Cottage, Pool, 300 Spectacular Acres of Blue Ridge Mountains
- Minimum stay:2 nights
- Internet:Yes
- Pets allowed:Yes
- Wheel chair accessible:No
This is a luxurious cottage with pool on a 300 acre farm in the middle of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Perfect for a romantic weekend or family getaway.
The cottage consists of a single huge window-filled kitchen/dining/living/sleeping area, made with the finest materials. The hardwood floors are spectacular rustic oak. The kitchen has the latest appliances and wonderful red granite countertops. The living area has a gas fireplace with HDTV and DirecTV.
The cottage sits alone in its own valley, and the farm has spectacular hills, meadows, and woods. It features soaring views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, with over a mile of border with the beautiful George Washington National Forest.
Privacy and intimacy go along with the gorgeous landscape. You will be the only people on the farm. From the entire farm, no other houses are visible, despite the stunning views of 20 miles or more. Dozens of deer make their home on the farm and snack on the apple trees around the cottage.
Recreational Equipment: The fishing pond (stocked with catfish, bass and perch) has a paddle boat. Fishing rods available. There is a golf cart and two electric-powered bikes. There are three kayaks for use on the nearby Cow Pasture River. The kayaks are a short 8' long, so they fit in most cars. Plus there are car racks available.
There's a pool right outside your door, via a rather whimsical bridge from the deck to a jumping platform.
To give you an idea of how large 300 acres is, it would take you about an hour to walk to the back of the farm. We gladly accept pets. The farm has always had pets, and they love it there.
The bathroom has marble floors, ceramic tiles, and a jetted tub with a view of the wilderness. The two-sided deck allows you to sip your morning coffee while looking out over the valley, watching the mist roll through.
Sleeping accommodations consist of a double futon bed with an 8' thick mattress, a premium self-inflating queen airbed, 22' high, and three self-inflating twin airbeds (all 22' high), so you can mix and match as needed. The inflatable beds have internal pumps and deploy and retract in about 4 minutes.
Wander the farm to your heart's delight. Swim to your hearts content. Fish in the pond. Check out a nearby river swimming hole right out of Tom Sawyer. Careen about on the electric bikes or the golf cart. Go kayaking!
Keywords: Vacation Cottage
Property Type
- Cottage
Accommodation Type
- Vacation Rental
Suitability
- Pets Considered
- Children Welcome
- Smoking Allowed
Bedrooms
- 1 Bedrooms, Sleeps 4, Beds for 4
- Bedroom 1
Bathrooms
- 1.0 Bathrooms
- Bathroom 1
Kitchen & Dining
- Dishwasher
- Ice Maker
- Kitchen
Amenities
- Washing Machine
- Clothes Dryer
- Parking Off Street
- Gas Fireplace
- Parking For RV/Boat/Trailer
- Air Conditioning
- Linens Provided
Other Amenities
- Fishing lake with paddle boat, golf cart, and two electric bikes.
Entertainment
- DVD Player
Communications
- Broadband Access
- Wireless Internet
- Free Long Distance
- Telephone
Pool & Spa
- Private Pool
Outdoor Features
- Outdoor Grill
Location & View
- Mountain View
Activities
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Antiquing
- Sight Seeing
- Wildlife Viewing
- Sledding
- Boating
- Mountain Biking
- Spelunking
- Cross Country Skiing
- Kayaking
- Swimming
- Hiking
- Cycling
- Rafting
- Fishing
Reviews
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November break
November break
- Guest Reina H.
- Date of stay 11/21/12
- Review Submitted 12/05/12
Needed some time out of our regular craziness and cabin is perfect and secluded. Probably the best vacation my dog ever had too! Cabin so clean, even the pool in Nov (too cold to use though). I forgot to contact anyone until the morning we drove down but it wasn't a problem. There is no cell service there so keep that in mind and there is a land line and fast internet. Read everyone's reviews, stop by the Meating Place for something to throw on the grill for sure. Bought bread and smores stuff at the gas station. Do NOT bring ANY kitchen utensils they really are all there down to the espresso maker and roasting pan and pie plates. Bring bubble bath for the jacuzzi tub and prepare for the gas fireplace coziness. The futon is surprisingly comfortable. Made fires on the fire pit and drove around in the golf cart. We were there for prime hunting season and have a brown deer-looking dog but there was a orange hunting vest for him to wear. Really the cabin has everything. Thank you Mr Rice and Mr Dean the caretaker. Watched football, hiked, board games,and overall a great Thanksgiving.Recommended for: Romantic getaway, pet owners, age 55+.
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Cottage Review
Cottage Review
- Guest D and D
- Date of stay 11/09/12
- Review Submitted 11/14/12
Nice outside setting. Beautiful land.Recommended for: Adventure seekers, sightseeing, romantic getaway, families with teenagers, pet owners.
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DGA
DGA
- Guest DGA
- Date of stay 10/18/12
- Review Submitted 10/26/12
My wife and I enjoyed 3 nights and 4 days at this mountain retreat. The accomodations were as described. It is small but cozy. It was very easy booking with Jim and getting up with Dean who met us and went over all the details about the cottage, golf cart use and the electric bikes. We did not take advantage of the bikes but did use the golf cart quite a bit. We did take Jim's advice and stopped for a loaf of home made bread at the store at route 250 where you turn on 629 to go to the cottage, excellent grilled cheese! We were obviously too late to enjoy the pool, maybe next time in warmer weather. Literally everything you need is there (including wireless internet and land line with long distance availibility, nice touches considering we lost cellular service long before we got to the cottage). We did go fishing at the pond, and as Jim says its hard not to catch a fish. Overall it was a great weekend, close to the Homestead and the Greenbrier if you want a side trip one day, although there is plenty to do at the property. The only downside is the gas grill ran out of propane in the middle of cooking Saturday night, but we were able to finish things off in the oven.Recommended for: Girls getaway, adventure seekers, sightseeing, romantic getaway, families with teenagers, pet owners, families with young children, age 55+.
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Perfect Get-away!
Perfect Get-away!
- Guest Marjorie
- Date of stay 09/24/12
- Review Submitted 10/21/12
My husband and I stayed here for 6 nights in late September. This place is amazing, the property is beautiful. Our daily routine included coffee on the porch, watching mist lift from the valley, a hearty breakfast followed by a long "ramble" around the 300 acres with our two dogs. The kitchen was well-equipped with a gas range so we would have a cooking project followed by relaxing on our choice of the porch, patio with fire place, hammock or hilltop behind the house which has amazing views. Can't wait to come back!Recommended for: Adventure seekers, sightseeing, romantic getaway, pet owners, families with young children, age 55+.
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Not just a piece of Paradise, it's a great, big, giant chunk!!!
Not just a piece of Paradise, it's a great, big, giant chunk!!!
- Guest Amazed
- Date of stay 08/07/12
- Review Submitted 08/20/12
I do not know where to begin...My family of four stayed for four nights, a Tues. - a Sat. morning...NOT long enough! LOL EVERYTHING is as stated, you need to bring nothing but your food, literally. We have stayed many places over the years and have learned "better to be safe than sorry." Well, when we come back, it will be with a lighter load! All stated activities had thier necessaries provided...even some floats! We did use our marshmellow roasting sticks, but I bet they had that covered, too, if I would have looked! I caught 2 bass, my daughter caught one, and my husband had his line stolen on the first day. My husband and son went early the next am and came back with a big catfish for dinner! The pool and golf cart got daily use...They were the favorites. The golf cart saw daily use to the pond and back, sometimes several, and many laps around the circle drive and never ran out of gas-that's 5 days if you count the day we left! That leads me to another thing... I loved the scenery and spent most of my time outside. I saw so little traffic that I was comfortable with my 15 yr old daughter and 9 yr old son doing the laps on the cart together while I watched from the porch deck! My days started at 6:30/7:00 and I was out until 0dark30, when the bugs would run me away from the very neat outside lighting. We saw no traffic not associated with us on the fist day, 4 the next day, 4 again, 3, then none on Sat.! We had made a game of counting because I was so amazed by the solitude and seclusion. You are in a small valley between a very sheer mountain and rolling hills surrounded by 4 additional visable peaks (while sipping coffee on the deck!) We took way to many pictures all over the beautiful property! Every home convenience is there. Loved the bathroom, great tub! There is a landline phone there, but if you must use your cell, take the cart up the hill. Worked at the pond too! This place suited my crew-my solitude(no people), husband and son's exploration hunter/gatherer needs, and kept my 15 yr old connected, water logged, and tanned! GREAT, GREAT, GREAT place! Thank-you so much to Jim and the Heffler's - These people have the power to move mountains and water to provide a perfect PARADISE for you! Now I have to get my mom up here for one of our annual Mom and Daughter get-a-way! Almost forgot, there is abundant wildlife, all kinds, very cool. Saw a mother and fawn grazing in "my" yard one am for a long time-didn't seem to mind me and my coffee!Recommended for: Girls getaway, adventure seekers, sightseeing, people with disabilities, romantic getaway, families with teenagers, pet owners, families with young children, age 55+.
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No need to tell you to relax at the farm!
No need to tell you to relax at the farm!
- Guest E & K
- Date of stay 07/13/12
- Review Submitted 07/16/12
The farm and cottage is just great. The only issue is...we could not get away from reality for a longer stay. This time...as we have already discussed returning to the farm. Reservations were easy, the property is exactly as stated and even better. Took a fun ride up and down the hills to the barns, gazebo (w/fire pit), and pond. We saw deer, my wife tried to pet the cows (who just walked away) hahaha Got rain part of one day, but enjoyed watching the rain and the hummingbirds coming to the feeder on the deck. Had a blast jumping off the desk into the deep-end of the pool. Grilling and dining al fresco. Took a ride on the electric bikes...yep even biking at this farm can be easy and relaxing...no peddling! :) Oh yea...gourmet kitchen will all the utensils...even a garlic press. Go stay and don't tell all your friends...as we want to keep this place secret! (Sorry Jim!) :)Recommended for: Girls getaway, adventure seekers, romantic getaway, pet owners, age 55+.
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Great Getaway (but would rate 4.5 stars if given the option)
Great Getaway (but would rate 4.5 stars if given the option)
- Guest Dennis
- Date of stay 06/17/12
- Review Submitted 06/22/12
The wife and I needed a last minute getaway where we could just kick back and relax. This property certainly provided that. The cottage was nicely decorated, modern, and clean. While not 100% private this property provided us with ALL of the privacy we needed. I think we counted no more than 15 cars in the 2.5 days we were there (and one was FedEx). It had everything you needed to cook (plenty of pots, pans, bowls, spatulas, measuring spoons, etc) but you will need to make sure you bring groceries (especially if coming from PA or WV). If you're a big coffee drinker, the pot is a small 4-5 cup pot. Keep that in mind. There is also an espresso maker (but we didn't take advantage). We made use of the golf cart and electric bikes. We saw cows, deer (including a baby only a few weeks old), and a "baby" bear (not sure where momma bear was). Also, the hummingbirds provided us with non-stop entertainment. Dean, the caretaker was extremely helpful by showing us everything and he was very nice. All in all our stay was wonderful. The only reason I'm not giving this 5 stars is as follows: 1. The mountaintop gazebo. From the description we got the impression we could enjoy an evening there. While we COULD, we didn't. The description in the property details just wasn't represented as well as it could have been. 2. The firepit at the pool. We used it, but its on its last legs. Should be replaced. DO NOT let these 2 items deter you from renting this place. Its wonderful and I'm fairly certain that I'll stay here again in the future. Jim was great to deal with during the rental process. Traveler tip if coming from the mountains of WV (i.e. not I-81). You will NOT have cell phone service most of this trip. You will need to call Dean an hour before you arrive. Do so in the town of Monterey which is close to an hour away.Recommended for: Romantic getaway, age 55+.
Owner response: Thanks very much for the review. This is the way we improve. New fire pit on the way. Dennis is right, the wooden gazebo is not in great shape, being built by my Dad 30 years ago. I think we're just going to remove it from the hilltop, which is the most spectacular point on the farm, to allow unobstructed views.
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Home away from home (only much better)
Home away from home (only much better)
- Guest Tams
- Date of stay 05/25/12
- Review Submitted 06/01/12
I rented this cottage solely on a gut feeling after reading the previous reviews and from a few emails with the owner. We rented the cottage over Memorial Day weekend where my son and I were meeting my best friend and her child. We both arrived at the same time and were met by Mr. Dean and the golf cart. The kids were thrilled just by the vision of the golf cart & the pool. :) The cottage was perfectly adequate for us. One adult and a child (11 yrs old) slept on the futon and never complained. My son (11 yrs old) slept on a twin sized air mattress with no issues. I slept on the Queen sized air mattress. There was an issue with that, but was resolved and all was perfectly fine afterwards. The kitchen and bathroom are well-equipped. EVERYTHING is provided that you need. The true beauty of the cottage lies in the 300 acres. The kids spent hours at the pool. We drove around in the golf cart to the gazebo and on to the pond. It was spectacular to have some cows there also. I work a very stressful job and it was so enjoyable to just relax. We didn't try out the electric bikes (chicken? Possibly.) The golf cart was well used though. Next time we go, we will bring our own bikes to ride down the road. The drive to the cottage was just as amazing as the cottage itself. This cottage is not off a heavily traveled road. Nor is there a Walmart or CVS nearby. Instead, the cottage is out in, well, God's Country. We traveled past large farms and hunting camps. We were surrounded by the George Washington National Forest. It was quiet, relaxing, and reminded me of where I grew up. Not many places like this exist anymore. One note to the cell-phone addict.....don't plan on having any service. There is a wi-fi for those technology addicts out there. But really, turn off the phone and enjoy the cottage. Thank you for providing this amazing cottage. My second reservation is already requested. And my third will soon be entered.Recommended for: Girls getaway, families with young children.
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Relaxing Way to Ring in the New Year
Relaxing Way to Ring in the New Year
- Guest Kelly
- Date of stay 12/31/11
- Review Submitted 01/09/12
We spent three days / two nights at Ellen's Cottage over New Years and found it to be a wonderful way to ring in the New Year. The property is beautiful and we felt like we were the only people on the mountain during our entire stay. There were so many great things (golf cart, electric bikes, etc.) but unfortunately we had a lot of rain and didn't get a chance to do too much exploring. There is great hiking in the area that makes for a fun half day. Loved the fact that my cell phone was out of service was really able to just unwind and relax. The kitchen was wonderful and we enjoyed a lot of great meals while watching football on the flat screen. The only downside of the stay was that we had some trouble with the futon and ended up just using the air mattress instead to sleep. It's probably because we just aren't good with futons :) Overall the stay was great and we definitely want to come back in the fall when the leaves are changing.Recommended for: Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, pet owners.
Owner response: Kelly, sorry you had problems deploying the futon. It's definitely non-intuitive. The good news is it's very comfortable, with a 6" thick mattress, if you can get it out. If you forget Dean's demonstration on how to operate it, the Cottage Manual on the bookshelf has pictorial instructions. Once you do it, it's pretty easy. Feel free to call Dean again if you have problems.
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Excellent vacation
Excellent vacation
- Guest Tom
- Date of stay 12/28/11
- Review Submitted 01/01/12
My wife and our dog stayed at Ellen's Cottage for 3 nights end of December and we had a wonderful time. The place is very secluded but spectacular with every modern amenity one can ask for. Both the home and property are incredibly well kept. The care taker met us at the cottage even though we were at least 2 hours earlier than we originally told him. He was extremely helpful and welcoming. We would definitely want to vacation here again and recommend this place to all our friends and family.Recommended for: Girls getaway, adventure seekers, sightseeing, romantic getaway, pet owners, families with young children, age 55+.
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Rates
| Dates | Nightly | Wknd Night | Weekend | Weekly | Monthly * | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base Rate 2 night min stay |
$150 | |||||
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Location
Owner info
About the owner: I grew up on the farm. My dad bought it from the Bright family, who homesteaded it about 150 years ago.
Contact us
- Primary: (612) 963-8233 (Minnesota, USA)
- Click Here to see All My Rental Listings
Photos
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This older photo shows cottage setting. Current cottage is twice this size.
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Cottage.
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Living area with sleeping futon.
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We have two silent, powerful electric bikes.
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Pool and brick patio from jumping platform: Do you dare?
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Dining area (this is also the sleeping area for guests 3 and 4).
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Fishing pond with paddle boat.
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Golf cart & maniac.
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Winter view from mountaintop.
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TV/fireplace.
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Cottage is on a hillside for amazing views down the valley.
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Mountaintop with rainbow (Gazebo's been removed since photo was taken).
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Up the hill.
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Kitchen area.
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Pool, jumping platform, and countryside.
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Bathroom with jacuzzi and nature view from the tub.
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This listing was first published here in 2008.
Date last modified - Friday, February 08, 2013
