Two apartments. One hillside property. All yours. The Tea House sits 40% underground with radiant floors, a king bed, hot tub, and fire pit. The Artist's Studio above is light-filled and gallery-warm. Separate entrances and parking for each. 18 minutes from Asheville — far enough to breathe.
The space
⭐ The Full Retreat — Both Units, Entirely Yours
Nestled into a hillside in Alexander, NC — 18 minutes from Asheville, and a world apart. This thoughtfully designed earth-sheltered duplex sits 40% underground, and when you book this listing, both apartments are yours. The Tea House below and the Artist's Studio above are fully separate spaces with their own private entrances on the exterior of the home — they don't connect internally, so you'll move between them by stepping outside. Each unit has its own dedicated parking area near its entrance, and a pathway along the left side of the home leads up to the Studio's upper-level doorway. Two front doors, one incredible property, complete privacy from the rest of the world.
Whether you're traveling as a larger group, want to spread out across two distinct spaces, or simply love the idea of a hot tub suite and a light-filled studio all to yourselves — this is that trip.
⭐ Only need one unit? Each apartment is available to rent individually.
If you'd like just the lower unit, you can find the Tea House here: airbnb.com/h/apptea.
For just the upper unit, the Artist's Studio is listed here: airbnb.com/h/inkberry.
⭐ THE TEA HOUSE — Lower Level
The Tea House blends modern simplicity with natural charm. Dark siding meets naked concrete walls below. The longest wall faces due east, filled with windows and natural light. Tall doors and ceilings lift you up while the massive walls ground you. The living and dining rooms flow seamlessly into the kitchen, with vibrant artwork, rugs, and accent walls creating an eclectic, welcoming feel. Radiant heated concrete floors keep you warm in winter; the thermal mass keeps things cool in summer.
The couch is twin mattress size — remove the cushions and add sheets for a proper twin guest bed, making the Tea House comfortable for three.
Through the big glass doors, a flagstone patio with hot tub and fire pit awaits — perfect for stargazing. Blueberry bushes grow behind the berm; help yourself. A large pile of firewood is stacked by the Quonset hut — please help yourself for the outdoor fire pit.
⭐ The Bedroom
The north-facing bedroom is designed for dark nights and deep sleep. King-size bed, blackout curtains, and cozy blankets. Two robes are provided for your stay. A built-in desk with shelves for work or personal projects, two shelves of board games, and everything you need for a movie night in.
⭐ The Bathroom
An extra-long tub and shower, natural light above the sink, full-length mirror, and a dedicated laundry area. Washer and dryer are provided free for guest use — detergent included. Spa-inspired and functional.
⭐ Fast fiber internet for those who need to stay connected — or don't.
⭐ THE ARTIST'S STUDIO — Upper Level
Perch above the Asheville countryside in this light-filled artist's studio. At 680 square feet, it feels far more spacious than it sounds — big green-framed windows, a longer view down the ridge, and original paintings by Asheville artist Tom Schulz give the space a quiet, gallery-like warmth.
The Studio has its own dedicated parking near the upper entrance, and a pathway along the left side of the home connects both levels if you're moving between the two spaces on foot. The whole setup feels tucked away and self-contained.
East-facing windows make for perfect morning coffee on the church pew as the sun comes up. A simple, functional kitchen and full bath round out everything you need.
The original works hanging throughout aren't prints — they're originals from an artist with 50+ years of practice, an MFA from Tufts/School of the Museum of Fine Arts, and teaching stints at Harvard and UNC Asheville. "Transition #13" and "Transition #14" — bold, abstracted landscapes painted after a vision loss diagnosis — bring real energy to the walls. Interested in purchasing? Just reach out through the messenger.
⭐ A NOTE ON THE PROPERTY
The owner lives on-site in an adjacent Quonset hut. The Quonset has no windows facing either rental, so in practice you'll likely never cross paths. It's the kind of setup where help is available if you need it, but privacy is the default.
⭐ ON-SITE MASSAGE
The adjacent orangerie offers 60, 90, and 120-minute massage sessions — just ask at booking. First three guests who mention FREE MASSAGE receive a complimentary 60-minute session, with an upgrade option.
🏄 Exclusive Guest Perk: 10% Off Paddleboarding
Our guests enjoy an exclusive discount with Wai Mauna SUP Tours — Asheville's most popular paddleboard outfitter on the French Broad River. Choose from 4-mile or 7-mile guided or solo trips, or a more secluded romantic route near Brevard where the riverbanks narrow for a more intimate paddle.
Ask us after booking for the discount code!
🧖♀️ Exclusive Guest Perk: 10% Off The Relaxation Retreat
Our guests enjoy an exclusive discount with The Relaxation Retreat — a private spa sanctuary just outside Asheville in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Unwind in a cedar Finnish sauna, marble steam room, copper soaking tub, and more across three solariums and two outdoor patios.
Message us after booking for the discount details!
⭐ LOCATION
Great coffee shops and bars along Riverside Drive on the way to and from the property — High Five Coffee, Zillicoah, Rhapsody.
⭐ Downtown Asheville (18 minutes, 9 mi.) — Vibrant arts scene, local shops, breweries, and dining
⭐ Biltmore Estate — The largest privately-owned home in the U.S., with gardens and wine tasting
⭐ The Drip Nordic Spa (11 minutes, 5 mi.) — Hot and cold plunge pools, saunas, and Nordic-inspired spa experiences
⭐ Blue Ridge Parkway — Scenic drives, hiking, and mountain views
⭐ Pisgah National Forest — Trails, waterfalls, and outdoor adventure
⭐ Great Smoky Mountains National Park — One of the most visited national parks in the U.S.
⭐ North Carolina Arboretum — Gardens, forest trails, and seasonal exhibits
⭐ Basilica of Saint Lawrence — A stunning architectural gem in downtown Asheville
⭐ Western North Carolina Nature Center — Family-friendly wildlife and natural ecosystems
⭐ Prefer just one unit?
The Tea House (lower level) and the Artist's Studio (upper level) are each available as standalone rentals — perfect if you're traveling as a couple or solo and don't need both spaces. Find them here:
⭐ Tea House (lower): airbnb.com/h/apptea
⭐ Artist's Studio (upper): airbnb.com/h/inkberry
Guest access
Guests will have access to the entire home, both parking areas, and both entrances. They will not have access to the lock clean storage upstairs or the owner's Quonset Hut.
