Riverfront Farmhouse with Mountain Views, Hot Tub, Fireplace, Screen Porch, WIFI

Yep...that's what my teenagers named it -- "moldy mansion". It's an old, neglected farmhouse that seems to have been in the owners' family for a while and they have grown accustomed to its...peculiar qualities. That's all we can figure, as to why someone would feel comfortable renting it out without maintaining it. My 16 year old son was quiet as we walked in. After a long pause, he said, "Isn't this how most scary movies begin?" We're very down-to-earth people who can be comfortable in basic accommodations or even camping, but when you walk into a house that is so moldy/mildewy, so full of cobwebs, bugs, and dirt and such dusty old furniture...the place named itself. Every dish we took out of the cabinet had dried food on it. It's as if the previous renters never even rinsed the dishes, much less, washed them. Clearly, no one checked the house before we rented it. The hot tub -- a requirement for a Luray rental-- was not usable. It was murky and smelly. I looked around and found some tablets to put in the tub, but they never cleared up the smell and murkiness. I did discover why the place is full of bugs and mold -- while you're in the basement, which is open to the outdoors, you can look up and see the light of the living room through the floorboards. This place needs a serious renovation. I am sure it is not up to safety codes. The bathroom fixtures and the kitchen fixtures were just gross. Also, they should tell you the actual address and provide clear directions. Everything about this rental experience was horrible. The bright side is that we were all so happy to get home.

I feel misled by the previous renters' comments. Maybe they're city dwellers who don't have a nice, quiet neighborhood and are impressed by the quiet. You will have quiet. And there is a large, stone fireplace, but I'm not sure it even works, and we weren't about to take our chances, given the sad state of the place.

Do not expect to be near the river, and do not think there will be anything such as a canoe or tubes or anything of that nature. It had recently rained and we walked through a very mucky field. It's a bit of a hike to the river.

My coworker asked for a recommendation for Luray, which reminded me I should write a review. Do not rent this place. There are so many other nice places to rent in Luray. Keep looking! I must have been misled by the picture of the rockers on the front porch.

The farm house is located at a secluded end-of-the-road right by the Shenandoah river. We have heard/seen no other people while at the house, and enjoyed the quiet, but could easily get to restaurants, shops and attractions when we wanted to.

And we saw plenty of wildlife right on the premises.

The house is very comfortable, and very welcoming in terms of beds, living areas - and the wonderful screened porch, facing the mountains and the river. Wifi also worked well - even though we opted to be offline as much as possible.

It could use a bit of deep-cleaning/freshening-up in the kitchen/bathroom areas, and a few other minor issues - which is the reason for 4 rather than 5 stars.

Nina - the owner was easily available and approachable, and very welcoming and nice.

We enjoyed fishing and relaxing by the river and making a small fire to roast marshmallows. The hot tub was relaxing as well.

This a a perfect retreat for our busy family. Easy access to daytime excursions, while we could start the day watching the deer while we drank coffee, and closed the day with fishing by the river and finally a relaxing sit in the hot tub.

Last year same week we stayed at Star View and it made us NEED to come back for more !!! This year we opted for the Farmhouse to change it up a bit and see what Nina’s other property had to offer and let me tell you it ABSOLUTELY DID NOT DISSAPOINT !!! So much character and charm , exactly what you would expect from a “Farmhouse” !!! From the tall ceilings, original wood floors , exposed stone fireplaces , and metal roof the whole feel and experience were one my family will not soon forget !!! Weather didn’t agree for much river time but we all took advantage of the enormous screened porch to read , drink coffee , and be lulled to naps by the rain on the metal roof !!! Spotless upon arrival and well stocked !!! Close and convienient in either direction (Luray / Front Royal ) for shopping, restaurants , or whatever you may need. We hiked , read , explored the property , and fully recharged our batteries , now it’s back to reality until we return , and return we will , Nina is a fantastic host and obviously cares about her clients as much as she does her property!!! Don’t hesitate to stay , just not the same week we want to haha ! See you next year , if we can hold out that long !

The Ralph’s