Eco Retreat Our eco-friendly 92 acre farm is a sanctuary for humans and nature alike. (See bird watching.) While building our cabins in the rolling hills of the Blue Ridge Mountains near Lake Lure and Asheville North Carolina, we made every effort to leave the farm's natural environment undisturbed. Here are a few examples: Only six cabins were built on 92 acres Period materials from nearby historic structures were used to restore the two historic homes on the farm One single well supplies fresh mountain water to all cabins. Power lines run underground. The entire farm was made a wildlife sanctuary. The hardwood canopy was kept intact as much as possible. We designed the roads throughout the property on old logging roads around hardwood stands (so we have some curvy roads!) and we used any trees that we cut down to build the cabins. Reclaimed lumber such as hand-hewned logs from a 1800s school house were used to construct the cabins (and the beds in each cabin) We were the first United States member of EcoClub, an international ecotourism organization based in Greece. We are also a member of The International Ecotourism Society. The International Ecotourism Society Founded in 1990, TIES is the largest and oldest ecotourism organization in the world dedicated to generating and disseminating information about ecotourism. It currently has members in more than 70 countries. The organization's membership includes academics, consultants, conservation professionals and organizations, governments, architects, tour operators, lodge owners and managers, general development experts, and ecotourists. As a non-governmental organization, TIES is unique in its efforts to provide guidelines and standards, training, technical assistance, research and publications to foster sound ecotourism development join the growing ranks of ecotourism professionals who are working with the Society to make tourism a viable tool for conservation, poverty alleviation, protection of culture and bio-diversity, sustainable development and educational, as well as enjoyable, travel. TIES promotes responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people by: creating an international network of individuals, institutions and the tourism industry educating tourists and tourism professionals influencing the tourism industry, public institutions and donors to integrate the principles of ecotourism into their operations and policies As a member, we agree that ecotourism is responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people, and further agree that we will undertake to adhere to the principles of ecotourism as outlined below: Minimize impact Build environmental and cultural awareness and respect Provide positive experiences for both visitors and hosts Provide direct financial benefits for conservation Provide financial benefits and empowerment for local people Raise sensitivity to host countries’ political, environmental, and social climate Support international human rights and labor agreements For more information on the eco-tourism industry and The International Ecotourism Society, visit http://www.ecotourism.org. Read more about our bird sanctuary.     The Cottages at Spring House Farm Named one of the "Top Ten Best Hideaways" by Outside Magazine 219 Haynes Road, Marion, NC 28752 USA With six secluded cabins near Asheville, Chimney Rock, Lake Lure & Lake James For reservations, please call us toll-free at 1-877-738-9798 (9 AM—8 PM Eastern Standard Time) Local: 828-738-9798 www.springhousefarm.com thecottages@springhousefarm.com