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One of Central Virginia's most historic Private Guest Residences

Photo gallery for One of Central Virginia's most historic Private Guest Residences

Exterior
Exterior
Exterior
Private kitchen
Private kitchen

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 61000 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Air conditioning
  • Outdoor Space

Explore the area

View in a map
Orange, VA
  • Place, Honah Lee Vineyard
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Place, James Madison Museum
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Place, St. Thomas Episcopal Church
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Airport, Charlottesville, VA (CHO-Charlottesville-Albemarle)
    ‪35 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

2 Twin Beds

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathroom 2

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Dining area

About this property

One of Central Virginia's most historic Private Guest Residences

This is your opportunity to spend a weekend at one of the most historic and private homes in Orange VA. This is the former residence of James Madison’s brother Ambrose Madison est 1783. The estate features 50+ acres of open fields and stream, 3 private ponds, walking trails, gorgeous sunset views, and was featured on the 2012 Garden Club of Virginia Historic Garden Week Tour.

Come experience the country side in this modern guest cottage. Complete with full kitchen, 2 bedrooms featuring a king size bed downstairs and 2 twin beds upstairs, 2 full bathrooms with walk in shower, living room, screened in porch, patio, private parking, and media area with cable TV. The cottage will sleep four very comfortably, over 1000+ square feet.

Minutes from Woodberry Forest School and downtown Orange, 8 Minutes to best main street in VA Gordonsville, 25 minutes from Charlottesville, UVA and Scott Stadium, this is an ideal setting for a private getaway. The property has a central location in the up and coming Virginia Wine region; quickly becoming the Napa Valley of the east coast. Property has great fishing in the private ponds, manicured grounds, guided hunting, golf outings, and Wine Tours. The owners are local and can serve as great advisers and historians of the area. There are many local museums such as Montpelier, civil war battlefields, restaurants, antiquing and history to explore.
Want to live on the wild side? Orange offers the opportunity to go sky diving! We look forward to your visit.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet friendly
Air conditioning
Outdoor Space

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0-17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property

We should mention

A car is recommended for transportation to and from this property

About the neighborhood

Orange

Orange is home to this vacation home. Honah Lee Vineyard and Horton Vineyards are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Rapidan River and Rapidian Historic District. Be sure to check out the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
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Map
Orange, VA

What's nearby

  • Honah Lee Vineyard - 2 min drive - 3.4 km
  • James Madison Museum - 6 min drive - 6.9 km
  • St. Thomas Episcopal Church - 7 min drive - 7.2 km
  • The Arts Center in Orange - 7 min drive - 7.6 km
  • Civil War Museum At The Exchange Hotel - 10 min drive - 13.7 km

Getting around

  • Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport (CHO) - 37 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Harvest Coffee - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪The Main Street Tavern - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Patch Brewing Co. - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Burger King - ‬7 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is One of Central Virginia's most historic Private Guest Residences pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at One of Central Virginia's most historic Private Guest Residences?

As of Mar 7, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at One of Central Virginia's most historic Private Guest Residences on Apr 4, 2026 start from $298, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking?

Onsite parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at One of Central Virginia's most historic Private Guest Residences?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at One of Central Virginia's most historic Private Guest Residences?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Where is One of Central Virginia's most historic Private Guest Residences located?

Situated in Orange, this vacation home is 2.2 mi (3.6 km) from Honah Lee Vineyard and within 6 mi (10 km) of James Madison Museum and St. Thomas Episcopal Church. The Arts Center in Orange and James Madison's Montpelier are also within 6 mi (10 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 96 out of 102 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 102 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 102 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 102 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 102 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

David O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything was excellent! Enjoyed our stay very much! Would come again!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Stina Marie S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The house is beautiful, in a lovely country setting.The furnishings and decor are appropriate to the history of the house, which is fascinating if you’re a history buff!It was clean and well appointed, with a modern kitchen and two en suite bathrooms to go with the two bedrooms. The bedroom upstairs has its own sitting room with a tv; there’s no tv downstairs.We loved it! PS: Please note: There is no drinking from the faucets; but fresh bottled water is supplied.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Suzanne D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our stay at Woodley Cottage was wonderful! Extremely clean, beautifully decorated, and comfortable for our family of 4. The property has a lovely drive in and the scenic views from the cottage are beautiful! We definitely enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Faerlie H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wedding Stay

We were in town for a family wedding and this was the perfect spot for us to stay! The property is beautiful and the owners were very kind to let us fish in their ponds as well, it made the trip for my husband and I!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mary M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Attending local women’s event

Felt like we stepped back into history. Was lovely. And the quiet peaceful property was just what we needed.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Charming guest house

In beautiful farm surroundings
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Helen P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful property

Beautiful property and home
Stayed 11 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Patricia H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Weekend Getaway

Updated historic cabin that was very convenient to local attractions.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Susan G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful cottage in amazing location

The cottage was beautiful in every way. The furnishings were both lovely and comfortable. The living areas were spacious. The kitchen was well equipped. The bed was great. Everything was extremely clean. The screen porch overlooking the gorgeous grounds was the icing on a perfect stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

David E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful

Amazing stay
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Chris T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Woodberry Forest Visit

Great place for WFS parents weekend visit. Had everything we needed and was in a good location.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Cary C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Travel back in history!

Wonderful stay! Great property and location. Host is very responsive and conscientious of the property. We would stay there again.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

John W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great, great, great stay

This cottage was a fabulous get away. We think this was one of the best VRBOs we have ever stayed. Wonderful all around and the owner was super accommodating in every way. Highly recommend!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nan M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Woodley Cottage

Fantastic place to stay. Thank you.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lynn A., San Francisco

Lovely cottage

The host was very welcoming and responsive. The cottage is well equipped, my family and I had a wonderful stay!
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2018

10/10 Excellent

Nicole J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cozy little cottage

We loved our stay at the cottage. Kids loved the upstairs and the master bedroom was spacious and comfy. Kitchen was stocked for cooking and views were perfect. It was a great place to end our days after our Virginia trip!
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Nancy R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The most charming cottage.

We will be back! Our stay was amazing and just as advertised. Everything you could need they provide. One of the cutest places we’ve stayed! The owners are very quick to reply with any questions. I was there alone with my daughter and a few of her friends and we felt very safe. Thank you for an amazing stay!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mary L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Excellent Stay

Immaculate and well appointed. It is perfect for a couple or a family with one or two children. We were there for a weekend visit and will definitely return.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

James S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great home in a serene location

Had a great time in the area, the house and grounds were perfect, we took our dogs on long walks every day without ever taking them off the property. The host was a great resource for things to do in the area.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great dc getaway

Wonderful stay overall. For three days, we had a great time exploring the area while our two year old golden retriever lived his best life. Gorgeous property. We will definitely be back.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sally T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect Cottage

Two night getaway in a lovely cottage in a perfect setting. Everything was wonderful especially the bed linens and towels. Highly recommend!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

James B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Visit Virginia

Very nice cottage. Very clean. Very comfortable and relaxing.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lynn C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A true stay in a historical cottage

Wonderful historic home from1738. Loved letting our little dog run around the grounds. The huge fireplaces, antique furniture, modern kitchen made it an absolutely wonderful home away from home.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

David H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautifully restored home

Beautiful property and wonderful stay. Lots of land for our dogs to roam about. House itself was cozy and private. Lots of wineries, historical attractions, and nature trails nearby. Wonderful place to disconnect and spend time together.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

R T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful, historic cottage with amazing views

Perfect spot to unwind, relax and recharge. Close to things to do (wineries, shops, restaurants) but also feels wonderfully far away from the hustle and bustle. Comfy beds, fluffy towels, well appointed with modern amenities without losing any of the historic charm. Screened porch is wonderful for bird watching and listening to the cows from the distant dairy.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2024

About the host

Hosted by Richard Sanford

Host profile image
The owners are native and have a vast knowledge of the area, including, restaurants, shopping, wineries, restaurants, history, museums, civil war batttlefields, and antique stores, and auctions.

Why they chose this property

The history, the ambiance, the peaceful and quite tranquil clean air of country living. The home features all the modern amenities one would expect without the bother of people coming and going from a hotel setting. This is as private a setting as you will find in the area.

What makes this property unique

Full Kitchen, hardwood floors, central location.
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