Vacation Rentals by Owner

Romantic Little Cabin

Guest: Smedlek (Washington, DC)
Date of Stay: 03/02/12 Review Submitted: 03/09/12

The cabin is beautiful- gleaming wood, adorably quaint touches, cozy. The fireplace heats the cabin quickly and fills the air with a wonderful wood smoke smell and it's clean and tidy. It was the perfect base camp to explore the surrounding battlefields from and provided a quiet place to cook and eat dinner together. We had hoped that the cabin was a bit more secluded (it is right off the road and directly behind the owner's home), but this did not detract from our lovely stay. Thanks, Kate and Joe!

Recommended for:Age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

WHAT A WEEKEND!

Guest: JOEY (BALTIMORE)
Date of Stay: 01/27/12 Review Submitted: 02/09/12

I TOOK MY FAMILY TO THIS QUAINT CABIN FOR MY 50TH BIRTHDAY. WHAT A NICE, QUIET PLACE TO RE-CONNECT. WE HAD A BLAST. GREAT FAMILY TIME TOGETHER. A LITTLE SMALL FOR FOUR PEOPLE, BUT PERFECT FOR TWO. HUBBY AND I STAYED UP LATE THE NIGHT THE KIDS LEFT. WE ENJOYED IT MORE ALONE. WE HAD A ROARIN FIRE AND PLAYED RUMMY 3,000+. I WON. GOT TO TEACH HIM HOW TO PLAY. PEACEFUL! THE OWNERS, KATE AND JOE WEREN'T HOME, SO WE HAD THE PLACE TO OURSELVES. HIGHLY RECOMMEND AND WILL GO BACK IN THE FUTURE! INTERIOR WAS RUSTIC AND DECORATED QUAINTLY. LOVED OUR WEEKEND. THANKS KATE AND JOE.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Great getaway weekend

Guest: Betty S. (Frankfort, KY)
Date of Stay: 09/02/11 Review Submitted: 10/16/11

We met our daughter and son-in-law over the long Labor Day weekend, choosing the geographic location because it was so very close to their northern Virginia home. We had a lovely time. We stayed in the main house instead of the cabin since we were two couples and it was perfect for us and our pets. During the weekend we visited Frederick nearby and had a great time wondering around the old streets and shops. Another day we went winery-hopping, and on another more somber day, we visited some Civila War battle grounds and memorials. The location is ideal for so many local day trips. The house was very well-equipped and well-maintained to a comfortable standard. We would, and probably will, return and would recommend the house and location without hesitation. Many thanks to the owners for allowing us to stay. Betty

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

1 hour to everything!

Guest: The Canadians (Canada)
Date of Stay: 08/14/10 Review Submitted: 09/16/10

It's a great little cabin about an hour or less from every attraction. It was a great home base for us to visit D.C, Gettysburg, Baltimore, the Luray Caverns, Harper's Ferry. Nice place to return to for a warm shower, and a great meal off the BBQ. We thought it was fantastic. John, Dyson, Chase Brantford, Ont, Canada

Owner response:The cabin is truly close to so many attractions from the battlefields and parks to the race tracks and casinos. DC, Baltimore, and Annapolis are all approximately and hour away and there are countless small quaint historic towns to enjoy exploring. Email me for a 'to do' list with driving directions for some ideas during your stay.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

The Perfect Weekend Getaway

Guest: Sara and John (Baltimore, MD)
Date of Stay: 07/30/10 Review Submitted: 08/03/10

My husband and I were very pleased with our stay. Our two friends who joined us were very happy as well. Coming from the city, we were all looking to get away for the weekend and have some down time. This setting was perfect for relaxing and enjoying eachother's company. Our dogs loved running around the yard and hanging out on the deck as we enjoyed the hott tub. The cabin has a wonderful burning firewood smell to it. The whole place gives you that camping feel without all the hassles of actual camping. We ate dinner on the back deck of the cabin every night. The mattresses were very comfortable which was good especially for my husband who has back problems. There are plenty of outdoor activities close by if you want to be active or just lay around. We were enjoying it so much that we added another night to our stay. We will most likely go back again soon.

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

Great Place to Get Away

Guest: Sarah (Morgantown, WV)
Date of Stay: 05/22/10 Review Submitted: 06/24/10

We recently spent the weekend with our two young boys (2.5 and 7months). It was a great weekend for all of us. The property outside the cabin allowed our toddler to roam and look for new adventures. He loved playing with the owners two dogs. We found that we had no problems watching our young son inside the cabin. For a family with young children, if you plan accordingly you can easily enjoy some relaxing time here. We spent most of the weekend sightseeing throughout Harpers Ferry. There were tons of places to see and things to do all within driving distance. It was a much needed break for us. I would highly reccomend this place anyone looking to get away from the hussle and bussle of daily life.

Owner response:As usual, we are so pleased our guests enjoyed their stay. The toddler really did seem to enjoy roaming the property, playing with the dogs, and looking at the stream. For parents with small children, we have a few safety modifications we can make available to guests upon request.

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

Location, location.....

Guest: bee 106 (Port Chester, New York)
Date of Stay: 05/21/10 Review Submitted: 06/11/10

An appealing log "chalet" set on a very well nurtured tract of land. It is close to all the area attractions and highways; yet its location above a meandering creek gives one a feeling of peaceful solitude. I'd definitely recommend it.

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

Close to everything and yet so far away...

Guest: Sue Ann L. (S. Huntington, NY)
Date of Stay: 04/16/10 Review Submitted: 04/20/10

You can shop, eat, tour, visit battlefields all within minutes of this cabin, Yet, the cabin is nestled in a quiet restful spot where you will fall asleep to the sound of the creek and nothing else. Joe and Kate are lovely people to deal with. They have put together a great guide of what's available as well as many magazines and brochures. The cabin is extremely well-designed and very clean and comfortable. The pictures really don't do it justice. It is so cute and charming. I particularly loved the smell of the wood smoke that lingered. There is both a large fireplace and a wood burning stove for those cold nights. We used just space heaters for the nippy nights in April and they were quite sufficient. Cell phones work fine. There is Internet service through a Blackberry or if you have a special card for your computer. My advice: forget it and enjoy the quiet ambience! For those of you with dogs, there is a HUGE fenced yard for Rover to run in. Unless you have a confirmed digger, your dog will be very safe and yet have opportunity for plenty of exercise. All the battlefields (Antietam, Gettysburg, Monocacy, Bolivar/Maryland/Loundon Heights) allow dogs on leash so there is plenty of area to roam there also. I do not hike where there are no cannons although Kate tells me there are lots of parks where dogs are permitted including the Appalachian Trail. I am hesitant to recommend this place because I don't want it to get to be so popular that I can't find a week to come back!!! But that's just selfishness on my part. Kate was quick to reply and patient about answering that gazillion questions that I had. And one more thing, dog owners: pick up after your dog, bring sheets to cover the chairs, couch and beds (you'll need 7), and keep this cabin dog-friendly. It only takes one slob to ruin it for the rest of us!!! Sue Ann

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

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 02/05/10 Review Submitted: 02/05/10

This charming cabin was just the romantic getaway spot my husband and I needed to celebrate our anniversary. Great location! wonderful hosts! And nothing can beat a hot tub under the stars in the snow. Hope to return again in the future.

Recommended for:

Guest: Anne Garland Conner (Stuart, Florida)
Date of Stay: 01/22/10 Review Submitted: 01/22/10

I stayed at this lovely, lovely log cabin for three days in the beginning of December. It was a wonderful experience! Joe and Kate are so thoughtful and made sure that everything was perfect for my stay. I arrived late the first evening, and found the cabin so warm and welcoming. It was a rather cold evening, and since I am from Florida, I was a little concerned about “staying warm”. The fire in the fireplace was already going and the cabin warmed up immediately and I was never cold! The fireplace was easy to use, and I was able to handle it on my own! (My husband had to stay in Florida, so I was traveling alone).The sitting area is cozy and comfortable. I loved just sitting there, looking out the windows at the beautiful farm, watching the fire in the fireplace, and reading. It snowed while I was there, and again, Joe and Kate were unbelievably helpful in making sure I was comfortable. What a beautiful view I had from the decks on the back of the cabin! I hated leaving to go into Hagerstown for my appointments!The beds in the loft were very comfortable and cozy. The entire cabin is well decorated and it had everything I needed for my stay, including spa quality bath products, and a kitchen that I was able to use for several light meals. I can’t think of anything that I would have changed.I enjoyed several trips around the area, and can’t wait to visit again. I highly recommend this beautiful log cabin for anyone interested in a relaxing stay. It was so much nicer than most places I have stayed – and was far superior to any hotel in that area. Thank you, Joe and Kate, for being such gracious hosts!

Recommended for:

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 01/20/10 Review Submitted: 01/20/10

I stayed in this cozy cabin with my two rotties this past Christmas. The dogs thoroughly enjoyed the large fenced yard, and even the creek on the property. The cabin and the surroundings were beautiful, especially with the snow. Kate and Joe were terrific hosts and made this a special and memorable Christmas.

Recommended for:

Guest: Denise & Jim Michaelsen (Henrietta, NY)
Date of Stay: 01/20/10 Review Submitted: 01/20/10

We stayed in this cabin in September just as the leaves were changing colors, and it was oh soooo beautiful! The cabin was at a perfect location to visit all of the civil war battlefields and the history the area has to offer. But the best part was coming 'home' every night to this great cabin! Yes, it felt like home for the whole week. Joe & Kate made us feel at home and like long time neighbors. We would highly recommend this rental to anyone visiting the area, and we can't wait to go back!

Recommended for:

Guest: Dawn & Chip Pearson (Blue Ridge Mountains, NC)
Date of Stay: 12/07/09 Review Submitted: 12/06/09

We were so pleased wih our stay in the quaint cabin and pleasant surroundings. The hospitality provided by Kate and Joe was genuine and sincere and we felt very much at home and at ease with the owners. The cabin is in a great location for so many tourist attractions. We stayed for 6 nights, and saw Washington D.C. for 2 days, Baltimore, MD for one day, Harper's Ferry for one, Shopping in Gettysburg, and last but not least Old Historic Ellicot City which is a must see. So Cool! This rental was Very Clean and Well Kept! We really enjoyed the rustic decor and the fact we were able to bring our daughter's dog for a few of our days! We hope very much we will be able to make another visit to this very nice rental!

Recommended for:

Guest: Melissa Jackson1 (Arlington, VA)
Date of Stay: 08/19/09 Review Submitted: 08/19/09

This is a beautiful cabin in a peaceful setting, perfect for escaping the city! My husband and I stayed here for three nights with our two dogs. Cabin is fully equipped with everything you need, and the pictures don't do it justice at all -- craftsmanship is incredible. Yard is fully and securely fenced. Battlefields and historic sites are just a short, scenic drive away. The back porch overlooking the yard and farmland is a great spot to unwind at the end of the day. Very friendly and helpful hosts provide a ton of maps, brochures, and other resources to help you get acquainted with the area amenities. Very charming and unique.

Recommended for:

Guest: Charles Collick (South River, Nj)
Date of Stay: 07/12/09 Review Submitted: 07/12/09

The house was awesome and the homeowners were just as great. The pics dont show the real beauty and tranquility of the property and the area that surrounds it. Joe and Kate were amazing and were very helpful with directions to many attractions and things to do. If your looking for a nice place to stay. I would give this a must try. Thanks again for a wonderful time.

Recommended for:

Not as advertised

Guest: lyragirl (Pittsburgh, Pa)
Date of Stay: 06/20/09 Review Submitted: 04/24/10

The listing description for this property is not accurate. The small cabin sits in the yard of a large house next to a very busy road. The owners were present during our entire stay. The stairs to the loft were quite steep and challenging for our dog. The mattresses in the built in loft beds are simply large pieces of foam. The hot tub is at the main residence and definitely not private - we were expected to share it with the home owners during our stay. It was awkward and uncomfortable.

Owner response:Joe and I are surprised and dissapointed by this review. As you can see, it is the only negative one posted and the first and only negative response we've had. The cabin, as stated, shares the property of the large main house sitting on 2.5 acres in rural Maryland. The cabin and main house share a hot tub which is located on the lower deck of the main house and easily accessible from the driveway and yard. Whether we are home or not we are happy to allow our guest to use the tub in privacy and we frequently aren't in residence. As for the beds, they are custom made, and are very comfortable. We've had many guests remark they slept better in the cabin than they do at home. Don't let one couples sour grapes ruin your visit to our historic area! :) If you are in the area, feel free to pop by for a preview, just contact us to arrange a time, or you can let the 5.0 rating from all other reviewers speak for us. Have a great vacation! Kate and Joe

Recommended for:

Guest: Kate Carey (-)
Date of Stay: 06/13/09 Review Submitted: 06/13/09

My husband and I stayed at this ADORABLE cottage for a weekend. I have to admit, it was even cuter in person. It's cozy, quiet and perfect for a get-away. The mountains are beautiful there. We're already looking forward to staying there another weekend. ENJOY!

Recommended for:

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 05/25/09 Review Submitted: 05/25/09

My husband and I stayed at this lovely log house! It has all the amenities you need for your stay and is so tastefully furnished. The location, while in the country, is within 10 miles from shopping and excellent restaurants. Both Washington, D.C. and historic Civil War sites are all within easy reach of this great location! We thoroughly enjoyed the peaceful, tranquil setting and look forward to returning.

Recommended for: