4 Bedrooms,
2.5 Bathrooms,
Sleeps 8
Cabin
(1950 sq. ft.)
in East Bernstadt, KY
12.5 miles from Laurel River Lake
The Moonshine Inn is a one-of-a-kind luxury log cabin overlooking beautiful Wood Creek Lake at East Bernstadt, Kentucky, in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains.
This unique log cabin, located seven miles north of London, Ky., was purchased in 2018 and, thanks to the efforts of several local builders and craftsmen, has become everything it deserves to be. The goal was to introduce all of today's modern conveniences, without sacrificing the structure's quaint charm.
When Michael McKinney, the proprietor, welcomed his first guests in 2019, they thought it to be "the most beautiful log cabin in the state of Kentucky."
Michael calls it "Moonshine Magic" where beauty, history, hospitality and local arts come together. One guest said, "It's like living in art."
There are four bedrooms -- two queens and two kings, and a day bed on the upper deck and a comfortable sofa in the den.
Two downstairs bedrooms form the heart of the inn with their log-cabin construction (the logs date to the early 1800s). One has a wood-burning fireplace and, in addition to the bed, there are two chairs and a sofa that lend the air of a sitting room. The other features a king-size bed and a wall-hanging created by a local quilter.
Upstairs are two more bedrooms -- these intimate yet airy, with an "attic" feeling and a "cloud" effect on the ceilings hand-painted by a local artist. All bedrooms have luxurious bedding mostly from Tuft & Needle.
Two modern bathrooms, each beautifully tiled by a local artisan, have step-in showers. A half bath is conveniently located upstairs between two bedrooms.
The modern kitchen is equipped with Jenn-Air and KitchenAid appliances, dishwasher, disposal, refrigerator with ice maker, gas oven and microwave, Breville toaster, Breville toaster oven, mixers, food processor and three choices for brewing coffee--- a Keurig. a standard coffee pot and filters and a Bodum Chambord French Press. The Inn includes dishes are from Pottery Barn, quality knives and utensils, Calphalon triple-core stainless steel cookware and a custom-made dining table of wormed chestnut.
Exit the kitchen door and walk onto an upper, open air covered deck (12x34) with a splendid view of the lake (no mosquitos). There are two tables for dining. One seats 10 to 12 and is hand-crafted of native poplar; the other, a more intimate round table for four. There's a three-burner Weber grill, a day bed with Tuft & Needle mattress, overhead fans and special lighting.
Another deck of equal size is below and screened in. We've given it a spa-like atmosphere with colorful seating and towels, night-time lighting a HOT TUB for six.
A family room is made cozy with comfortable seating and a sectional sofa, flat-screen streaming television, games in the console and dependable Wi-Fi.
The lovely, tranquil 700-acre Wood Creek Lake has a gentle, quiet atmosphere and is known for its clean, clear water. Water skiing and jet skis are not allowed, making it perfect for kayaking and canoeing. It's an excellent fishing lake with bass, crappie, trout, blue gill and other varieties. A walking trail, with hand rails, leads down to the water and a private floating dock.
We have four kayaks and safety vests that are complimentary.
The region is a popular destination for hikers. This area is part of the Appalachian mixed mesophytic ecoregion, one of two containing the most diverse plant life in the world -- the other being in China. Time spent among nature can be amazingly therapeutic--the Japanese call it forest bathing.
Guests take advantage of nearby sights such as Cumberland Falls State Park, the Wildcat Civil War battlefield, Rockcastle River Trading Company (you'll be greeted by Buzz Carloftis), Tree Top Adventure at Levi Jackson Park, Michael Angel's Red Dog Chair Company and the gallery and workshop of famed folk artists, Lonnie and Twyla Money. . The nearest Kroger store in six miles south on Highway 25 and, of recent, there are several places to purchase beer, wine and spirits.
Because our location, parking is limited to passenger cars and pickups. ATVs and four-wheelers of any type are not permitted. If you are coming with a boat, you can launch nearby, but please give Michael a little notice so he can help.
IN TODAY'S WORLD, we understand the outbreak of COVIN-19 brings uncertainty to you as a traveler. We want you to know your safety and peace of mind is of upmost importance. At the Moonshine Inn, we adhere to the highest standards of cleaning and disinfecting as outlined by the Centers for Disease Control. ln fact, we were practicing these cleaning procedures prior to the pandemic. In this environment, it is important that we take care of each other -- we want to protect your health, and ours too. We wear masks.
PET FRIENDLY. Dogs are welcome (limit two). The pet fee is $45 for each dog and can be paid upon arrival. If you prefer, the pet fee may be mailed to 558 Lake Road, East Bernstadt, KY 40729. Sorry, we are unable to accept cats.
RECEPTIONS, PARKING, ANY ADDITIONAL GUESTS: The Moonshine is located on a quiet country road. We must be respectful of our neighbors. Parking is limited to no more than five cars. Four-wheelers of any type are not permitted.
Any events, such as a reception, must be pre-approved by Michael, and limited to no more than 10 persons.
The Moonshine, with four bedrooms, can comfortably accommodate eight. Additional guests, regardless of age, will be charged an additional $75.00 per person, per day.
Michael says,
"There's something magical here, and most everyone agrees that the magic begins almost immediately as you turn onto our little road, then slowly descend into the woods, past the "big rock," then through a series of twists and turns. The sensation is akin to leaving the 'real' world for something unexpected. Don't mind the DEAD END sign. Keep going. We're just a little farther up the hill on the right.
"This is a place to retreat, to celebrate, to love and be loved, fish, kayak, canoe, read a book, sleep in, soak, jump in, chase fireflies, feel the breeze, soak up the sun, sit on the dock, take a nap, prepare a meal, make friends, renew friendships, make memories, and explore an area of Kentucky that -- for many -- is undiscovered.
"I hope you will consider escaping to the country to experience 'Moonshine Magic' for yourself."
Our guests have given us the highest 5-star rating
THE BIJOU DE LUNE
Also take a look at our companion property, the colorful Bijou de Lune ("jewel of the moon") that's located nearby. With one queen bed, it is best suited for two adults. (There's a sofa that could easily accommodate a small child.) The Bijou is located at the end of a l,500 foot gravel driveway in a stunning location with the lake and woods on one side and steep outcropping of rocks on the other.