Location: Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, USA (Less Than 90 Minutes from Washington, Dc and Baltimore, Md)
Accommodations: House, 3 Bedrooms + No additional sleeping rooms avail, 2.5 Baths (Sleeps 7-9)
Keywords: House
This one-of-a-kind vacation rental is located in a 2-1/2 story brick federal-period building built in the 1830's, and renovated in 2004-2005. The house shares the building with a small boutique wine shop (Harpers Ferry Wine & Gourmet) and a family-style restaurant (Secret Six Tavern), which specializes in Traditional American cuisine. The house was originally 2 townhouses, and the center walls were removed in the 1970s to create a large open space on the 1st floor. While the house's exterior painting scheme reflects this original configuration and looks like 2 separate units, the vacation rental actually spans both spaces (see photo)! The building was used during the civil war by both the Confederate and Union Armies, primarily as an infirmary/hospital, and is a stop on the Harpers Ferry Ghost Tour!
The first floor of the house features a large open living room/dining room, a full modern kitchen, 1/2 bath, and a large porch with fantastic views. The porch sits above the Secret Six Tavern's outdoor eating area, which due to the view, is a Harpers Ferry hotspot! On occasion, the restaurant has live entertainment, and the vacation home's porch provides it's guests with prime seating. The inside space features hard-wood floors, exposed brick walls, an exposed beam ceiling (many of the beams are original hand-hewn), and large windows looking onto the mountains. After the leaves fall, there is also a view from the 1st floor of the Potomac River. There is a TV, DVD player, VCR, games and toys, and a 10-seat dining table on the 1st floor. A highchair is available upon request. In addition to new beds and living room furniture, the house is decorated in fantastic period antiques.
The second floor has 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths and a laundry room w/ full-sized washer and dryer, and offers year-round views of the Potomac River. The master bedroom has a Queen bed and a comfortable full-size futon. The second bedroom has a Queen bed, and the 3rd bedroom has a twin/full bunk bed (twin on top; full on bottom). The configuration is ideal for two families, three couples, or 5-8 friends! All three bedrooms have TVs and DVD players and comfy sheets, mattresses and pillows.
The building sits atop a steep hill, and there are 65 stairs leading down to the 2 parking spaces reserved for the vacation rental in the rear of the building. The front-door to the house is at street-level, so door-to-door drop-off of luggage is possible.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Air Conditioning : Window units.
- Linens Provided
- Washer : Full-Sized.
- Dryer : Full-Sized.
- Off Street Parking : 2 spaces. 3 cars can fit in the 2 spaces (ask for details)
- Wood Stove : Pellet Stove w/ glass front for enjoying the fire.
- Beds
- Queen Bed (2)
- Bunk Bed : Twin on top/full on bottom.
- Convertible Bed : Very comfortable futon.
- Crib : Pack 'n Play available upon request.
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV : 4 TVs total. 1 in each bedroom/1 in Great Room.
- DVD (4)
- VCR
- Video Library
- CD Player
- Stereo System
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen
- Cooking Utensils Provided : Plus, blender & coffee maker.
- Refrigerator
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Ice Maker
- Outdoor Features
- Balcony : Large porch overlooking mountains, restaurant, town, & renovated historic Harpers Ferry Train Station.
- View/Location
- Water View
- Mountain View
- Communications
- Telephone (4)
- Free Long Distance
- WiFi (Wireless Internet)
- Suitability
- Pet Friendly : Up to 2 pets MAY be allowed. Additional $35 per night per pet; add'l $250 pet deposit required. Please inquire w/ owner.
- Kid Friendly : Kids (and train-loving grown-ups) LOVE watching the trains pass on the very active rail line!
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities
- Golf
- Shopping
- Kayaking
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Fishing
- Antiquing
- Horseback Riding
- Rafting
- Hiking
- Rock Climbing
- Spelunking
- Restaurants
- Museums
- Other Activities
- Tubing & Whitewater rafting nearby; Bicycle rental in-town; Charles Town Races & Slots (7-miles).
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
In-Season ... May 27 '11 - Jan 2 '12...................... $250-$325/nt . $1850/wk
Mid-Season .. Mar 04-May 26 '11........................... $210-$275/nt . $1575/wk
Off-Season .. Jan 03-Mar 03, '11 ......................... $175-$225/nt . $1295/wk
Minimum 2-nights weekends; 3-nights Holiday weekends.
Monthly Rates Available; Government per-diem honored.
Rates do not include 6% West Virginia Sales Tax.
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
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Credit Cards Accepted:
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Owner's Profile
Owner Description
Year Purchased: 2004
Rich and Jill Schaffer purchased this property in 2004 and lived there with their two daughters, now 8 and 5, for 4 years while they completed renovations.
Why the Owner Chose Harpers Ferry
We fell in love with the quaint town of Harpers Ferry years ago, and visited often. When we started our family, we began thinking about moving out of the Washington, DC area for quality and pace-of-life reasons. We looked at many small towns on the outskirts of Washington, DC, but nothing compared to the natural beauty and historic charm of Harpers Ferry. We looked at every property available at the time in downtown Harpers Ferry, but nothing suited our needs to both accommodate our growing family and allow us to run a business. We noticed this beautiful, historically-significant property with fantastic views right in the heart of Harpers Ferry, but it was not for sale...yet. We kept our eye on it for over a year, and when it was offered for sale in 2004, we jumped! We spent 6 months renovating it, and when our older daughter was almost 2, we moved in. We lived in this beautiful home with our 2 daughters for almost 4 years. We are so excited to share our home (and to come "home" ourselves every-so-often)!
The Unique Benefits of this House
This property is a one-of-a-kind vacation rental home located in the heart of downtown Harpers Ferry. It offers fantastic views, historic charm and significance, and prime LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION! You can walk to Harpers Ferry National Historical Park and it's many museums, the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers, the C&O canal towpath, Jefferson Rock (which Thomas Jefferson declared was "worth a trip across the Atlantic"), Virginius Island, the Appalachian Trail, Maryland Heights, Loudoun Heights and numerous shops and restaurants. Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races is a short drive away, as are a number of Virginia Wineries. There is a large porch that looks onto the mountains and overlooks the restored Harpers Ferry Train Station. There is a year-round view of the Potomac River from the second story, and from both the 1st and 2nd stories when the leaves fall! Kids (and train-loving grown-ups) love to watch the trains pass on the very active rail line and you can even ride the train to this destination, as it is in walking distance to the Harpers Ferry train station, which services both MARC and AMTRAK! The train horn does blow, and can be heard in the house. The house is bicycle friendly (there is ample space inside to store bikes), and being within walking distance to the C&O canal towpath, is a perfect spot for towpath riders! If you don't bring your bike with you, there are bike rentals right in-town! There are fantastic hikes, from easy to strenuous, right outside the front door! The house offers a large open floor plan perfect for larger gatherings, and the whole home is clean, nicely furnished and maintained.
Property Photos
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- Front of building - Harpers Ferry, West Virginia Vacation Home with Porch and Potomac River View, shares building with family-style Restaurant
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- Kitchen - Harpers Ferry, West Virginia Vacation Home with Porch and Potomac River View, shares building with family-style Restaurant
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- View from porch looking onto MD Heights & restored Harpers Ferry Train Station - Harpers Ferry, West Virginia Vacation Home with Porch and Potomac River View, shares building with family-style Restaurant
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- Bedroom #2
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- Bedroom 3
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- Master Bedroom
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- Living / Dining Room
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- Living Room / Dining Room
Traveler Reviews (23)
Nights at the Museum
Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 10/20/11
Review Submitted: 10/24/11
Wow! This place is fantastic, right in the heart of Harper's Ferry, a museum town in and of itself. I took my family from 5 years of age to 82 and every single person was delighted with this home - from the modern amenities in the kitchen (a coffee grinder too!) to the incredible vista from the back porch, from wifi and cable to board games and books in the cupboards. Fully stocked with plates, glasses, linens, etc. The place is huge! The main floor invites you to sit down, converse, interact, and play games just as a family should. We maxed out the number of beds and never, ever felt crowded. All the beds were comfortable, the pellet stove was easy to use, the sound of the trains took most of the adults a night to get used to, the kids no time at all! We stayed three nights and could've easily tacked on another three more. It was wonderful being able to step out and be in the heard of everything. For the shopper, the people-watcher and the outdoorsy folks, the easy strollers and the mountain climbers - something for everyone, all just outside our door. Everyone in town was marvelous. Jill was quick to respond to all emails and phone calls - very personable and professional. I greatly appreciated the binder filled with detailed information about the house, as well as guides on what to do in and around the area. It made activity planning that much easier. I am at odds with recommending this place to anyone else because we're definitely coming back, and I don't want it to be booked!!!
Recommended for:
Just Left This Wonderful Home. You should STAY HERE
Guest: Paul
(Bradenton, Florida )
Date of Stay: 07/26/11
Review Submitted: 08/08/11
This is my first review of a VRBO listed property and I can't say enough good things about it. Clean, nice furniture, all the little things like coffee and salt and pepper that you usually have to go buy. Plent of paper products. Lots of pillows. Close to everything downtown. Breafast and dinner places within a few feet. Owner Jill was a very very nice lady. We had our four children 10, 12, and twin 11 year olds with us and they had a blast. Great price. Great vacation. Will come again. Paul & Susan
Recommended for:Girls getaway, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, families with young children.
Poker with the family
Guest: twolivebru
(Richmond, Virginia)
Date of Stay: 06/17/11
Review Submitted: 06/24/11
We went to Harper's Ferry so that I could play poker at the Charles Town Hollywood Casino. It is quite possibly the best situation for a poker player possible. I played 30 hours of poker at the casino, and yet my family had plenty of things to do over the weekend. There were plenty of shops, museums, hiking and tours available for the family, while I was taking advanage of the very loose poker games at the Charles Town Casino, which was only 10 minutes away. This is the best situation for a poker player looking to play but allowing his or her family to have a wonderful get away at the same time. There are 40 tables open on Friday and Saturday, which insures you will find a good game to play, but the atmosphere at Harpers Ferry will allow your family to be entertained, even if you are trying to grind out a profit at the poker table. Highly recommend the house in Harpers Ferry for those who are looking to play some poker, and let their family have a good vacation as well. The owners of the house are extremely hospitable, can't wait to go back.
Recommended for:Families with teenagers, adventure seekers, sightseeing, families with young children.
Connie
Guest: Connie
(Kill Devil Hills, NC)
Date of Stay: 06/14/11
Review Submitted: 06/20/11
I am in love with Harpers Ferry and this AMAZING rental has ALOT to do with that!! The home is absolutely beautiful and the deck (and the view) is fantastic! I look forward to coming back again VERY soon. I can assure you that you will LOVE Mountainside Lodge and the quaint little town surrounding it.
Recommended for:Girls getaway, families with teenagers, adventure seekers, romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, families with young children.
Perfect girls trip
Guest: Jo
(Columbia, Maryland)
Date of Stay: 05/13/11
Review Submitted: 05/22/11
Our yearly trip couldn't have been better with the rental of Mountainside. We ( eight of us ) go away once a year and this home was so warm and the best stocked that we have ever seen. The owners were so kind and answered all our questions. Once we parked we didn't have to move the cars as there were plenty of things to do within walking distance, we really like the ghost walk. So much fun that we'll be going back in a few years and we'll be staying there again. Thanks for a wonderful time. Jo
Recommended for:Girls getaway, adventure seekers, romantic getaway, age 55+, tourists without a car, pet owners, sightseeing, families with young children.
Wonderful Stay!
Guest: Rachel
(Baltimore)
Date of Stay: 04/09/11
Review Submitted: 04/15/11
My girlfriends and I had a girls' weekend in the house last week and had such a wonderful time! The house is beautiful and so charming. Everything was very clean. I felt like I was staying at a friend's place. The house is also very spacious, so we all fit nicely. And downtown Harper's Ferry is perfect for a getaway. I can't wait to go back.
Recommended for:
Another FANTASTIC Stay! Can't wait to go back...AGAIN!
Guest: Krissy1
(Richmond, VA)
Date of Stay: 03/12/11
Review Submitted: 03/15/11
We celebrated our 12 year old daughter's birthday here this past weekend and let her invite a couple of her friends. We had a wonderful weekend of ghost stories, hiking, history lessons, and all enjoyed just hanging out in this beautifully restored home. Having stayed here before, we already knew how well appointed and supplied this place is. The owners have thought of everything, which takes the stress off of packing up for a quick getaway weekend. Harpers Ferry is a lovely bustling town during the day, and then is quiet and delightfully spooky at night - perfect for our amateur group of ghost hunters. Warning: If you stay here, you will be haunted by thoughts to come back as soon as you can. :) Jill & Rich - thanks for another wonderful stay and the great bottle(s) of wine.
Recommended for:Girls getaway, families with teenagers, adventure seekers, romantic getaway, age 55+, tourists without a car, sightseeing, families with young children.
Wonderful Winter Getaway
Guest: SZ
(Washington DC)
Date of Stay: 01/15/11
Review Submitted: 01/19/11
This house is a wonderful place to escape for a weekend one more. It's very close to several trails and the home was surprisingly well appointed. The only thing that could bother some people are the trains that pass at night but even the light sleepers in our group slept well. The owner was great to deal with. I highly recommend this home.
Recommended for:Girls getaway, families with teenagers, adventure seekers, romantic getaway, age 55+, tourists without a car, pet owners, sightseeing, families with young children.
What a Way to Ring in the New Year!!
Guest: Krissy1
(Richmond, VA)
Date of Stay: 12/29/10
Review Submitted: 01/02/11
My sister and I surprised our parents and took them to this wonderful home in Harpers Ferry. This place is fantastic - when you walk through the front door, it is as if you have walked back in time into a museum, but you get the stay there! The owners have done a perfect job of marrying old historical charm with modern conveniences, with nothing feeling out of place. I have stayed in many rental homes and never have I had an owner stock the home with so many supplies: paper towels, spices, tissues, tp, loads of plush towels and linens, etc. We loved watching the busy railway station buzzing with activity and trains. We are already planning our next trip. My kids had a blast climbing up to Jefferson's Rock and the hilltop cemetery. The O'Be Joyfull Ghost Tour is also a must. Jill & Rich - THANKS so much for making our stay so enjoyable.
Recommended for:Girls getaway, families with teenagers, adventure seekers, age 55+, sightseeing, families with young children.
Coziest New Year's!
Guest: Kasey
(Richmond)
Date of Stay: 12/30/10
Review Submitted: 01/02/11
Our family went for 2 nights to ring in the New Year and this place FAR exceeded our expectations. The views are incredible and the warm feeling greets you when you first walk in the door! The owners go far and beyond what you would expect to be in a rental. You truly feel like you are in their home (not in a rental). The linens and towels were like staying in a 5 star hotel and they have done a great job maintaining the character of the house but still having modern amenities! Having a 21 month old, the house is extremely child friendly, had toys and movies to entertain her and was almost completely child proof! Thanks Jill - we'll be back!
Recommended for:Girls getaway, families with teenagers, adventure seekers, romantic getaway, age 55+, tourists without a car, sightseeing, families with young children.
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #265656
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