Vacation Rentals by Owner

Thanksgiving at the Farmhouse

Guest: Lynne (Cheseake, VA)
Date of Stay: 11/20/11 Review Submitted: 11/28/11

Our family wanted to spend Thanksgiving together so my niece found the farmhouse and the Cottage on VBRO and I booked them. We had a wonderful time exploring the mountains, feeding the goats, hiking the trails (and yes the weather was unbelievable - in the 60's and 70's and sunny with blue blue skies). The older folks loved sitting in the farmhouse room where old gas stove was and reading and snoozing. Some of the family brought their dogs and their dogs loved it there as much as we all did. The accommodations for the pets(especially dogs) are great (both yards have big fenced in yards). I loved feeding the goats with Chris every morning - he is 7 and would wake me up very early to go feed them. We saw some pretty spectacular sunsets too. You all have one beautiful spot there in Lost City and the folks are so nice. Everyone you pass gives you the country wave. One side note - leave your cell phones at home – you will leave wondering why you ever thought they were so great. We had a nice surprise one morning - Phil (the owner) left us a warm basket of lemon muffins outside our front door. They were melt in your mouth delicious - thank you Phil and Mark for a thanksgiving we will never forget.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, pet owners, romantic getaway.

Thanksgiving at the Farmhouse

Guest: Lynne (Cheseake, VA)
Date of Stay: 11/20/11 Review Submitted: 11/28/11

Our family wanted to spend Thanksgiving together so my niece found the farmhouse and the Cottage on VBRO and I booked them. We had a wonderful time exploring the mountains, feeding the goats, hiking the trails (and yes the weather was unbelievable - in the 60's and 70's and sunny with blue blue skies). The older folks loved sitting in the farmhouse room where old gas stove was and reading and snoozing. Some of the family brought their dogs and their dogs loved it there as much as we all did. The accommodations for the pets(especially dogs) are great (both yards have big fenced in yards). I loved feeding the goats with Chris every morning - he is 7 and would wake me up very early to go feed them. We saw some pretty spectacular sunsets too. You all have one beautiful spot there in Lost City and the folks are so nice. Everyone you pass gives you the country wave. One side note - leave your cell phones at home – you will leave wondering why you ever thought they were so great. We had a nice surprise one morning - Phil (the owner) left us a warm basket of lemon muffins outside our front door. They were melt in your mouth delicious - thank you Phil and Mark for a thanksgiving we will never forget.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, pet owners, romantic getaway.

Amazing Getaway!

Guest: Melanie43 (Pennsylvania & New Jersey)
Date of Stay: 10/14/11 Review Submitted: 10/23/11

Phil & Mark, Thanks for sharing the Farmhouse with us. It was the most perfect "Memory of Mom Getaway" we have ever had! Everything from Phil's morning muffins, fresh eggs comfy beds, friendly & funny goats was perfect! So many other things to mention we amazing too! We had all we needed to completely relax and enjoy! Again a SPECIAL thanks too Phil for thinking of mom when he saws the double rainbow!!! We hope to make it back! Cathy would love to come back with her husband...but we may keep it special just for mom!! Thanks again, Melanie C of PA and Cathy K of NJ!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

We loved this place!

Guest: Kim & Jeff (Lehigh Valley, PA)
Date of Stay: 05/21/11 Review Submitted: 05/31/11

We thoroughly enjoyed the week we spent in Lost City. Such a charming cottage, with comfy furniture and bed. Satellite TV and WIFI. The owner Phil was a true gentleman, who brought us wonderful fresh baked muffins and fresh eggs from his chickens! Excellent location to do lots of hiking and enjoy nature. We had our dog with us, and he had as much fun as we did. We'll definitely do this again.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Amazing!

Guest: Annie & Marisa (Arlington, VA)
Date of Stay: 11/05/10 Review Submitted: 11/08/10

We want to thank Mark and Phil for being flexible with our last minute request to escape to the farmhouse for the weekend. I sent a last min email to them Thursday we were in the house by Friday evening! The cozy house, the peaceful setting, the sweet animals, hospitality and nice people we met at the general store/cafe were all a part of an amazing weekend. Being away from it all and still able to "plug-in" to the internet when we needed was a huge plus for us. Our experience far exceeded our expectations and we look forward to going back for a longer stay! This was probably our best VRBO find yet! Annie, Marisa and Logan (golden retriever)

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Joanne and Harvey B. (Greensboro, Georgia)
Date of Stay: 01/13/10 Review Submitted: 01/13/10

The farmhouse was very warm and cozy. Upon our arrival the owner had Christmas music going and the Christmas tree lit. We ordered a white Christmas and he even provided that as well with over 2 feet of snow. He even had a pathway made through the snow to make it easier for us to unload our car. Because of the huge snowfall this year he kept in contact with us about road conditions which was very helpful. The owner was so thoughtful he even brought over warm muffins the next morning, they were so delicious. Whatever we needed he was there for us. Even Christmas cookies were brought. Our Aussie/doodle loved the back yard and the freedom she had was great. Of course the goats and chickens were the highlight for her and we also enjoyed feeding them and we made some good friends with the goats as well. Our daughter fell in love with Nicki the black face goat. Thanks Phil & Mark for a wonderful vacation.

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Guest: Tracey Bradnan (Bay Village, Ohio)
Date of Stay: 10/25/09 Review Submitted: 10/25/09

My husband, 9 year old son, and I stayed at the Lost City Goats farmhouse for five days in August 2009 and the only thing we regret is not booking a longer stay. As not big pet or animal people, we were surprised by how much we enjoyed feeding the goats and eating the fresh chicken eggs. The house was comfortable and relaxing, filled with great reading material, cool kitschy artwork, and a well-stocked kitchen that made a "lasagna night" a snap. We came to WV with another family who stayed in the cottage and that worked perfectly for two families traveling together -- lots of privacy yet within easy walking distance. We went to Bryce Resort for chair lift rides, plus swimming and paddle boats on Lake Laura, which the kids LOVED. Our son also loved the horseback riding at the stables at Lost River State Park and the trip to Endless Cavern (which included a stop at Southern Kitchen for lunch -- don't miss a meal there!). Phil and Mark are the best hosts. While their fresh-baked muffins on our doorstep the first morning were a welcome pleasure, we really appreciated their patient answering of our 1,000 questions about local attractions and the area, plus just being great guys to hang out with. Our son even wanted his picture taken with Phil and his scooter. We can't wait to book a return trip and highly recommend it to everyone, especially families -- plus nothing beats the look on friends and coworker's faces when you tell them you vacationed on a goat farm in West Virginia!

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Guest: Paige Johnson (Norfolk, VA)
Date of Stay: 10/23/09 Review Submitted: 10/23/09

We just got back home yesterday evening from spending a few days at the Farmhouse in Lost City, and I've got to say, I think the three of us are experiencing a little bit of withdrawal... Our stay there was truly good for the soul! The atmosphere was so homey and relaxing, the views awesome, and the hospitality of Phil and Mark can't be beat. From reading prior reviews before booking our stay there, I knew what to expect somewhat. When I heard the screen door shut that first morning and then heard a car drive off, I felt like a kid on Christmas morning, waiting to see if Santa had come. I was hoping there were homemade muffins in my immediate future, and Phil didn't disappoint. They were awesome! Curt(who isn't usually a morning person), ran downstairs, brought in the basket that had been left on the porch, and grabbed one while they were still hot. He was also quick to get the goats and chickens fed that morning, before I even got a chance to get outside. (I was munching on muffins.) And who knew our dog, Sadie, a Boykin Spaniel, had herding instincts? Each morning while Curt fed the goats (I DID get out there the rest of the time), she would run up and down the fence barking at them, trying to get them all in a group together, and then continued to bark while they ate their breakfast. I'm sure they loved her. Actually, I think one of the smaller all white ones did -- I caught them just looking at each other one day, away from the others. We're definitely looking forward to another visit -- hopefully in the spring, so we can see all the flowers in bloom. I can tell by the few that were lingering that it must have been lovely... And I'd like to check out the museum, artists co-op, and other places we missed. We did go a short distance on one of the trails in the George Washington National Forest (I found out we're not really hikers -- need to get in shape before our next trip), and we went to check out Trout Pond Park. What a place! More medicine for the soul... On the day we went, it was more like a spring/summer day (in the 70's), and people were out on the water in boats and sitting off to the side fishing. I hear they weren't getting a lot of bites, but nobody seemed to care. It was a great day just to be out there! Sadie even got to take a little dip in the water (away from the fishermen, of course)! If you're into photography, or if you're an artist, there are endless subjects all around you... For that matter, there are endl

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Best Holiday

Guest: Kathymo (Canada)
Date of Stay: 08/22/09 Review Submitted: 09/04/09

My family just returned from our fabulous holiday at Lost City Goats. Everything was exactly as pictured on the internet and more. The place was authentic and charming with a lot of attention to details. There were so many cozy places to sit with a book or to daydream. The beds were really comfortable, sheets luxurious, and it was wonderful to sleep with the windows open and the mountain air breezing in. The house has everything you could possibly need if you want to eat in. Fresh muffins on the doorstep the first morning were a welcome treat. The vegetable garden was in full bloom and we were able to take advantage by picking our food for a fresh dinner. My daughter loved her farm chores, feeding the chicks and the goats. I did my laundry and hung it to dry on the clothesline; that is really country living. We enjoyed our dinners at the Lost City Grill and The Guest House. We rode horses in the State Park and went Zip- Lining down the mountain. We also spent a lot of time walking in the National Forest right on our road. Mark and Phil were great hosts, always available to answer questions and provide information on activities in the area. All in all it was one of our best holidays. We have already recommended it to family and friends and plan to come back in the Fall.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, pet owners, sightseeing.

Great Hiking

Guest: Christie & Gary (Pittsburgh, PA)
Date of Stay: 08/01/09 Review Submitted: 08/12/09

This was a great place to relax and do outdoor activities. Just a few miles up the road are great hiking trails in the GW National Forest. We recommend Tibbet Knob, about 10 miles up the road on the left, amazing views...worth the hike! If you like nature and like to hike, swim, fish or ride horses you should have no problem keeping busy. We even visited a Civil War battlefield and went to a county fair. There was an info packet at the house with local attractions and things to do, but if you want to swim at Trout Pond or at the pool in Lost River State Park, there is a $3 fee for adults. Also, there is bad cell phone reception all around, but you can get service near the top of the mountain. The house had more than we could ask for, towels, linens, all the kitchen basics, a cozy fireplace for cold nights, and the fenced in yard was great for our dog...she loved the freedom (and the goats)! The house was well maintained and it has that country charm...that's the whole reason we picked it....it was great. The owners, Mark and Phil were wonderful hosts, they answered any questions we had about area attractions and were very helpful. They treated us like friends would and even made us muffins the first morning, they made our stay even more enjoyable! We would recommend this place to anyone who wants to get away from 'city life' for awhile and just relax and enjoy nature.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Getting the kids back to basics

Guest: Josie + Evan (Oswego, NY USA)
Date of Stay: 07/04/09 Review Submitted: 07/15/09

I went to this farmhouse to get the kids back in touch with "real work" and learning how to care for real live farm type animals and we got it! It was a great learning experience, we got to feed the goats and chickens, help with the garden, pull weeds, etc. Everything you don't experience in the city! The peace and quiet was wonderful too! The kids had to learn to get along or they had no one to play with, they also had to learn to work as a family unit. I would definitely reccomend this place for people who need to get away frmo it all or need to reconnect with their kids. On the otherhand I could also see this place as a quiet getaway for couples who need time together as well. The area has a lot of walking trails and a sweet little "beach" area that will take your breath away.

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, families with young children, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Great get away!!

Guest: MindyKaren (Clarksburg MD)
Date of Stay: 05/01/09 Review Submitted: 05/05/09

The farm house was a fantastic get away!! Very cozy and the dogs loved the goats and chickens. I also had fun taking care of them. The house is comfortable and well maintained. We loved the area and will be back!!! Thanks for the fantastic muffins!!!!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Relaxing Weekend!

Guest: Judy's Family (Silver Spring, MD)
Date of Stay: 04/10/09 Review Submitted: 04/14/09

My family of 5 plus 1 big dog had a terrific time in Lost River. We fed the goats, collected fresh eggs for breakfast, read in the comfy chairs, and hiked the terrific trails in nearby GW National Forest. We even woke to fresh muffins on Easter from our gracious hosts! The views off the back porch are stunning, and the nighttime stars are a wonder. Thanks for sharing with us!

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 01/01/09 Review Submitted: 01/10/09

We have just spent the most relaxing week at the Farm House. My husband Tom, my 17 year old granddaughter Kimmie, our dog Chloe and myself arrived the Saturday after Christmas 2008. We immediately staked out our bedrooms and Chloe choose the over-sized love seat in the living room. Mark stopped by and gave instruction on feeding the goats and chickens and Phil stopped by the next morning with the most wonderful muffins. (Phil, I still want that recipe.) This vacation was all about rest and relaxation and the Farm House was just what we needed. Kimmie and I loved feeding the chickens and the goats. And of course the turkey that thinks he is a goat. I looked forward to that each morning. And every evening, I looked forward to soaking in the claw foot tub. Tuesday morning we awoke to snow showers. Not enough to stick but it was wonderful sitting in the back sun room watching the snow flakes dance in the wind and skip across the deck. It could have snowed us in for days and I would have been very content. Speaking of content, Kimmie spent many hours on her laptop, the Internet was a life saver for her since there is no cell phone service. She did finally buy a phone card so she could call her friends. Me, I was very happy no one could reach me. Oh, I can't forget the stars. They are amazing. We will definitely be back, maybe in the summer. I would love to work in the garden and take advantage of some of the attractions that are not open in the winter. The house and the hosts are wonderful, you won't be disappointed. Thumbs up on this place!

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 11/01/08 Review Submitted: 11/22/08

This was our second stay at the Farmhouse. We had to come back because we enjoyed our first stay so much. We stayed in early October 2008 and had a great time. We hiked in the George Washington National Forest (which we had done before) and in Lost River State Park which is close by and has quite a few trails that are well maintained and provide excellent views. We saw quite a few wild turkeys and deer. We also took advantage of the stable in the park (Hidden Trails Stables) and had a wonderful ride up to the highest point in the park which culminates in a magnificent view at Cranny Crow Overlook. The park is pretty deserted in October and a lot of things are closed, so call early to arrange things. There are mountain biking trails but I think only the most experienced riders should try those (not me). We also canoed down the Shenandoah River. We used Shenandoah River Outfitters near Luray, Va. They were great and let us take our dog with us. However, the main reason we used them was that all of the outfitters closer to the cabin we either closed or were not open on the day we wanted to canoe. Again, if you go this time of year, be sure to call places as far in advance as you can to make sure you are able to schedule everything. We had a great dinner at the Inn at Lost River. The food was top-notch and the service was very friendly. It was unfortunate that the 1853 restaurant in Moorefield has closed, but the Inn was a more than able substitute. We also had a great lunch and wonderful ice cream at the Lost River General Store. This is a few hundred yards from the Lost River Co-op which is a nice place for arts and craft. The arts and crafts festival in Wardensville had a large and interesting selection of flea market items as well as arts and crafts, music and good food. We made the drive to Romney and walked the Fort Mill Ridge war trenches and the Indian Mound Cemetery. Although there is so much to do, the main reason we intend to return is the generous hospitality of Phil and Mark. They keep you supplied with muffins, fresh eggs and good advice. They provide the perfect combination of hospitality and privacy to let you enjoy the house and area while making certain you have a very good time.

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Rustic Country Charm

Guest: Travelingfam (France)
Date of Stay: 11/01/08 Review Submitted: 11/11/08

This farmhouse has all the rustic country charm you're looking for. The goats all came running to greet us and were the highlight of the weekend. We grew very attached to them, especially Nicki, who just wanted to be petted. The owners were very helpful and dropped off cookies to feed to the goats and delicious muffins for us to enjoy. One note, bring groceries. The nearest store is a miles away and the selection is limited.

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, families with young children, pet owners.

A Very Poignant Return to the Farm

Guest: Chuck and Lorry (Bel Air, MD)
Date of Stay: 10/11/08 Review Submitted: 02/05/09

This review comes a good bit after our stay in October 2008. My wife and I first stayed here in April 2007, and we knew then we'd have to come back again. Actually, we also rented the cottage down the hill for the week too and thus took advantage of a full family vacation. Our time at the farm back in October was especially poignant since little did we know that it would be our last vacation with our beloved Chocolate Lab, Chico, who passed away two weeks after our return home. The farm was just as we remembered the first time - clean, homey, and complete with everything we needed for our stay. We greatly enjoyed our time with the goats, especially our old friends Bo Diddley, Opal, and Pearl, as we remembered them from our first visit. Another highlight was the opportunity to take Chico all the way up to the top of the North Mountain Trail, just a few miles from the farm in the George Washington National Forest. And, it was hard to beat fresh eggs for breakfast followed by sitting in the sun room reading, or sitting out on the back deck taking in all the beautiful colors of another wonderful fall. Phil and Mark once again went above and beyond the call of duty, but that was no surprise since their hospitality was something we remembered from before. Phil even called us both weekends to suggest the fall festivals in nearby Wardensville and Broadway. We took advantage of both and were glad we did. The bottom line is that this was truly a wonderful vacation experience for many reasons. If you're looking for a place of great beauty and solitude, and where simple pleasures are the norm rather than the exception, then the farm is the right place for you. Phil and Mark, thanks so much for making your place pet friendly. We will remember this vacation for a long, long time.

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, families with young children, pet owners, sightseeing.

Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 09/01/08 Review Submitted: 09/03/08

My family took a three day vacation in Lost River and no one could find us! It was great! My family had such a great time at the farm house! We ate eggs from the chicken coop for breakfast, tomatoes for lunch and thai basil and chili peppers for our chicken dinner-all from their garden. The house was warm and cozy and the hosts were wonderful. Phil delivered fresh muffins in the morning and even let my daughter bottle feed one of the goats. The local park had horse back riding and great trails. All of the views were spectacular, even the views from the telescope at night of the stars and VENUS! We came home relaxed and energized! My family truly enjoyed themselves and can't wait to go back. Thanks Phil and Mark for such a great time. Hope to see you soon!

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Wonderful Place

Guest: L, L & A (Rockville, MD)
Date of Stay: 08/15/08 Review Submitted: 08/21/08

My partner & I & our 17 month old daughter just had a delightful 5 days relaxing at the house. Our daughter loved feeding the goats & chickens, swimming at nearby Trout Farm Park, and exploring the wonderful house. We loved the porches, beautiful scenery, hospitality of our hosts & the animals too. There were nice little touches--homemade muffins arriving on first morning, well-thought-out decor, kids' books about farms, comfy beds, good wifi, etc etc. We loved it!

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with young children, pet owners, romantic getaway.

Guestbook Comment

Guest: L, L & A (Rockville, MD)
Date of Stay: 08/01/08 Review Submitted: 08/21/08

We (My partner, our 17 month old & I) just spent 5 wonderful days at the farmhouse. It was so relaxing & beautiful, & the decor and the hosts were warm & welcoming. Our daughter loved feeding the goats (& bottle-feeding baby goats) & the chickens. We swam at the lake in Trout farm park, went to the general store (good ice cream) & the craft coop (both only open weekends), enjoyed early morning walks down the country lane, ate an upscale meal at the "Guest House," and relaxed on the screened-in and back porches. The views were amazing. It was great.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 08/01/08 Review Submitted: 08/20/08

Our family of 4 plus the family dog loved our week at the farmhouse. Mark and Phil were great hosts and the muffins the first morning were a nice touch. The kids loved feeding the animals every day and egg collecting was a hit also. We got to bottle feed one of Mark and Phil's baby goats! The house is very nice. The telescope was a big hit as was the porch swing in the front. The house is as advertised on the website and the pictures are very accurate. One son liked the shower upstairs with the very low ceiling at one end while the other son preferred the claw foot tub. The dog loved the yard and made friends with the goats. We found bringing our own food worked out well as there is no close big grocery store. We grilled the majority of the nights, but we also cooked. There are lots of things to do close by, but if you need help, there is a basket in the kitchen that has all sorts of flyers about things to do around the area. We will be back soon.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 08/01/08 Review Submitted: 08/18/08

The farmhouse and associated land were simply delightful. The views were magnificant and the environment was totally relaxing and comfortable. Simple pleasures like feeding the goats and chickens, working in the garden, gazing at the stars, and relaxing on the porch and deck were much appreciated. Our hosts, Mark and Phil, were gracious, hospitable, and frankly exciting to converse with. Our stay was a most remarkable experience and we intend to return.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 03/01/08 Review Submitted: 03/19/08

We stayed at the farmhouse for three nights in February, with our two dogs Toby & Bailey. We loved the place -- charming, sunny, super comfortable. Great views, and the national forest was just down the road, where we could let the dogs off leash. Mark & Phil stopped by with a two- week-old goat named Charlie we could snuggle. There was, of course, "our own" brood of goats to keep us amused, which included their pet turkey Gertrude, an escapee Mark & Phil had rescued. And who knew chickens could be so pretty? We ate fresh eggs every day, watched clouds change the face of the mountains, soaked in the claw-footed tub. When you go, say "hey" to the boys for us!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 03/01/08 Review Submitted: 03/05/08

Our family's visit to the farmhouse was wonderful. Mark and Phil (the owners) made us very very welcome and made sure we were okay throughout our weekend. The farmhouse with its goats and chickens is great and the location is perfect for a quick get away from the city. We had lots of fun picking up our fresh eggs from the chicken coup ...we will definitely be going back. Bryan, Olivia & Kavan.

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Guest: Amy_HAC121118 (Falls Church, VA)
Date of Stay: 01/01/08 Review Submitted: 01/15/08

My puggle Pearl and I LOVED our getaway to Lost City over New Years. I enjoyed the quiet, the view, and especially the muffins that arrived warm and tasty on my first morning there! Pearl enjoyed making friends with the goats, the chickens and the turkey that thinks she's a goat. It was great to have the big fenced in backyard for her to run around in unattended. We definitely don't have that in the city! The Farmhouse is big enough for a family but was cozy with just us too. We'll definitely visit again soon!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Karen Bloomfield_HAC121166 (Charlottesville,VA)
Date of Stay: 01/01/08 Review Submitted: 01/15/08

Our family of 5: 2 adults, 2 college age young adults and 1 dachshund had a comfortable, restful, and anxiety-free week at the Lost City cottage. Mark and Phil are the most hospitable of owners and offer their cottage to be your home for a bit. The farm animals are all friendly and it was amazingly fun to be "gentle-people" farmers for a week. We are already looking forward to our return to this special retreat.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 01/01/08 Review Submitted: 01/06/08

We spent a quiet, restful Christmas 2007 at the farmhouse--it was a nice getaway from the pressures of the city. The house is a charming combination of kitschy Americana and contemporary amenities (warm gas fireplace, really fast WiFi and Dish TV.) The soft master bed and nice linens and towels in both bathrooms were much appreciated. Mark's hospitality was great--he brought fresh muffins Christmas Eve, and there was a lighted tree and just the right number of Xmas decorations. We also loved reading in the sun on the glassed-in back porch--even in winter, it got nice and warm. The goats are hilarious and fascinating (not to mention ravenous); we really looked forward to feeding them and getting eggs from the chickens. The store Trout Provisions in Wardensville (about 10 miles away) has a lot of gourmet food items if you've forgotten anything. The farmhouse is not exactly isolated (there are a number of houses close by), but there's ample privacy. All in all, a memorable stay at a great hideaway.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: April de Bremond_HAC116114 (Silver Spring, MD)
Date of Stay: 12/01/07 Review Submitted: 12/02/07

We had a wonderful time. The facility is clean and well stocked. The Hosts are wonderful. Town is only about 20 min away. We had 1 day of rain and then the weather cleared into a beautiful late Autumn day.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Terry Curry (Richmond, Va)
Date of Stay: 11/01/07 Review Submitted: 11/19/07

Had a great time at the Farmhouse. Love the goats and chickens. The house has loads of charm and character. Mark and Phil are great hosts. Will make this a long weekend habit. Looking forward to future visits.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 11/01/07 Review Submitted: 11/06/07

My husband and I came here for a weekend with our two toddlers and our two dogs, and we had a wonderful stay. The scenery was beautiful, especially this time of year with the fall colors. We enjoyed feeding the goats and chickens, and we even picked up our own eggs in the morning and made omelets. The nearby Lost River State Park had stroller-friendly trails and a nice tot lot that our children enjoyed. The dogs loved the fenced in yard. We had fun stopping in to the nearby general store, craft coop, and grocery store, and trying out some of the local places to eat. We would love to go back so we can visit with the goats and chickens again, and to experience more of what the area has to offer ... the pool at the Lost River State Park, more of the trails, the caverns, and the thrift stores in some of the nearby towns.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Ron Angers (Cordova, Tn)
Date of Stay: 10/01/07 Review Submitted: 10/28/07

We had a wonderful stay. It is so peaceful, quiet, and serene. It was a gas feeding the goats, chickens, and turkey. If you are looking for a destination to get away from it all; this is definitely it. Mark and Phil have provided a truely unique place for a vacation stay.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Nancy Scully (Moorestown, NJ)
Date of Stay: 10/01/07 Review Submitted: 10/14/07

We just finished the most amazing week. You will love the view from the deck, the goats, the chickens, the beautiful star light sky at night. Truly one of the most relaxing vacations we've had. Thank you Phil and Mark Kevin and Nancy Scully

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Tiffany_HAC110494 (Potomac Falls, VA)
Date of Stay: 10/01/07 Review Submitted: 10/14/07

I think I had one of the best vacations ever in Mark & Phil's home. Not only were the owners amazing and friendly and kind, but they went above and beyond the call of duty. My dog and I had a great time that I will never ever forget. The house is immaculate and cozy. The goats and chickens are a pleasure to see everyday. I definitely plan on returning. The peace and beauty of West Va was unexpected. This was a unique and beautiful vacation for me. I can't wait to return!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Susan_HAC107814 (Washington DC)
Date of Stay: 09/01/07 Review Submitted: 09/23/07

Just finished a wonderful week at the farmhouse. What a treasure! It is as relaxing, comfortable and enjoyable as you could possibly hope for it to be. Phil and Mark were most excellent hosts. The house was as described. The goats delightful. The chickens prolific and there were still veggies in the garden. Lot's to do or just relax. You will not be disappointed. But don't tell anyone--we don't want the word to get out!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Margot (Washington, DC)
Date of Stay: 09/01/07 Review Submitted: 09/05/07

Mark and Phil's farm house is fabulous. It is wonderful for a long weekend or a full week get-away from Washington, D.C. Only a two hour drive. We had a blast feeding the baby goats, especially little Nickie who ate out of the palm of my hand. The house is fully stocked with great books to read, Dish TV and wireless internet. We especially enjoyed going to the pool in Lost River State Park --only $3 to enter and you can bring drinks and food for lunch. We also enjoyed going to the beach at Trout Pond. The sand was soft and the water was warm. During the weekdays, it is very private. The backyard is very pet-friendly. Our dog preferred to stay outside and his nose was going a mile a minute with all the great smells. Phil and Mark are great hosts -- the muffins they brought over lasted three mornings! I cannot say enough good things about how restful their place is.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 08/01/07 Review Submitted: 08/27/07

Thank you so much for everything! Our stay at your farmhouse was everything we hoped it would be. We appreciate that you guys went out of your way to make sure we were comfortable and that our needs were met. We enjoyed the cozy atmosphere, beautiful views, and the friendly goats. We will be back.

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 08/01/07 Review Submitted: 08/19/07

We had a great time at the farm house! The views are spectacular, the house is really comfortable, and the hosts are lovely people. Our dog also had a great time watching the goats and chickens, and loved having a fenced yard to run around in. There are some interesting things to do in the area, but we were quite happy to enjoy the house and the scenery. It's a perfect place to let yourself get away from it all...

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Guest: Kim Mann (Alexandria, VA)
Date of Stay: 08/01/07 Review Submitted: 08/06/07

We just returned from a week at the farmhouse with our two children (9 and 11) and our dog. Renting vacation homes is our favorite type of getaway. We have yet to revisit a vacation home, but I think this is the one. We went horseback riding at Lost River State Park, swimming at Trout Pond park, and visited Smoke Hole Caverns. West Virginia is a beautiful and, for us, overlooked state. I look forward to visiting in every season.

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Guest: Robyn C. (Pittsburgh, PA)
Date of Stay: 07/01/07 Review Submitted: 07/23/07

We've just returned from staying for a week at the Lost City Farmhouse and had a great time! My 7 year old daughter literally walked the pastures with the goats for hours, and grew very attached to them all. The baby goats are precious! While in the area we visited Luray Caverns, went horseback riding, swam at Lost River State Park, and went hiking. What a beautiful area. The house is spacious, bright, cozy and private. We enjoyed being away from it all, but didn't have to "suffer" without all of life's modern amenities (the house has satellite tv upstairs and down, a washer/dryer, telephone, dishwasher, etc). The proprietors were friendly & helpful, & always there if we needed anything. They even shared fresh, organic produce from their garden - we had fresh salads and veggies every night for dinner! I honestly felt like I was staying at a country spa or ranch. There is something for everyone here... we hope to visit again in the fall to enjoy the changing leaves!

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Guest: john_HAC94234 (stratford ct)
Date of Stay: 07/01/07 Review Submitted: 07/08/07

we enjoyed our stay very much. the panoramic view of the mountains was beautiful beyond description. the star gazing at night was awesome. the house was comfortable and relaxing. our dog enjoyed her morning walks and sleeping on the screened in front porch.phil & mark are the perfect hosts.

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Guest: Gary Warrick (Chester Springs, PA)
Date of Stay: 07/01/07 Review Submitted: 07/08/07

We had an absolutely delightful time. We loved starting the day with coffee on the front porch and moving to the back porch at the end of the day with a nice glass of wine. Feeding the goats was very entertaining. They all have individual personalities (including the turkey-goat). We have stayed at many homes and the hosts for the farmhouse were by far the most accommodating friendly and helpful. We will definitely be back. It is our "new Maine"!

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Guest: Christoph Malvaney (Washington DC)
Date of Stay: 06/01/07 Review Submitted: 06/19/07

My partner and I and our two Pugs stayed for a week. Between the abundance of wildflowers, proliferation of birds, and panaramic views my camera was working overtime. As for the farm, it was so quiet and peaceful we did not want to leave. Mark and Phil showed great hospitality as well with home baked muffins and cut flowers from their garden. This is a highly recommended get away, I know we will be going back.

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Guest: Dianne_HAC85746 (Glen Burnie, MD)
Date of Stay: 05/06/07 Review Submitted: 05/06/07

My husband and I stayed at the Farmhouse during the last week of April. We had originally discussed staying just a few days but were glad we booked for a full week. The Farmhouse offered the perfect balance of old home charm, modern conveniences and comforts--with the soaker tub overloaking layer upon layer of mountains being my favorite place. The home, property and Lost City area are all a nature lover's paradise offering not only spectacular views, but plenty to keep one occupied. We hiked the high trails at the nearby Nat'l Forest and our favorite "Howard's Lick" trail along the stream at Lost River State Park with our dog Bandit. We also visited the Trout pond and hiked around it--we were treated to fresh fish by some friendly folks who were fishing at the time, and grilled it out on the deck for dinner. One day we travelled up to Capon Bridge where my husband dug for fossils and uncovered a few trilobites. When we got home and referred to our fossill hunting books we realized there are several good fossil hunting sites right in Hardy County. I was so overwhelmed with the photogenics of the area I took over 400 photos and also started 2 paintings from the farmouse property. My husband probably got tired of me saying "stop the car" so I could get yet another photo of the breathtaking mountain views, steams, old barns, cows, horses, sheep and painting perfect flowers and blossoming trees along the roadsides. The goats and turkey are a hoot to feed and just to watch as they move about during the day, then settle into the barn at dusk. I took many photos of them and they will also be in my paintings. They really add to the ambiance of this wonderful getaway place. My other favorite hanging out places at the farmhouse were right at the kitchen table looking out over the vibrantly colored birds feasting at the hanging feeder with the mountains in the background AND the porch swing in the front screened porch. My husband fully appreciated the modern conveniences and technology--the fresh starbucks coffee (and muffins) in the a.m., Satellite TV, a telespope for enjoying the nightskies and the wi-fi so we could connect to the internet via our laptop. He much enjoyed cozying-up in a chair near the little gas stove during the chilly nights and mornings. We got much more than we ever expected from our visit. When we left the farmhouse I felt more like I was "leaving home" then going home. I have travelled a bit in my life both in a

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Guest: Connie_HAC88172 (Arlington, VA)
Date of Stay: 05/01/07 Review Submitted: 05/28/07

My husband and I stayed there with our dog for over the long weekend and absolutely loved our stay! Our dog, Zoe, loved greeting the goats every morning. The house is so comfortable and cosy -- we just loved lounging around and taking it easy. We did a couple of hikes with the dog and had the trails to ourselves, which was great for Zoe. The owners are so hospitable and thought of everything. We're checking our schedules for our next visit!

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Guest: Tina & Mike (Takoma Park, MD)
Date of Stay: 05/01/07 Review Submitted: 05/26/07

The photos meet expectations, and more! We arrived during a torrential downpour, but even that turned into a cozy evening in this delightful home. The morning sun brought out not only the beauty of the mountains, but a baby goat as well. Homemade muffins arrive in the morning to greet you, and in the evening, a beautiful sunset. A gem.

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Guest: Lorry and Chuck (Maryland)
Date of Stay: 05/01/07 Review Submitted: 05/14/07

My wife and I spent a week at the farm to relax a bit (actually, a lot) and celebrate our wedding anniversary. The beauty and tranquility of the farm and the surrounding region, and the friendliness of the people who call that area home, were more than we could have asked for. Even my wife, the self-confessed "city girl", enjoyed hearing the call of the whippoorwhill at night, and then getting up on the cool crisp mornings to feed the goats and the turkey and then make an omelet with the fresh turkey eggs. What a joy it was also to experience the thrill of new life when Rita the goat had her first baby. Not to be missed is the simple fact that the owners of the property could not have been more accommodating or friendly. We will return, no doubt. Until that time, we have and will continue to recommend this wonderful destination to anyone who wants a replenishing and fulfilling vacation.

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Guest: Mindy_HAC86012 (Washington, DC)
Date of Stay: 05/01/07 Review Submitted: 05/07/07

A really special place. Me, my husband, and our 4 1/2 y.o. and 2 1/2/ y.o. had such a wonderful time during our abbreviated spring break stay. The kids still remark about the goats and the turkey and keep asking when we are going back to visit Mr. Phil. Our days weren't terribly ambitious, and we especially appreciated Phil's (one of the owners) hospitality. The area is absolutely beautiful, and the GW National Forest and the state park have great (and largely empty) trails even for little people to walk. The house itself is perfectly outfitted from maps, to dozens of towels, a telescope, books, DVD player, wood stove, everything. We brought our own food and enjoyed our family meals right in the kitchen. Thank you so much Mark and Phil for being such gracious hosts.

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Guest: Dianne_HAC85746 (Glen Burnie, MD)
Date of Stay: 05/01/07 Review Submitted: 05/05/07

My husband and I stayed at the Farmhouse during the last week of April. We had originally discussed staying just a few days but were glad we booked for a full week. The Farmhouse offered the perfect balance of old home charm, modern conveniences and comforts--with the soaker tub overloaking layer upon layer of mountains being my favorite place. The home, property and Lost City area are all a nature lover's paradise offering not only spectacular views, but plenty to keep one occupied. We hiked the high trails at the nearby Nat'l Forest and our favorite "Howard's Lick" trail along the stream at Lost River State Park with our dog Bandit. We also visited the Trout pond and hiked around it--we were treated to fresh fish by some friendly folks who were fishing at the time, and grilled it out on the deck for dinner. One day we travelled up to Capon Bridge where my husband dug for fossils and uncovered a few trilobites. When we got home and referred to our fossill hunting books we realized there are several good fossil hunting sites right in Hardy County. I was so overwhelmed with the photogenics of the area I took over 400 photos and also started 2 paintings from the farmouse property. My husband probably got tired of me saying "stop the car" so I could get yet another photo of the breathtaking mountain views, steams, old barns, cows, horses, sheep and painting perfect flowers and blossoming trees along the roadsides. The goats and turkey are a hoot to feed and just to watch as they move about during the day, then settle into the barn at dusk. I took many photos of them and they will also be in my paintings. They really add to the ambiance of this wonderful getaway place. My other favorite hanging out places at the farmhouse were right at the kitchen table looking out over the vibrantly colored birds feasting at the hanging feeder with the mountains in the background AND the porch swing in the front screened porch. My husband fully appreciated the modern conveniences and technology--the fresh starbucks coffee (and muffins) in the a.m., Satellite TV, a telespope for enjoying the nightskies and the wi-fi so we could connect to the internet via our laptop. He much enjoyed cozying-up in a chair near the little gas stove during the chilly nights and mornings. We got much more than we ever expected from our visit. When we left the farmhouse I felt more like I was "leaving home" then going home. I have travelled a bit in my life both in and out of the country; this place goes down as one of my favorite vacations! Dianne

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 04/01/07 Review Submitted: 04/24/07

We really enjoyed our weekend at the farmhouse. The cozy and comfortable home, along with the serene and scenic locale, provided the perfect getaway for two people in desperate need of rest and relaxation! It was a treat to feed the goats and turkey in the morning! We also visited the tasting room at West-Whitehall vineyard; they have a webpage. There are other wineries in the area as well. Many thanks to Mark and Phil for the hospitality- the muffins in the morning were such a nice touch and the clean and well-appointed home made us feel "at home" away from home.

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Guest: Somer P. (Arlington, VA)
Date of Stay: 04/01/07 Review Submitted: 04/01/07

Two friends and I stayed at the farmhouse over the weekend and had the best time! The owners were super-friendly, and the warm muffins in the morning were wonderful! We enjoyed feeding the goats and turkey, and found some great hikes/walks at the nearby State and National parks! The house is cozy and perfect for relaxing. We look forward to visiting again!!

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