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Charming 1880's home w pastoral views on 130 acre cattle farm

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The Tenant House at Shady Spring Farm
Enjoy preparing meals on the fully restored 1911 Moffat's Electra range
Charming 1930's farmhouse kitchen with restored 1935 GE monitor top refrigerator
1930's living room with plantation desk and 3 piece parlor suite
The blue bedroom has long farmland views to the south, west and north

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Air-conditioning
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

View in a map
McConnellsburg, PA
  • Place, Buchanan's Birthplace State Park
    ‪14 min drive‬
  • Place, Cowans Gap State Park
    ‪19 min drive‬
  • Place, Mercersburg Academy
    ‪22 min drive‬
  • Airport, Hagerstown, MD (HGR-Hagerstown Regional)
    ‪47 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Double Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided

Spaces

Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Charming 1880's home w pastoral views on 130 acre cattle farm

After four years of restoration The Tenant House at Shady Spring Farm is available for our guests to enjoy. Step back in time in this charming home located on our family-operated Black Angus cattle farm. Originally built in the 1880s for the resident tenant farmer and his family, the house has been lovingly restored to the 1930s era. Enjoy cooking breakfast in the farmhouse kitchen, with it's 1935 monitor top refrigerator and restored 1911 cast iron electric range on chrome cabriole legs. Use the 1920's oak-cabinet wall telephone with hand-held receiver and brass bells to receive calls. Modern amenities include central heat and air conditioning, high-speed wireless internet access and cable tv plus a smart television.
Slow down a bit, relax, read a book or visit with friends while sitting in the Windsor chairs on the broad front porch. The enclosed back porch overlooks a meadow and pasture area and has seating for two - a great place to read in the morning or sip a cup of tea while taking in the beautiful scenery of the Great Cove valley.

Each of the three bedrooms has a double bed and is decorated with antiques. We provide all linens - the beds are made and ready for you to snuggle in. We use crisp line-dried linens when weather permits. The beds are dressed with high-loft goose-down comforters on chilly winter nights. In the bathroom you'll find fresh towels, a mahogany sink base with a French waterspout faucet, and a claw-foot bathtub with shower.

We invite you to stroll the grounds, explore the farm's 130 acres, and enjoy the fresh country air. Walk our private lane or make use of the two picnic areas on the farm. Ask to feed the dozens of golden trout that call our limestone springhouse and spring waters home. A romantic retreat or great vacation get-away, The Tenant House at Shady Spring Farm awaits you and your family. Come and enjoy.

Keywords: House, cottage, private home, farmhouse, historic, get-away, romantic, family,
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM

Minimum age to rent: 25

Check out before 11:00 AM

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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Well-behaved children are always welcome

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Events

No events allowed

Contact us for venue rental information.

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Pets

No pets allowed

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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Shady Spring Farm is a non-smoking property

Important information

You need to know

Property # 187393vb
This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Note from host: Contact us for venue rental information.
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit

About the area

North America

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Map
McConnellsburg, PA

What's nearby

  • Buchanan's Birthplace State Park - 14 min drive - 18.6 km
  • Cowans Gap State Park - 19 min drive - 24.2 km
  • Mercersburg Academy - 22 min drive - 27.2 km
  • Long Acres Alpaca Farm - 27 min drive - 34.1 km
  • Whitetail Ski Resort - 31 min drive - 38.9 km

Getting around

  • Hagerstown, MD (HGR-Hagerstown Regional) - 47 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Garlic Knot - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬22 min drive
  • ‪Dunkin - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Milky Way Restaurant - ‬18 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Charming 1880's home w pastoral views on 130 acre cattle farm pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Charming 1880's home w pastoral views on 130 acre cattle farm?

As of 15 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Charming 1880's home w pastoral views on 130 acre cattle farm on 8 Jun 2026 start from £130, 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 at Charming 1880's home w pastoral views on 130 acre cattle farm?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Charming 1880's home w pastoral views on 130 acre cattle farm?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Charming 1880's home w pastoral views on 130 acre cattle farm?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Charming 1880's home w pastoral views on 130 acre cattle farm located?

Situated in the mountains, this holiday home is 10 mi (16.1 km) from Buchanan's Birthplace State Park and 10.8 mi (17.4 km) from Cowans Gap State Park. Mercersburg Academy and Long Acres Alpaca Farm are also within 20 miles (32 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 118 out of 120 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 120 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 120 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 120 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 120 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

mary q.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The charm, beautiful landscape and overall cool old house.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Karen T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful home and location!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Barb was great! Very welcoming and responded quickly with any questions I had. The home was clean and cozy, all amenities provided.
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Bev A.

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

Lovely updated Farmhouse

All the charm of bygone days with the convenience of modern appliances and technology. Beautiful views in a quiet setting. Clean and comfortable, attentive hosts. Would stay here again.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Amy G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful respite. B
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Chad & Krystal B.

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

Charming Place!

Beautiful home with incredible character! Clean, neat and in a beautiful setting! excellent communication and clear communication with hosts! Everything we needed for the week! Thank you!
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

samuel s.

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

home away from home

Tony and Barb are wonderful. The house is beautiful and has everything you need. Comfortable beds and it's a very peaceful setting. This was our 2nd trip, and we will be coming back. Cowans Gap State Park is close, great restaurants and grocery store.
Stayed 14 nights in Apr 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Amy G.

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

Peaceful

Great place to unwind. So peaceful! Decor is fabulous. Made me think we had stepped back in time to a simpler time and place. The home was clean, warm, and welcoming!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kim R.

Excellent!!!

cute, charming very nice place...spotless!!...was a great find!! Very very Pleased with our stay!! Would love to be there in summer to take advantage of the porch and rocking chairs!! Barbara answered all my questions quickly and was great to work with!! 10 Plus
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2018
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Beth K.

Great house

Just stayed for the weekend but the house was wonderful for our ski weekend. A great place to enjoy relaxing after a day on the slope. My husband is already talking about coming back in the spring so we could enjoy the quaint town nearby. Thanks again!
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Apr 2020
Beth, Thanks so much for being great guests and for choosing the Tenant House for your getaway. We're happy you enjoyed the farm & the area. We'd love to have you back again. Looking forward to seeing you this spring! Barb and Tony :)
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Emerald S.

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

One-of-Kind

My family and I had an amazing time at the Tenant House. My kids (ages 7 and 9) were so fascinated by the beautiful antiques inside the house. Barb and Tony take great care of each detail and were very helpful. We would love to visit again!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Wendy N.

Perfect, Peaceful Christmas

We spent two wonderful nights at the Tenant house after a week at Disney World. The peaceful farm was exactly what we needed after all the crowds and craziness. Barb and Tony took care of every detail to make our stay perfect including offering a Christmas Tree package that was perfect and beautiful. The house itself is warm and charming and half the fun is discovering all the details they have put into the restoration. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend a stay at the Tenant House!
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Apr 2020
Working with Wendy to create the perfect Christmas surprise for her family, and in particular her daughter Natalie, was so much fun. Knowing that our guests are able to slow down and enjoy their time together while being here on the farm is so rewarding. Thanks to Wendy and her family for being such enjoyable guests.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Suzanne A.

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

hidden gem

We arrived after long drive to lights in warm immaculate home. Clean ample comfortable lines beds pillows. Toiletries left if need/shampoo soaps. I can't say enough to the detail manager pays attention to ensure stay pleasurable. 2nd time, will be a third.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

T -.

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

A peaceful getaway.

Everything about this listing is amazing, including the very hospitable and accommodating hosts :). Communication was swift and easy, the property was spotless and the (amazingly outfitted) kitchen well stocked with pots, pans, and small kitchen appliances one may require. The farm and the surroundings are quiet and peaceful and a stay here is really an opportunity to unplug. It really shows the hosts equally care about the property and their guests' comfort. We look forward to coming back here in the future!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

absolutely wonderful

beautiful house with all the comforts of modern accommodations but with a splash of vintage enjoyment !! Owners have decorated this home beautifully. The house is absolutely immaculate. and the views are spectacular. Thoroughly enjoyed sitting on the front porch in the morning sipping coffee watching the cows , sheep, horses craze . Owners are very accommodating and helpful. Will most certainly come back when in need of a quiet retreat in the mountains !
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cindy M.

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

Quiet and cozy!

Quiet and cozy! My husband and I stayed at the farmhouse for two nights, celebrating our 23rd wedding anniversary. This was right after Christmas so we were looking forward to a couple of days to recover from the busyness of the season. We weren’t disappointed! We got to drive into the mountains and do a little bit of hiking and had a wonderful dinner that evening. The second day, the weather did not cooperate so we enjoyed a wonderful quiet day watching movies inside. The house was quaint and cozy!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Laurie B.

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

Take a step back in time…

Beautifully restored farm house decorated with antiques from days gone by yet, had today’s amenities. Barb and Tony have thought of everything. From creamer for your coffee to extra blankets and pillows. The house was very clean and the linens and bath towels freshly laundered. Wi-Fi was great and was fast even though there were three of us using it. If you are looking for some time to relax and enjoy peace and quiet and perhaps take a trip back in time to the 30’s and 40’s, this is the place.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ann O.

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

Lovely Weekend Retreat

This was our second stay at the tenant house. It is a treasure! What a delightful it is to stay here. The house is cozy, super clean, decorated with an antique style fitting the house. Beds are comfortable, and kitchen is stocked well enough that you can make a meal. Highly recommend!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ellen H.

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

The cleanest home I have ever been in. Beds were very comfortable,kitchen had anything we needed.

Fun and relaxing!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kathleen Y.

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

Farmhouse Charm & Tranquility

The Tenant House was an absolutely wonderful place to stay. Beautiful views and surrounding area. Peaceful and quiet. Very relaxing. The hosts were so nice and welcoming. The place was clean and inviting. Comfy and cozy. Highly recommend it!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

David L.

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

Wonderful stay on the farm

Tony and Barb went out of their way to make sure we would be happy with our stay. We had a great time at the Tenant House at Shady Spring Farm. Our grandson loved walking around the tractor lane looking at the animals and farm equipment. We also hiked two view lookout points in the area as well as spent a day at a very nice state park close by. The décor was spot on 1930s. Saying the property was clean is a complete understatement. The place was immaculate. There a good sized grocery store close by. To top it all off our grandson left behind two stuffed pigs. Tony’s mother discovered the oversight before we even got home, and immediately mobilized operation “Return Wayward Pigs.” Their kindness was far above and beyond just returning the pigs to our three year old grandson - a kindness that will never be forgotten.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kyle Z.

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

Amazing Family Trip!!

We had such an amazing and relaxing family trip. The house was beautiful and so clean. We enjoyed seeing the cows right out the back door and taking in the beautiful scenery. This was a family trip we will not forget and will def be back to visit again!!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Krista C.

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

A wonderful country getaway

We spent a long weekend at the Tenant House, and were so impressed. My 4 year old son was fascinated with the decor (as was I), and he absolutely loved the large yard. The house was immaculate. As soon as you enter, you can see the extreme thought and care that is put into your experience as a guest. The property itself is beautiful, and well maintained. We spent the evenings in the yard playing, and wandered the next door property, owned by the hosts. The hosts were responsive, kind and accommodating. They even mailed back our son's stuffed animal that we accidentally left behind! We will return for sure!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mark C.

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

Beautiful rural setting with mountain views

We enjoyed our long weekend at Barb and Tony’s place. We love antiques and appreciate how they created a 1930's decor blended with modern accommodations for guests. One of our favorite places was the front porch, where we could observe sheep and a variety of birds. The swifts were fascinating to watch. We also saw some wild bunnies and a deer on the property. It is in a beautiful rural setting with mountain views, but is not very far from larger towns. We visited the Strawberry Festival in McConnellsburg, a few miles away. We would love to come back again.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

James Z.

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

Relaxing long weekend. Highly recommended!

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Barb and Tony’s place. It was such a special experience for us. We were amazed by all the antiques in the house, it was like living in a museum. It was a relaxing long weekend waking up to the bird chirping and sheep noises. The wild flowers were everywhere. I was able to cut some fresh wildflowers to bring back. We made lots of good memories there. We would love to go back again!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2022

About the host

Hosted by Barbara Onorato

Host profile image

While on the farm there are endless things to do... repairing and maintaining buildings, upkeeping fences and keeping the grass and weeds in check. We're kept company by our dog Max, a fantastic little rescue dog who absolutely loves having the run of the farm. When there is a little spare time we enjoy riding our horses, two of whom are rescues as well. The farm is a treasure: it has been in my husband's family since 1922 and is recognized as a Pennsylvania Century Farm. We are compelled to share it with others. Hence, The Tenant House was born.

Why they chose this property

While growing up Tony spent his summers here 'helping' to tend the cows, the chickens and the sheep. After 63 years of farming Tony's grandparents were thinking of retiring. Tony and I were looking to purchase a historical property near Gettysburg - our favorite weekend getaway from busy northern Virginia. The timing couldn't have been better, his grandparents didn't want the farm to be developed and our goal was to restore an old property. One year later we signed the paperwork and purchased the family farm that has been in Tony's family since 1922.

What makes this property unique

Shady Spring Farm feels far removed from the busy I-95 corridor where we travel to our jobs. While it sounds a bit cliche, life on the farm slows down. Every season brings new sights and new scents. Early spring sees daffodils and crocus emerge from thawing ground. April into May is calving season when 80 or so black angus calves are born. May is the first cutting of hay and the blooming of tiger lilies around the springhouse. The warm nights in late June and early July are lit with thousands of fireflies. For two years now we've had both bald eagles and golden eagles visit the farm in the month of July - soaring over the field behind the farmhouse. August is lazy, it seems even the trout in the springhouse take it easy. Every season brings it's own wonder.

When Tony wants to play a little golf he heads to the Great Cove Golf Course, just two miles from the farm. Whitetail Ski Resort (with snow tubing!) and historic Berkeley Springs, WV are within 30 minutes. Early Colonial history lovers might enjoy learning about the area's Revolutionary and French & Indian War history by visiting nearby Historic Fort Loudon or Chinococheague Institute, both in neighboring Franklin County. One can enjoy a train ride on the newly re-opened historic East Broad Top Railroad, a narrow guage rail system, or take a trolley ride at the Rockhill Trolley Museum both located in nearby Rockhill Furnace, and easy 40 minutes north of the farm. Looking for a little time on the water? Consider Raystown Lake, 12 miles long and nearly 13 square miles, the lake has two Marinas that offer boat rentals, beaches and fishing for largemouth, smallmouth, striped bass, muskies, rainbow, walleye, and Chinook salmon. When in the mood for outlet shopping we have two choices within an hour - Prime Outlets in Hagerstown MD and the outlet center in Gettysburg, PA. Two national battlefields are within an hour, Gettysburg and Antietam, and we enjoy visiting both.

Languages:

English

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