Entire home·Private host

Beautiful, Remodeled Cottage in the Heart of Afton

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your current months are January, 2025 and February, 2025.
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February 2025

Photo gallery for Beautiful, Remodeled Cottage in the Heart of Afton

Property grounds
Property grounds
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Exterior
Exterior

Reviews

10 out of 10

Exceptional

Entire home

1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 274 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Washer
  • Outdoor space
  • Air conditioning
  • Kitchen
  • Dryer

Explore the area

Map
Afton, VA
  • Silverback Distillery
    6 min drive
  • Le Chic PicNic
    5 min drive
  • Staunton Station
    35 min drive
  • Charlottesville, VA (CHO-Charlottesville-Albemarle)
    45 min drive

Room options

Similar properties

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Beautiful, Remodeled Cottage in the Heart of Afton

Located in the George Washington National Forest, Gracewood is a retreat from the mental and emotional activity of everyday life. The house was recently remodeled as a comfortable setting for couples or small families who want a break. We hold meditation retreats here twice a year, so it would work well for a writer or artist or a contemplative. Yet it is relaxing and healing for anyone.

Upstairs is a full modern kitchen with new appliances. We made the cottage so nice that one of us could live there comfortably if we chose to do that. There is also a dining set and a comfortable full size futon couch. (Many futons are not that comfortable. We own an organic mattress company, so the mattress and frame are the best.)

Downstairs is a queen size mattress and two comfortable Ekornes chairs (stressless chairs). We use Savvy Rest organic bedding.

Within 12 minutes are several breweries, wineries, and a cidery.

The property is 39+ acres, with 1/2 mile along Meriwether Creek. The volume of water varies with the season, but the feeling of energy is always powerful, calming, and clearing. There are about two miles of well maintained, private trails suitable for hiking or running. Trails are well marked, and a map is available.

Over the course of eight years we have seen a few bears, raccoons, groundhogs, bats, lots of box turtles, a few snakes, a wide variety of birds, along with plenty of deer and other wildlife. We took pictures of what appeared to be bobcat tracks one winter, but we haven't caught sight of the nocturnals.

Please note that there is no television, although we do have fiber optic for internet which is pretty fast and reliable. Cell service inside the cottage is intermittent, although right outside it is usually pretty reliable. So it's relatively easy to unplug.

Also note that the main queen size bed is downstairs, and the bathroom is upstairs if you get up in the night.

There are wonderful musical events spring to fall. Skiing at Wintergreen in the winter.

Live music at our charming farmer's market in Nellysford on Saturdays May to November.

For COVID prevention we wash the soft materials. For hard surfaces where COVID can survive longer, we thoroughly wash them and then disinfect them with natural disinfectants. We pay our cleaning help well, and they do an excellent job.

Upon your arrival you'll see that our house is close to the cottage, but there is landscaping next to both buildings; and the cottage is actually quite private. It's likely that you won't see anyone on our 40 acres during your stay.
During your stay at this cottage, you're just a quick walk from George Washington National Forest. A kitchen and a microwave are available in the cottage.
  • Air-conditioned cottage with kitchen, washing machine and living room
  • Steps from George Washington National Forest and a 5-minute drive from Flying Fox Vineyard
Beautiful, Remodeled Cottage in the Heart of Afton offers its guests a garden. The front desk is open around the clock.

This Afton cottage is smoke free.

Property manager

Michael and Heather Penny

Languages

English

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the cottage: WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Hob
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • Bedroom
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Books
  • Games

Outdoor areas

  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture

Laundry

  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Location highlights

  • In a rural location
  • In the mountains

Things to do

  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Cycling nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Mountain climbing nearby
  • Rock climbing nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Garden
  • Unit size: 800 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in and check-out are available
Minimum check-in age - 25

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadlock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions. You will also receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, which will enable you to manage your booking.
Property Registration Number 247

Property is also known as

Beautiful Remodeled Heart
Beautiful Remodeled Heart Afton
Beautiful Remodeled Cottage Heart
Beautiful Remodeled Cottage Heart Afton
Beautiful, Remodeled Cottage in the Heart of Afton Afton
Beautiful, Remodeled Cottage in the Heart of Afton Cottage
Beautiful, Remodeled Cottage in the Heart of Afton Cottage Afton

Beautiful, Remodeled Cottage in the Heart of Afton Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 59 out of 61 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 61 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 61 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 61 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 61 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Staff & service

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Tom Costanzo J., Takoma Park, MD

Liked: Cleanliness
cottage in the woods
We had a great time at the cottage. It is located conveniently to Skyline Drive. We were able to pick some chestnuts at a Virginia Chestnut farm. Paulie's Pig Out just down the road had tasty BBQ.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Blair A., Mebane, NC

Liked: Cleanliness
Peaceful and relaxing stay
We were so pleasantly surprised by this little gem. Super clean and close to so many cool things to do. Our original plan was to spend our days at Shenandoah but with so many cool things nearby, we had the chance to explore. The trails on the property are wonderful. We were able to recharge and restore. Thank you so much for sharing your space. Hope to return when the leaves are changing.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Levi L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great hiking
We chose this property so we could wintergreen resort and the local breweries, but the best part was the beautiful hiking trails behind the property. One of the best hikes I’ve ever been on.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Joanna B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfection
My experience was top tier. As a house keeper it is hard to find places that are actually clean and this place was! It was absolutely adorable, the view from the window was beautiful, it was quiet and exactly what we needed. My favorite part was the two chairs in front of the big window, made my whole weekend and I could’ve stayed there forever. Thank you!!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kelley C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great little place in the woods!
My husband and I came to VA for a friend’s wedding and stayed here. It was awesome and the property owners were very helpful and responsive! We would stay here again!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Clark C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Well Appointed Cottage near many fun activities
This was our second stay at Michael and Heather's lovely cottage. I highly recommend it! The place is immaculate and the kitchen is fairly well stocked with equipment. Note that Afton and the surrounding area do not have a lot of restaurants, so we cooked in breakfast and dinner every day but Sunday night, when we picked up ribs and sides from Paulie's Pig Out, which is a little over a mile from the cottage - very good and reasonably priced. Michael is a super accommodating host - he drove us to a trailhead up the road from his house. The cottage is situated in the forest, and is very quiet and peaceful. It was perfect for our long weekend away.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

wendy a.

Liked: Cleanliness
Fantastic Getaway
Absolutely one of the best cottages we have ever stayed in. The hosts were incredible and very welcoming. Would definitely recommend this place for peace and serenity.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Stacy W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect getaway
Cleanest property I have ever stayed in! Location is excellent for hiking and wineries. Beautiful trials on property. The perfect place for a getaway!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Megan L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful Home
The cottage was beautiful inside and out! They have done a spectacular job landscaping and developing walking trails. Wish we could have stayed longer. Kind, peaceful energy.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

James K.

Liked: Cleanliness
An Excellent Weekend Getaway
The property was extremely clean and our hosts were very welcoming!!! The location was perfect tour all of the breweries and wineries in the the area. We will definitely return
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Gerald W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Quiet get- away
We had a good stay here.Very clean and all the amenities were supplied. Wasn't aware the property owners lived next door. That wasn't a problem for us but didn't catch that when booking. May want to know that if you're looking for total seclusion.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Beth M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Unplugged
Amazing getaway to really unwind and be in solitude with nature. A true tranquil space. It has everything you need and then some! A real recharging station! Thank you!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Brandy S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great getaway
My husband and I were just looking for a quick getaway for the weekend and this was perfect!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sarah T.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful, Peaceful Weekend Retreat
This is a gorgeous, well maintained property that I could retire on! The trails are just beautiful and the house is as clean as could be. We will definitely be returning. The fresh mountain air was just what we needed!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jason A., Jackson, Michigan

Liked: Cleanliness
Fantastic Getaway
Michael and Heather are some of the best hosts we’ve encountered. They were kind, responsive and knocked hospitality out of the park. The unit was clean and comfortable. There were thoughtful details throughout in an incredibly peaceful place. If you are looking for a true getaway with incredible hosts, I could not recommend this more.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Zachary

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Absolutely wonderful stay in a beautiful part of Virginia.

10/10 Excellent

Dale S., Layton

Liked: Cleanliness
Awsome
Loved it
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Lauren L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful Stay!
My husband and I had a great experience at Gracewood and would recommend staying there to any friends or family visiting the area!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Clark C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Gracewood is an excellent VRBO!
We loved our stay at the Gracewood Cottage. Michael and Heather are fantastic hosts, and are extremely accessible, since they live next door. The area is so quiet and peaceful. We really enjoyed getting out and walking the trails that they had thoughtfully marked on the property. The Cottage is beautifully decorated and thoughtfully appointed throughout. We went to the Blue Ridge Rail Tunnel trail, Crabtree Falls, Crozet (Smoked Taproom and Grill was really good), Humpback Rocks. We checked out a few wineries. We would definitely stay here again! [Cook's Notes: I do this for all VRBOs, I cooked in every Breakfast and Dinner, there are few dine-in options that are close by, however, we ordered ribs and sides from Paulie's Pig Out one night, and it was superb. The kitchen had most everything I needed. Bring a good knife, and any spices/sauces/seasonings you may need (there was salt/pepper, and someone left a bag of Jasmine Rice). There is a small grocery store in Nellysford (IGA) and the Dollar General actually has a surprising array of dry goods and baking needs. The closest Kroger is in Waynesboro, so plan accordingly. ]
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

RICHARD B., VICTOR, NY

Liked: Cleanliness
Cozy country cottage
Well furnished and very clean. Peaceful. Close to Blue Ridge Mts.. If you are also looking for hiking, mountain biking, and great breweries and cideries along with great food, this is the place!
Stayed 7 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Eva H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Quiet Solitude
A great getaway with beautiful nature trails. Michael and Heather have created a wonderful oasis in the forest.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jonathan K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Stunning Cottage
Beautiful cottage nestled in the thick of GW National Forest with spectacular views afforded us the peace and quiet we wanted in this stunning rural setting. Cosy, and beautifully snug with lots of charm and appeal. Communication with the owners was exemplary. If you want seclusion, tranquility, contemporary amenities, on-property trails, lush forest and a roaring creek then visit here. We will return.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2022

10/10 Excellent

Sarah D., Powhatan, VA

Liked: Cleanliness
Quiet, updated and clean
2 adults in the area for 4 night hiking and mountain biking adventures. Perfectly comfortable, clean and quiet. Owners super kind and helpful but not at all intrusive. Beautiful property conveniently located near the BRP and SNP and city conveniences but tucked away in a private mountain setting. Thanks so much for sharing your home.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Alex S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Excellent stay
I’ve stayed at this property twice and it’s been lovely both times.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Malgorzata R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Almost perfect
Nicely appointed cottage in quiet neighborhood. The surrounding nature is inviting to step outside the door. Close-by trails for walking or local roads for biking are the nice supplement to SNP or Blue Ridge Mountains area. The cottage is well equipped, but is missing common time thieve (TV). Almost everything is in good working condition. The only one item (old smelly dehumidifier) causing musty air can be switched off, and air can be replaced by opening windows (providing it is not humid outside).
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2021