*4X4 or AWD required*
Live in harmony with nature at The Taoist - A tiny, beautifully-designed eco-cabin offering all the modern amenities in a quaint and cozy little package. Newly constructed, Amish-built, and eco-conscious, this cabin is both tiny and mighty! Featuring the most photogenic cabin-front in all of the gorge with a stunning window front, spacious sundeck, private fire pit, natural boulder seating, and a towering limestone cliff. Come for the views, stay for a little perspective.
What started as a wild idea, eventually evolved into this sweet little space. Created and designed by local Kentucky natives with the help of the Amish community - quality at its finest.
COZY UP
Inside you will find a small, but surprisingly accommodating living area boasting "the coziest seat in all the gorge" -- an unbelievably snuggly, soft and furry double papasan chair. Nature is integrated throughout with plenty of live plants from pothos to zz's. Enjoy unique decorations featuring local artists such as Allison Maggard. If you happen to find time to get bored, you'll find board games and a smart TV to keep you entertained.
NOURISH
You'll find everything you need in the small, but well-appointed kitchen. A full-size fridge and sink, microwave, two induction cooktop burners, and a well-stocked K-cup station along with plenty of dishware and a few pots and pans. There is also a small bar top/breakfast nook which comfortably seats 3. We provide olive oil, salt and pepper. NOTE: No oven
REST + RECHARGE
Climb on up to your private loft with a queen-sized bed, plenty of pillows, and an enchanting canopy to keep it cozy and fun. Downstairs you will find your master bedroom with a queen-sized bed equipped with Serta stay cool pillows. Don't worry though - if you prefer a different sleep experience, we offer a pillow menu with alternate Serta options. And don't forget your beautiful east-facing window-front, allowing you to rise to the morning sun and fall asleep to the stars. NOTE: Guests must climb a ladder to access the upstairs loft bedroom. Highly recommend bringing luggage that can easily be carried up the ladder (ie backpack). There is a large backpack provided to assist guests in carrying belongings up the ladder.
GET OUTSIDE
Step outside the master bedroom onto your own spacious sundeck. Enjoy the seclusion and privacy afforded by the limestone cliffs and abundant greenery. Get cozy around your private fire pit with natural boulder seating.
OTHER THINGS TO NOTE:
This cabin is situated in a secluded, wooded area with some steep hills, branches, and other potential dangers. Please do not leave small children unattended and please always be very careful!
Check out the rest of our tiny cabin community! The Naturalist and the Stoic are both available to rent on AirBNB or rent all three at a reduced price! Check out our "other listings" under our profile.
Secluded in a private valley, yet still in the heart of Red River Gorge, The Taoist is only 3 miles from Natural Bridge and 4 miles from Muir Valley. Easily access all the Gorge has to offer, from epic hikes, to world-class rock climbing, to underground kayaking.
Other Notes
This home is not set up specifically for children or infants. We gladly allow children of all ages but we do not have baby gates, outlet covers, or pack-n-plays available in these units.
Our well water is filtered and safe for consumption, however, some guests may prefer to bring their own water.
4WD/AWD is required - Very steep gravel road.
✸✸SHORT TERM RENTAL AGREEMENT & RULES✸✸
BY BOOKING A RENTAL AT THE PREMISES, YOU HEREBY AGREE TO THE FOLLOWING RULES AND REGULATIONS:
1. Check-in Time: After 4:00 PM EST.
2. Check-out Time: No later than 11:00 AM EST. If you fail to check out by this time on your last scheduled day at the Premises, you may be liable for the cost of an extra night.
3. Security Deposit: Guests will provide the deposit as laid out by booking platforms for potential damages. The deposit will be returned less any amount deducted to cover damages. If the damages exceed the deposit amount, you may be liable for any shortage.
4. Management Hours and Communication Method: All communications shall be sent and received through the booking platform. Our office hours are typically 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM (EST) Monday through Friday. Management will be available on weekends to respond on an as-needed basis and will attempt to return any messages as quickly as possible on weekends.
5. Garbage: Please discard garbage in bags into the proper receptacle that is provided.
6. General and Safety Rules:
✸ Fires are not allowed anywhere inside of the Premises. Any unauthorized fires (including candles) will be charged $60.00 plus damages. Fireworks cannot be used on the grounds or balconies at the Premises.
✸ Possession or use of a firearm is prohibited.
✸ Possession or use of illegal narcotics is prohibited.
✸ No tampering with fire/burglar alarm equipment and devices
✸ No underage consumption of alcoholic beverages on the Premises and no contributing to the delinquency of minors.
✸ Do not leave windows and doors open while operating air conditioning.
✸ The refrigerator/freezer temperature settings should be set in the middle position for optimal performance. Please do not adjust their settings.
7. Occupancy: If more people of any age at any point in time are brought to the Premises that were not included on the original reservation, you will be asked to leave the Premises without a refund. Our maximum occupancy is 4 guests.
8. Age Restriction: Primary renter must be at least 25 years of age, and have a government issued photo ID on file with the booking platform. You cannot book if you will not be staying the entire booking period. Guests under the minimum age must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. No exceptions. Any reservation obtained under false pretense will be subject to forfeiture of any payment, reservation fee or final payment and check-in will not be permitted or eviction of guest who has already checked in may occur.
9. Outdoor Security Camera: There are outdoor security cameras mounted facing each entrance for security purposes only.
10. Forgotten Items: Items left in the Premises or car during your stay are not the responsibility of the property managers. If your personal items are left in or at the Premises after your departure, you will be notified if they are found. They can be returned to the address you specify. There will be a shipping and handling fee to return. There will be a $25.00 service charge in addition to postage for any items that have to be mailed back to you.
11. Smoking Policy: No smoking or vaping. Smoking or vaping is not permitted at the Premises at any time. The outdoor areas are also non-smoking areas. Evidence of smoking will result in an additional minimum $250 cleaning fee post-checkout.
12. Septic System: The house runs on a septic tank system. Please ONLY flush toilet paper down the toilets. Please use the trash cans for baby wipes, feminine products, tissues, napkins, cotton balls, Q-Tips, etc. Please don’t put food or grease in the kitchen sink or disposal. All food waste should be placed in trash cans provided.
13. Owner’s Closets: Please do not attempt to open or tamper with the owner’s closets. If it is discovered the closets were tampered with, an additional fee of $100.00 plus damages will be charged to you.
14. Kitchen: Use the cutting boards provided when cutting food items, instead of cutting directly on the countertops. Please wash all of your dirty dishes before your departure. If an excessive amount of dirty dishes is left behind, an additional cleaning fee of $50.00 will be charged to the guest.
15. Disturbances: Occupancy and use of the Premises shall not disturb nearby guests. Quiet hours are 11:00 PM EST to 7:00 AM EST. If guests are found to be having a party that is or could be disruptive to other guests, we have the right to terminate the rental agreement and ask disruptive guests to leave the Premises. No refund will be given and an additional minimum $100 cleaning fee will be applied.
16. Pet Requirements & Rules: You are allowed to bring up to 2 dogs that each way 40 pounds or less. The pet fee is $40.00 per trip. The dogs must be under guest supervision and are never to be left at the Premises unattended except if they are in a crate. Dogs are not allowed on any furniture or bed at the Premises. If our cleaning team is required to conduct a deep clean due to dog hair on the furniture, beds, or linens, we will charge an additional $100.00 for this deep clean. Dogs may not relieve themselves on any driveway or porch area. You are required to pick up your dog’s excrement from the yard. If our cleaning team has to pick up dog excrement from the driveway or surrounding areas, an extra $100.00 will be charged to the guest. You will be asked to leave the Premises if your dog(s) is out of control or if your dog(s) is not housebroken. Any damages caused by dog(s) will be repaired by one of our contractors and will be billed directly to you. You accept all liability and damages for dogs brought onto the Premises.
If you attempt to bring in a dog that exceeds the limit and weight requirement, you will be charged an additional $100.00 and asked to leave the Premises. We are happy to accommodate your fur babies so just let us know up front if you will be bringing them.
We do not enforce the dog fee for bona fide service dogs assisting our guests with disabilities. This does not include Emotional Support Animals. Please include the following information when booking if you require a service animal: 1) service animal requirement for disability, and 2) a description of the service or task the animal has been trained to perform.
Please refer to each platform's respective Accessibility Policy for more details.
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