Vacation Rentals by Owner

Knotty Pine

Guest: NAR (Reston, VA)
Date of Stay: 07/15/11 Review Submitted: 07/18/11

Just awesome-it had everything. So relaxing and tranquil, especially the view of the sun setting on the Shenandoahs. My blood pressure dropped the second I arrived. I was very depressed when I had to go back to "reality". Can't wait to return.

Owner response:We are just thrillled to have guests come, relax & enjoy the Knotty Pine Cottage, & the area, as we do. We work hard to make sure everything is comfortable & clean so you can have a memorable time & this is our payoff to hear back from you. Thanks & we'll keep the light on for you! Madge & Sandy

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Wonderful Views, Comfortable and Roomy

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 06/03/11 Review Submitted: 06/05/11

Just back from another few days at the Knotty Pine. As always, the experience was great. Used the tubes provided at the cottage to float down river for a few hours, soaked in the hot tub, grilled our dinner and had a great evening around the firepit. Doesn't get any better.

Owner response:Always happy to have repeat guests enjoy themselves at the Knotty Pine Cottage. I am thrilled hear about guests' experiences & to share my home! Madge Sandy works hard too, keeping the Knotty Pine clean, & running while I'm not there! She does a great job!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

The best of the best from the best- the bestest!

Guest: Rn (New Jersey)
Date of Stay: 04/17/11 Review Submitted: 05/12/11

Me, my wife and our dog decided to take a week break from the craziness of big city. We did stay before in Virginia, but our place was Skylands Resort in Shenandoah (beautiful place btw, but...). So we decided to rent a place in the city we know already- Luray. Lucky for us the Knotty Pine Cottage was available for the week we planned the vacation. This place is absolutely one of the best rental places you can find in the area- it is not surrounded by the houses, HUGE (and I mean it) private deck with beautiful view and ... of course HotTub! The house is huge- the 3 bedrooms are full size and the family room is very cozy with working fireplace and LCD TV ( I bet you won't use it- too many other things to do around). The house and the surrounding area is very clean and you find in the house everything you need for joyful vacation (thanks to Sandy!) . We do Mountain Biking and this place is very close to the trails (IMBA EPIC Trail, Duncan Hollow (15min) etc)- also a lot of fun for roadies- Shenandoah is 20min drive and the road near the house is rural. Some other fun stuff to do around- ATV, Canoe (Knotty Pine Cottage is equipped with it!, but you can rent one with pickup/drop off service from Shenandoah River Outfitters like 10min of walking down the road), endless hiking trails with beautiful views, places of interest like Luray caverns, museum of history and car museum. Great restaurants around (we ended up going to the same place twice- Rancho Viejo - mexican restaurant- yummy!). For the groceries we went to the local Walmart (1min from the Luray Caverns). We do plan our next visit to Shenandoah and know where to stay now. From other places We used to rent- this one is the best and our 6hour ride to Knotty Pine is def worth it! Shenandoah National Park is a beautiful place We have been there 3 times, but Knotty Pine Cottage made us forget the previous two by all the experience and fun we had that week!!! (Have you ever rode a bike in the river?..) P.S. The minor thing I do like to mention- do not trust the photos, Madge is a bad photographer (and I mean it!), this place is 1000 times better than it appears on the photos! P.S2. Thank you Madge and Sandy- the place is a jewel.

Owner response:Sandy & I are thrilled to have guests stay at the Knotty Pine Cottage while they are enjoying the activities & attractions in the Shenandoah Vally around Luray. Sandy works hard to make sure the cottage is ready for guests when they arrive: by completing a long list of things, above & beyond a thorough cleaning, & making beds. She also adds her extra touch! I work hard from Pittsburgh; my original home, advertising, answering inquirers, taking reservations & talking with guests - my favorite part. I also travel to my other home of 18 years, to take care of maintenance, seasonal needs, deep cleaning, improvements, shopping for supplies, updates, & new items! I always try to mix a little pleasure in with my work, but finally after being in business for 7 years now, I am planning my first "vacation" to the Knotty Pine this year. We both take pride in making the Knotty Pine Cottage more than just a comfortable place to rest your weary body after a day of adventure! P.S. I know my photos need HELP!! Since this is a one rental operation that just breaks even, we do most things ourselves. I bought a new camera, & tried to improve; however, a new camera didn't make me a better photographer! I think it's time to call in a PROFESSIONAL!!

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

Perfect Fall Holiday Spot

Guest: Patty (Atlantic Beach, FL)
Date of Stay: 10/21/10 Review Submitted: 10/29/10

My husband & I just spent 4 wonderful days at the Knotty Pine along with two of my brothers and their wives. Four of us came up from FL and wanted a place where we could enjoy "Fall". The cottage was everything we could have asked for and more...beautiful views, quiet location, comfortable beds, very well equipped with everything you could need, clean and well maintained. The deck was awesome; loved the swing, hot tub, and mountain views. We ate in for breakfast and dinner...and the husband chefs produced delicious meals from the kitchen which lacked for nothing. We enjoyed hiking down to the river and other excursions which took us to small towns, a winery, and Skyline Drive. Their is much to do within very easy driving distance from the cottage. In addition to how great the cottage was, the owner, Madge, was so helpful and accommodating. It was a pleasure working with her. She was always quickly responsive and helpful. Everything about our stay was wonderful. It was a joy to see the Fall colors and the weather was beautiful. I'd love to think we'll be back some day! Patty

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

Great time at Knotty Pine

Guest: Paul G (Cranbury/NJ)
Date of Stay: 08/28/10 Review Submitted: 09/20/10

Hi Madge, A word to let you know that we had a great time at the Knotty Pine from 08/28 to 09/04. The cabin was above expectation: clean, comfortable with all amenities to have a relaxing time. The children enjoyed the board games, the jacuzzi and the fire pit to make marsh mellow at night. The Shenandoah temperature was perfect, and we just relax in the rapids. We did several trails on the Blue Ridge, with our most memorable moment sliding Cedar Run fall (a little bit scary due to the sliding speed but amazing and we could not leave the place and make a new run). The Luray zoo was bizarre, the employees look like lions in cage while the animals seem to have fun. Thanks again. Best wishes to you and Knotty Pine. Paul and his family.

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

Just Great

Guest: Jon (Alexandria, VA)
Date of Stay: 08/08/10 Review Submitted: 09/21/10

I needed to get my wife away from Washington for a little while, and I pitched her the idea of a Shenandoah getaway. As soon as we saw the Knotty Pine, we knew it was for us -- and we were right. The very comfortable cottage was incredibly clean, surprisingly accessible and filled with the kinds of relaxing-time amenities we were looking for. Having both the river and the Luray-area attractions right nearby made us wish we could've spent a little more time. We can only say great things about Knotty Pine, and we'll definitely have it on our minds for the next time we need to escape to somewhere quiet, private and fun. And did I mention that Madge is just about the best person to rent from in the world? She is.

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

Peaceful and beautiful

Guest: Virginia Lover (Washington DC)
Date of Stay: 05/22/10 Review Submitted: 05/26/10

My husband and I spent a wonderful weekend at the Knotty Pine. The cottage was well-furnished with everything we could want and has big windows and is light and spacious. The best feature by far is the big deck with beautiful views onto the Blue Ridge mountains. There's a hot tub, porch swing, dining table and b-b-que out on the deck- what more could you want? It's about a 15 minute walk to the Shenandoah river and 5 minute drive to the river outfitters. We can definitely recommend it.

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

Lovely, lovely getaway!

Guest: Claudia (Bethesda)
Date of Stay: 04/23/10 Review Submitted: 05/04/10

We were three adults and two children from Spain and France. Vacationing in Luray and in this cabin in particular was amazing! It was cozy, the owner provided every little detail to get us started on our holiday! Relaxing in the hot tub surrounded by trees, grilling every night, reading on the swing, and just being close to nature! The property was extremely neat and clean, the beds were very comfortable, and it was very nicely decorated, American Country. The road was not very far away, at first I wished we had been further from the road..but we did not have any car noise so it didnt matter to us....We would definitely go back!

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, pet owners.

A Peaceful Getaway

Guest: Neil & Kristen (Springfield, VA, United States)
Date of Stay: 10/23/09 Review Submitted: 10/28/09

Knotty Pines is a great place to relax and get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The house is very comfortable and quiet and set deep in the mountains so we didn't have to worry about any traffic or congestion. We'd recommend staying here to anyone looking for a quiet getaway for some hiking, canoeing or outdoor activities that needs a cozy, comfortable house to come back to at the end of the day.

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

Guest: Aimee Darling (Arlington, VA)
Date of Stay: 10/19/09 Review Submitted: 10/19/09

Wonderful! This sums up the time we had at the Knotty Pine, celebrating our first anniversary! It's a home away from home, there is not a single detail missing! We were looking for a place to refresh, to rejuvenate after the rat race of home and we found it here! After my first conversation with Madge, I knew we didn't need to look any further, that this would be the perfect place to unwind and reflect on our first year together as husband and wife. The setting is gorgeous, the river is amazing oh, and did I mention the hot tub? FANTASTIC! It was the perfect getaway - we're already planning our return trip. Thank you so much for everything, Madge & Sandy, absolutely unforgettable!

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Guest: Robin & Mike Milburn
Date of Stay: 09/28/09 Review Submitted: 09/27/09

What a charming place,thoughtful touches everywhere, it really feels like a home. A beautiful & peaceful place for us to celebrate our 17th Anniversary. Thank you! Robin & Mike (This comment was in the guest book in the Knotty Pine. They recently returned with their 2 boys for a family vacation.)

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Guest: The Carlyle Family
Date of Stay: 09/28/09 Review Submitted: 09/27/09

We had a wonderful time kayaking! We saw osprey, a mink, & a bald eagle! Hubby enjoyed the hot tub everyday while I went into town & ran along the Hawksbill Greenway (a fab run by the way). Your cabin is comfy & charming w/ all the amenities needed. Stars inside & outside at night, fresh air, peace & quiet! Cheri & Ned ~ Bogey & Addy (this comment was in the guest book at the Knotty Pine.)

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Guest: The Batrizio Family
Date of Stay: 09/28/09 Review Submitted: 09/27/09

Greetings: What a wonderful comfy dwelling! All the amenities plus more. The beds are extremely comfortable. Loved the deck & the hot tub. We canoed down the river & used the tubes. The weather was perfect! Tony, Kay, Chris, Nick, Joey & Buddy (This was written in the guest book in the Knotty Pine.)

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Guest: Julie94 (Indianapolis, IN)
Date of Stay: 07/06/09 Review Submitted: 07/06/09

Although it rained the entire 3 days we were there, this was the perfect cottage to be rained in at! We had great family time with the hot tub, candlight meals, games, puzzles and movies and just being with each other!

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Guest: Ann and Glenda (Churchton, MD)
Date of Stay: 09/23/07 Review Submitted: 09/23/07

This was the perfect getaway!. Clean, nicely decorated, secluded and secure. We loved the hot tub, deck and scenic drive to Luray and Skyline Drive. Very peaceful. The cottage had everything we needed! Thanks for offering such a sweet place to celebrate a special occasion!

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Guest: Schexnayder
Date of Stay: 08/09/07 Review Submitted: 08/08/07

"Very nice, cozy little house. Especially loved the hot tub.

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Guest: Rosa
Date of Stay: 07/08/07 Review Submitted: 07/07/07

"This cabin was a beautiful place to stay in! My family and I had a great time. We went in the hot tub and stars were mesmerizing. We visited Luray Caverns and rafted down the Shenandoah River. However the most exciting event of our trip was hiking to Rose falls in Shenandoah Park off Skyline drive. Thank you very much for letting my family and I stay here. I'm sure we'll be back some day." Sincerely, The Rosa Family from Long Island, NY (written by Nicole - age 12)

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Guest: Max Fillon
Date of Stay: 07/01/07 Review Submitted: 06/30/07

"The worst part was having to leave!"

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Guest: Hogans & Whites
Date of Stay: 06/24/07 Review Submitted: 06/23/07

"We had a great time (much too short). The cottage is wonderful and we enjoyed the deck alot. Definately will always remember our trip down the river - many many memories. Thanks for sharing your home with us."

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Guest: Joe & Cynde Freeland
Date of Stay: 06/13/07 Review Submitted: 06/12/07

"You have a very nice and well equiped get-a-way. We really enjoyed everything. The view is great, river very nice and beautiful country. Thanks for everything and we will be back. Can't think of a thing that we needed here for you had everything covered. Thanks again."

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Guest: Imre Takacs
Date of Stay: 05/04/07 Review Submitted: 05/03/07

"You have a very nice place in a wonderful location. It was perfect for our International Task Group Meeting" "(International Water Association, Good Modelling Task Group)" Andrew Shaw - Australia; Sylire Cillot - Paris, France; Liev Rieger - Quebec, Canada; Sblzi Wrihlv- Vienna, Austria; Imre Takacc - Dundas, Canada; Takayuki Ohtsuki - Tokyo, Japan (Sorry for any mis-spellings of names if I didn't read the handwriting from the guest book correctly.)

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 03/18/07 Review Submitted: 03/18/07

A great place for a getaway clean,cozy,comfortable,close to river,beautiful views day and night,hot tub under the stars,free use of kayak & canoe what more could you ask

Owner response:A canoe and 4 intertubes are available free of charge.

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Guest: McDaniel / Crormwell
Date of Stay: 02/11/07 Review Submitted: 02/10/07

"Very nice cottage. Plenty of wood for the fire. Great wood stove. Just a thought was wondering if the hot tub could be put up to 104 103 was ok but would have been better at 104 into the cold weather. __Love the views and great touch with the stars on the master bedroom ceiling!__ Nice & private cottage. We have a place in Nags Head NC. Would you like to swap weekends in the winter?" I have supplied information on a bulliten board in the master bedroom for the hot tub, so guests can change the temperature.

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Guest: Piepeling
Date of Stay: 01/01/07 Review Submitted: 12/31/06

"The cabin was very comfortable and peaceful. We loved being able to sit out in the hot tub, looking at all of the stars. We got engaged atop Hawksbill Summit in Shenandoah N.P., so we'll definitely be coming back for many years! Thanks for providing an opportunity for a relaxing and memorable getaway." Katie, Emmett & Kipper - the cat

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Guest: Miller
Date of Stay: 11/06/06 Review Submitted: 11/05/06

"Beautiful sunrises over the mountains. Gorgeous full moon. Adoreable cottage. Peaceful area. We will return to this area. Thanks." Tim & Barb Miller & Puntius Pilate - the dog

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Guest: McGohan
Date of Stay: 10/02/06 Review Submitted: 10/01/06

"We had a wonderful first anniversary! Oct. 1 We spent our days hiking in the parks and our evenings relaxing under the stars in the hot tub. The Knotty Pine is a beautiful place and we are thrilled about our choice to spend our special weekend here." Cheers, Katie & Craig McGoham

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Guest: Bangs
Date of Stay: 09/04/06 Review Submitted: 09/03/06

"We had a great time at the 'Naughty Pine!' The hot tub was perfect during a light but cold rain; the proximity to the National Forest, Luray, and New Market was just right. The dogs like it here too!" Chris, Basil, Kona & Kelley

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Guest: Higginbotham
Date of Stay: 08/21/06 Review Submitted: 08/20/06

"We loved our weekend at the Knotty Pine! We enjoyed our soaks in the hot tub and our campfire. Canoeing & tubing down the river was great as well. The view from the top of the hill is fantastic, I suggest a walk up to the top to see it. The Pugs had a great time too, I think they would have liked more wildlife to bark at though. We'll be back again!" Jermy, Emily, & Peter Higginbotham & Bijou & Bella

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Guest: McConnell
Date of Stay: 08/13/06 Review Submitted: 08/12/06

"We had a very relaxing time at the Knotty Pine. It was just my husband & me - minus 20 month old daughter. It was very nice to get away & to get reaquainted with nature. I taught my 'city boy' husband how to make a fire & cook hot dogs by the fire - fun! We enjoyed the hot tub even more after our long adventous hikes during the day at the National Park. It was also wonderful for my husband and I to be alone for once & just to enjoy each others company again. Thanks for having us. May bring daughter next time to 'de-citify' her." (smiley face) The McConnell's

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Guest: Shuleski
Date of Stay: 08/10/06 Review Submitted: 08/09/06

"We liked the Knotty Pine Cottage. We enjoyed the hot tub at night and the tubes and canoe during the day at the river. We went on an 8 mile kayak trip which was very fun. We hope to come back soon." Chet, Audrey, Steve, & Samantha

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Guest: Palestis
Date of Stay: 08/05/06 Review Submitted: 08/04/06

"Our stay here was very enjoyable. The hot tub was nice and warm. We went to the Outfitters while we were here and floated down the river. We hope to come back soon." The Palestis Family

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Guest: McGarry
Date of Stay: 07/30/06 Review Submitted: 07/29/06

"We had such a great time here for our 1st anniversary. It was so relaxing - we loved the hot tub, fire pit, and the huge deck. We'd love to come back for future anniversaries! Mick and Michelle

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Guest: Fajardo
Date of Stay: 07/16/06 Review Submitted: 07/15/06

"We absolutely loved this cabin! It was well equipped, and we appreciated the canoe & tubes. We had a great time on the river! Thanks for a lovely place to stay. Adam, Valeria, Katherine, Marshall, & Rocky - the dog

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Guest: Keithan
Date of Stay: 01/02/06 Review Submitted: 01/01/06

"A wonderful place to bring in the new year; time in the hot tub & in front of the fire. Beautiful country with great hikes - then a warm and welcoming home to return to at the Naughty-er-Knotty Pine. Thank you for giving us a place to start the year off right!" Keithan, Keithan, Hamilton, Maier, & Johnson (and Mooch!)

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Guest: Severin
Date of Stay: 12/28/05 Review Submitted: 12/27/05

"Fantastic 3 days of total relaxation, after having worked on setteling in DC. We left Denmark 27/10-05 and have been running around DC offices to get all the paperwork done, in order to be here for 2 years. Even Terry (the dog) has been relaxing at the fire place for at least 18 hours a day. Thank you Merry x-mas & happy New Year." Severin

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Guest: Mary
Date of Stay: 11/01/05 Review Submitted: 10/31/05

"Good family, good friends and lovely place to enjoy the Shenandoah! Thanks - Your're always welcome to hang out at the FL place in return! Come on down in January!" Love, Mary

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Guest: Grady
Date of Stay: 10/30/05 Review Submitted: 10/29/05

"Our journey to this cabin was a long one. As teenagers we were the best of friends and inseperable for a few years. As we both grew older, our lives went in sepaerate directions. Eventually we lost touch with each other... except for the occasssional hello sent through mutual friends. Several years passed and we both grew to value and miss the friendship we once shared. As chance would have it we reconnected almost a year ago. Since them we have been together as friends and lovers on a daily basis. This cabin, this weekend was our first weekend away together. It will forever be a part of our love story, as I hope it is a part of yours." Margaret & Dave

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Guest: Richardson
Date of Stay: 10/16/05 Review Submitted: 10/15/05

"What a wonderful weekend get-away. It was like a second honeymoon (25 years!) The cottage is very cozy and we loved the hot tub under the stars. Thanks for all the 'little touches.' The Richardsons - Richmond"

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Guest: Bortc
Date of Stay: 09/30/05 Review Submitted: 09/29/05

"We had a great time! You're cabin is very cozy and peaceful. I twas nice to get away. The hot tub was great and what a beautiful view of the stars!! I am sure we will be back in the future!! The Bortc's - Delaware"

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Guest: Koyro
Date of Stay: 08/01/05 Review Submitted: 07/31/05

"Thank you for leting us stay in such a wonderful cabin. We had a great time, loved the hot tub, and atmosphere of the cabin. The area is beautiful! We had such a blast! Hope to do it again!! Love, The Koyro's"

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Guest: Blue
Date of Stay: 07/25/05 Review Submitted: 07/24/05

"Thank you for a wonderful, relaxing weekend! We thoroughly enjoyed your cabin, all the fine amenities, the Hot Tub, the swing on the back porch. My husband and I hope to come back with our boys, we know they would like it here. The Blue's from Woodbridge"

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Guest: Schreiber
Date of Stay: 07/10/05 Review Submitted: 07/09/05

"My family and I have enjoyed thsi vacation so much! It brings a sense of tranquility and serenity. It was so great to be away from the stress of home for this little bit of time. Luray is a wonderful place and the caverns are beautiful! I never realized how many bright stars there wasin the sky at night. The hot tub was a plus for my family. I am positive it made everyone feel peaceful. Everything about this place was incredible and I hope to come back in the future. Sincerely, The Schreiber Family written by Melissa (15)"

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Guest: Mays
Date of Stay: 06/10/05 Review Submitted: 06/09/05

"What a great get away. Short but sweet & relaxing. Love the cabin very comfortable love the deck & Hot tub. Well equipped - coffee pot died on us though. It made a 1/2 pot & stopped - Hope to come back in the future. I like the privacy. Needed to get away from city like! Thanks, The Mays near Washington DC" Sorry about the coffee pot ~ obviously we have a new one!

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