Watershed Cabins was formed by Tim Goodwin & Ron Larocque in 1998 (called "Nantahala Mountaintop Cabins" at the time). They built their first cabin (Rocky View) with the idea of enjoying the cabin part-time and renting it out to others the rest of the time. Both owners were full-time Atlanta residents at the time, but the more time they spent in the Smokies, the more they realized the growth potential of the area. It became immediately apparent that many of the regular outdoor enthusiasts who were coming up for mountain biking, hiking, rafting, and all the great things in the area, were longing for a better place to stay. They set their sights on providing more luxury level rentals. They bought a little more land and expanded the business plan to include 4 more cabins.
Next, they became licensed as General Contractors in North Carolina and supplemented the construction of their own cabins with the construction of cabins for others. Typically, they would build for like-minded people who would enjoy their cabin frequently, but rent it out while back home in Florida (clients have grown to include destinations from Minnesota to Miami).
The next big step was partnering with Mike Drinkwater to take the business to a higher level. They bought 50 acres at the intersection of Needmore Road and Highway 74 (sort of the "gateway" to the most popular outdoor attractions because the property sits where the road splits to go to either the Nantahala River or to the Tsali mountain bike trails).
The Watershed property is growing to be a resort-like community. It doesn't have a swimming pool or other resort features (yet!), but the cabins are walking distance to each other and therefore attract larger families and groups. Each cabin still enjoys a level of privacy and seclusion to rent independently, though.
With the visibility of the Watershed property and the success of the business, it was time to create a unique identity. Thus, the entire business was renamed to "Watershed Cabins" and has grown to either own or manage over 50 units. The collection of cabins includes the Watershed property with its luxury, hand-crafted log homes, plus off-site cabins ranging from similar luxury log homes to "value" cabins. There's a unit for everyone's budget, and they all have a hot tub, comfortable furnishings, and the same level of cleanliness and quality.
Ron has since relocated permanently to Bryson City and has become a prominent citizen and is very active in the Swain County Rescue Squad. Tim is still holding out in Atlanta, but commutes as needed to the mountains. Tim's mother, Sharon, has "retired" to the area from Florida (nobody has ever worked harder in retirement) and manages the reservations.
In addition to a construction company, a property management business, and a real estate resort development, the business now includes a retail furniture store, Watershed Trading Company, that features many of our popular cabin furnishings, as well as gifts, accessories, and a whole lot more.
Come see us at Watershed...roughing it has never been so luxurious.