Panther Creek Cabins

The creek and wooded setting are beautiful, and the water sounds amazing. That was the one good part of our stay at "the apache". I’d contacted the property by email before posting this, but got no apology or even a reply. My husband and I booked it for a weekend getaway. It was so dark inside that it took ages to find a working light switch. The decor was poor, and the place looked like a shed full of old junk. It smelled moldy and musty and felt very humid. Being by a creek, I expected some dampness, but I still felt I had to clean before taking off my shoes. The toilet had black gunk, the sink was covered in dried soap scum, and there were dead bugs and old guest and pet hair on the floors. I cleaned the whole cabin before unloading the car. I’d picked it partly for the Jacuzzi on the back porch overlooking the creek. The hot water ran cold before the tub was even half full, so we couldn’t use it. The propane heat didn’t work when temperatures dropped below 50, and the bed had a very thin blanket. We woke up cold, damp, and cramped. The mattress was lumpy and uncomfortable. I’m 5'5 and 115lbs, and my feet hung over the end of the bed. The pillows smelled awful, so I was glad we brought our own. The hot plate wouldn’t work because most of the outlets didn’t work either. There were only two working outlets in the whole cabin. The light switches were awkwardly placed, and if you’re short, you might not be able to reach them. It was dirty, cold, damp, and dreary. I can’t recommend it.

We really liked the vibe and even decided to stay an extra day. The bathroom was our first issue, but what happened with the housekeeping money is why I’m writing this. They asked us to leave $100 plus a tip on the table because the housekeeper was going to church. I was paying cash and asked if I could bring the money by, but they said to leave it for housekeeping. We tidied up and left. Since it felt odd, I sent a picture of the cash and recorded a full video as proof. About 25 minutes down the road, I got a message saying I’d left $20 but not the $100. They said their 74-year-old housekeeper hadn’t seen it. I replied right away with the video, and they accused me of lacking integrity. I told them I wanted the authorities involved and said that being 74 didn’t excuse a thief. Then they said they’d found the $100 on the floor, though I’d seen them pull into the driveway as we were leaving, and the $100 had been under the $20. They said it was on the floor. I asked to speak to the housekeeper in person or I’d contact the authorities. Take that as you will. There’s no service and no Internet. I wanted an apology and accountability after they were so quick to question my integrity. Instead, they said they’d found the money and the drama was over. Keep video proof, or I might have had to pay twice.

The grounds were lovely for the outdoor wedding we attended, with pretty streams and a small chapel. The cabin itself wasn’t clean. I’ve never had to wash my own dishes or leave a tip, and I don’t know how anyone can be sure the dishes are clean for the next guest. They also ask you to take out the trash or leave a tip. The freezer could use ice trays, the bathroom towels need replacing, and a non-slip mat by the tub would help. With some updates and a thorough cleaning, the cabin could be great. We booked it so we could stay with friends at the wedding on the property.

You can hear the creek at night, and it’s beautiful and soothing to sleep to. The cabins are nice, but I wouldn’t bring a car to Natures Landing. The way in is gravel with tree roots and rocks to climb over. If someone’s in the front cabin, driveway space is limited. And if the big cabin by the Wedding chapel is full of people, you may not be able to get past it to come or go. Still, very nice!