Fern Cottage: Secluded Mountain Retreat with Stunning 30-Mile Valley Views

Perched high above the Jackson River Valley, Fern Cottage offers sweeping 30-mile mountain views in a serene, secluded setting. This charming retreat, a nature lovers dream, is an official site on the Virginia Bird & Wildlife Trail, which highlights the best places in the state to see birds and wildlife. Explore nearby trails, enjoy cozy nights by the fire, and stargaze under crystal clear skies. Just minutes from Monterey and close to fine dining at the renowned Omni Homestead in Hot Springs.

Fern Cottage is a cozy, inviting retreat with rustic charm that helps bring the natural beauty of its surroundings indoors. Here’s a breakdown of what each room and space offers:

*** Living Areas ***

The cottage offers two main living areas. Upstairs, the sun-filled living room features beautiful wood-paneled walls, large windows with views of the surrounding landscape, and comfortable seating great for enjoying conversation or watching movies. There's also a cozy reading nook tucked by the window for a relaxing, private spot to nap or unwind with a good book. Guests can also find a variety of books and games, walkie talkies for staying in touch with your group when out of cell service, binoculars for bird watching, and a Victrola record player for listening to vinyl or playing tunes from your phone via Bluetooth.

Downstairs, a second living area offers additional seating for five, with french doors opening up directly to the garden and its stunning mountain views.

*** Kitchen and Dining ***

The kitchen is fully equipped with a retro-style refrigerator, gas range and oven, microwave, air fryer, and fully stocked coffee and tea station with a Keurig and electric hot water kettle. The kitchen also has all the essentials for cooking and dining, including dishes, utensils, cookware, basic spices, and more. A nearby dining table seats 4-6 comfortably, with the kitchen’s proximity to the living areas making it easy to prepare meals while still being part of the conversation.

*** Bedrooms ***

Fern Cottage offers three cozy bedrooms equipped with everything needed for a relaxing stay. The upstairs bedroom opens directly to the main living area and includes a queen bed, an open walk-in closet with luggage rack, iron and ironing board, and en-suite access to the upstairs bathroom. Downstairs, the primary bedroom features a queen bed, en-suite bathroom access, dresser with spare linens, and unique Queen Mary Chair from the historic RMS Queen Elizabeth ocean liner. The second downstairs bedroom is ideal for families, with a twin-over-full bunk bed for flexible sleeping arrangements. It also has an open closet and access to an adjacent laundry room.

*** Bathrooms ***

Fern Cottage includes two full bathrooms, one on each level. The upstairs bathroom can be accessed directly from the primary bedroom or upstairs living area, and offers a large soaking tub with shower, candle holders, bath tray with wineglass holder, and large windows with plantation shutters that bring in natural light. It also opens to a private outdoor shower, great for refreshing after a day outdoors. The downstairs bathroom, can be accessed from the primary bedroom and features a shower, pedestal sink, and all the essential amenities. Both bathrooms come stocked with bath and hand towels, makeup remover wash cloths, hair dryers, and soap and hair products.

*** Outdoor Spaces ***

The outdoor areas at Fern Cottage are a true highlight. A spacious deck, framed by greenery and covered in climbing vines, provides a magical setting for outdoor dining or simply soaking up the expansive 30-mile mountain views. String lights add to the evening ambiance, making it a lovely spot for stargazing or enjoying a glass of wine as the sun sets.

In the backyard, guests will find a fire pit area with Adirondack chairs – perfect for evenings spent under the stars, sharing stories around the fire. There’s also a courtyard garden with a stone pathway and a hammock, providing a serene outdoor space for relaxation.

*** Grounds and Trails: ***

The property is surrounded by rolling hills, hardwood forests, and gardens that attract a variety of butterflies, including eastern tiger swallowtail and spicebush swallowtail. For nature enthusiasts, there are nearby trails for birdwatching and wildlife observation, with frequent sightings of species like the eastern bluebird, song sparrow, American goldfinch, and even white-tailed deer. The cottage is part of Virginia’s Bird & Wildlife Trail, located on the Little Switzerland Loop, making it a perfect base for exploring the region’s diverse flora and fauna.