Mountain Home with Hot Tub, Pet Friendly, In-Law Suite
Experience mountain living at Lessons from Mars, a spacious home in Banner Elk offering stunning views, a large hot tub, and a flexible layout ideal for families, couples, and groups. The property welcomes up to four well-trained dogs and features a separate downstairs suite, making it perfect for multi-generational stays. Enjoy luxury finishes throughout and easy access to Beech Ski Resort and mountain activities—just be prepared for winter conditions during snowy months.

Stunning mountain views from the hot tub, pet friendly for up to 4 dogs, multi-family layout with in-law suite, luxury finishes, and proximity to Beech Ski Resort.
The Heart of the Mountain: Great Room, Dining, and Kitchen
Features
- • High ceilings
- • Wall of windows
- • Stone gas log fireplace
- • Plush sofas
- • Bench-style dining table
- • Fully equipped kitchen
- • Granite counters
- • Stainless appliances
- • Open sightlines to dining and kitchen
Step into the soaring great room, where high ceilings and a panoramic wall of windows frame breathtaking mountain vistas. Gather around the stone gas log fireplace on plush, inviting sofas—the ideal spot to swap stories after a day on the slopes or trails. The adjacent dining table, with its bench-style seating and cozy head chairs, beckons groups to share laughter and home-cooked meals prepared just steps away in the fully stocked chef’s kitchen. Luxurious granite counters and stainless appliances make every culinary venture a delight, while open sightlines ensure everyone feels connected, from morning coffee to evening feasts.



Mountain Serenity: Master Suite & Loft Retreat
Features
- • King beds
- • Private bathrooms
- • Custom tiled shower
- • Granite vanity
- • Gas fireplace (loft)
- • HDTV
- • Balcony
- • Master suite on main floor
- • Loft suite overlooks great room
Discover restful luxury tailored for romantic escapes or peaceful solitude. The main floor master suite boasts a king bed and private bathroom with custom tiled shower and granite vanity—your own serene sanctuary. Ascend to the upper loft suite, where another king bed, a cozy gas fireplace, HDTV, and a balcony overlooking the great room create an intimate, open retreat. Whether you’re savoring the sunrise, enjoying a quiet night in, or seeking privacy, these elegantly appointed spaces promise relaxation, romance, and restorative sleep.




The Bear Cave: Private In-Law Suite for Flexible Living
Features
- • Full kitchen
- • Queen bed
- • Private bathroom
- • Direct access to main living areas via stairs
Perfect for multi-generational families, friends, or anyone seeking extra privacy, the spacious downstairs 'Bear Cave' features its own full kitchen, queen bed, and bathroom. This self-contained retreat ensures comfort for guests who may want their own space—be it in-laws, grandparents, or independent travelers—while remaining just a flight of stairs from the heart of the action. It’s an ideal configuration for longer stays or group getaways where flexibility and autonomy are a must.



Alpine Outdoor Living: Hot Tub, Deck, and Mountain Air
Features
- • Gas BBQ grill
- • Large hot tub
- • Deck
- • Mountain views
- • Access from main living areas
- • Outdoor-indoor flow
Step through the sliding glass doors to a world of open-air relaxation. Grill a feast on the gas BBQ, then sink into the large hot tub, all while gazing out at the endless mountain skyline. Whether you’re toasting a ski day’s end, stargazing with your love, or letting the family (and furry friends) bask in the mountain breeze, this seamless indoor-outdoor connection turns every season into a celebration. Proximity to Beech Ski Resort makes winter mornings exhilarating, while the year-round hot tub and pet-friendly policies ensure comfort for all.



Explore the Area



Family Adventures: Mountain Fun for All Ages
Nestled atop Beech Mountain, Lessons from Mars offers families an ideal basecamp for mountain adventures and togetherness. In warmer months, explore nearby hiking trails like the Emerald Outback, or take a family bike ride along paved and gravel paths. For some classic mountain fun, head to Buckeye Recreation Center, just a short drive away, with its playgrounds, tennis courts, and indoor facilities. After a day of exploring, gather back at your spacious vacation home for a home-cooked meal in the fully equipped kitchen, then relax as a family in the hot tub while soaking in beautiful mountain views. And with a pet-friendly policy welcoming up to four mature, well-trained dogs, everyone—including your four-legged family members—can enjoy the fresh mountain air on nearby trails and parks.



Romantic Retreat: Soak, Stargaze, and Savor the Moment
For couples seeking a romantic mountain escape, Lessons from Mars offers a wonderful sanctuary. Cozy up in the luxurious master suite or upper loft, which features a gas fireplace in the loft area, then step outside for a tranquil soak in the hot tub with sweeping mountain vistas. As evening falls, enjoy a glass of wine on the balcony or around the fire, and gaze at the stars in the clear mountain sky. For a special outing, visit local wineries or book a table at one of Banner Elk’s intimate restaurants. The blend of privacy, luxury finishes, and breathtaking scenery provides an ideal setting for connection and romance.



Adventure Awaits: Ski Slopes, Trails, and Mountain Thrills
Outdoor enthusiasts will love the property’s close proximity to Beech Ski Resort—just minutes away. Hit the slopes for skiing or snowboarding in winter (be sure to bring 4WD/AWD or chains for safe access during snowy months!), or tackle scenic mountain biking and hiking trails in spring, summer, and fall. Nearby, the Emerald Outback offers challenging terrain and stunning views, while local outfitters in Banner Elk can set you up with ziplining, whitewater rafting, or guided hikes. After a full day outdoors, sink into the bubbling hot tub to unwind, or gather around the fireplace to swap stories of the day’s adventures.



Paws & Play: A Mountain Getaway for You and Your Dogs
With a welcoming pet policy allowing up to four mature, well-trained dogs, Lessons from Mars is a dream for pet owners who love to travel with their furry friends. Take your pups on scenic walks along Beech Mountain’s dog-friendly trails or let them romp in the nearby parks. After your adventures, the property’s easy-clean surfaces and ample space make relaxation simple for both humans and canines. Enjoy evenings on the deck or snuggled inside, knowing everyone in the family—including the four-legged members—has room to unwind.



Together, Apart: Perfect for Multi-Generational & Mixed Groups
The unique layout of Lessons from Mars provides both togetherness and privacy for multi-generational families or mixed groups. The separate mother-in-law suite downstairs, featuring its own kitchen and bathroom, is perfect for grandparents, in-laws, or friends who desire their own space. Gather in the great room for meals and games, then retreat to your private suite for quiet time. This flexible configuration allows everyone to vacation together—without sacrificing personal comfort. With luxury finishes, mountain views, and thoughtful amenities, this home helps create a harmonious group getaway.
Property Amenities All Essentials Included
Facilities & Security
Self Check-in/Check-out
Outdoor Space: Patio
Comfort & Lifestyle
Dishwasher
Toaster
Clothes Washing Machine
Clothes Dryer
Stove
BBQ Grill
Hot Tub
Cable TV
TV
Laundry Basics: Clothes Dryer, Clothes Washing Machine
Oven
Standard Essentials
This property includes a full set of standard essentials (such as towels, bed linens, basic cooking and cleaning supplies).
Ready to Book Your Stay?
Book your stay today!
Select Check-in Date
Cancellation Policy: Standard
Cancelation PolicyYou can cancel this Vacay and get a Full refund up to 14 days prior to arrival
Important Information
Check-in and Check-out Procedures
- Check-in is after 4pm.
- Check-out is by 10am.
Property Access
- The main level is accessed with just one step from the parking area.
- Must electronically sign an additional Rental Agreement Terms and Conditions and any Neighborhood Rules sent by Host (property manager) or entry information cannot be sent.
Policies and Rules
- No smoking allowed.
- Minimum age: 25 years.
- Children allowed.
- No events allowed.
- Must be at least 25 years old to reserve. This person is required to be the person signing the agreement and must be one of the persons staying in the property for the reserved dates.
- No smoking inside the home. No trace of smoking left outside the home.
- Do not leave food or trash outside as it could attract animals. All trash must be bagged and placed in the trash receptacle indicated in the Welcome Book inside the house or your digital guidebook.
- No parties or gatherings above the posted occupancy allowed at any time. Keep outside noise respectable. Please observe a quiet hour of 10PM as there are full time residents nearby.
- 4WD/AWD and/or chains recommended during winter (November-March) for all homes. Travelers visiting during the winter months where inclement weather may be possible should come prepared with an AWD or 4WD vehicle, and chains may also be required if it snows. No refunds, allowances, or date changes will be given to travelers who are not prepared with the proper vehicle, as outlined in the Rental Agreement.
Pet Policy
- The property listing states: "This home allows up to 4 mature, well-trained dogs with an additional pet rent of $25 per pet per night plus tax. Pets other than dogs are not permitted." However, the maximum allowed pets in the property data is 99. Please confirm the correct maximum number of dogs.
Fees and Payments
- All bookings are subject to a $50 cancellation fee.
- Firewood may be purchased at the time of booking, or by calling us with a week's notice. You receive two wrapped, kiln-dried bundles and a firestarter for $25 plus tax.
Cancellation Policy
- Bookings canceled within 24 hours of their creation will receive a full refund of payments.
- Bookings canceled more than 24 hours after their creation are not entitled to a refund unless the reservation dates are rebooked to another guest.
- All bookings are subject to a $50 cancellation fee.
Parking Information
- Parking space for up to 3 vehicles.
Utilities and Amenities Access
- All BRMR homes offer well-stocked kitchens with all utensils needed to cook meals.
- There is also a "starter set" of paper products at the house: a roll of toilet paper per bath, several garbage bags, a small vial of dishwashing liquid, a few tablets of dishwasher detergent, some laundry pods, a roll of paper towels, hand soap, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and some makeup remover cloths. There are enough of these items for one night, or maybe two.
- Hair dryers are not provided.
- Towels and linens are provided.
- High-speed internet is available.
- Clothes washing machine and dryer are available.
- Dishwasher, toaster, oven, and stove are available.
- Hot tub is available.
- Patio is available as outdoor space.
- Smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector are provided.
Safety and Emergency Information
- Do not leave food or trash outside as it could attract animals.
Other Critical Details
- NCREC Broker Name: Blue Ridge Mountain Rentals
- NCREC License Number: 29198