Blue ghosts
In early summer, blue ghost fireflies sometimes appear along Canterbury below our front door. Try 9–10 p.m.; turn off your light and let your eyes adjust.
We’re so happy you’re here.
Whether you’ve come for dinner, a few days, or just an afternoon on the porch, this is our little collection of things we love about home and Cullowhee, along with a few useful details. Settle in, and ask us what we’ve been enjoying lately.
Choose “interwebs” in your device’s WiFi settings.
An old way of saying stay awhile.
We’ve always loved the sentiment behind those words. They remind us of Fred Tornow, who loved the phrase and everything it represented: front porch sitting, conversations that ran a little longer, and the kind of welcome where nobody was in a hurry for you to leave.
That’s the feeling we hope you find here on Canterbury.
A few moments from around the house, through the seasons.









Swipe to see more photos
There’s always something to notice if you slow down a little.
In early summer, blue ghost fireflies sometimes appear along Canterbury below our front door. Try 9–10 p.m.; turn off your light and let your eyes adjust.
On summer evenings, stand in the driveway and look up. The bats often make their rounds as the light fades.
Bears sometimes come by. Please bring food, trash, and coolers inside rather than leaving them on the deck overnight.
They enjoy a visit and some dried worms from the big plastic tub. About ¼ cup is plenty for the whole flock.
Depending on the season: grapes along the driveway and blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries in the garden. If they’re ripe, enjoy. Or anything you find in the vegetable garden that looks delicious, enjoy!
Past the garden is a black swing for kids and grownups. Keep walking and you’ll find a hammock tucked a little farther away.
Our favorite spots for a quick bite, a slow brunch, a glass of wine, or a dinner out.
Great wings, pizza, and a surprisingly full bar. Just a few minutes down the road.
About 3 minutes awayOur brunch pick: eggs Benedict, the Panko BLT, fresh orange juice, and great burgers.
About 15 minutes awayBurgers and tots, pretzels with beer cheese, and a fried chicken sandwich we keep coming back for.
About 15 minutes awayA relaxed place to linger over a glass of wine, with tapas and charcuterie from Ilda next door.
About 15 minutes awayCharred romaine, arancini, cocktails, and an elevated dinner when the evening calls for one.
About 15 minutes awayThree good reasons to wander downtown Sylva, about 15 minutes from here.
Hiking and outdoor gear, with gifts worth browsing even if you’re not headed to a trail.
Housewares and gifts with a fresh, stylish point of view. A fun place to find something you didn’t know you wanted.
Flowers, plants, and wonderfully witchy gifts in a shop with a vibe all its own.
You don’t have to go far to have a good day.
Head up to Berry Ridge for a beautiful view of WCU and Cullowhee below.
Walk the campus, find the fountain, and explore the older side of WCU. Use designated visitor parking during the day.
A sweet little spot on the Tuckasegee for wading, swimming, or sitting by the river.
A paved path beside the Tuckasegee, with wooded stretches and an easy walk for just about anyone.
Indoor pools and a sauna. Check current hours and the pool schedule before you go.
Mountain places we love, roughly 45 minutes to an hour away. Check weather and access before heading out.
Native plants, quiet paths, and mountain air. For the garden, use the Lower Lake Road entrance.
A classic loop with dramatic rock faces and long views.
The highest point reached by the Blue Ridge Parkway, with a beautiful forest walk if you’d like to stretch your legs.
Open grassy balds and sweeping mountain views. One of our favorite places for a proper outing.
Swim, paddle, rent a boat, or just spend a little time beside the water.
The guest book is in the foyer. Whether you’re here for an evening or a few days, we’d love a note from you. Tell us something you noticed, a place you loved, or a small moment you’d like us to remember. The people who spend time with us become part of the story of this place.
An ant crosses your carpet.
A spider weaves a pattern older than mammals beneath your stairs.
Just nod, breathe, and think,
“Good. It’s all still here.
The forest, the mountains, the desert.
At home in my home.”
The sterile white box is the stranger.
Not the ant.
Not the spider.
— Jarod K. Anderson
When I am among the trees,
especially the willows and the honey locust,
equally the beech, the oaks and the pines,
they give off such hints of gladness.
I would almost say that they save me, and daily.
I am so distant from the hope of myself,
in which I have goodness, and discernment,
and never hurry through the world
but walk slowly, and bow often.
Around me the trees stir in their leaves
and call out, “Stay awhile.”
The light flows from their branches.
And they call again, “It’s simple,” they say,
“and you too have come
into the world to do this, to go easy, to be filled
with light, and to shine.”
— Mary Oliver
Tyree and Sarah Kiser built this house in 1966. Tyree served as Dean of Admissions of Western Carolina University, while Sarah ran a framing business from home as they raised their 4 children. We’re grateful for the life they began here and for everyone who adds a little more to its story.