Entire home

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

Vacation home perfectly located for exploring Charlotte

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

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

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 73200 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Pet friendly
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

View in a map
Charlotte, NC
  • Place, McAlpine Creek Greenway
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Place, Cinemark Bistro Charlotte
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Place, SouthPark Mall
    ‪13 min drive‬
  • Airport, Charlotte, NC (CLT-Charlotte-Douglas Intl.)
    ‪33 min drive‬

Room options

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About the neighborhood

Charlotte

Heart of Charlotte.Within 3 miles (5 km) of this Charlotte vacation home, you'll find McAlpine Creek Greenway and Stumptown Park. Matthews Community Center and Novant Health Matthews Medical Center are also within 6 miles (10 km).

What's nearby

  • McAlpine Creek Greenway - 2 min drive - 0.9 miles
  • Cinemark Bistro Charlotte - 3 min drive - 1.3 miles
  • SouthPark Mall - 13 min drive - 7.9 miles
  • Spectrum Center - 18 min drive - 10.6 miles
  • Bank of America Stadium - 19 min drive - 11.4 miles

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Custom Home Pubs - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Circle K - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Circle K - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Cook-Out - ‬4 min drive

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.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach nearby

Ski

  • Close to skiing
  • Snowboarding nearby

Pool/Spa

  • Hot tub

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Car recommended
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

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

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Work spaces

  • Office

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • 2 pets total

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoking not allowed
  • Note from host: There is NO SMOKING inside the property.

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board
  • Limited housekeeping

Location highlights

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

Things to do

  • Basketball nearby
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Hunting nearby
  • Jet skiing nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Mountain biking 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

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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Check-out instructions

The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Gather used towels
Remove personal items and take out the trash
Lock the doors
Your assistance is greatly appreciated Run the dishwasher-The tabs are under the sink Do NOT strip the beds, leave linens where they are Run a load of TOWELS only in the washer
Leave place as you found it. If staying Monday night, move trash bins from behind side fence to curb for Tuesday pickup. If staying Tuesday, return bins from curb to behind side fence.
Pets: clean all hair, prints, waste or $75 fee. No pets on furniture/beds. Checkout 11am sharp. Text Liomai 704-248-1778 with departure time. $50 per 30 min late checkout fee.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Rules

The guest has to send written confirmation agreeing to the house rules and policies. Failure to do so will result in the cancellation of said booking.
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.
Any violation of rules or terms will result in a full loss of deposit and the guests will be asked to leave with no refund.

Pets

  • Pets are welcome
  • Maximum 2 pets
  • Restrictions apply
  • For more information, you can reach out to the property at the number on the booking confirmation
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • 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.

Events

No events allowed
Failure to discuss prior to stay deposit is lost

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
There is NO SMOKING inside the property.

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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Note from host: Failure to discuss prior to stay deposit is lost
Long-term renters welcome
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
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
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business. Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited. Note from host: Failure to discuss prior to stay deposit is lost Long-term renters welcome. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock in each accommodation.

We should mention

  • To make arrangements for your pet, contact the property directly using the information on your booking confirmation.

Property is also known as

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

Frequently asked questions

How close is Urban Escape w/Hot Tub, Backyard Oasis, Min to Uptown! to the airport?

This vacation home is 16.4 mi (26-min drive) away from the Charlotte-Douglas Intl. Airport (CLT) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

Does Urban Escape w/Hot Tub, Backyard Oasis, Min to Uptown! have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at this vacation home.

Does Urban Escape w/Hot Tub, Backyard Oasis, Min to Uptown! offer free breakfast?

This vacation home does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at Urban Escape w/Hot Tub, Backyard Oasis, Min to Uptown!?

No, there is no casino at this vacation home.

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

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

Is there free parking at Urban Escape w/Hot Tub, Backyard Oasis, Min to Uptown!?

Free parking is not available at this vacation home.

Does Urban Escape w/Hot Tub, Backyard Oasis, Min to Uptown! have a pool?

This vacation home does not have a pool.

Does Urban Escape w/Hot Tub, Backyard Oasis, Min to Uptown! have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this vacation home.

How close is Urban Escape w/Hot Tub, Backyard Oasis, Min to Uptown! to downtown Charlotte?

This vacation home is 8.1 mi away from Charlotte.

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

Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 109 out of 137 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 19 out of 137 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 5 out of 137 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 137 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 137 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tamar B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The host was great and the house was perfect!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Uriel F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything was great and house was very unique and lovely! Enjoyed our short stay that let us come home from our exploring to a relaxing bed with my friends.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lisa D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect for our 11 nights in the Charlotte area. House is cozy with a private fenced in backyard, which was ideal for our dog! Beds were extremely comfortable. Quiet neighborhood, but close to everything. Host was very responsive.
Stayed 10 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Laura P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fabulous house! The outside area is divine! So peaceful! House was perfect for us and we had everything we needed. We will definitely stay here again! Thank you thank you!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tonya B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Exceeded expectations!

The photos don’t fully capture how wonderful this home truly is. The location, amenities, and spacious layout exceeded my expectations. There was plenty of room for both family and guests without ever feeling crowded. Check-in and check-out were quick and seamless. I would absolutely stay here again—whether for a family vacation, a girls’ trip, or even a couples’ getaway.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nicholas L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A Very Merry Christmas!

We had an awesome time for Christmas at the Zen Retreat. The location of the house is so convenient to all your needs and the neighborhood is quiet and great to walk your dogs, if you have any. Highly recommend for families.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2024
Verified

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Joseph G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great spot

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

10/10 Excellent

Britney P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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
From a partner site

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Beth M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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
Archival

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Heather M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Neat house with a ton of books.

My family and I were in town for my sisters funeral. We chose this house because of its proximity to the church. The house was a true joy to stay in. The back yard was peaceful and inviting. The house was large enough for us to have individual space. We spent most of our time congregating in the kitchen which was spacious and well appointed with everything you need. We had an enjoyable stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Angela B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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
Archival

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.
Verified

8/10 Good

Ashley W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Girls trip

The backyard is amazing. Gorgeous patio with lights, seating, and a hot tub. The beds were super comfortable. The front entrance stairs inside were anxiety inducing for me because there was no rail on the side that drops into the living room, but other than that we had an amazing stay
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Beth B.

We had a very enjoyable stay. This is a truly unique house & lived up to it’s description.

We cooked big breakfasts in the fully stocked kitchen. We enjoyed the hot tub and the bubbling waterfalls in the back yard and well as the fire pit and gas fire places. The open layout of the main living space/kitchen worked well for our group of 6 (plus dog).
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Shawna A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

AMAZING

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

10/10 Excellent

Cindy G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gea F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Sarah J.

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.
Verified

8/10 Good

Dianna D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Patti W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Daniel G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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