The Turchin family has long felt a connection to North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains. But it wasn’t until a chance visit to what’s now The Horse Shoe Farm in 2013 that they set out to acquire the land four years later, transforming it into a luxury private retreat, inviting guests to stay in its estate homes, cottages, and suites. 

Now the 85-acre upscale farm getaway has debuted its newest accommodation type, The Pond Cottages, three multi-room private homes perched on a scenic hill.

“Each cottage is strategically positioned to overlook our natural spring-fed pond and the entire Mt. Pisgah vista,” Jordan Turchin, who serves as his family’s property’s steward, told Travel + Leisure. “There’s an undeniable magic to be found while staying here that allows you to reconnect with nature, yourself, and your loved ones.”

Two of the cottages, The Blue Heron and The Cardinal, are each made up of two suites, each with a king bed, kitchenette, and mountain view deck. The third, The Hawk, contains three rooms, each with a king bed, as well as a shared kitchenette, living room, and deck. 

All of the Pond Cottages are decked out with carved Indian beds, playful artwork — including some by the family matriarch Lillian Turchin — and upscale bathrooms with marble inlays, oversized soaking tubs, and rain showers.

“No two suites are the same,” Turchin added, calling the cottages “unique” among the area’s accommodations. “While the exteriors blend seamlessly with the farm’s vernacular architecture, the interiors boast an eclectic mix of antiques, custom artwork, and other rare finds.”

Cottage stays also include continental breakfast each morning at the property’s The Silo Cookhouse. Guests are also welcome to enjoy the farmlands through activities like fishing in its two ponds, walking along the French Broad River, enjoying a stroll through its labyrinth, and indulging in bonfires and s’mores. Also on site are ball fields, basketball courts, bike paths, pickleball, a game room, and areas for yoga and meditation. There’s also a pool house and on-site spa.

“Authentic connection is at the heart of what we offer on the farm,” Turchin said, adding that they do so through top-notch service and creating spaces for guests to both connect and engage in personal reflection. “From this, we hope guests can create their own experiences at their own pace, leaving refreshed, and inspired.”