Earth & Sky Dwellings…a magical, mountaintop escape

A few years ago, Brian and I saw a story from our local news channel about a hobbit-style home being built on a mountaintop. We watched as the home developed and started looking at how much it would cost to stay there and what the availability looked like. We weren’t able to make anything happen initially, but we followed the business that built the house on social media to keep the hope of having a local adventure alive.

In October of 2025, I walked away from my job in church ministry. I was given a gift certificate for Earth and Sky Dwellings, which just happened to be where the house built into the mountain belonged! Brian and I went onto the website and were amazed at the other properties that had popped up all over the mountain…20 in total as well as an event venue! Each home is immersive and beautiful. We toyed around with which dwelling we wanted to visit, but we really knew that the hobbit-style house was the one we wanted!

Fast-forward to February 2026, and we have just had the most peaceful evening staying at Dragon’s Knoll at Earth and Sky Dwellings! Before I tell you about where we stayed, I have to share with you about the amazing family who run the business. When we booked our stay, there was a little hiccup where our credit card was charged instead of the gift certificate. Brian reached out and was immediately connected with Mike who quickly fixed the problem. He was so friendly and helpful. He and Brian chatted about our new business endeavor, and Mike was encouraging. As our arrival date approached, Brian sent Mike a text asking if it would be possible to visit any other available properties while we were on our visit. Mike called Brian from his out-of-the-country vacation! Then, he connected him with his son, Justin, who would be on the property while we were visiting. Justin and Brian text back and forth. When we arrived to Earth and Sky Dwellings for our night at Dragon’s Knoll, Justin was there and took an hour to show us around the property, showed us 3 other properties, and shared so much insight into their family business. Brian and I were incredibly impressed by both Mike and Justin!

Now, onto Dragon’s Knoll. Oh…My…Goodness! First of all, parking is on top of the house…Dragon’s Knoll is designed as a hobbit-house. It is built into the mountain! There is a dragon sculpture on top of the home, and that is where traveller’s park. On the walk down to the front of the house, there is an amazing dwarf carving (very Gimli) and darling hobbit (I think Bilbo, Brian says Frodo). The views of the mountains are stunning from the walk down the stone path. The front of the house has evergreen plants adding to the serene look of the house. There is a gorgeous, rounded front door with a doorknob and locking system straight of days long gone by. To the right of the front door is another door that looks like it came off the Hobbit movie set. The first door leads into the coziest living area while the second door leads into a comfy bedroom. Throughout the home, there are touches that make one believe they could actually be in the Shire. Wood carvings, earthen mugs, stoneware, rock work, leather-bound books, pipes, silver mugs…all add to the ambiance. Brian and I were impressed by the theming. We had added a charcuterie board and chocolate-dipped strawberries to our package…and like good hobbits, we enjoyed the delicious food in front of a warm fireplace while looking out at the mountain sunset. This was one of the most peaceful and relaxing stays we have enjoyed in our time together.

Throughout the property, there are a variety of other themed dwellings. We were able to take a tour of the Phoenix spaceship. The exterior is overwhelming. Hidden steps bring you into the house where you are greeted with the most out-of-this world detailed home. The “wings” of the ship are actually two bedrooms. The living/dining space has spectacular mountain views. The tv/game room is like stepping into the cockpit of the Millennium Falcon complete with joysticks and laser controls! Next, we visited Alchemy which looks like a canvas tent. Once you open the flap, you realize that the only way in is down! Like Alice tumbling through the rabbit hole, you are transported underground on the longest spiraling slide…it is so much fun, even for adults. Once you are safely on the ground and your equilibrium is back to normal, you realize you are inside the “tent” covered with beautiful, rich, jewel toned tapestries. The quaint living area has a bed, futon, small table, lovely kitchenette and a full bathroom. Outside, there is another tent perfect for kiddos to hide away. There are magical touches throughout the space along with the incredible mountain views. The last stop on our tour of available dwellings was in Moonshadow. This modern villa uses dark tones to create a calming and glamorous effect. The first level of the home has the bed and bathroom. A visitor could lay in the bed and have an overwhelming view of the mountains. The second level has the living and dining areas. The decor is eclectic with animals, vintage prints and modern art. Everything is sleek but also completely inviting. There are 20 total dwellings, but the others were occupied during our stay.

To book a visit at Earth and Sky Dwellings is expensive. To stay here is not comparable to staying at a hotel chain. When you are purchasing an escape to one of these magical homes, you are paying to be swept away from your everyday existence and to be transported to a place that is surrounded by nature, wrapped up in storytelling, and is completely peaceful. While there are several homes on the property, they are designed to give occupants ultimate privacy. These dwellings provide an escape. After having stayed one night at Dragon’s Knoll and having enjoyed the company of Justin, the communication with Mike, and the coziest, most relaxing getaway Brian and I have ever had, we are looking forward to visiting again in the spring or summer in a different house. We highly recommend Earth and Sky Dwellings. It is the perfect place for celebrating something special, for reconnecting with someone you love, for escaping reality, for recharging, and simply for being.

Visit their website to look at all of their property offerings, to plan ahead with their availability calendar, and to dream of your next getaway. Remember to follow us on social media and YouTube for more content on our time at Earth and Sky Dwellings!

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Our local love…the Biltmore estate