Murder Mystery at Miriam's House

Guest: Carla G. (Leesburg, VA)
Date of Stay: 09/30/11 Review Submitted: 10/04/11

We stayed with a few couples at Miriam's House to celebrate my husbands birthday. I had planned a Murder Mystery party for the weekend and the house was absolutely perfect! Its a charming house on a beautiful property. All the guys had a great time fishing and playing football, frisbee, and bags in the backyard. The ladies took advantage of the peace and quiet in the house to relax and catch up on some reading. Helpful info: The house has 3 real bedrooms with enough room in 2 of them to easily add air mattresses. The living room also has 2 good size couches for single sleepers (not sure if pull-out couches). There is one bathroom with a shower and another with a shower/bath combo. Also, there is 6 person and 4 person table in the kitchen already set up. Additional/larger tables are also available. Note, if you are a techy there is very little cell service and only dial up internet. No cable TV but a dvd player. Shouldn't be an issue since there are so many other things to enjoy but just as a heads up! From beginning to end, Cory was available to answer any questions and help out any way possible. I would absolutely recommend enjoying this house! Our only regret is not staying long enough to fully enjoy the massive property!

Owner response:We are always happy to accommodate gatherings and activities of all kinds. Because we are in a very secluded area, we can't get cable and it has been a challenge to get any kind of TV reception, cell reception and high speed internet. However, most of our clients have indicated to us that they want to enjoy being unplugged when they're here, so we haven't pursued getting alternative services. You can, however, still check your email, do some basic surfing with the dial-up and watch DVD's. We invite you to experience some time away from the electronics and experience our unique outdoor treasures. The living room sofas do not pull out, but they are large enough to accommodate a large adult comfortably, and we provide bedding for them, as well as the inflatable beds. C. L. "Cory" Koral, owner Miriam's House at Jordan River Farm 540 636-4775

Recommended for:

Family Weekend

Guest: MaryPat (Cedar Brook, NJ, USA)
Date of Stay: 11/04/10 Review Submitted: 11/08/10

We thoroughly enjoyed our long weekend here at Miriam's House. We appreciated that you met us up at the beginning of Jericho Road, especially after a long, dark, rainy trip. Loved the deer in the yard as we pulled up to the house! We woke up to a beautiful morning and our first views of the surrounding farm and pond. Our eight year old had to be convinced to get dressed and put his coat on before he went out to pick apples. Our dog made friends with the little neighbor dogs, and we walked around the farm and down to the lake. Your home was warm and comfortable for the seven of us. We had everything we needed and more. We enjoyed cooking out and having the campfire. We hosted a birthday dinner on our last night, and had plenty of room for seating, even with the 2 additional guests. We loved the decorating and character of your home. The log walls and wood floors and big rooms were part of why we chose your place. The "green" choices you've made made us want to come here. We look forward to coming back in warmer weather, when we can get some of your vegetables. Loved the easy drive to Shenandoah. We were able to do some short hikes. Thank you for having the hike books and other publications. Thanks for a great stay. Paul, MaryPat, Ale, Lucas, Joan and Diane

Owner response:It is customary for me to meet guests who are new to the area, at the end of our road, especially at night. We are off the beaten path which is why we are so secluded and peaceful, but we don't want you to miss any of your time here by being lost. I can meet you at any local landmark, depending on your direction of arrival, and can advise you on the nearest grocery stores so you can stock up on your way in. One of the more common requests is to have live bait on hand for those wishing to fish. If you let me know your needs I can take care of them. I and my team will do everything possible to make this a truly memorable experience for you. C. L. "Cory" Koral, owner Miriam's House at Jordan River Farm

Recommended for:Pet owners, age 55+, families with young children.

Relaxing Weekend at Miriam's House

Guest: Andrea H. (Washington DC)
Date of Stay: 11/11/11 Review Submitted: 11/17/11

Cory - thank you so much for arranging such a great weekend for us. We had a wonderful time at Miriam's house, where we spent 3 days relaxing, hiking, eating, and just spending quality time with the family (the weather was also fabulous for November and we even had a picnic by the lake). Everyone LOVED the place and Cory was so great at sending us information on things to do around the area. We visited a winery recommended by Cory, and also did some shopping in oldtown Front Royal (the farm is located only about 15 minutes away - very good location), but we spent most of the weekend just relaxing on the farm and taking walks around the property. Everyone, especially my nephew and our dog Asemba, was sad to leave the farm on Sunday... noone wanted to go back to DC! Again, THANK YOU for a wonderful weekend - we hope to be back again in the future! ps: I had lunch with my mom today and she was telling me how relaxed she was this week after such a nice weekend in the country side. And my nephew (he's 9) apparently hasn't stopped talking about last weekend. ps 2: My husband and I realized we had forgotten our two nice knives at Miriam's house. I emailed Cory and he kindly went to the house, found them, and put them in the mail for me. We are so appreciative - thank you!

Owner response: Miriam's House, which is composed of several different eras of architecture, has it's own unique charm. Although there is the pond, the gazebo, fire pit and plenty of room for hiking, fishing and skeet shooting, sometimes the best quality is our quiet seclusion. Inevitably, items get left behind, and I and my staff do our level best to locate their owners. We're glad to get those knives, one of which was a wedding gift, back to their rightful owners. However, we do occasionally get "orphans"; items we cannot trace. We're still looking for the owner of a tooth we found after a visit. If you've been here and this sounds familiar, please let me know, and I'll be glad to send it along.

Recommended for:

Beautiful,,,, Absolutely beautiful

Guest: roberthbennett (Schwenksville, PA)
Date of Stay: 07/10/10 Review Submitted: 06/03/11

My wife and I and our dog speant a week here last summer (2010) and had an absolutely incredible time. 300 acres of unspolied land to explore and a incredible house built in the 1700's and 1800's (when they knew how to build to last). Cory was a great host and I recommend his tour of the property. If you want to get back to nature then this is the place for you. Rob and Karen Bennett Schwenksville, PA

Owner response:People remember their stays at Miriam's House. I and my staff do everything to ensure that you have an unforgettable experience here. We also offer a 10% discount to returning guests.

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

Pastoral Retreat

Guest: valerie reid (Chatham, NJ)
Date of Stay: 04/03/11 Review Submitted: 04/10/11

We had a lovely visit at your idyllic pastoral retreat. The home was perfect for a family, extended family or couple - roomy, yet cozy, too. The setting of Miriam's House is as pretty as any in the U.S. and Europe - a lovely pond, willow tree and expansive lawn / patio await! Thanks Cory, for your hospitality and everything you provide for your guests! We'd love to come back!

Owner response:Instead of getting a large screen TV with cable, we now have a piano! It's originally from Edinborough, Scotland, but of unknown age. It's in need of refinishing and probably out of tune, but it has plenty of character - perfect for Miriam's House! We think you'll find much greater satisfaction and have a much more rewarding time here if you and your loved ones aren't glued to a TV set, and the feedback from our guests, including those above, has confirmed this. We do have a DVD player, and you can check your email via dial-up, but for the most part, we wish to remain "unplugged" and natural. Compare our prices and you will see we are the best vacation rental value. So come out and experience a moment of peace at Jordan River Farm. P.S. Does anyone know how to tune a piano? C. L. "Cory" Koral, owner Miriam's House at Jordan River Farm

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, pet owners, families with young children.

Professional Photographer

Guest: Tess (Ashburn, Va)
Date of Stay: 02/11/11 Review Submitted: 02/21/11

Thank you for such a great stay. The house is beautiful wiht such character. Everything we needed was here. Thank you for showing Brian around and letting us shoot. The entire property is gorgeous! We will definitely be back! Thank you also for being a pet-friendly property! Please use us as references.

Owner response:In addition to hunting, which is new this year, we are also allowing skeet shooting in a designated location on the farm. It's been a blast (no pun intended). Just bring your own shotgun, clay pigeons and launching mechanism. There is no additional charge.

Recommended for:Sightseeing, pet owners.

Film Crew

Guest: Film Crew (Herndon, VA USA)
Date of Stay: 12/16/10 Review Submitted: 12/26/10

Cory you are spectacular! Our film crew had a blast in the beautiful and toasty warm home! It was perfect for our film. Miriam's House holds a special place in our hearts and now it has contributed to some of the last rolls of the historic end of Kodachrome Film. It has been a joy. Thank you!

Owner response:Miriam's House is not just a vacation rental for friends and families, we host company picnics, seminars and business meetings of all kinds. We are pleased as punch to have hosted our first film crew! The original plan was to provide a staging area for the crew, who were doing shoots in the area, but they were so taken with Miriam's House that they decided to actually shoot some of the film here! Miriam would be very proud to know that her historic house will be featured in the historic last film to be made on Kodachrome film. Titled, "Kodachrome, The Film", this movie will be out soon. Check back here for more information. As with any business, corporate, or film project, we can provide you with everything you need to keep things on schedule and on budget. We can arrange for rental equipment and vehicles, including trucks, provide catering, and handle your temporary help needs. We even have a 5,000 watt portable generator, if needed. If you let us know your needs, we can give you a specific quote. We have inflatable beds and there are areas near the house for tents and a 16 foot gazebo for outdoor accommodations, so there is no maximum occupancy restrictions. We have a fully equipped kitchen so you can bring your own food and save money. Being in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, there are many scenic views in the area, but also on the farm itself, making it an ideal location shoot for film crews. Whether you are here on business or to relax, or both, I and my crew are committed to providing you with a most memorable experience.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers.

Guest: Kelley (-)
Date of Stay: 10/08/10 Review Submitted: 10/15/10

Cory - We had a wonderful time here. The house and land were well used and loved by four little boys and their parents. We hiked, used the paddle boat, gazebo, fire ring, swing and played with the dogs. It was absolutely super to let the kids run outside while grown ups relaxed on the porch. Here is an idea for you: Have local eggs and produce from your garden available for use with the house, along with a compost pile for food (non-meat) scaps. Also - large map of the area on the wall as well as a US or World Atlas for your book collection! We hare already been talking about making this an annual or bi-annual excursion. Thanks for everything!

Recommended for:

Excellent accommodation & location

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 07/10/10 Review Submitted: 07/20/10

We visited for a week in July, 2010. Restored 18th century farmhouse overlooks a pond and the farm (no longer a working farm) includes hiking trails. The Skyline Drive begins at Front Royal so mountain hiking in the Shenandoah National Forest is nearby. Also fairly close to D.C.. Our grandchildren visited the Air & Space Museum near Dulles Airport (about 60 mi.) and we visited Mt. Vernon. Front Royal also has a number of canoeing/rafting oprtunities. This is a very comfortable house in a lovely broad valley between mountain ranges. Well-stocked; comfortable for the six of us. Main bdrm has a nice king-sized bed. Deer routinely feed on the apple trees in the yard and we saw a red fox as well. Owner Cory Koral lives nearby and is very accommodating. And we were able to bring our two dogs.

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

Wonderful Getaway!

Guest: Pooh (Derry)
Date of Stay: 06/26/10 Review Submitted: 07/08/10

The description of Mariam's House is right on. It was soooo relaxing and cozy. The paddle boat was a big hit with my kids. We enjoyed fishing in the pond and lake which is on the property. The river, which is also on site, was nice too and provided a gorgeous mountain view on the drive to it. Cory, the owner, goes above and beyond to ensure good customer service. I would recommend this property to anyone looking for on site activities as well as attractions within a 10-15 drive. PS, Cory built a handicap ramp for my mother which was super nice! People with disabilities could easily stay here!

Owner response:We recently added a wheelchair ramp to Miriam's House, allowing handicapped persons full access to the lower floor, including kitchen, lower bathroom, back porch and living room. We want to add more features to our rental so that more people can enjoy the farm, so we are about to finish a 5 stall horse barn, for horse campers. The comfort of our guests is always paramount, and since I have my residence on the farm, I'm always available if you need me. We also now have fresh vegetables available with our own market garden. I'm pleased to see how many folks have enjoyed their stay at Miriam's House and look forward to many more. C. L. "Cory" Koral, owner

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, people with disabilities, sightseeing, pet owners, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.