Stay in your own little haven -- a stone chalet that was once the Kilmichael Tower. This one bedroom chalet, with impressive two-foot thick stone walls and 23-foot cathedral ceiling, harks back to the days when the Kilmichaels left their mark in history on the Isle of Arran. Chalet Switz today offers Blue Ridge mountain ecology, imaginative architectural design and the perfect setting for a memorable getaway.

Located on the very top of 4000-foot Grassy Mountain, the Chalet is a 20-minute walk from Little Switzerland's village center, a historic 100-year old town with quaint shops, homes of extraordinary character and fine and casual dining. Unlike at many residences in Little Switzerland, there is no traffic noise from the Parkway or other paved roads in the area since you'll be located on the very top of the mountain. As you walk down a country road to the village you will enjoy breathtaking views and the countryside filled with wildlife and natural forest, passing a few residences on the way as you descend 800 feet.

Your walk can easily be extended to Grassy Falls by going under the stone bridge and taking a right onto the untraveled dirt road that takes you about another downhill mile to the falls.

Chalet Switz is made of natural materials with the finest of craftsmanship. Cozy nooks include the kitchen and the inglenook with wood-burning stone fireplace. The airy loft above with its 13' cathedral ceiling offers spectacular views of the night sky right from your bed! Amenities for your comfort include down pillows, Ralph Lauren linens, and a Kohler Greek tub with hand-held shower in which you can relax and enjoy the serenity. The kitchen is equipped with refrigerator-freezer, stove/oven, coffee maker, toaster and distinctive dinnerware. A pleasant garden surrounding the Chalet can be enjoyed while dining outdoors or relaxing on chaise lounges. Feel free to roam the several acre mowed Commons area too.

Between 5 and 24 miles away along the Blue Ridge Parkway is spectacular hiking at Linville Falls, Crabtree Falls, Craggy Gardens and Mt. Mitchell. Penland (www.penland.org) is less than 15 miles away, the crucible for the dozens of pottery, glass, wood, iron and other fine craft studios and shops in the area.

A 50-mile drive on the scenic, forested Blue Ridge Parkway takes you past the Black Mountains with 6 of the highest 10 peaks -- including Mt. Mitchell, the highest mountain -- east of the Mississippi to the city of Asheville and the Biltmore.

In the winter, when 'the season' has ended and most village shops and the Switzerland Inn (but not the Mountain View restaurant) have closed, there is peaceful quiet and endless views. You can lie in bed or bath and listen to the wind roar in the trees -- or sit in front of a fire in the cave-quiet inglenook. The super-insulated home with silent, dry electric heat combined with warmth emanating from the 23' tall rock chimney is truly a haven.

Reserve directly with the owner and avoid uncertainties and complications so many have reported using on-line booking.

Keywords: Haven for one person, Chalet for two, Mountaintop Getaway