First Stay in the Cottage

In the last week of August 2024, we finally had the chance to stay at Golden Bear Cottage for the very first time. It was a week filled with both hard work and memorable moments. We moved in mattresses, furniture, and countless boxes, making frequent trips to Asheville for household essentials.

The cottage, though still a work in progress, truly began to feel like home.

Our first guests, my sister Shirley and my parents, not only shared in the joy of this milestone but also pitched in to help us settle in, making the experience even more special.

We were grateful for their hands and hearts as we all worked together to bring life to this mountain retreat.

I met with the contractor overseeing the grading work, including building the retaining walls and setting up the fire pit area—key steps to shaping the cottage’s future. We also had the pleasure of meeting some neighbors and getting to see my longtime friend Richard and his wife. Jennifer and I took our first hike to the nearby waterfalls, walking distance from our cottage. The crisp air, the sound of rushing water, and the beauty of the landscape made that hike unforgettable.

It was a spectacular week—a blend of labor, love, and nature’s grace, marking the beginning of many more memories to come at Golden Bear Cottage.

View from primary bedroom as the sun was rising