Elegant house; peaceful gardens; superb location!

Guest: Philip W.
Date of Stay: 07/25/11 Review Submitted: 08/09/11

This is an elegant colonial style property full of charm and interest. Upon arrival and despite a long journey we soon started to relax and feel our holiday had begun! We found the house well equipped and the provision of towels, linen and household consumables most generous and welcoming. The beds were incredibly comfortable and the patio just the place for early morning breakfast! The extensive gardens are mature and peaceful and on several occasions during our two weeks stay we found ourselves sharing them with three deer! The garden pool is all the more charming for its surroundings of flowers, hedges and trees. The property offers a good measure of privacy though we knew help was always on hand if we had needed it. Indeed the gardens and pool are well attended with staff calling in on several of the days we were here. We felt the property was ideally situated in the locality offering us walks along the river and around the neighbourhood. We used the kayaks putting in at the road-bridge and paddling downstream for an hour or two, taking out just near the Play Garden. Each evening we drove either the short distance (around 30 minutes) to a restaurant in Winchester or in the other direction to Manassas (about an hour) for dinner and late night browsing in the Barnes & Noble bookstore. Walker family, Lancashire, England.

Recommended for:Girls getaway, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, age 55+, sightseeing, families with young children.

Pure Delight

Guest: Pinot Noir (DC)
Date of Stay: 10/16/09 Review Submitted: 04/03/10

My family has rented this home twice. The first great surprise is that the beauty of the home exceeds the pictures. Very nicely furnished and maintained. Awesome view of the Shenandoah. Another great plus is that the process of renting the house is made easy and seamless for the renter. Total delight. I wish I could keep this home a secret but I cannot!!

Recommended for:Girls getaway, romantic getaway, age 55+, families with young children.

shenandoah retreat

Guest: bredeson (Alexandria, Va.)
Date of Stay: 08/22/09 Review Submitted: 03/31/10

even though this wonderful getaway is only one hour or so from the metro area, we felt as though we were in a different time and place..this charming hideaway was the perfect spot for my family to unwind and enjoy the Virginia countryside..the porch overlooking the river and the pool was my favorite spot on the estate..my wife was thoroughly impressed with the accents and quality of the decor..all the rooms in the house have been updated but you're still always aware you're in a house full of history..we will, for sure, keep this place on our annual travel schedule

Recommended for:Girls getaway, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, age 55+, sightseeing, families with young children.

Great Location and Clean, Well-Equipped Home!

Guest: Charlotte45 (Washington, DC)
Date of Stay: 10/30/09 Review Submitted: 11/23/09

The house was very clean, comfortable, and so well-equipped. When I rent houses I always take paper towels, my own new kitchen sponge, etc. but I was so happy to see that this house had everything in case we needed it! The house is beautiful, quiet, and in a great location. It also has plenty of flat-screen TV's that were nice for the evenings and Sunday news shows. We walked to the river, enjoyed walking past nearby farms, were frequent visitors at the excellent gourmet store down the street (Locke's) and drove to Berryville, where we enjoyed the Farmers Market and had a great dinner at the Mexican restaurant (Camino Real). It was a wonderful stay! Highly recommended.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, age 55+.

Guest: Sare (Washington, DC, USA)
Date of Stay: 10/13/09 Review Submitted: 10/13/09

We just had the most incredible fall weekend at the Play Garden! The house is gorgeous and on a quiet country lane overlooking the Shenandoah River - the view is absolutely stunning, and you are in the middle of pristine Virginian horse country. We went for many walks along the river/country lanes, as well as apple picking and wine tasting. The house location feels isolated enough (we were desperate to get away from the city, so that’s what we were looking for), but it is actually only a short drive to the nearest country store if you need anything. The house is very well-equipped and the kitchen has everything you need (you bring the food - they have things like salt/pepper/oil/spices etc.). The owners have left a book with all sorts of information about local activities which was very useful. The rooms are very spacious and clean. We brought our own crib/highchair but I saw that they had these items so I will not bring ours next time. The booking agent was very friendly and flexible and always available to answer my questions. I really only have positive things to say about our time at the Play Garden – we will definitely be going back!

Recommended for:

We'll be back again soon!

Guest: Sare (Washington, DC, USA)
Date of Stay: 10/09/09 Review Submitted: 10/13/09

We just had the most incredible fall weekend at the Play Garden! The house is gorgeous and on a quiet country lane overlooking the Shenandoah River - the view is absolutely stunning, and you are in the middle of pristine Virginian horse country. We went for many walks along the river/country lanes, as well as apple picking and wine tasting. The house location feels isolated enough (we were desperate to get away from the city, so that’s what we were looking for), but it is actually only a short drive to the nearest country store if you need anything. The house is very well-equipped and the kitchen has everything you need (you bring the food - they have things like salt/pepper/oil/spices etc.). The owners have left a book with all sorts of information about local activities which was very useful. The rooms are very spacious and clean. We brought our own crib/highchair but I saw that they had these items so I will not bring ours next time. The booking agent was very friendly and flexible and always available to answer my questions. I really only have positive things to say about our time at the Play Garden – we will definitely be going back!

Recommended for:Girls getaway, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, age 55+, sightseeing, families with young children.

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 09/15/09 Review Submitted: 09/15/09

We really enjoyed the Play Garden==completely private, great pool, furnished with taste, all the amenities needed. We cycled, swam, hiked nearby, and enjoyed the gardens, the view and privacy. We plan on going back.

Recommended for:

Guest: Cindy Wheeless (Perrysburg,Ohio)
Date of Stay: 08/27/09 Review Submitted: 08/27/09

Comment Text: What a spectacular place to stay with your family. We had a wonderful time at this country retreat over looking the Shenandoah River. The expansive porch allowed us to enjoy the view while eating, reading or just lounging. The large pool was perfect for the kids and adults to enjoy a swim and soak up some sun. The spacious,gourmet kitchen has everything you need. The beds were great and the place was immaculate. The guest house was just as nice with plenty of room. It is just a short trip to D.C., Harpers Ferry and other historic sites which makes it a great location. We would certainly return to this scenic spot.

Recommended for:

Guest: David102 (-)
Date of Stay: 08/19/09 Review Submitted: 08/19/09

We stayed at the Play Garden the last week of May and fist part of June. It could not have been more fun and the accomodations nicer. Plus - wild flowers galore on the hillside.

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AMAZING VACATION SPOT!

Guest: MARATHON DAVE (Birmingham, AL)
Date of Stay: 05/14/09 Review Submitted: 08/12/09

I have had the fortune of staying at this fabulous home several times and will be back! Perfectly located for Civil War buffs,great restaurants,and antique shopping. Great owner refererence/guide book detailing all. House is immaculate,new bathrooms,great antiques. I am a runner and this area is breathtaking for such. Deer everywhere. Words cannot do justice to the porch view of the river! Sunset cocktails and morning coffee. Truly a perfect set up for small or large groups!

Recommended for:Girls getaway, families with teenagers, adventure seekers, romantic getaway, age 55+, sightseeing, families with young children.