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January 22, 2007
Brea,
What a wonderful weekend getaway! The
house is beautiful and the amenities were
first class. This was an anniversary we will
definitely never forget. Great city, great
cabin, great memory. We look forward to
coming back with our family. Thank you.
Love, Zach and Mikah R.
Houston, Texas
January 19-22, 2007
February 3, 2007
Dear Brea
Thank you so much for allowing us to have
this great winter “getaway”. The chalet is
perfect not to mention the view and the “hot
tub”. Friends like you are one-in-a-million.
Love, Perry
New York
January 31-February 3, 2007
February 3,2007
Brea,
This could be my home away from home! I
find myself not wanting to tell anyone about
this beautiful place - inside and out. I
hope to be here many more times to just sit
and enjoy!
Thank you!
Love, June
Asheville, NC
February 2-3, 2007
February 3, 2007
Dear Brea,
Coming from Austria, I truly appreciate
this view as well as the chalet. Your great
taste shows in every thing you do and this
is another jewel in your crown. Keep it for
a long time so we may “hang out” often.
Thank you for your friendship and
hospitality.
Much love, Gerta of Austria
New York
January 31-February 3, 2007
March 5, 2007
Brea,
Your cabin is
absolutely beautiful! Thank you for
your kindness and hospitality. We
appreciate your attention to detail both
prior to our arrival and here in the cabin
as well. We had a wonderful time.
We will never forget the beautiful scenery
we woke up to every morning. The
children finally got to see snow
yesterday (3/4)! It was so amazing for
us to wake up, look out the windows, and see
the snow falling. We took plenty of
pictures and will be sure to send you some.
We are sad to leave and hope to come back
again in the near future.
All Our Love,
Cristina, Raul, Joshua,
Matthew - Miami, FL
Paula & Samantha -
Charlotte, NC
March 1-March 5, 2007
March 14, 2007
Brea,
Thank you so much for
letting us stay in your chalet. It is
beautiful and the views are amazing.
We had so many things planned to see on our
stay, but this place is so cozy that we
found ourselves not wanting to leave the
cabin. You could not have picked a
better place for the hot tub. Its nice
to be able to relax in the tub and enjoy the
view. I almost forgot to mention the
robes. They are the most comfortable
thing I think I have ever worn. I did
not want to take it off. Thank you so
much. Next time we are staying longer.
Not wanting to go
home,
Kelly and Aaron
Fredericksburg, VA
March 11-March 14, 2007
March 19, 2007
Brea,
Thanks for letting us
stay in your wonderful chalet. It was
a great birthday weekend! Paul and I
were able to get away and relax. The
views were amazing as were the night sky and
stars. It's been a lovely trip and we
hope to come out again.
Love,
Sabrina and Paul
Houston, TX
March 15-March 19, 2007
April 7, 2007
Brea & Dave,
We arrived Wednesday
evening April 4th to this spectacular cabin
full of warmth and beauty. It was so
well furnished we felt right at home within
minutes of our arrival. The adventure
began (the very next day) with the beautiful
landscape surrounding this beautiful
city. Filled with awesome mountains,
waterfalls, dogwoods and red buds, it was
nature at its best right outside the doors
of this cabin. On our final day, we
left the cabin draped by the snow.
Touches of spring and winter - couldn't have
thought of anything better - good friends,
good wine, good living...It was totally
awesome!
Mick, Vanessa & Jack
Gulfport, MS
April 4-April 7, 2007
May 4, 2007
Brea,
This place is so
beautiful. Thank you for everything.
We love it here.
(phone comments)
Mehrdad & friends
Forest Hill, NY
Mat 3-6, 2007
May 13, 2007
Dear Brea
What a beautiful
weekend we had! Thank you for allowing
us to make this our temporary home of
relaxation. We were able to reconnect
and take our minds off of our usually busy
lives. You've designed such an amazing
chalet -- you have an incredible taste for
decor! We plan on making this our
annual weekend getaway to the mountains. :)
Sincerely,
Ada, Nick, Jon, George,
Kristen & Al
Cary, NC
Rocky Mount, NC
Martin, TN
May 10-13, 2007
May 26, 2007
Brea,
It is very relaxing
here. Everything is very nice and we
like the cabin very much.
(phone comments)
Debbie & Luz
Longwood, FL
May 25-29, 2007
June 17, 2007
I've had a fantastic
week here in your lovely chalet with Charles
and April. The scenery is quite spectacular
and we have even seen your resident black
bear!! The "quietude" was only disturbed on
a few nights by the most incredible electric
storms. We've never seen lightening quite
like it! We wish we could stay another week
here in the sun and using the wonderful hot
tub. We hope we can come here again when we
are next over in your country.
David and Carolyn Irvine
(here with son & daughter-in-law Charles &
April - Houston TX)
Banchery, Aberdeenshire,
SCOTLAND, UK
June 10-17, 2007
June 20, 2007
Dear Brea,
We had a wonderful
time here. The chalet is a very special
place and beautifully appointed. As our
time to leave drew near, we found ourselves
wishing we had booked a few more days. Your
attention to detail is obvious and all of
your tips were quite helpful even the
weather was cooperative! Being from New
Orleans, we were looking for a reprieve from
the heat and we got it!! It's apparent that
this has to be your "sanctuary" and we both
understand why. Everything was wonderful.
Best regards,
Jim & Wanda
New Orleans, LA
June 18-20, 2007
June 23, 2007
Everything is wonderful.
Thank you. It is beautiful.
(phone comments)
Sandy & Nancy
Cincinnati, OH
June 22-24, 2007
July 14, 2007 Dear Brea
This has been a dream vacation for us
this past two weeks. We love your
chalet, the hot tub, the view, the deck -
everything is beautiful. Our family
from Sugar Land and Los Angeles love it all.
We have had the best time with family, our
family in Asheville. DeVore's old
friends in Asheville that grew up with him
in Lake View Park and still live there! The two sisters of his dear friend and Best
Man at our wedding (54 years ago) took us
out to dinner. Our friends and family
are so dear to us and it was wonderful to be
here and visit with them. Thank you
dear Brea -- we look forward to seeing you
in Houston! Love,
Trema & DeVore B. Austin,
Texas July 1-15 2007
July 19, 2007 Dear Brea
The chalet was all that we had hoped for
and more! We were looking for a
secluded, quiet retreat for study and
reflection and these surroundings were
perfect. Your attention to detail and
the needs of your guests really made our
stay here exceptional.
A black bear visited us the first
evening, around dusk. We observed him
from the front deck for about 10 minutes
before he moved along into the woods again.
This was the highlight of our stay at the
chalet and something we had never
experienced before!
Thanks for making this special place
accessible to others -- we'll be back!
Mike & Cheryl
Savannah, Georgia
July 16-19, 2007
July 27, 2007 Brea
Had a fabulous week in your lovely
home...Thanks so much for the hospitality.
Unfortunately, we did not see a bear.
A wild turkey was the extent of our wild
life viewing around the chalet.
Our time here will be remembered for a
long time. Thanks
Paul & Kelly July 21-28,
2007
August 3, 2007 We had
such a wonderful time. Great place!
So much better than a hotel room...spent
much time on the deck reading and relaxing.
Great things to do as well:
*Downtown Asheville
*Lake Lure (74A East a beautiful drive
all by itself)
*White water rafting
*Biltmore Estate
*Grove Park Inn
We will recommend this place to all we
know! Thanks Brea!
Bobby, Shelia & Zoe (age 9)
Houston, Texas July
29-August 3, 2007
August 6, 2007 Thanks
Brea! Your cabin is
lovely, and we so enjoyed our long weekend
stay. We are already planning our next
visit! :)
Thanks so much!
John, Kate, David & Gretchen
August 3-6, 2007
August 25, 2007 Dear Brea
- Thank you for
sharing this lovely mountain hideaway with
others! When I was younger, I believed
these mountains to be magical! As an adult,
I still feel that! This cabin is so
comfortable and the views are beautiful!
We reluctantly leave, hoping to return in
the future! We have made wonderful
memories and go home with full hearts!
Thank you again!
Dorothy & Sean Ruston,
Louisiana August 18-25,
2007
Ode to Chalet Quietude
Brea, Brea, don't you see,
It didn't take a lot to set our souls
free.
A beautiful forest, the softness of
sound, Your house
that is ever so tastefully found.
The hummers and finches and chickadees
came, The
butterflies feasted on flowers aflame.
Some squirrels were so busy, then froze
on the spot, As a
lovely blue racer came crossing the lot.
Oh wonderful beds, sheets, pillows and
such, "Twas much
too erotic for ol' farts like us!
And what can we say of that hot tub - oh
my! The perfect
day's ending for our bodies (unshy).
So thanks for the blessings, a vacation
high, Carolina to
all and to all a goodbye!
Gene & Marty Houston,
Texas August 31-September
4, 2007
September 9, 2007 This
has been a great long weekend for me.
I was able to bring my lovely twin
daughters. We did a little hiking,
fine dining and relaxation. I made
some repairs, added a ceiling fan to the
Queen bedroom, removed spider webs from deck
ceiling & cut down a cherry tree that was
loaded with bagworms. I am excited to
say that I've made an offer on another home
about 10 miles from this one. If all
goes well with inspections, we will have a
new cottage and I will name it "Charmed
Cottage". More about it later.
Life is great!
Brea Gratia Houston,
Texas Owner, Chalet
Quietude September 5-9,
2007
September 29, 2007 Dear
Brea Thank you for
sharing your beautiful chalet! We had
a wonderful time. Your place is very
inviting and all your special touches are
much appreciated.
All the best!
Mary & George Blythwood,
SC September 22-29, 2007
October 16, 2007 Dear
Brea Thank you for the
inviting and beautiful chalet you have
created here in the natural beauty that
surrounds your home. We had a
wonderful time here, perfect weather and
fall colors beginning to illuminate the
mountains. We enjoyed the hot tub,
deck and fresh air...We thank Jerry for
inviting us to share in this Asheville
experience! I am sure many more people
will come and enjoy all the peace and beauty
here. Thank you!
Jennifer & Joe
Houston, Texas
October 12-16, 2007
October 17, 2007 Brea
This place is more than I expected.
It is beautiful and you have really done a
great job decorating this place. There
is nothing missing - we have everything we
need. It is very relaxing here and I
would have loved to have taken a nap on the
deck. Great place!
(by phone) Jerry
Houston, Texas October
12-17, 2007
October 21, 2007 One
day an Episcopal priest, a Baptist prison
chaplain, a college professor, and artist
and therapist, and an oak tree (sorry, bit
of a private joke) walk into a chalet and
the funny thing is, they couldn’t believe
their good fortune. The beauty and serenity
converged in a home away from home in a way
they never imagined possible or possible to
them.
We are five women who
try desperately to spend a few days every
year together to make each other laugh and
drink good wine and share our burdens and
blessings and railings against the world and
come out on the other side with a bit more
sanity and hope. It is a miracle when we
find we can carve out the time—one is the
head chaplain of a maximum security prison
(800 men) not so far from here; one a
therapist from Maine whose clients are from
the poorest county in the entire country and
whose daily life is spent in the midst of
heart-wrenching stories of poverty and
family neglect; one is a biblical professor
in Virginia who coaxes students who could
care less to think about human worth and
value; one an Episcopal priest in Tennessee
who is considering where best to use her
considerable talents (editorial comment)
even if it means changing jobs and moving
away from beloved grandchildren; and one is
a writer (part-time oak tree) from New York
who is trying to absorb hard truths about
friends who are dying among them a rather
adorable 13 yr old Springer Spaniel.
We speak of children, grandchildren,
jobs, partners, ex-spouses, ex-bosses,
people we wish were ex-bosses, the state of
the world, the state of our aging parents,
our bodies, car repair, star and moon
alignment, unwanted facial hair, recipes,
the election of ’08, “helpful” foundation
garments (those last two are unrelated for
the most part).
The chalet has given us time and space to be
and to be with one another. We will never
have more comfortable beds or lovelier ways
to spend our days. The setting is
restorative and the silence (no false
advertising with the name here!) is deeply
nourishing. The leaves were just beginning
their full display of color and we had the
most wonderful arc of weather—misty rains
with clouds breaking to a stunning sunset
followed by a cloudless day for a starry and
half-moon night. Our one venture to the hot
tub was in this twilight to stars happily
and luckily timed to include that clear,
bright moon shining down on us. Much
giggling in the bubbly water that will have
the forest creatures swapping stories for
awhile. A dip in
the temp meant a fire tonight-lovely, and a
perfect way to end a most welcome, needed,
appreciated, cherished and memorable
weekend. Thank-you
for this gift to us. All the best to you in
these happy sanctuaries you are creating.
Nancy from Asheville
Lynda from Richmond, VA
Eyleen from Memphis
Abigail from New York City
Annie from Calais, Maine
October 18-21, 2007
November 5, 2007 My
husband and I came to Asheville to celebrate
my 50th birthday. We understood that
we would be too late for the peek of the
fall foliage, but due to good fortune, we
hit it dead on.
The colors were stunning - inside and out I
might add. Chateau Quietude was simply
perfect. We enjoyed some wonderful
hikes, great food, as well as an art safari
in Weaverville.
Thank you Brea for offering such a warm and
elegant space with all the amenities to make
our stay so restorative.
Best wishes, Jessie &
Richard
West Grove, PA
October 31 - November 5, 2007
Same Couple from the airport:
Brea,
We are at AVL waiting to board and I just
wanted to let you know that our stay at
Chalet Quietude was simply luscious, and we
could not have picked a more perfect place
for us to celebrate Jessie's birthday. Thank
you for sharing the space you have created.
We thought we would miss the peak leaf
peeping, but mother nature timed it for our
trip perfectly, and we never saw a cloud for
the five days we were here.
We will not hesitate to stay again next time
we come to Asheville, which hopefully isn't
too far in the future.
Regards,
Richard and Jessie
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
November 11, 2007 Dear
Brea, Many thanks for
sharing your mountain home with us! We
have completely enjoyed our stay -- not long
enough. Your chalet is so lovely,
inviting and comfortable we did not want to
leave to go into town. What an amazing
place inside and out - to unwind, come back
to life and realize all which is really
important. This is solitude at it's
best - the most gorgeous views. The
trees and their leaves beautiful this time
of year. We managed to see one very
fat raccoon and one more day so everything
possible. Thank
you, Brea. I enjoyed our visit
Saturday morning. Your attentiveness
to our comfort - your attention to detail
uniquely your own.
We will be back - also look forward to
your "Charmed Cottage". I know we'll be
greatly charmed by your presence and hard
work! Kindest
regards, Kaye & Debs
Mooresville, NC November
8-11, 2007
December 9, 2007
Greetings from the Fulchers and the Roemers
This day brings an end to our joint family
getaway. Chalet Quietude added to our
memories and experiences. Although we
chose to enjoy the hot tub fully clothed
(swimsuits anyway), we will remember it for
years to come. The chalet had all the
amenities we could ask for.
Thank you Brea! The
Roemers & Fulchers
December 7-9, 2007
January 1, 2008 We had a
wonderful time in Asheville. Thanks so much
for sharing your lovely "little bit of
paradise". We had two beautiful, clear
and sunny days with great sunrises and
sunsets. The sheets and robes were
wonderful. I love down comforters, but
they are usually too heavy for Jim - this
one seemed just right. We enjoyed
having the robes - that is such a nice
"touch" too. We had a wonderful
candlelight night tour of the Biltmore and
it was beautiful - lots of musicians &
decorations inside the house which really
added to the festivities. We spent all
afternoon on the "estate" - touring the
gardens, wine tasting, and dinner at the
Bistro at the Winery - which was delicious -
ending with the house tour at 8:00 p.m.
New Year's Eve was the sunniest and best
weather day for us - so we elected to drive
out to Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. Had a
delicious lunch at La Strada on Lake Lure.
Since we were pretty full from our lunch, we
just stopped and bought some light groceries
and cooked at the cabin. The sky was
perfectly clear so lots of stars. We sat in
the hot tub with our glass of wine and
watched the stars - a GREAT way to spend New
Year's Eve we thought. Oh - the city of
Asheville didn't have the fireworks display
anyway - said there was no funding this
year. We also drove over to Black
Mountain one day on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Part of the Parkway was closed for repairs.
We want to go back sometime and drive down
the whole Parkway - stopping for hiking and
sight-seeing along the way. We'll end up in
Asheville. We may do this in late October
2009. I'll be anxious to see pictures of
your new rental cottage.
Thanks again!
Jim & Rita Houston, Texas
December 27 to January 1, 2008
January 20, 2008
Dear Brea,
Thank you for sharing your wonderful,
heavenly retreat with me. My long
weekend has been filled with peace,
beautiful scenery, and a brisk snow. I
cam here for some peace and solitude; I left
here with reflection, renewal and a new
heart felt friend. This cabin is a
blissful place and you have blessed it with
your sense of style, comfort and caring.
Thank you for joining me this evening for
our fireside talk. I'm proud to say
the fire is still going and has ignited even
brighter. I look forward to returning
to this wonderful retreat and hope to share
it with those I love in the future.
Blessings,
Linda P
Knoxville, Tennessee
January 18-20, 2008
January 27,2008
Brea,
Your chalet in the woods is beautiful.
It was the perfect getaway on a short
weekend. We came by it by luck (a
friend of ours reserved it, but couldn't
come, so we did -- how lucky for us).
Thank you -- you can feel your hospitality
in every fiber of this place! Must
come back. :-)
Jennifer D
Charlotte, NC
January 26-27, 2008
March 16, 2008
It is fantastic! We are so
impressed and we love the hot tub. You
gave perfect directions. It is more
than we thought it would be.
(by phone)
Scott & Malaia
Bethlehem, GA
Marcy 14-16, 2008
March 19, 2008
Dear Mom,
Thank you so much for letting me and Colt
stay here! We have had so much fun.
The cabin is beautiful and I want it! :)
The other cabin is really great also and I
can't wait till it is finished. Colt
and I watched the most beautiful sunset in
the hot tub...definitely a moment I wont
ever forget! It was nice to get away
from Houston city life for a week, I am
dreading going back tomorrow. I love
you so much and I am very proud of you!
You are a great woman and you have created a
beautiful get-away haven!
I Love You
Sammie
Houston, Texas
March 14-20, 2008
March 19, 2008
The first night here we saw the most
beautiful sunset I've ever seen. It
was great not having to be anywhere at any
given time. Being that we live in
Houston, it was so nice being able to enjoy
peace and quiet. No car alarms, police
sirens, or ambient freeway noise. I
hope to be invited back ASAP. Thank
you for everything. The house is
lovely, clean and perfect for a getaway week
or weekend.
Colt
Houston, Texas
March 14-20, 2008
March 21, 2008
Dear Brea
We had a very special and serendipitous
two nights in your lovely chalet thanks to
our dear friends ~ Mark & Sue Anderson.
The chalet's well perched on the top of this
great mountain allowing us lovely sunsets
and views of the full moon. The men
made it into the hot tub as well as Faith --
she's only 9 and doesn't feel the cold the
way the women folk did...no excuses...just
too lazy. Great fire lit, group
sittings with a great sound system. We
felt a million miles away from our home in
Fredericksburg, VA. Loved all the
amenities - comfy robes, well-stocked
kitchen, great sheets and simply a well
appointed chalet. Thank you for being
mindful of all the many details. Hope
to be back again.
David & Anjela Eubank
Fredericksburg, VA
March 21, 2008
March 22, 2008
Hi Brea!
It's going to be difficult to leave this
morning. What a cozy get-a-way.
I love "my" robe and the bed was a dream.
It was a pleasure meeting you and visiting
your cottage. I think you have found
your calling in finding perfect get-a-ways.
Next time we will stay longer -- we plan to
come back to find our own spot. :)
You have inspired us and given us
plenty of ideas as to what to look for.
Thank you again for your hospitality and for
sharing your little piece of heaven.
Blessings to you and your family!
Faith, Mark & Sue Anderson
March 22, 2008
March 30, 2008
Dear Brea,
What a beautiful setting in a perfect
mountain chalet. Thank you for sharing
your house with the Johnson family.
You provided for all our needs here, from
the tranquil setting, to the comfortable
beds, full kitchen and all the little extras
like comfy robes, CD player. We will
share our experience with friends.
All the best,
Nancy Johnson
March 30, 2008
April 18, 2008
Brea,
Thanks for providing such a wonderful
place for people to stay! We so
enjoyed our week. The beds were
comfortable, the kitchen was well outfitted
and the setting for the hot tub was perfect.
I'm so glad we came the week we did.
We got to see the view at the beginning of
the week through the tree limbs without
leaves, we got to see enough snow to cover
the forest floor and we ended the week
watching the forest turn greener by the day.
We got to see turkeys roosting in the trees
at night while we were roasting in the hot
tub. If the trees had leafed out, we
would have missed seeing this. And the
sounds we got to hear! We head a tree
die (and crash to it's death on the forest
floor) and turkeys congregating for their
morning visitation. And then we heard
absolute silence, which is so foreign to
city slickers! Our visit to Biltmore
was wonderful. We were lucky enough to
visit during the Festival of Flowers!
We ate out three times and had three great
meals, but the meal at the Bouchon was the
best. Try the bouillabaisse! It
was fantastic! It was a great week!
Thanks for everything!
The Ruggles Family
Missouri and Iowa
April 26, 2008
Dear Brea,
Thank you so much for sharing your chalet
with us. The name fits it well ~ it is
very peaceful and quiet here. We
enjoyed our mornings sitting on the porch
looking out over the valley and listening to
the birds. We loved the soft sheets,
the coziness of the house, and the relaxing
hot tub. We visited the Biltmore
Estate, hiked trails near the Arboretum, and
shopped in downtown Asheville. This
has definitely been one of our favorite girl
trips.
Sincerely,
Stacey Franklin (Lubbock, TX)
Lynn Campbell (Muleshoe, TX)
Tricia Campbell (Trophy Club, TX)
Kristi Fuqua (Atlanta, GA)
April 26 2008
May 2, 2008
Brea:
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at your
chalet. It was immaculate, quiet and
beautifully decorated. As a soon-to-be
neighbor (Red Oak Forest Blvd), we say thank
you.
Mike and Cindy D
Mantua, NY
May 2, 2008
April 18, 2008
May 20, 2008
Brea
Thank you for sharing your wonderful
retreat with us. We thoroughly enjoyed
the peace, the view and of course, the hot
tub.
All the best,
Ellen & David S
Columbia, SC
May 30, 2008
A lovely time in a lovely place....
Beth C & Alan P.
Nashville, TN
Michael Z.
Kensington, CA
June 28, 2008
Brea
Thank you so much for you beautiful
cabin. It was our 28th wedding
anniversary and we couldn't have spent it at
a more romantic place. You were a
wonderful hostess. We never rented
anywhere else where somebody was so
concerned with our comfort and needs.
The cabin was wonderfully equipped with
everything and all the extras like a
heavenly bed and sheets. The hot tub
view - well amazing. We never wanted
to get out. I like the book idea
because somebody recommended a restaurant we
enjoyed - Bouchon - try the Portobello
mushroom.
We weren't visited by the bear - just
friendly rabbits, butterflies and squirrels.
The fire flies brought back memories of
summer at my grandparents.
Thanks
Becky & John B.
Houma, LA
July 15, 2008
Dear Brea
After two weeks in these beautiful
mountains and your lovely chalet, it is
very, very hard to leave. We have
enjoyed every minute. We treasure our
family and old friends here and in
Greenwood, SC and our dear friends who
visited for a few days from "Fleet Landing",
Florida. We are hoping that we can
come back next summer.
Our love and all good wishes,
Trema & DeVore B.
Austin, Texas
July 2-16, 2008
(Trema and DeVore were here last year same
time for a 2 weeks stay each time)
July 28, 2008
Brea
We said we were not going to wait til the
last day to write in your book - and here we
are - last day - last hour reflecting back
on a week filled with so much - so much love
- so much togetherness - so much
appreciation for each other. We came
to celebrate our anniversary together - and
we did celebrate - we were able to enjoy all
that Asheville had to offer. But more
importantly, we were able to relish in all
we had to offer each other. Your home
made this so easy. Some days we did so
much and others we did nothing at all.
It was a perfect retreat, a perfect place
for us to be able to celebrate.
Thank you - Suzy
8-3-08
P.S. The trips to the hot tub made us
wonder if we were closet nudists...:-)
Travis
Suzy & Travis D.
xxx
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