About Tipsy Bear Lake House

Tipsy Bear Lake House is one of the crown jewels of the Watershed portfolio — a 5-bedroom luxury log home in the Fontana Lake Estates gated community with a western view of Fontana Lake that turns gold and pink at sunset, every single evening. Both reviews say the same thing: the pictures don’t do it justice. That’s the view from a west-facing deck on Fontana Lake. There is nothing else to say about it except to go see it.

The home itself is built to match the setting. The great room is anchored by a towering stone fireplace with an antler chandelier overhead — the kind of room that stops conversation when you first walk in. A second gas fireplace warms the master suite. A third burns on the covered outdoor deck, so you can sit outside in any weather and watch the lake in the light of an open flame. Three gas fireplaces. A gourmet kitchen. Five bedrooms, each with its own private bath. A jetted tub in the master. And then downstairs — a full bar and game room with a wet bar, shuffleboard table, and video arcade that will keep the group occupied for the entire trip.

The Fontana Lake Estates community adds its own amenities: a private marina to launch your own boat, swimming areas, and picnic facilities. Watershed Cabins can also connect you with a local pontoon rental service if you’d prefer to arrive without a trailer. The Tail of the Dragon at Deal’s Gap is minutes away for driving enthusiasts. The GSMR historic trestle bridge — also visible from the community — is a short drive to board. And Bryson City, the NOC, Tsali, and the full range of Western North Carolina outdoor adventure are all within easy reach.

Sleeping Arrangements

Master Suite Main Level — King bed · Sleeps 2
Private en suite bathroom with jetted tub. Gas-log fireplace. Premier lake views.

Bedroom 2 Upper Level —  queen bed · Sleeps 2
Private en suite bathroom.

Bedroom 3 Upper Level — queen bed · Sleeps 2
Private en suite bathroom.

Bedroom 4 Lower Level — king bed · Sleeps 2
Private en suite bathroom.

Bedroom 5 — Bunk bed · Sleeps up to 3
hall bathroom.

Total: Sleeps up to 11

The Space at a Glance

• 5 Bedrooms · 5 Full Bathrooms · Sleeps up to 11
• Fontana Lake Estates gated community — western sunset views of Fontana Lake from every deck
• Great room with towering stone fireplace and antler chandelier
• Three gas fireplaces — great room, master suite, and covered outdoor deck
• Jetted tub in master en suite
• Hot tub
• Covered deck with lake views and outdoor gas fireplace
• Gas grill and charcoal grill
• Downstairs bar & game room: wet bar, shuffleboard table, and video arcade
• Gourmet kitchen with premium appliances
• Community private marina — launch your own boat or ask us about pontoon rentals
• Community swimming areas and picnic facilities
• Washer and dryer
• Air conditioning
• High-speed WiFi provided by BalsamWest
• Smart lock / keyless entry
• Books and toys for kids provided

Kitchen & Dining

• Gourmet kitchen with premium appliances
• Dishwasher, full-size refrigerator, oven/range, microwave, coffee maker
• Extensive cookware, pans, plates, utensils, and small tools provided
• Coffee maker with starter supply of coffee included
• Dining area inside; covered deck dining with lake views outside

What’s Provided

We stock the home with essentials to get you settled. For a group of this size, we strongly recommend a full grocery run before arriving. Ingles Market in Bryson City is the nearest full grocery store (approximately 20–25 minutes away, closes at 10pm most of the year).

• Trash bags
• Laundry detergent
• Dishwasher pods
• Paper towels
• Toilet paper
• Basic toiletries
• Coffee (starter supply)
• Propane for gas grill, plus a spare tank

Please note these are starter supplies and may not be sufficient for your entire stay. Groceries, beverages, and specialty items are not provided.

Entertainment & Outdoor Features

Great Room & Main Level

• Towering stone gas-log fireplace with antler chandelier
• Spacious open layout for gathering and entertaining
• Premium furnishings throughout

Downstairs Bar & Game Room

• Wet bar with full bar setup
• Shuffleboard table
• Video arcade game

Covered Outdoor Deck

• Gas-log fireplace on covered deck — outdoor fire in any weather
• Western-facing lake and sunset views
• Deck dining and lounging furniture
• Gas grill and charcoal grill

Additional Outdoors

• Hot tub
• Community private marina — launch your boat or ask about pontoon rentals
• Community swimming areas and picnic facilities

Location & Nearby Attractions

Tipsy Bear Lake House is located in the Fontana Lake Estates gated community near Bryson City, NC — directly on Fontana Lake with one of the most dramatic sunset views in the portfolio. Motorcycle and sports car enthusiasts will appreciate the proximity to the Tail of the Dragon. Exact directions provided after booking.

Good to Know

Getting Here: Tipsy Bear Lake House is located within the Fontana Lake Estates gated community near Bryson City. Please drive attentively on the community access road, especially after dark or in wet conditions. Exact directions will be provided after booking.

Lake Access: Fontana Lake Estates has a private marina for launching your own boat. There is no dock directly at the cabin. Community swimming areas and picnic facilities are available to guests. Watershed Cabins can connect you with a local pontoon boat rental service — just ask at time of booking.

Lake Levels: Fontana Lake water levels are managed by the TVA and vary by season. Summer months typically see the highest water levels.

Pets: This property is not pet-friendly. No exceptions.

What Our Guests Are Saying

Maurice  ·  January 2026

“Loved the home! The view was absolutely amazing!”

Lindsey  ·  October 2023

“The pictures did not do the property or the view justice. The Tipsy Bear is a beautiful home with an even better view.”