Back-to-Nature Magical Cottage, Spring-Fed Pond, Hiking Trails

• Amazing cottage in a gorgeous part of virginia

  Amazing cottage in a gorgeous part of virginia

  • Guest Charles
  • Date of stay 12/30/12
  • Review Submitted 01/02/13
  Dancing Bears cottage is a truly magical place. It has all the charms of a rustic cottage--beautiful views of the mountains and stars, efficient and charming wood burning stove, views of nature (we counted over 10 different types of birds at the bird feeder just outside the window next to the dinner table), combined with all of the modern amenities you could want--nice new appliances, beautiful hot tub, etc. The care that has gone into making this place extra special shine through. There are excellent maps for planning your outdoor adventures--we enjoyed a delightful hike up Jump Mountain (which can be viewed in all its glory from the cottage itself), as well as an excursion to Natural Bridge. There are also numerous books on nature that will enrich your stay if you are interested in learning about the trees and wildlife in the area, much of which you are sure to encounter. If I ever am so lucky to have my own cottage in the woods, I will model it after the Dancing Bears cottage.

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

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• An Enchanted Respite

  An Enchanted Respite

  • Guest Libby
  • Date of stay 08/12/12
  • Review Submitted 11/17/12
  This is the perfect place to get away from it all and relax in a quiet, tranquil, and very beautiful country setting. While it is remote, nestled amongst rolling hills and mountains, there is still plenty to do with cute shops and a diverse choice of restaurants in Lexington a short drive away. A typical day for us was to wake up and sit on the back patio drinking coffee overlooking the gardens and mountains, while the owner's sweet pet bunnies who roam free would come up for a carrot or two, (after some coaxing). Then we would sit by the pond in the hammock reading our books and listen to the frogs. After that we accessed a hiking trail a stone's throw from the pond, went for a hike, then back to the cottage for lunch. During the afternoon, shopping and dinner in Lexington. Then back to the cottage for mint juleps on the back patio while a doe and her fawn made their nightly appearance. We made dinner (the kitchen is a nice size, updated, and has everything that you could need for cooking) Then a dip in the hot tub with mountain views and time for bed! The owners were gracious hosts, answering any questions we had about the area or needs we had at the cottage promptly. But they were also so quiet sometimes we wondered if they lived in the main house. We were initially concerned that we would have privacy, but this was not an issue in the least. We will definitely be going back and are hesitant to write this glowing review because we want it to be our secret.....but the "magical cottage" is truly magical and should be experienced by all in need of a respite for body and soul. We HIGHLY recommend a visit there!

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

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• Very enjoyable honeymoon getaway

  Very enjoyable honeymoon getaway

  • Guest Davefromsweden
  • Date of stay 10/26/12
  • Review Submitted 11/09/12
  Our stay at the cottage was exactly what we hoped for our honeymoon getaway. Very relaxing and a romantic setting, with enough luxury so that we felt like we were spoiling ourselves. We were initially concerned with privacy given that the owners house was adjacent to the cottage, but we never even saw them. Having them nearby during the nighttime actually provided a sense of security. Contact with the host was prompt, helpful and cheerful. We highly recommend the rental.

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

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• A stunning property. Nature and wildlife abound.

  A stunning property. Nature and wildlife abound.

  • Guest Pammy
  • Date of stay 10/03/12
  • Review Submitted 10/13/12
  Thank you for a memorable stay in your stunning country retreat! This cottage was spacious, immaculately clean, architecturally interesting, and in a setting worthy of memorializing as a painter's masterpiece in oils on canvas. We saw deer every day, a blue heron, raccoons daily, wild turkeys, a tiny Garter snake, and countless birds as well. Our hosts were so caring, helpful, professional, and thought of every detail to make our stay flawless. It was our first trip to VA and a now happy memory. Thank you so much!

  Recommended for: Girls getaway, adventure seekers, sightseeing, romantic getaway, families with young children.

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• Mountain Serenity!

  Mountain Serenity!

  • Guest juneflower
  • Date of stay 09/29/11
  • Review Submitted 11/03/11
  We were overwhelmed at this beautiful getaway! We could feel our stress melt away immediately upon arrival. The cottage was immaculate and fully appointed - very modern yet cozy at the same time. We enjoyed a little bit of everything during our two-night stay: the beautiful, well-stocked pond, hiking, kayaks, tree house/zipline, gorgeous views, hot tub. The location was perfect, as we were able to enjoy a day in Lexington and return to a peaceful, relaxing oasis. Our only regret was that our stay was too short! Truly an exceptional, first class property. Hope to come back again!

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

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• Fantastic Stay--exceeded every expectation!

  Fantastic Stay--exceeded every expectation!

  • Guest doolsvirginia
  • Date of stay 08/27/11
  • Review Submitted 08/29/11
  We just had a terrific stay, and I honestly can say that the cottage and the hosts exceeded our every expectation. While the pictures are a good representation of the cottage they can not come close conveying the total package. The grounds are beautiful and spacious, with multiple places to take in the views or just relax. If you tire of the view from the hot tub and elevated deck then a hammock and chairs on the far side of the pond change the scenery but not the serenity. We enjoyed breakfast on the patio then refilled our coffee and wandered over to a secluded set of chairs by the orchard to relax before taking a strenuous hike . Everything was first class, and I mean everything big and small....the towels were plush, the windows were easy to open to let the mountain breeze in, the kitchen was sparkling and well stocked, there were plenty of books about the local area for color, upstairs the bedroom was beautiful, the furniture was perfect for the space, the plantings were gorgeous and well maintained, and the whole place was immaculate. Kathy was helpful on email with local information and directions before we arrived that made our visit the best it could be, and she surprised us with treats and fresh milk for breaksfast. Some might view the remote location or having no cable TV as negatives, but we loved the country drive and found the quiet added to the "retreat" feel. The Fall foliage season must be unbelievable- hopefully next time!

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

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• Wonderful getaway: modern, stylish cottage; lovely, well-kept grounds; hilly woods all around

  Wonderful getaway: modern, stylish cottage; lovely, well-kept grounds; hilly woods all around

  • Guest David
  • Date of stay 05/27/11
  • Review Submitted 06/18/11
  We really enjoyed our stay here over the long Memorial Day weekend. The cottage is a work of art, and just hanging out in it is a joy. But there are so many other enjoyments to be had: walks around the grounds to relax in a hammock under the pines near a pond and fountain; mushroom hunting on a trail walk through deep woods; a relaxing session in the hot tub on the deck. For those who just cannot stand so much peace and quiet, Lexington and Staunton beckon, each with its own set of attractions and excellent restaurants. Rockbridge Winery is even closer: recommended! To top it off, the hosts make you feel like visiting royalty.

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

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• Perfect Weekend Respite

  Perfect Weekend Respite

  • Guest Jewels
  • Date of stay 06/10/11
  • Review Submitted 06/13/11
  My husband and I just spent a perfect weekend here. This was a last minute decision and it was just what we needed for a quick romantic get away from the hustle and bustle in D.C. The modernly designed cottage was simply perfect. We also enjoyed the fire pit and the beautiful scenery. We can't wait to go back! Thank you. Regards, Julia & Rob Fink Washington, D.C.

  Recommended for: Girls getaway, adventure seekers, sightseeing, romantic getaway.

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• Charming cottage, on great piece of land

  Charming cottage, on great piece of land

  • Guest Brett
  • Date of stay 05/20/11
  • Review Submitted 05/23/11
  My wife and I just spent a great anniversary weekend at this cottage. The cottage is meticulously kept, looks even better than the photos. The landscaping is amazing, with flowers everywhere, a great pond for kayaking (which they have 2 of) with a small island with a bench in the middle, great hikes from their property, and amazing views. Definitely out in nature too, with deer roaming around, bunches of fish in the pond, a bunch of tadpoles growing in a fountain, birds and geese, and a semi-tame rabbit hopping around to greet you! The owners were also incredibly nice and helpful! We spent an afternoon an evening in Staunton, which is about 40 min away. Definitely recommend visiting there, especially going to the Shakespeare theatre.

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

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• You will not regret staying here!

  You will not regret staying here!

  • Guest Jeannette
  • Date of stay 04/14/11
  • Review Submitted 04/16/11
  The cottage is awesome. Website pictures doesn't do justice it is much more beautiful, the cottage is very clean, all you need to cook is available with top of the line kitchen appliances. We love the fish pond, it is well stocked, we had picnic and spend the entire afternoon fishing, canoeing. My 6 years old son love the tree house with short zip line. Everything about this place is wonderful (for lack of words) not to mention the hospitality from the owner. I promise you that you will never be disappointed if you choose this place, better yet it is more than what you will expect bar none.

  Recommended for: Adventure seekers, sightseeing, romantic getaway, families with teenagers, tourists without a car, families with young children.

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$200/night on weekends and holidays
$180/night weekdays
Discounts for extended stays.
Two night minimum covers the cleaning fee.
Three night minimum for most holiday weekends.
$10/per person extra for more than two guests

Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.