There are cabins, but there are also cabins that make you feel like you have gone back to a less noisy century. This hand-hewn log cabin from the mid-1800s, which is only a few minutes away from Rock Hill, South Carolina, is definitely the latter one. The cabin, with its timeworn logs set against the view of four private acres, gives you back the lost peace of the past which only original historic buildings can make.
It was a time when South Carolina was still a child and the United States was recovering from the civil war, so every dovetail corner and chinked wall of this cabin is a witness to the past. The logs—made of one, strong, and darkened by over 170 winters—are like a deep, golden shade of amber that only real antiquity can produce. The big hand-hewn beams on the ceiling still have the marks of the adze that shaped them, and the wide-plank pine floors softly greet the feet with a very nice mode of old tradition. This is not a reproduction. This is real—the one that has been there for the past generations and is now waiting for the new ones to come.
The cabin looks quite good from outside. A traditional front porch with a swing is perfect for slow mornings with coffee and birdsong, while a large back deck with a gas grill is great for sunset dinners under the oak trees. There is a private hot tub, located on the lower level and awaiting you, to be the perfect reward after a day of exploring Winthrop University, Glencoe Park, or downtown Rock Hill’s restaurants and galleries. You can find your way to the stone fire ring in the evening, where talking and laughter mix with the fire oak crackling sound.
The cabin, moreover, is a perfect blend of the rustic style and modern conveniences with a heart. The main living area is built around a fireplace fed by wood and faced in the local stone, and the hearth is large enough to put several rocking chairs on cold nights. The bare beams and the tongue-and-groove pine ceilings are very high and give the place a light and airy feeling of a kind of chapel on the ground floor. The natural light coming in through the strategically positioned windows seems to work against the warmth of the wooden walls which make up the whole room.
The kitchen is wonderfully conceived—fully equipped with everything that may be required for anything from meals that are prepared in a jiffy to splendid feasts. A farmhouse table is big enough to seat all the people you can gather; meanwhile, the dining room next to it leads straight to the back deck, which is perfect if you want to have meals both indoors and outdoors. There is also a half-bath on the main level which adds to the convenience factor, while upstairs, a luxurious full bathroom with the cabin’s crown jewel features: a large claw-foot soaking tub, perfect for those long, relaxing evenings with quiet and candles.
The bedroom options both pay homage to the past and provide the necessary comfort. On the ground floor, the bedroom has a queen bed with soft linens, while the upper loft—reached by a sturdy staircase—open space with two additional twin beds (or room for air mattresses) is available. The loft’s ceiling slopes and the dormer windows give it a warm, cozy atmosphere like a tree house which kids and grown-ups alike will love. With the well-thought-out things that are placed everywhere, namely the comfortable bedding, the reading lamps, and the hooks for coats and towels, the cabin can accommodate four people very comfortably and five in a pinch.
Animals are not only allowed here; they are given privileges. There are four acres of both fenced and unfenced land that gives dogs the freedom to run and play, while the cabin’s sturdy floors and surfaces that are easy to clean mean that muddy paws should never be a concern. Children are delighted to explore the gentle trails, to catch fireflies, and to take the loft as their secret domain. The cabin manages to feel both very nice and perfectly used, at the same time, as if you were borrowing your favorite aunt’s beloved country home for the weekend.
Nothing has been left to chance. The cabin is always kept in a perfect state by the use of central heating and air conditioning, no matter the season. Remote workers are able to stay connected when needed due to high-speed internet. Laundry after lake days is taken care of by a stacked washer/dryer. Coffee, cooking essentials, and local recommendations are among the items with which the kitchen comes stocked. Not only is the furniture outside chosen for comfort, but also the activities that you can do are considered—going for a sit in the deep seating on the deck, using the Adirondack chairs around the fire pit, or enjoying the glorious porch swing that moves gently in the wind.
The location is the icing on the perfect cabin cake. Although the cabin is only ten minutes away from the downtown area of Rock Hill where you will find vibrant restaurants, breweries, and events, it feels like it is a world apart as it is surrounded by mature trees and open sky. You can reach Winthrop University, Glencoe Park, and the Catawba River in a matter of minutes if you want to go hiking, kayaking, or just take in the beauty of Carolina nature. Charlotte is a 35-minute drive away when you crave the city, thus making this the perfect home base to explore the whole region.
Whether you are doing any of the following: celebrating your anniversary with a bottle of champagne in the claw-foot tub; gathering friends for a long weekend of porch-sitting and storytelling; bringing the dog for a much-needed nature reset; or giving children their first taste of fireflies and star-filled skies, this cabin promises an experience that stays with you for a long time even after you check out. It is the kind of place at which guests write in the journal for the next visitors: “We didn’t want to leave.” “Best sleep in years.” “Already planning our next stay.”
This remarkable mid-1800s log cabin can be rented all year round and booking is possible directly via Airbnb: Airbnb – Historic 1800s Log Cabin near Rock Hill, SC
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Built | Mid-1800s hand-hewn log cabin |
| Guests | 4 comfortably (5 with cot) |
| Bedrooms | 1 + loft sleeping |
| Baths | 1 full + 1 half |
| Special Amenities | Hot tub, claw-foot tub, fire pit, porch swing, pet-friendly |
| Outdoor | Front porch, back deck with grill, 4 private acres |
| Location | 10 minutes to downtown Rock Hill, SC |
Source: Airbnb – Historic 1800s Log Cabin near Rock Hill, SC