Beautiful, Remodeled Cottage in the Heart of Afton
About this cottage rental
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.
Amenities
Air conditioner
Kitchen / Kitchenette
Internet / Wifi
Parking
Laundry
Dishwasher
Garden
Family friendly
Map of Nelson County, VA
Cottage in Nelson County, VA
Reasons to book
People love it hereGuests give this property a top rating
Free cancellationFull refund if you change your mind
Includes essentialsGarden, Kitchen / Kitchenette, Air conditioner and more
$$$$
Reviews
5.0/5.0
Outstanding(58 Reviews)
5.0
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!!
5.0
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!
5.0
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.
5.0
Cleanest property I have ever stayed in! Location is excellent for hiking and wineries. Beautiful trials on property. The perfect place for a getaway!
5.0
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.
5.0
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
5.0
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.
5.0
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!
5.0
My husband and I were just looking for a quick getaway for the weekend and this was perfect!
5.0
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!
5.0
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.
5.0
Absolutely wonderful stay in a beautiful part of Virginia.
5.0
Loved it
5.0
My husband and I had a great experience at Gracewood and would recommend staying there to any friends or family visiting the area!
5.0
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. ]
5.0
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!
5.0
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!
5.0
Quiet Solitude
A great getaway with beautiful nature trails. Michael and Heather have created a wonderful oasis in the forest.
5.0
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.
5.0
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.
5.0
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.
5.0
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.
5.0
Excellent stay
I’ve stayed at this property twice and it’s been lovely both times.
5.0
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).
5.0
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).
5.0
We really enjoyed this little cottage. The location is beautiful. There's walking trails right off the property. It couldn't have been any cleaner. No issues at all, it was the perfedt stay.
5.0
Great stay
We really enjoyed this little cottage. The location is beautiful. There's walking trails right off the property. It couldn't have been any cleaner. No issues at all, it was the perfedt stay.
5.0
These are the words to describe this wonderful place. The hosts were incredible, communicative, and really wanted to ensure we had a good stay. They kept a very clean and well maintained cottage. The cottage is separate from their personal residence and, with all the plants and shrubbery, you really feel like you're in your own world. Great town, covinent location, got around just fine in a Jetta, and loved every moment of our stay. We will be coming back. 5-star.
5.0
Quaint, beautiful, friendly
These are the words to describe this wonderful place. The hosts were incredible, communicative, and really wanted to ensure we had a good stay. They kept a very clean and well maintained cottage. The cottage is separate from their personal residence and, with all the plants and shrubbery, you really feel like you're in your own world. Great town, covinent location, got around just fine in a Jetta, and loved every moment of our stay. We will be coming back. 5-star.
5.0
My partner and I loved it up at Gracewood. The kitchen cookware and appliances and facilities were top quality. Nightlights automatically came on when lights went out. Cozy and calming. The trails maintained by the Penny's gave us privacy and the perfect amount of brief exercise we were looking for a lazy weekend. Some amazing food and coffee nearby at the Greenwood Store btw. 10/10 would recommend. Only regret is that we didn't stay longer.
5.0
Peaceful retreat
My partner and I loved it up at Gracewood. The kitchen cookware and appliances and facilities were top quality. Nightlights automatically came on when lights went out. Cozy and calming. The trails maintained by the Penny's gave us privacy and the perfect amount of brief exercise we were looking for a lazy weekend. Some amazing food and coffee nearby at the Greenwood Store btw. 10/10 would recommend. Only regret is that we didn't stay longer.
5.0
A Beautiful little getaway
This was my 2nd stay at Gracewood. The cottage is clean, quiet and comfortable. The amenities are top notch. The grounds are pristine and beautiful. The property has every
5.0
Everything went as expected. No issues. Property well maintained.
5.0
Relaxing
Everything went as expected. No issues. Property well maintained.
4.0
My wife and I are very happy with with our stay here! It's close to a farmer's market and many breweries and vineyards. A very quiet property; away from the hubbub of life. There are great cleared trails on the property as well with a nice little creek. We plan to visit again if time permits in the future! The ONLY gripes I have are the mattress is very firm (I prefer a very soft mattress) and the cottage is next door to the owner. I will say that the owners are extremely respectful and gave us our privacy, but I'm not sure I would have rented the cottage knowing this (though I'm glad I did in hindsight). Overall, I'd highly recommend this for anybody trying to get away for some peace and quiet to reconnect with nature.
4.0
Awesome
My wife and I are very happy with with our stay here! It's close to a farmer's market and many breweries and vineyards. A very quiet property; away from the hubbub of life. There are great cleared trails on the property as well with a nice little creek. We plan to visit again if time permits in the future! The ONLY gripes I have are the mattress is very firm (I prefer a very soft mattress) and the cottage is next door to the owner. I will say that the owners are extremely respectful and gave us our privacy, but I'm not sure I would have rented the cottage knowing this (though I'm glad I did in hindsight). Overall, I'd highly recommend this for anybody trying to get away for some peace and quiet to reconnect with nature.
5.0
Touches the heart
No words can express our gratitude and feelings as this place as a whole is so wonderful. It was like we were the characters of a fairy tale, with all the tranquility and frankness of nature surrounding us. Owners are so friendly and supportive, looking forward to planning our next visit already..
5.0
Relaxing trip
I had a wonderful experience staying here. It was exactly the break that I needed. Thank you!
5.0
Great place to stay!
Another fabulous trip! So glad we found this wonderful cottage..cannot wait to return next year!
5.0
Great Spot!
The cottage was very clean and spacious and the location was perfect - very serene and just a short drive to hiking spots and wineries/breweries, or you can hike the beautiful trails on the property. We would definitely stay here again. Just remember to bring bug spray if you want to enjoy the outdoor area!
FAQs
How much does this cottage cost compared to others in Nelson County?
The average price for a rental in Nelson County is $343 per night. This rental is $125 less expensive than the average.
Is parking included with this cottage?
Yes, parking is listed as an amenity at Beautiful, Remodeled Cottage in the Heart of Afton. For more information, we encourage you to contact the property about where to park.
Is there a pool at this cottage?
We didn’t find pool listed as an amenity for this cottage. It may be worth double checking if a pool is important for your stay.
Is Beautiful, Remodeled Cottage in the Heart of Afton pet friendly?
Unfortunately, this cottage is not pet-friendly. Try searching again and filter for "Pets Allowed"
What amenities are available at Beautiful, Remodeled Cottage in the Heart of Afton?
We found 8 amenities for this rental. This includes air conditioner, kitchen / kitchenette, internet / wifi, parking, and laundry.
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