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Cardinal Cottage Beautiful Shenandoah Valley getaway w/ stunning mountain views

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An outdoor dining area with a stone wall, a grill, and a scenic view of hills and a barn.
A modern two-story house with a large porch, a stone chimney, and a well-maintained lawn.
A rustic barn with a metal roof, surrounded by lush green fields and a mountainous backdrop.
An aerial view of a rural landscape with rolling hills, a winding road, and scattered buildings.
A modern living room with a blue sectional sofa, a dining area with a wooden table and chairs, and a kitchen in the background.

Reviews

10 out of 10, Loved by Guests
Top 1% of guest reviews in this area

Highlights

  • The great outdoors
    Guests love the outdoor space here.
  • Garage parking available
    Enjoy the convenience of garage parking - a rare offering in the area.
  • Unmatched views, unforgettable moments
    Guests like the location for the scenic views.
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 5

Popular amenities

  • Garage parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Air-conditioning
  • Barbecue grill
  • Deck or patio

Explore the area

View in a map
Raphine, VA
  • Place, Rockbridge Vineyard
    ‪11 min drive‬
  • Place, Brownsburg Historic District
    ‪12 min drive‬
  • Place, Virginia Horse Center
    ‪27 min drive‬
  • Airport, Weyers Cave, VA (SHD-Shenandoah Valley Regional)
    ‪60 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 5)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

2 Single Beds

Office 1

1 Double Sofa Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Bathroom 2

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Cardinal Cottage Beautiful Shenandoah Valley getaway w/ stunning mountain views

Purpose-built vacation house for a country escape. Less than fifteen minutes from the highway, yet peaceful and private. Perfect as an artist's retreat, a romantic weekend, or a getaway from the city. Enjoy mountain/valley views from the patio with porch swing, breakfast nook, outdoor fireplace and stargazing chairs. Or sit on the screened-in porch off the studio after a remote-office work session. Set in a working cattle farm near a beautiful 19th century barn, Cardinal Cottage is conveniently located halfway between Lexington and Staunton, approximately 30 minute drive to either city. A wonderful spot for relaxation, restoration and happy memories.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

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Scenic Hilltop House at 1700 feet on 105 beautiful acres.
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Raphine
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Air-conditioning
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (12 reviews)
Panoramic mountain views and creekside walks in the beautiful Shenanodah Valley.

House Rules

Check in after 2:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 13–17
No children under 13 w/out prior OK from hosts.
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
We have a two-night minimum stay. There is a 30$ per STAY charge for each additional guest over 2 total guests.

Important information

You need to know

Property # 2998283vb
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
Host has indicated that there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances 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

Raphine

Located in Raphine, this cottage is in a rural area and near theme parks. George C. Marshall Museum and VMI Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's attractions include Stonewall Jackson Grave and Staunton Railroad Station. Travelling with kids? Consider R.R. Smith Center for History & Art, or check out an event or a game at Alumni Memorial Field. Take some time off to enjoy the winery tours in the area, or get some fresh air with adventures like hiking/biking trails nearby.
View more Cottages in RaphineOpens in a new window
Map
Raphine, VA

What's nearby

  • Rockbridge Vineyard - 11 min drive - 8.3 km
  • Brownsburg Historic District - 12 min drive - 9.5 km
  • Goshen Pass Natural Area Preserve - 22 min drive - 27.5 km
  • Virginia Horse Center - 27 min drive - 34.2 km
  • Virginia Military Institute - 30 min drive - 38.3 km

Getting around

  • Staunton Station - 31 min drive
  • Weyers Cave, VA (SHD-Shenandoah Valley Regional) - 47 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Wendy's - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Papa John's Pizza - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Dunkin' - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Smiley's BBQ - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬19 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Cardinal Cottage Beautiful Shenandoah Valley getaway w/ stunning mountain views pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Cardinal Cottage Beautiful Shenandoah Valley getaway w/ stunning mountain views ?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Cardinal Cottage Beautiful Shenandoah Valley getaway w/ stunning mountain views ?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Cardinal Cottage Beautiful Shenandoah Valley getaway w/ stunning mountain views ?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Cardinal Cottage Beautiful Shenandoah Valley getaway w/ stunning mountain views located?

Located in a rural location, this family-friendly cottage is 4.5 mi (7.2 km) from Rockbridge Vineyard and 8.3 mi (13.4 km) from George Washington National Forest. Windmill Square and Dogwood Square 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. 79 out of 79 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 79 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 79 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 79 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 79 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Dan D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Second time my wife and I booked this beautiful cottage… we love it! Hosts are super, clean and well designed. The views are spectacular. We can’t wait to go back again!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Jun 2026
Thank you D and S! So glad you guys enjoyed the cottage a second time! You are always welcome back and we would love to host you two again!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Margaret G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Another amazing stay at Cardinal Cottage! The location, house, and hosts are the best!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Mar 2026
Thanks guys! You know you are always welcome back at CC!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nicholas W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Without question the best VRBO property I've ever seen. A truly wonderful stay. It was our second time at the cottage and we will be back. Thank you Chris and Julie.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 12 May 2026
Wow, thanks N and Z! Cant beat that as a review! Makes us so happy that you guys enjoy it so much. Really makes doing this worth it! We welcome you back any time!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Susan S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Julie and Chris are amazing hosts. Cardinal Cottage is a German designed energy efficient home surrounded by picturesque mountains, sunrises and sunsets. This home is spacious, bright and beautifully furnished. It provides all the comforts of home and more. There is plenty to do in the surrounding area to keep you busy, but be sure to enjoy the tranquility, view and abundance of nature this vacation home offers.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 13 Jun 2026
Thank you so much for this kind review! We are so pleased that you enjoyed it and look forward to having you back again in the future. Thanks again for how you treated the cottage, much appreciated! Come back anytime!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jessica C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This is a wonderful place to stay. We enjoyed the beautiful scenery. The bedrooms are spaced out to allow for privacy but the table and living spaces are wonderful for gathering. We enjoyed being able to cook meals in both the kitchen and on the grill. Communication with the owners was very easy. This was our second time staying there and we will be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 10 Apr 2026
Thanks so much guys! We are so happy you enjoy the cottage and you’re always welcome back anytime! We appreciate so much how you leave the cottage in such great shape. Thank you!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nicole P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
20 minute drive to Washington and Lee University. We’ve stayed at this property multiple times and always enjoy the views and the cottage itself. Every detail is interesting and unique, with beautiful local Virginia art featured.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jon F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This was the perfect spot for a nice family getaway! The cottage was exceptionally clean with incredible attention to detail. The cottage has every amenity/supply you could ever need. Chris & Julie were quick to respond to messages and were so welcoming! We loved sitting on the patio enjoying the views and watching the animals. It was so peaceful and quiet. We explored Wades Mill, Lexington and Stanton. Lunch at The Palms & Gelato at Pronto in Lexington. Lunch at Blue Point in Stanton for fresh oysters/seafood. We also had a great German dinner at Edelwiess. Thanks for sharing your slice of the Shenandoah Valley. We will definitely be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 8 Jun 2026
Thank you so much Jon and Brittany. We are so happy you enjoyed your stay. Responses like this are why we do this. It was a pleasure to meet you and your parents. Thank you for all the effort you put in to leave it so perfectly. you are ALWAYS welcome back to the cottage!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nancy A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our second time staying in this magical place and we stayed almost 3 weeks. Doesn’t that tell you how amazing Cardinal Cottage is??Immaculately clean, beautifully decorated, with views that changed hourly. The colors were mesmerizing. There are so many places to sit and relax, read, and feel renewed. We loved walking the roads and seeing our friends the cows. You couldn’t ask for more interesting, warm, responsive and gracious hosts. One of our top favorite places to stay across this country! We would be lucky to come back again!
Stayed 20 nights in Apr 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 10 May 2026
Thanks so much you two! You know you are ALWAYS welcome back at the cottage. Thanks so much for how you always leave it so perfectly and we appreciate that care so much. We are so glad you feel so at home there and love the place like we do. Come back!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

David G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great place in the Virginia countryside. Amazing views are matched by this great property with everything you need for a memorable stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 27 Sept 2025
Many thanks for your kind review. So glad you enjoyed your stay. We look forward to hosting you again!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Marge M.

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

2nd Time Staying there. Enjoyed as much as first time

Great house. Great location
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 10 Jul 2025
We are so glad you guys enjoyed the cottage and area again. You're always welcome back. Thanks for looking after the place so well. Much appreciated.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sarah H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The property was very clean and just as expected. The owners are great with communication, and left small personal touches to make our stay even more welcoming! We look forward to another visit in the future!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 7 Oct 2025
Always happy to have you guys visit! You are fantastic guests and are always welcome at our cottage!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Courtney D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful property and very helpful hosts. They were quick to answer calls and texts with anything we needed help with. House itself was beautiful and very clean. Not to mention the views from the porch were spectacular while sitting next to a nice fireplace!
Me and my Groomsmen on the back porch looking at the mountains!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 15 Oct 2025
So happy you all enjoyed the stay! All the best and you’re always welcome back.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kristen P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing views and great home! It had everything we needed and the layout is perfect. We loved seeing the cows in the pasture and listening to wildlife waking up in the morning. And the owners are wonderful. We hope to visit again!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Sept 2025
Thank you so much for this kind review. You were perfect guests and we thank you so much for leaving it so pristine. We are so happy you enjoyed your stay and you are always welcome back!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Franz-Josef B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
My wife and I stayed now the second time at the beautiful Cardinal Cottage. For us it is a magical place of serenity and stunning views. The hosts are just wonderful!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Christy Z.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This home is immaculately decorated with all the comforts of home. We have stayed at many VRBO homes and this is our favorite .I wish we could take the view and peaceful setting home with us! There are so many things to do in the area that we need to come back just to have more time to see everything AND to relax and unwind in the house itself.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 13 Nov 2025
Thanks so much for this kind review. We are so happy you liked the cottage and the area. Thank you so much for treating the property so well. You are always welcome back!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Erin L.

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

Wonderful getaway

We had a wonderful stay in the cottage, and especially enjoyed the marvelous views from the porch!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Aug 2024
Thanks you Erin and Andre! We are so happy you enjoyed your stay and hope you return some day. Thank you so much for leaving the place so clean and tidy. We really appreciate the consideration.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Erin L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We enjoyed our first stay at Cardinal Cottage so much last year that we wanted to return again. We are so glad we did! The location was as lovely as we remembered, and the cottage is so comfortable. Chris and Julie have thought of everything that could make your stay enjoyable!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Jul 2025
So glad the second visit was as good as your first ! Thanks so much for looking after our place so well. You are always welcome back!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie M.

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

Cardinal cottage get away

We loved it! We loved the home, the view and the cows! Even loved the country roads! Hosts were great too!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 13 May 2025
So happy you guys enjoyed your stay! Thanks so much for treating the cottage with such care. You’re always welcome back!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Franz-Josef B.

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

Cardinal Cottage

To sum it up: a fantastic cottage, at a beautiful location, with wonderful hosts!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Angela G.

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

Beautiful location

The house is located in a beautiful setting, with a gorgeous mountain view. The outdoor area is so peaceful and the interior was clean and well stocked. We really enjoyed our stay there very much.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 11 Apr 2024
So glad you guys enjoyed your stay. Thanks for looking after the place so well. You are always welcome back!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Marge M.

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

Beautiful house and view

The house had everything, was beautiful and the view was amazing. The owners were very helpful and generous
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 18 May 2025
So happy you two enjoyed your stay here. We appreciate so much the care you took with the place. You are always welcome back! Thank you!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Aimee O.

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

Great cottage with beautiful surroundings!

Lovely cottage with all amenities. Perfect location for getaway. The owners were super helpful and friendly and thought of everything.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Oct 2023
Thanks so much Aimee! We look forward to hosting you again some day!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jessica C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This property was beautiful and relaxing. It is in a great location between Lexington and Staunton. We enjoyed nearby waterfall hikes. The cottage was clean, comfortable and exactly how you see it in the pictures. Chris and Julie were great hosts and easy to communicate with. Be sure and follow their directions that they give you to get there because they are easy to follow and more accurate than an app.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Aug 2025
So glad you enjoyed your stay at the cottage! Thanks for treating it so well. Much appreciated. You’re always welcome back!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Vicki M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Overall, this is the most beautiful setting for any property we’ve visited in the world. The interior is restful and tastefully designed and furnished. The design of the house itself is fascinating—passive solar, with a large, stone-faced exterior fireplace. The hosts are simply the best. We felt so welcomed by the personal chalkboard message to us, plus a lovely bottle of wine.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 25 Aug 2025
Wow, thank you Vicki! You guys were perfect guests and treated the cottage so considerately. You all are welcome back any time. We are so glad you enjoyed your stay here!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Dwain B.

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

Awesome Stay!

Wonderful new cottage with an amazing view of a country sunset! Such a nice relaxing stay with great accomodations. The area has an excellent choice of places to stay and great food! Also 6 stars for the communication and friendliness!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 19 Apr 2023
Thank you so much for the kind review Dwain and Tondra! We appreciate how wonderfully you left the cottage. You are always welcome back at Cardinal Cottage!

About the host

Hosted by Chris and Julie Fox, Jumping Fox LLC

Host profile image
Chris is from nearby Fairfield, Julie from Massachusetts. We lived overseas for many years and bought this property in 1987 with the intention of retiring here one day. Since 2014 it is a dream come true, we have retired and built a home here. Eight years later we constructed a purpose-built house for guests on our property to enjoy the unique beauty, activities and peace of the area.

Why they chose this property

We built this house specifically for guests when we have more than we can handle at our house, for big family get-togethers, and to share with our VRBO guests. Every aspect of the house was built for you, the guest. We hope you will appreciate it and enjoy it very much.

What makes this property unique

Incredible setting in the Shenandoah Valley. Gorgeous views, sunsets and dark starry nights. This is a true getaway, yet only 15 minutes from Highway 81/64. You are about 30 minutes from the charming cities of Staunton and Lexington, yet when you get "home" to Cardinal Cottage, you are away from it all, listening to the cattle on the farm, watching deer come down out of the woods at dusk, watching the most beautiful sunsets, and enjoying the comforts of an energy-efficient purpose-built country home. We hope that artists discover this property; what a place to paint, write, compose music, be inspired, be creative and rejuvenate.

Languages:

English, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese

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