about 1.5 miles from downtown Durham. For those looking to stretch their legs, the Ellerbee Creek Trail is located just down the street and takes you right into downtown and numerous nearby parks. Otherwise, many of Durham’s top attractions can be reached in under ten minutes via car or Uber.
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Seen in: Lodging, North Carolina, Southeast, Tiny Houses
