Barkwells, The Dog Lovers' Vacation Retreat
290 Lance Rd, Mills River, NC 28759-3884
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About
#1 of 4 Specialty lodging in Mills River
Location
4.9
Cleanliness
4.9
Service
4.8
Value
4.6
GreenLeaders Silver level
Run. Swim. Play. You and your four-legged friends can roam over eight rolling fenced acres or splash into the pond. Fully equipped and furnished vacation homes with hot tub, fireplace, luxurious beds, private fenced yard, dog door, gated porch. Every comfort and convenience of home, but far away from every day.20 minutes from downtown Asheville, Hendersonville, Brevard and Biltmore Estate in the heart of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. Come. Sit. Stay.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Hot tub
Hiking
Pets Allowed ( Dog / Pet Friendly )
Non-smoking hotel
Picnic area
Clothes dryer
Wifi
Self-serve laundry
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Room features
Air conditioning
Kitchenette
Dishwasher
Microwave
Refrigerator
Kitchenware
Flatscreen TV
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
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Family
Location
Contact
290 Lance Rd, Mills River, NC 28759-3884
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After 4 years since our last vacation with our pups, during wich time we rescued 2 more that had been abused or neglected for a total of 4, we finally found the perfect spot for a fantasic getaway ... with our dogs: Barkwell's ... The Dog Lovers Vacation Retreat. It was wonderful. They truly lived up to their motto: "Vacation with your family -dogs are family." Our much-loved dogs, all Cockers, have had rough times ... two are deaf and blind for example. We were having a heck of a time finding a place where we felt safe boarding them ... until we found Barkwells. They have a great web site ... full of pictures and lots of detailed information. Go have a look. Some comments about our stay follow. Bottom line: this is a truly wonderful place for both humans and dogs to get away for a break. We are happy to have found a place to go that is really nice and safe and welcoming for our pack. We stayed in the Lacey cabin. A small cozy well equipped haven. Nice furniture... comfortable. A fine well-equipped kitchen with modern appliances. Modern conveniences including quality flat-screen TVs and a robust high-speed internet. A nice "remote controled" fireplace (great for taking the chill off during the cold snap). A couple of dog beds ... towels for the dogs for when they played in the pond and covers for the furniture to put on so the dogs could sit on the couch with us. All supported by detailed documentation and information. The staff was a delight. Professional ... friendly ... warm. Clearly devoted to the comfort and care of their visitors ... human and canine. And something that struck us... we've had dogs for 30+ years and always took them with us on vacation with us. We have been to a number of decent rental properties ... but this was head and shoulders above them all ... a standout to us was how incredible neat, clean, and well maintained everything was. That, and the fences and etc. to ensure dog safety. And our eldest has arthritis ... and I had a hip replacement ... and the cabin had a ramp which made life easy ... and the dogs loved the small secure yard to go potty in and explore. Needless to say, if you love dogs and want a great quality experience for a vacation or break, look up Barkwells.…
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Date of stay: January 2023
Value
Rooms
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Jeff Krider, Owner at Barkwells, The Dog Lovers' Vacation Retreat
Responded Feb 13, 2023
Thank you so much for your kind words! We so enjoyed having you and the cocker spaniels as our guests! Looking forward to having you back soon! Regards Jeff and Patti
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We have been there several times and love it. We have (2) full size LabraDoodles and they can't get enough of the freedom that exists there to run and play. The place is peaceful for all. We have stayed at both locations and there are positives with both. Our problem and the reason we have not been there for some time is the $$$. In the past you have been able to get a cabin at a lower price point, especially during the colder/winter months. It seems now that regardless of the time of year, cost has increased considerably. If you are fortunate to have the funds this is a great place and maybe the only place, that you can find the freedom to truly enjoy your Furry Children without guilt or concern of safety or what others might think. Everyone there, is there for the same reason. Most visitors are friendly and respectful of others, but on occasion we have found some pets somewhat unsupervised, so you should stay with your dogs at all times for their safety and to be respectful of others. So.... we recommend it highly...if cost is of no issue.…
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Date of stay: December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
We were a family group of twelve people and four dogs, with different people staying different numbers of days. We had two cabins. While we were impressed with how well equipped the cabins were, we were most impressed with staff friendliness. You really feel like part of the larger Barkwells family. We arrived about 45 minutes before check in time, and notified the staff. They said our cabin was ready, and they let us check in early. Cabins were what I would call “luxury rustic.” Lots of wood in construction and decor, with thoughtful appointments, such as lots of electrical outlets and well-labelled electric switches, and absolutely pristine. The kitchen was well-equipped, with nearly everything one could imagine available. The hot tub was an added bonus. Every cabin, with one exception, abutted a common meadow and pond area. Each cabin has its own fenced-in area for that cabin’s dogs, so there are different levels of containment for canine family members. The compound is quite secure. One must get through two gates to enter or exit, which keeps the dogs safe. Bottom line: I’d go back, even though I don’t have a dog!…
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Date of stay: October 2022
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip: Each cabin has its own style and layout. Fisher is furthest from the common area for dogs.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Jeff Krider, Owner at Barkwells, The Dog Lovers' Vacation Retreat
Responded Nov 6, 2022
Thank you so much for your kind review. We look forward to having you back with us again in the future. Regards, The Barkwells Pack!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
+1
Barkwells is amazing!! From the moment you pull in through the gate set up like a dog park entrance, turn the corner and see your dog's name on the Welcome sign, you know you're someplace special. Our cabin, the grounds, the staff and even the other guests were just incredible. My dog had the best time, so we had the best time! I've stayed in many "pet friendly" lodgings but this, this was sooo truly all about the dogs. Not only did the dog make friends but we made friends too. I could go on and on. If you have dogs, who play well with other dogs, you really need to make the trip to Barkwells! In addition the area offers many dog friendly options: hiking, breweries, parks and more. The cabin was well equipped and there's a grocery store just minutes away. We can't wait to come back.…
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Date of stay: September 2022Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Jeff Krider, Owner at Barkwells, The Dog Lovers' Vacation Retreat
Responded Sep 18, 2022
Thanks for the kind words! Our Barkwells Pack works hard to ensure that your dog and your family have a great time! We appreciate you taking the time to share your experiences! Jeff and Patti
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
This resort does everything that your pet and family could want for a fabulous vacation with your pets. The cabins are comfortable and super clean. The owners make sure that all your pets needs are taken of. The grounds are perfect for your dogs to run, swim and walk.
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Date of stay: August 2022Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Jeff Krider, Owner at Barkwells, The Dog Lovers' Vacation Retreat
Responded Aug 28, 2022
Thanks for kind words! So happy you enjoyed your time with us! Come back soon! Jeff, Patti and the Barkwells pack!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Forget Disneyland…this is the best place on Earth for dogs and their people! Our cabin was quiet, pristine, and beautiful; the grounds were revitalizing & rejuvenating for both canines & humans. The cabins are fashioned with your four-legged family members in mind- bowls, dog sheets/towels, doggie door, and their own yard. The team at Barkwells does impeccable work on a daily basis. We were going to cancel due to the rapid declining health of our elderly dog, but as soon as he stepped out of the car with the rest of the pack, he had a new lease on life and began engaging with the landscape, “dogging”, and eating his meals! His comeback was nothing short of miraculous. We could not deny the magic of Barkwells; all of our dogs knew immediately that this place was for them, and they felt comfortable in this oasis where over 30,000 dogs had visited before them. It truly is a special place like no other. If you love your dogs and want time to explore the grounds, pond, beach, or just laze on the deck with them, Barkwells is paradise.…
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Date of stay: June 2022Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
We've stayed at Barkwells more than 10 times now and have always loved it. This was our first stay under the new ownership and we were hoping that they hadn't made any changes we didn't like. We were happy to find everything perfect. The grounds were beautiful and our dogs thoroughly enjoyed wandering around.
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Date of stay: June 2022Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
+1
5 stars isn’t enough! We absolutely love this place and so do the pups! The second we checked in we were welcomed by Bobbi, who helped us throughout our stay and was so sweet and helpful the entire trip. Barkwells had treats, homemade pumpkin bread, wine, and even a doggie birthday cupcake for our birthday pup, Skye just waiting for us upon arrival (they even had a special welcome note on the white board). We stayed in the Fisher cabin and literally never wanted to leave because it was so beautiful and well appointed. The pups loved swimming in the doggie lake and running around the large fenced in area. The owners of Barkwells even came by to say hi which made it extra special as well. We loved it so much, we even added an extra day which they were very accommodating with as well! Overall our best trip!…
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Date of stay: January 2022Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
I really should not be writing this review as this little gem is hard to book and I don't want MORE people to know about it, BUT the owners and staff do such a fantastic job it is hard not to give kudos and let others know who love their dogs that this place is awesome. First, they vet your pet to make sure they are not aggressive and have all their shots and bordetella. Each cottage has their own fenced in yard, and then the entire of leash property is all fenced in with so much room to wander and a big lake to play in. The cottages are all well appointed and are dog centric with doggy doors, dog bowls, plenty of towels, hooks for leashes, etc. I could go on and on about this place. Anyone who has dogs and want s a great getaway, this is the place
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Date of stay: August 2021
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: Check the website to find which cabin fits you the best.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Response from Barkwells Office, General Manager at Barkwells, The Dog Lovers' Vacation Retreat
Responded Oct 3, 2021
Thank you for your wonderful review (and for noting the small details that we hope make the difference in each guest's stay). We're so glad you had a wonderful time and hope you come back soon! - The Barkwells Pack
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
+1
My wife and I stayed here last week with our two pups in the Libby cabin. We were absolutely blown away by everything. We were expecting an old, dirty cabin (especially because of the constant dogs in and out of there). But the cabin was immaculate. Spotless. Even the dog beds looked brand new. The property as a whole was fantastic. Our dogs, a Goldendoodle and Australian shepherd, have never been offleash before. They were in doggy heaven! It was great to see them so happy and run around in the open field and meet other dogs. Another unexpected surprise was the landscaping. They had a crew going around making sure everything looked pristine. I have no idea what flowers or plants are what, but my wife was naming them all. It all looked great! The pond also has a spot with a small beach access. We took the dogs down there every day to go swimming. They even have a dog wash station to clean them up! In terms of location, it was great. There are plenty of things within 10 minutes, including a grocery store and Sierra Nevada Brewery. We went there for lunch and a flight of beers, and their food was phenomenal. They have a huge campus. They are dog friendly, but only outside (they only serve food inside). We also went for a great hike about 50 minutes away. Catawba Falls Trail. It was a total of 2.7 miles (there and back). It was all shaded and had plenty of spots where the dogs could dip their feet in the stream and drink some refreshing spring water. No bugs either surprisingly! The staff was incredible as well. Very welcoming and thorough in explaining everything to us. We worked with Tracey and she was a great host! Overall, this place far exceeded our expectations. We felt incredibly relaxed and at peace the whole time we were there! It was great to check out and relax with the dogs. We will definitely be back!…
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Date of stay: June 2021
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Barkwells Office, General Manager at Barkwells, The Dog Lovers' Vacation Retreat
Responded Oct 3, 2021
Wow! Thank you for these kind words. We'll be sure to pass along your sentiments to our hard-working staff. There are many more trails to trek and places to dine (and cabins to try), so we hope you'll be back again, soon!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
PRICE RANGE
$463 - $591 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
barkwells, the dog lovers` vacation retreat hotel mills river
LOCATION
United StatesNorth CarolinaNorth Carolina MountainsMills River
NUMBER OF ROOMS
10
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Frequently Asked Questions about Barkwells, The Dog Lovers' Vacation Retreat
Which popular attractions are close to Barkwells, The Dog Lovers' Vacation Retreat?
Nearby attractions include FOX-N-OTTER Adventure Escape Rooms (4.7 miles), WNC Agricultural Center (2.1 miles), and Feed and Seed (3.7 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at Barkwells, The Dog Lovers' Vacation Retreat?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free parking, and a hot tub.
Which room amenities are available at Barkwells, The Dog Lovers' Vacation Retreat?
Top room amenities include a kitchenette, air conditioning, and a flat screen TV.
Is parking available at Barkwells, The Dog Lovers' Vacation Retreat?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Barkwells, The Dog Lovers' Vacation Retreat?
Conveniently located restaurants include Sierra Nevada Brewery, Rocky's Hot Chicken Shack, and 131 MAIN Restaurant.
Are any cleaning services offered at Barkwells, The Dog Lovers' Vacation Retreat?
Yes, self serve laundry and a clothes dryer are offered to guests.
Are pets allowed at Barkwells, The Dog Lovers' Vacation Retreat?
Yes, pets are typically allowed, but it's always best to call ahead to confirm.
Are there any historical sites close to Barkwells, The Dog Lovers' Vacation Retreat?
Many travelers enjoy visiting Biltmore (8.5 miles).
Is Barkwells, The Dog Lovers' Vacation Retreat accessible?
Yes, it offers wheelchair access. For specific inquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.