Entire home

Urban Escape w/Hot Tub, Backyard Oasis, Min to Uptown!

Photo gallery for Urban Escape w/Hot Tub, Backyard Oasis, Min to Uptown!

Terrace/patio
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Exterior
Smart TV, fireplace, DVD player, books
Dining

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 7297 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Washer
  • Pet-friendly
  • Barbecue grill
  • Parking available
  • Outdoor space

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Urban Escape w/Hot Tub, Backyard Oasis, Min to Uptown!

Welcome to The Zen Retreat! This is a gem of a house, one that is truly unique. Be prepared to spoil yourself to a hidden paradise with an abundance of options for relaxing and having fun, both inside and outside in an inspiring retreat setting!

15 min. to Uptown. 20 min. to Panther Stadium. 25-30 min. the Speedway. 25-30 min. to the White Water Center. 20-25 minutes to Charlotte Douglas airport.

Consider The Zen Retreat your urban escape and the perfect place during your visit to Charlotte.

PLEASE NOTE THERE IS A TWO NIGHT MINIMUM FOR ALL WEEKEND BOOKINGS.

If you are looking for a traditional house, this is not the house for you. If you are looking for something special, then you have found the right spot. As soon as you set foot on the property, be prepared to have all your worries disappear as you are surrounded by peace and tranquility. The atmosphere is pure magic and with every breath you take, your mind and body will begin to feel like one. Nestled in the very private neighborhood of High Timbers, the house truly brings its neighborhood namesake to life as the entire property is tress lined and brings a welcome serenity and privacy to your stay. The attention to detail, both inside and outside of this Zen-style house won’t escape your attention. Start your mornings with a cup of coffee on the rear deck of the house and enjoy the view of 2 waterfalls and ponds and enjoy the blissful sounds of the cascading waters. Guests can cozy up to a book in the 2 story living room relaxing in front of the fireplace or enjoy a movie on the 65 inch TV, with Blu Ray player, Firestick with all apps and a Polk Audio surround sound system. I am a chef and the living room houses a library of cookbooks and food-related books for you to enjoy, which can be used to create edible delights in the NEWLY renovated kitchen. The ENTIRE kitchen has been redone, with new appliances including a gas stove, with dual convection oven. It includes new granite countertops and cabinets. The house boasts three bedrooms, each with its own personality. The Master Bedroom is furnished with Asian inspired décor and comes with a king-size pillow-top bed. The bedroom has its own bathroom with a bathtub. Both other rooms are furnished with queen size beds, and an additional fold out twin bed, also with a memory foam mattress. Each share a second full bathroom. The exquisite dining room seats 6+ and the fully equipped kitchen overlooks the peaceful back yard, with everything you need to get your cooking game on. Take your cooking skills outside and whip something up on the gas grill or the egg smoker/cooker and enjoy the fruits of your labor while sitting at the gas fire pit outdoor dining table. Jump in the hot tub and let the peaceful surroundings of The Zen Retreat take over. There is also a lovely breakfast room and screened in porch to start your day in the best way possible. The house is super pet friendly and our four-legged friends are more than welcome. They will enjoy the house as much and possibly even more, once they get to explore the fenced-in backyard. The Zen Retreat also offers its own Concierge Service with a slew of optional services available for guests to enjoy, from general grocery stocking and much more, we have you covered! (See the list under the "Other Things to Note section) We are sure all your guests will love The Zen Retreat and look forward to having you!

Guest access

Guests will have access to the entire house, inside and out, with the exception of two closets and the garage.

Neighborhood overview

The neighborhood is called High Timbers and The Zen Retreat reflects the name of the neighborhood as the property is tree-lined and very shady, offering loads of privacy. The entire neighborhood is full of mature trees and is in essence a private Cul-De-Sac community. There are only 2 entrances to the neighborhood and it is ALWAYS very quiet. If you have children, rest easy knowing that this is a very safe spot for them to play and be kids. The neighbors are great...Check out my neighbor Bob across the street, he has the quirkiest back yard you have ever seen. It has been featured on numerous TV shows nationally. Just say hi, he is super friendly.

Getting Around

The Zen Retreat offers enough parking for multiple cars on the property. The house is located off of Monroe Rd and Sardis Rd North. There is an abundance of shops, restaurants, and stores in the area. Please look at the Guidebook for my recommendations. FYI, since these are the questions I get the most concerning the house. The Zen Retreat is 15 minutes from Uptown Charlotte and is a straight shot on 1 road right to the heart of the city. It is 20 minutes from Panther Stadium It is 25-30 minutes from the Speedway It is 25-30 minutes from the White Water Center It is 20-25 minutes from the airport Consider The Zen Retreat your urban escape and the perfect place for a wonderful stay that will cap of your visit to Charlotte.

Other things to note

Attention-
The Zen Retreat Concierge Services
The Zen Retreat has arranged for pre-arrival and during stay services. These services are arranged through Liomai, our Zen Retreat Concierge at
+1 (704) 248-1778.

Please note, there are two active security cameras, one covering the stairs from the front entrance and another at the back door covering a portion of the deck.

If you are interested in a wonderful stay in the mountains of North Carolina, check out our other property, the Cozy Cabin, an NC Mountain Escape, which is near Boone. Whether you are looking to have a romantic getaway for two or to making new family memories, The Mountain Retreat is the perfect place for you! This gem of a cabin is perched on the hillside with everything you need for a perfect and peaceful getaway.
https://www.vrbo.com/854107

Please Note-
Please make sure to enjoy your stay as if you are visiting friends and family. Be respectful and tidy. No b-day parties or NYE parties for anyone under 25 years of age. No parties or gatherings larger than 7 people without prior approval. People booking for parties will be required to leave a double deposit. Weddings/receptions/events will be negotiated on a case by case basis. The house is NOT meant for entertaining unless discussed and agreed to ahead of time. Extra guests or visitors are not allowed without prior approval. Failure to do so will forfeit your deposit and all monies received for your stay. Any lost keys will be charged a fee of $75. Any parties or gatherings need to be addressed with the owner prior to arrival. Any failure to do so will result in complete forfeiture of the security deposit and all monies received for your stay. Any use of the house for photo and video purposes will need to be requested prior to the stay, there are additional fees for such matters. Any failure to do so will result in complete forfeiture of the security deposit and all monies received for your stay. There is NO SMOKING inside the property, any sign or smell of smoking inside of the house will result in complete forfeiture of the security deposit. The house is ALWAYS pet friendly, with no additional charge. If guests do not pick up after their dog(s), there will be an $85+ fee applied. Lastly, there is a $50 per half hour fee for late checkouts. Check out is at 11 STRICT, especially in light of the present situation and time needed for enhanced cleaning. Please feel free to reach out for any and all of the above.

Property manager

Richard Gruica

Languages

Croatian, English, Spanish

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach nearby

Ski

  • Close to skiing
  • Snowboarding nearby

Pool/Spa

  • Spa tub

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Car recommended
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee grinder
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Hob
  • Ice maker
  • Kitchen island
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Books
  • DVD player
  • Games
  • Music library
  • Smart TV with cable/satellite channels
  • Stereo
  • Video library

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Fenced yard
  • Firepit
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Laundromat nearby
  • Washing machine

Work spaces

  • Office

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • 2 pets total

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property
  • Note from host: There is NO SMOKING inside the property.

Services and conveniences

  • Housekeeping (limited availability)
  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • In the city centre
  • In the mountains
  • Near a health/beauty spa
  • Near a hospital
  • Near an outlet shopping centre
  • On a lake
  • On a river

Things to do

  • Basketball nearby
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Cycling nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Hunting nearby
  • Jet skiing nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Mountain climbing nearby
  • Rafting nearby
  • Rock climbing nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Water skiing nearby
  • Water tubing nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Garden
  • Unit size: 3,200 square feet

Similar properties

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age - 25

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets are allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
2 total pets
Restrictions apply; for more information contact the property on the number on the booking confirmation
Note from host: We welcome all our four legged friends.

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Note from host: Please check pics for railings and my open plan.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Note from host: Failure to discuss prior to stay deposit is lost
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

Property is also known as

Urban Escape W/hot Tub, Waterfalls, Min to Uptown! Charlotte

About the area

Map
Charlotte, NC

What's nearby

  • Novant Health Matthews Medical Center - 7 min drive
  • SouthPark Mall - 12 min drive
  • Bojangles' Coliseum - 14 min drive
  • Spectrum Center - 15 min drive
  • Quail Hollow Club - 17 min drive

Getting around

  • Charlotte Station - 22 min drive
  • Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT) - 26 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Cookout - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪New Zealand Cafe - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Custom Home Pubs - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Bojangles' Famous Chicken 'n Biscuits - ‬4 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Urban Escape w/Hot Tub, Backyard Oasis, Min to Uptown! pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows pets (limit 2 total).

What time is check-in at Urban Escape w/Hot Tub, Backyard Oasis, Min to Uptown!?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Urban Escape w/Hot Tub, Backyard Oasis, Min to Uptown!?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Urban Escape w/Hot Tub, Backyard Oasis, Min to Uptown! located?

Located in the heart of Charlotte, this holiday home is 1 mi (1.6 km) from McAlpine Creek Greenway and within 6 miles (10 km) of Novant Health Matthews Medical Center and Independence Shopping Center. Sportsplex at Matthews and Cotswold Shopping Center are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Urban Escape w/Hot Tub, Backyard Oasis, Min to Uptown! Reviews

Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 91 out of 118 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 18 out of 118 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 5 out of 118 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 118 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 118 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

Jody B.

It is Zen!
Lovely home with a very nicely equipped kitchen. Tons of cookbooks everywhere. We could have read for weeks! The beds were quite comfy. The homes location was very convenient for tourists wanting to explore the town. The area is very dog friendly as well. I do have one caution if you have pets or children: the top floor has a railing that overlooks the main and lower levels that is completely open without spindles. An adult would easily fall through the openings.
Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Russel M.

Very Impressive retreat to share with friends and family.
Enjoyed our stay very much. A peaceful, relaxing retreat.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2018

10/10 Excellent

Angela B.

Perfect girls trip
Me and 3 of my girlfriends rented this space for the Scentsy Convention and it was absolutely perfect!! 10/10 will rebook next time I come to Charlotte
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Joseph G.

Great spot
Cool house. Hot tub was great!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Pam J.

Relaxing place to stay
We enjoyed our stay here. Excellent WiFi and access to Netflix. Back yard with hot tub was inviting. Well equipped kitchen.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2018

10/10 Excellent

Cindy G.

Beautiful home and yard
Came here for a long birthday weekend with family. Even though it was in a neighborhood, it felt very relaxing and peaceful in the backyard. Especially loved the outdoor bed and fire pit dining table. Beds were very comfortable and the home was spacious, beautiful, and very Zen like.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

8/10 Good

DeAnne S.

A unique place
The beds were comfortable with plenty of pillows. We did enjoy the kitchen and living room. The outdoor spaces need some work. The floors and stairs are a bit uneven and dangerous. Overall, our stay was nice.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Britney P.

Best sleep of my life!
This place was so amazing and the beds were super comfy. We grilled outside and enjoyed the hot tub. It was a really fun time.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2019
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Becky K.

This is a wonderful property! The home was perfect for our family, and we will definitely be back!
We had a wonderful experience at this property. It was perfect for our family. The kitchen was so complete, which made meal preparation a breeze. We loved the fireplace and big TV. The location was great! I highly recommend this property.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2017

10/10 Excellent

Beth M.

A totally Zen weekend!
My family and I enjoyed our stay at The Zen Retreat! The home is very lovely and unique. The backyard is awesome and we all loved sitting on the deck! Location was central to all of our family's weekend activities!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

Gea F.

Definitely worth it!!
Wouldn't have changed a thing about this property, it was perfect!! Thank u having us, and we hope to get the chance to stay again...
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

Marc T.

Zen Retreat
Our family had a nice stay at the Zen Retreat. The house was clean, comfortable and convenient. Richard did a great job communicating with us ahead of check in and throughout our stay. The decor is fun but also functional.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2016
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Ellen N.

Comfortable,welcoming retreat
5 week stay at this retreat. Owner was very welcoming and interested in meeting all our needs. The home had all the amenities. Location is close to everything. We will stay here again.

10/10 Excellent

Shawna A.

AMAZING
Everything in this house was amazing and exactly what the pictures showed.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Marilyn K.

Zen retreat
The backyard was beautiful, we fully enjoyed being outdoors and enjoyed the hot tub in the evening. The breakfast bar in the kitchen was very convenient for preparing foods. Shopping was close and convenient. Thank you for welcoming our family and making our stay worthwhile. Steve & Marilyn
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

8/10 Good

Dianna D.

Zen property
The house was very nice. Waterfalls were beautiful and made it very peaceful. The kitchen needs to be restocked but good to cook in. Checkin and check out process was very easy.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2022

8/10 Good

Michelle B.

Family event
Overall very nice, didn't like the driveway, very nice neighborhood.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Sarah J., Wilmington, NC

Absolutely great
The place was just as advertised. A calm retreat within the city. It was close to everything that you need. I am planning another trip to Charlotte this year and plan to stay here again. The owner Richard was awesome to work with and a good guy.

10/10 Excellent

Patti W.

Great Place for a Relaxing Getaway
The property was perfect for our girl's only relaxing vacation. We wanted to be close enough to the town but also near hiking. This was the perfect location. The property was very clean and the check in process was so easy. The host reached out to us to ensure we were enjoying ourselves. Thanks again!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2019

10/10 Excellent

Daniel G.

Zentastic!
I made up a word....wouldn’t have been able to do if this place wasn’t totally chill. Recommended!
Stayed 14 nights in Mar 2021

10/10 Excellent

Leslie G.

Great spot with all the amenities of home
Well thought out rental that covers all of its bases. The house itself is spacious, uniquely decorated and has beautiful landscaping. The experience definitely lives up to the pictures and posted description. Would highly recommend for anyone travelling to the Charlotte area.
Stayed 1 night in May 2019

10/10 Excellent

David T.

UNCC Graduation
The Zen Retreat met all our expectations. It was clean, welcoming, and well-appointed. Our host, Richard, was gracious and stayed in close communication with us before and during our stay. The Zen Retreat outside area was exceptional for socializing with family and friends after the graduation ceremony. Thank you Richard for an outstanding experience!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

carmen f.

very impressed
the house was just like it was described online. Richard was so nice and helpful. the neighborhood was welcoming and the backyard was gorgeous! we enjoyed our stay and plan on staying again for next years race. I highly recommend this place
Stayed 3 nights in May 2016
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Leslie and Pax S.

Very Zen
We stayed here while our home was being remodeled. The place is very quiet and has a wonderful backyard which would be great to spend time in during the warmer months. The master bedroom was very comfy and the house had everything we needed for our short stay. The owner was very helpful and we loved that it was dog friendly (with a fenced backyard!). I would definitely recommend!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2016
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Beautiful home with wonderful price tag
Richard was very nice and easy to reach before and during our stay. The house was equipped with all necessary supplies. It is obviously cleaned regularly as we found it spotless. The kitchen has great space to prepare and dine in And the backyard is truly a Zen retreat. Can't wait to return!!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2017